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 FeedMelt into Mediterranean Charm in Barcelona and Costa Brava
Usually regarded for its Modernist architecture, centuries of artistic influence and polarizing football team, Barcelona has come into its own as a growing tech hub. The capital of Catalonia hosts the annual Mobile World Congress each March, and its Poble Nou neighborhood cradles some of the world’s most recognizable startups like TravelPerk and Typeform.
Sponsored Content
Get to Know TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal's program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business. TAP FORBIZ offers solutions suited to each business: travel cost reduction, more flexibility, more benefits and more value. With TAP FORBIZ, businesses can centralize purchases, control the company budget and ensure greater cost predictability with exclusive discounts and benefits tailored to each company's profile. Each trip becomes a strategic decision to travel more and spend less.
Daily
Sep 21, 2026Ireland’s Dromoland Castle Announces Landmark Transformation
This November, Dromoland Castle is set to close its doors for six months for its largest redevelopment in its 63 years as a hotel. Set to reopen in June 2027, the 16th-century property in County Clare will debut a one-of-a-kind transformation with updates to accommodations, public spaces, wellness facilities, culinary features and more.
Destinations
Sep 21, 20266 Reasons to Put Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Your Travel List
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with us.
Sponsored Content
Elevate Your Journey with TAP Air Portugal’s New Economy Prime
Exciting news ahead for TAP Air Portugal, as Portugal’s flag carrier prepares for the launch of its brand-new Economy Prime cabin, offering customers more space, additional privacy and a superior travel experience. Flights boasting the new cabin take off June 1; booking for Economy Prime is now available across all TAP channels and travel agents.
Daily
Sep 21, 2026Women’s Retreats Now Available at Six Senses Kyoto, Six Senses Kanuhura
Designed to be a supportive experience for women of all ages, The Yin Way Retreat — The Way of a Woman is a new experience available to guests this year at Six Senses Kanuhura in the Maldives. It’s available Oct. 1 to 4 in the Maldives, and at Six Senses Kyoto in Japan Dec. 11 to 14.
Seven Seas Prestige to Feature New Spaces
September 2026
Sep 19, 2026Daily
Sep 18, 2026Windstar Unlocks Tower of London After Dark and Other New 2027 Experiences
Explore three different remarkable European destinations in 2027 with Windstar Cruises. The brand’s newest 224-guest, all-suite yacht, Star Explorer, debuts alongside complimentary Destination Discovery Events in Livorno, Dubrovnik and London.
Sponsored Content
An Adults-Only Resort for All the Milestone Moments
On Saturday, Feb.14, Devossion by Live Aqua celebrated its grand opening, marking a significant milestone for Grupo Posadas and the Live Aqua brand. This adults-only resort focuses on celebration, authentic Mexican experiences and elevated hospitality — perfectly situated in the heart of the Riviera Maya.
September 2026
Sep 17, 2026High-Spirited Hong Kong: The Dynamic Hub Embraces Its Maritime History and Culture
It was known as the “Kai Tak heart attack” — the thrilling, terrifying final approach into Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Airport. Airliners were required to bank sharply at the last moment, dodging hills and apartment blocks to line up with a runway jutting out into Kowloon Bay. The airport is long gone, but international visitors are arriving at Kai Tak again, albeit more sedately. Their cruise ships dock smoothly at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, a modern gateway designed by Sir Norman Foster.
ShareThis