Is anything hotter than cruising? The plethora of choices from traditional to small-ship, exploration to river cruises amazes me … and who would have thought five years ago we would see such a resurgence? I am planning my October birthday trip on Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Mariner with a group of dedicated subscribers and our famed Globility Board. They have been planning their pre-excursions for many months, and I simply thought it was too early. Now I am scrambling to select the journeys and sights I want to see in and around İstanbul, our cruise departure city.

© Francis X. Gallagher

We have 20 joining us on the voyage, and the Mariner will stop in many destinations I have not visited. Departing İstanbul, we’ll cruise the Aegean Sea for a day and end up at our first stop, Ephesus – Kuşadasi, where we will tour the ancient city, including the home of the Virgin Mary and the Ephesus Museum. John the Evangelist took Mary to Ephesus to avoid persecution after the crucifixion of Jesus.

The next day we head to Mykonos, Greece, where we plan to see the monastery. Following this, we sail to Katakolon for an Ancient Olympia tour. Our last stop in Greece is Corfu, where we plan to visit its wonderful palaces. From Greece, the ship sails to Montenegro and then on to two stops in Croatia: Split and Zadar. In Zadar we can take an excursion to Šibenik and the Dalmatian Village to see where our two Dalmatians, Beau and Ella, can trace their doggy roots! Finally, we will disembark in Trieste, Italy, and catch a ride to Venice Airport for our return flight on British Airways via Heathrow back to Newark.

Our speedy return is set up so we may attend the Children’s Crisis Treatment Center Roundup Gala on Oct. 24 in Philadelphia. I encourage you to contribute directly or through the silent auction (details to come). All funds raised go directly to support CCTC in providing high-quality, comprehensive mental and behavioral health services to children and their families living in the Philadelphia region. These services address the effects of abuse, neglect and other challenges to early childhood development and assist children in reaching their full potential within their homes, communities and society.

Enjoy the Cruising Issue — I hope it helps you plan your upcoming and exciting cruise in 2026!

Francis X. Gallagher

CEO and Publisher