Wild Kingdoms
Expedition cruising’s latest golden child, Western Australia’s Kimberley, delivers on natural marvels (a horizontal waterfall!) and up-close wildlife. Read about a recent adventure in the region below, along with next year’s must-watch cruise-ship debuts and packing picks from Mexico City-based fashion designer Olivia Villanti.
Australia’s Kimberley Is Worth the Cruise
An expedition cruise reveals the region’s billion-year-old landscapes.
First light gradually illuminated the sandstone cliff, uncovering one sedimentary stratum after another like a geological striptease. Saffron, gold, brown, cream, and pink layers mingled in the gnarled crag above our boat on the King George River, revealing how unrelenting natural forces have shaped Australia’s Kimberley region for some 1.8 billion years.
The 19 Most Exciting New Cruise Ships Setting Sail Next Year
Arriving in March, AmaWaterways’ 24th ship on Europe’s rivers, the 152-passenger AmaSofia, upholds the line’s wellness focus with morning fitness classes and bicycles for onshore explorations. Following its first spring on the Rhine, the AmaSofia will transit to the Danube, sailing from Vilshofen, Germany, to Budapest, stopping for excursions to Mozart’s former stomping grounds in Linz, Austria, and the Weissenkirchen fortress that once held Richard the Lionheart. Departures: Multiple dates, June 14 through December 27, 2026.
Where Next: The Ten Best Places to Go in 2026
Every year, we check in with Virtuoso advisors and our contributors around the world to hear more about the best places to go in the year ahead (and why). Trips that prioritize cultural immersion are hot, according to the just-released Virtuoso Luxe Report – a survey of more than 2,400 Virtuoso advisors around the world – as are getaways that put food or adventure first.
What (and Where) to Eat in Morocco
A love affair with Moroccan food begins even before the first taste: Fragrant souks brimming with saffron, cinnamon, and ras el hanout. Roadside citrus groves on coastal northern drives. That first, perfectly overwhelming hit of cumin as a chef lifts the lid of a warm tagine. A centuries-deep blend of Amazigh, Arabian, Andalusian, Jewish, and Mediterranean influences has helped shape Morocco’s culinary identity, a complex mélange of flavors and cooking styles that’s led to hundreds of signature dishes, from hearty, chickpea-studded stews to fresh oysters served with locally grown limes.
Get to Know Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE’s “Nature Emirate”
The United Arab Emirates doesn’t skimp on glitzy grandeur, but it’s also rich in some of the region’s most stunning natural beauty. On the Arabian Peninsula’s east coast and just over half the size of Rhode Island, small but mighty Ras Al Khaimah beckons travelers with golden sand dunes, rugged mountains, and 40 miles of coastline – all within an hour’s drive of each other. The “nature emirate,” as it’s known, also teems with deep Emirati culture and captivating ancient sites.
The Red Sea Destination Celebrates Its Biodiversity
Even before it first welcomed travelers in 2023, Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea destination has been charting new frontiers in ecotourism: The 10,000-square-mile region along the northwest coast encourages visitors to not only travel consciously but also become active participants in the area’s natural preservation. With all its resorts targeting LEED Platinum certification, The Red Sea prioritizes carbon neutrality and plans to deliver a net conservation benefit by 2040.
Olivia Villanti, founder of Mexico City’s
, shares what she’s been loving lately.
Packing: My
– a gift from a friend and great for dry skin. My little
holds miscellaneous things such as my passport and baggage stickers, and doubles as a clutch at my destination.
Watching: The
on Netflix. He’s an icon in Mexico, and this shows why his music connects with people on such a human level.
Shopping: My friend Esteban Caicedo’s line,
, manufactured here in Mexico. His aesthetic is so fun and chic.
It’s (finally) official – your Apple Wallet
U.S. passports and driver’s licenses. Coming soon:
to arrive at the Amalfi Coast. The
is this weekend – where will your team be playing next year?
just partnered with outfitter REI on a series of adventure-focused trips. We’re picking up
, a thriller set in Ireland, for our next vacation read.
