Julie L. Kessler

2 months ago | travel.usnews.com | Skye Sherman |Jill Schildhouse |Julie L. Kessler

Originally launched in 1995, Crystal Symphony resumed service under new management in September 2023. Symphony holds 606 passengers and provides a nearly 1-to-1 crew-to-staff ratio, so guests can expect a pampering experience during their time on board. The ship was extensively refurbished ahead of its reintroduction, from its accommodations to its restaurants to its public entertainment spaces.

2 months ago | moneyinc.com | Julie L. Kessler

French Polynesia is one of the most beautiful and magical places on earth with its clear, clean, balmy waters, underwater life second to none, and pervasive, ever-present warmth of the Polynesian spirit. While there are many excellent hotels offerings in French Polynesia, a great way to see and experience some of its 118 islands and atolls is aboard Oceania’s Nautica. Some cruise lines seek to add bigger and bigger ships to their fleet, often resembling floating cities.

2 months ago | moneyinc.com | Julie L. Kessler

Whether you love music, great food, or marvelous architecture, or all three, not to mention Mardi Gras, your proverbial cup will certainly runneth over with time spent in New Orleans. While I traveled to the Cresent City this time to attend the marvelous nuptials of dear friends, the inherent celebratory nature of this city on the Mississippi River only enhanced an already perfect love story.

2 months ago | moneyinc.com | Julie L. Kessler

When one thinks of Rolls-Royce, in addition to gorgeous, bespoke vehicles for discerning, wealthy drivers, a factory in Goodwood, England replete with some of the world’s most talented engineers and artisans making one’s automotive dreams reality, and the long-ago creative genius of Madison Avenue with their Grey Poupon advertising campaign surrounding the Phantom that left its mark on television viewing psyches everywhere, one rarely associates the iconic luxury brand with the term ‘badass.’...

2 months ago | moneyinc.com | Julie L. Kessler

There are few cities in the world delivering more culture, art, beauty, and romance than the City of Light. Whether one visits for two days or two weeks, if it’s your first visit or your 21st, being in Paris never disappoints. There are many world class hotels in Paris, but one rests at the very top of the list of those in the know. Coincidentally, it happens to also be my personal favorite: Hôtel Plaza Athénée.