Notes From Afar - June 2026
Greetings Travelers!
How wonderful it was to kick off the Alaska season in Vancouver last month at the Travel + Leisure Cruise Summit! Fritz and I enjoyed a lovely stay at the beautiful Fairmont Waterfront, filling several days with informative sessions with several of our trusted cruise partners. This summer we have a pair of fabulous cruises on the horizon with Ponant Explorations and Explora Journeys.
In this edition we highlight one of our favorite cities and a celebrated cruise port, Copenhagen. We look forward to returning in August when we participate in the inaugural sailings of the NEW Explora III. Limited suites remain should you wish to join us! We also highlight the world of river cruising and one of the industry’s leaders, AmaWaterways. Hopefully you caught our top sailing picks of 2027 on social media a few weeks ago!
Safe travel and wishing all a lovely summer.
Kareem & Fritz
Rosenborg Castle
Destination Feature: Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen captivates with understated elegance, where 11th-century history gracefully intertwines with cutting-edge design. Stroll its delightful streets, admire the blend of regal old and daringly ultramodern architecture, and discover charming cafes lining picturesque canals. It’s a destination that lingers in the heart, offering a seamless blend of royal heritage and contemporary allure for those who seek a refined escape.
Historical and Cultural Immersion
Begin your exploration at the redbrick Radhus (Town Hall), then wander the Strøget, the world’s longest pedestrian shopping street, leading to Kongens Nytorv. Just beyond lies the iconic Nyhavn, with its vibrant 17th-century townhouses and historic wooden ships, where canal tours offer a unique perspective. Ascend the Round Tower (Rundetaarn) for panoramic city views. Immerse yourself in royal history at Amalienborg Palace(witness the Changing of the Guard), Rosenborg Castle (home to the Danish Crown Jewels), and Christiansborg Palace (explore medieval ruins).
For a deeper dive into the arts, the Statens Museum for Kunst showcases seven centuries of Danish and international masterpieces, while the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek enchants with its magnificent collection of ancient sculpture and Impressionist works housed in a stunning winter garden setting. Designmuseum Danmark offers a fascinating look at the evolution of Danish design, from its historic roots to its world-renowned modern influence. For modern cultural brilliance, the Copenhagen Opera House on Holmen island is a high-tech, architecturally stunning venue, its glass facade reflecting the harbor. A short journey outside the city leads to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, widely regarded as one of the best contemporary art museums in the world, where art and architecture harmonize beautifully with the coastal landscape.
Statens Museum for Kunst
From Left, Exhibits at: Statens Museum for Kunst, Designmuseum Danmark & Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
A Curated Gastronomic Expedition
Copenhagen’s culinary scene is a global leader. For the ultimate fine dining, Geranium is a premier choice, a three-Michelin-starred sanctuary celebrating Scandinavia’s seasonal purity. For an authentic local favorite, Slotskælderen hos Gitte Kik is a quintessential choice; this historic cellar near the parliament is beloved by Copenhageners for its traditional smørrebrød and warm, no-nonsense hospitality. For the soulful essence of a traditional Danish lunch, Schønnemanns, established in 1877, provides authentic hygge with its wood-paneled rooms and superb herring selection.
Distinguished Sanctuaries
Finding the ideal accommodation is paramount. For history and grandeur, Hotel d’Angleterre is a quintessential choice, a neoclassical palace established in 1755, with spectacular offerings like its Royal Suite. If a blend of historic architecture and contemporary Swedish design is preferred, the Nobis Hotel Copenhagen provides a magnificent haven, housed in the former Royal Danish Academy of Music. For an intimate, maritime feel, 71 Nyhavn Hotel is recommended, occupying two converted spice warehouses with rooms featuring original Pomeranian pine beams and captivating views of historic ships.
For a truly magical experience, The Nimb is our personal favorite, a Moorish-inspired palace that feels like a fairy-tale residence, offering unparalleled boutique luxury and personalized service. It is situated directly adjacent to the legendary Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest and most enchanting amusement parks. Tivoli is a dreamscape of lush gardens, historic architecture, and twinkling lights, offering a nostalgic yet sophisticated atmosphere that has captivated visitors since 1843.
From Left: The Nimb, Kareem in the Chinese Garden area of Tivoli Gardens and the Star Flyer carousel behind a vibrant rose garden, also at Tivoli Gardens
Discover the World by Water
Kareem and Fritz about to board the AmaDahlia in September 2025 when they sailed the Nile River
Embark on a voyage where every detail is anticipated, every vista is breathtaking, and every moment is crafted for your ultimate enjoyment. Cruise travel offers an unmatched blend of convenience, luxury, and cultural immersion, allowing you to unpack once and awaken to a new, alluring destination each day. Imagine gliding through historic waterways or across vast oceans, indulging in gourmet cuisine, world-class entertainment, and personalized service, all while forging deeper connections with the world around you. It's an escape from the everyday, a fluid exploration designed for those who seek enriching experiences.
AmaWaterways: Journeys that Move You
For those who dream of privileged explorations along the world's storied rivers, AmaWaterways offers a delightful experience. Their award-winning fleet provides elegantly appointed staterooms and suites, welcoming fewer guests than traditional river cruise ships, fostering a sense of connection to both the river and fellow travelers. With outstanding service, knowledgeable local guides, and exceptional included excursions, AmaWaterways ensures you discover each destination exactly as you desire. Indulge in locally sourced food and wine, enjoy unforgettable views, and become part of a family-like crew, all while exploring the heart of Europe, Egypt, or South America’s Magdalena River with peerless comfort and insight.
Explora Journeys: The Ocean State of Mind
Redefining oceanic grandeur, Explora Journeys invites you to discover the 'Ocean State of Mind.' Their elegantly designed ships feature sophisticated European interior design, 5-star dining, ocean-inspired wellness, and state-of-the-art oceanfront suites, each with sweeping sea views from floor-to-ceiling windows and private sun terraces. With nine distinct inclusive culinary experiences, three swimming pools, private cabanas, and an indoor pool with a retractable roof, every desire is catered to. Explora Journeys offers an inclusive passage where high-speed Wi-Fi, in-suite dining, unlimited beverages, fine wines, premium spirits, and onboard gratuities are all part of an effortless and fun voyage.
Journeys on the Horizon
Nordic Elegance: Baltic with Explora III
August 25 – September 2, 2026 | 8-Night Luxury Ocean Voyage
Join Kareem and Fritz on a Scandinavian odyssey that blends the medieval charm of Tallinn with the design-driven energy of Stockholm and Copenhagen. Your home at sea, Explora III, is a floating sanctuary of ocean-front suites and intuitive service, offering the refined intimacy of a private yacht as you explore Northern Europe’s most captivating capitals.
From Left: Kareem at Statens Museum for Kunst, Copenhagen; Riga Cathedral, Riga, Latvia and Visby, (Gotland), Sweden
A Culinary Celebration: Charleston Food & Wine Classic
November 12–15, 2026 | Exclusive Culinary Event Access
Savor the sophisticated gastronomy and Southern charm of Charleston with Kareem and Fritz. As a Culture Traveler VIP, you will enjoy privileged access to Grand Tastings and seminars while retreating to the city’s most refined mid-century landmark, The Dewberry, for an unforgettable weekend of culinary discovery.
From Left: Grand Wine Tastings; Kareem, Carrie Loibl, Elizabeth Purther Sherbin and Fritz at the Pineapple Fountain in Charleston and Exclusive access to the Oyster Roast
Remote Wonders: Seabourn Pursuit in Melanesia & Polynesia
October 4–16, 2026 | 13-Day Ultra-Luxury Expedition Cruise
Discover the untouched natural splendor of Fiji, Tonga, and French Polynesia alongside Kareem and Fritz. The Seabourn Pursuit is a state-of-the-art expedition vessel that perfectly combines the thrill of remote discovery with the refined elegance of 132 ocean-front veranda suites and a dedicated Expedition Team.
From Left: Kadavu, Fiji; Swallow's Cave, Vava'u, Tonga and Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Apia, Samoa
The Emerald Isle Unveiled: A Curated Journey Through Ireland
June 13–19, 2027 | 7-Night Small Group Cultural Journey
Explore a Celtic tapestry from Dublin’s historic heart to the soaring Cliffs of Moher with Carrie Loibl. This all-inclusive, well-paced experience manages every detail—from hand-selected hotels to guided sightseeing—allowing you to focus on the moments that matter most as you journey through Ireland’s most iconic landscapes and stories.
From Left: Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, Cork and Medieval Kilkenny
A Final Reflection
Although we are launching into summer, now is the time to focus on Fall and Winter travel. Share your wish list with us to start planning. If you are short on ideas, have a look at our recent blogs highlighting festive season destinations as well as luxury Villa stays. For the most intrepid, Antarctica season begins in earnest in November… ;)
Bon voyage,
Kareem & Fritz
Culture Traveler
