The February issue represents the 21st anniversary of Global Traveler, and we dedicate this issue not only to this milestone but to cruising with the Wave Issue. Global Traveler has grown along with the cruising industry over the last two decades, and we acknowledge the monumental changes in the industry in this issue. From large ships to small ships, river cruising to ocean cruising, little did we know the surge of options that would become available to the consumer.
The Wave Issue is just one of two issues Global Traveler devotes to cruising this year, as September remains our annual Cruising Issue. Please enjoy my GT Tested review of Global Traveler’s hosted cruise on the Windstar Star Breeze. This trip was the second annual GT-hosted cruise, following our inaugural voyage on AmaWaterways’ AmaMagna in October 2023. Look to future issues for updates on the next venture with our subscribers and subscriber board.
After the holidays, travels took me to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, for a few days as we made our way to Sarasota to check on our satellite office. I look forward to upcoming trips to Los Angeles this month to meet with our good clients there, many representing Asian destinations and airlines. We continue to monitor the current situation in the city as they experience terrible wildfires; we send our thoughts and support to the city, its residents and businesses.
Our team was just in Beverly Hills as the year closed with a successful 21st annual GT Tested Reader Survey awards gala at L’Ermitage Beverly Hills at its beautiful rooftop venue. Subscribers and award winners flew in from all areas of the world to attend and receive their reader-voted awards. We had a special treat with the attendance of our Korean representative, Jeff Hwang, and his lovely family including his wife, Hea Young, and his daughter, Sion, and son, Zion (a.k.a. Franco X. — named after yours truly).
We will host our next event, the Global Traveler Leisure Lifestyle Awards, at InterContinental Miami May 22 to honor our readers’ selection of the best cruise lines, destinations and airlines in the luxury travel sector. We look forward to revealing your selections for the best in the May Leisure Travel Issue.
After a great deal of traveling in 2024, I am planning this year’s adventures. I have already set up two trips to Ireland, one for a golf excursion in May and the other for a wedding in August … not to mention the wedding of my son, Nathan, in June. I am ready for a busy travel year in 2025! Will you join me in making this one of the best?
Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Nov 12, 2025Terre Blanche Hotel, Spa & Golf Course Partners with Troon Golf
Terre Blanche Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort recently announced a partnership with Troon Golf, a global leader in golf and club management.
Sponsored Content
TAP FORBIZ: Empowering Business Travel for Every Enterprise
In today's global business landscape, travel isn’t just movement — it’s momentum. TAP FORBIZ, TAP Air Portugal’s premium corporate travel solution, is engineered to maximize that momentum across all types of businesses — from agile SMEs to global enterprises and orchestrated events.
Airlines
Nov 12, 2025Alaska Airlines Launches Daily Seasonal Service to Portland from Philadelphia
Alaska Airlines recently announced daily seasonal service from Philadelphia International Airport to Portland International Airport, slated to begin May 13, 2026, offering travelers at PHL another option for service to the Pacific Northwest.
eFlyer Reviews
Nov 12, 2025Coraline’s at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Review
Coastal Mississippi beckons visitors from across the country with a plethora of casinos. One of the most elegant is Beau Rivage Resort & Casino. The MGM property in Biloxi, Mississippi, celebrated its 25th anniversary last year and recently completed $130 million in enhancements. Before seeing stand-up comic Tig Notaro perform, we dined at new restaurant Coraline’s and were delighted by the ambiance, food and service.
Sponsored Content
Gorilla Forest Lodge, An A&K Sanctuary, Reopens After Stunning Transformation
Gorilla Forest Lodge offers an unrivaled base for encountering mountain gorillas. The lodge's location inside Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s gates means guests are never far from these magnificent creatures, with gorillas occasionally wandering onto the property itself.
eFlyer News
Nov 12, 2025Norwegian Cruise Line to Launch New Ship in April 2026
Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Norwegian Luna, sister ship to Norwegian Aqua, will debut in April 2026 on a seven-day voyage in the Caribbean, departing from Miami, Florida. The vessel will mark the cruise line’s 21st in its cutting-edge fleet, accommodating about 3,550 guests at double occupancy. The ship will be home to NCL’s newest restaurant additions, like Sukhothai and Panterie, as well as Prima Class favorites like Indulge Food Hall and NCL icons like Cagney’s Steakhouse.
Daily
Nov 12, 2025Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos Launches Luxury Fishing Adventure, Beachside Sashimi Dinner
Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos now offers a new program for guests called Tide to Table: Luxury Fishing Adventure & a Beachside Sashimi Dinner, an adventure that transforms a traditional fishing excursion into a crafted culinary journey. This experience combines Los Cabos’ world-renowned, deep-sea fishing with an intimate beachfront dining experience featuring the day's catch.
Sponsored Content
TAP Air Portugal: A Milestone Year
From small airline to global success, TAP Air Portugal turns 80 and better than ever.
Daily
Nov 11, 2025AmaWaterways Partners with Mandarin Oriental for Pre-, Post-Cruise Experiences
AmaWaterways recently announced a new partnership with Mandarin Oriental to introduce a collection of exclusive pre- and post-cruise land programs delivering the highest levels of comfort, personalization and cultural immersion.
ShareThis