in the know
Travel talk
Royal Caribbean‘ s Star of the Seas
MAKING WAVES & BREAKING RECORDS
Ritz-Carlton Bacara revamp A multimillion-dollar renovation has revitalized the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, with a design inspired by the region’ s Mission history and native Chumash communities. New restaurant concepts, including Mediterraneanthemed Lulio, combine ocean views with local and global coastal cuisines. An updated pool deck overlooks the Pacific, and there are two natural beaches and a spa.
Royal Caribbean’ s highly anticipated Star of the Seas will set sail end of August, promising unrivaled dining and entertainment
R oyal Caribbean’ s newest ship, Star of the Seas, will embark upon its maiden voyage on August 31 from Port Canaveral, Florida. The world’ s largest cruise ship, surpassing sister ship Icon of the Seas for the title, accommodates 5,610 passengers( based on double occupancy) across eight distinct‘ neighborhoods’. Week-long voyages highlight the Eastern Caribbean or Western Caribbean, with most itineraries featuring a port stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’ s private island.
Marketed as‘ the world’ s best family vacation’, Star of Seas is packed with activities and entertainment for all ages. Thrill-seekers can dangle above the ocean on the Crown’ s Edge aerial adventure course or catch a wave on the FlowRider, a 40-foot-long surfing simulator. The ship’ s waterpark— named Category 6— is the largest at sea, with six record-breaking slides, while Splashaway Bay aqua park is geared to the littlest cruisers.
Adults can relax at The Hideaway, an infinity pool with the Swim & Tonic in-water bar. Absolute Zero is Royal Caribbean’ s largest ice arena, hosting figure skating shows from the fleet’ s biggest ice cast. At the AquaTheater, a 55-foottall waterfall cascades from the ceiling, creating a backdrop for special effects and stunts. Guests can catch a Broadway show at sea, the award-winning Back to the Future: The Musical. Additional nightlife venues include Boleros, a Latin-themed club with a live band, and Lou’ s Jazz’ n Blues lounge.
The ship also has more than 20 restaurants, including the Lincoln Park Supper Club, a new upscale concept inspired by the glamour of Chicago’ s golden age. For more casual eats, the AquaDome Market is a food hall with stands serving barbecue, pad thai, empanadas and crepes. There are also 25 bars, like Bubbles, a champagne bar in the open-air Central Park, and the Overlook Bar, which features two stories of floor-to-ceiling windows.
Explora Journeys launches voyages to Alaska The luxury cruise line will debut Alaska cruises on the LNG-powered Explora III in summer 2027. Sailings depart from Vancouver or Seward and feature fjords, glaciers and forested islands. There’ s also the chance for guests to spot humpbacks and orcas on the Whale’ s Highway. The cruises range from seven nights to two weeks.
Regent Seven Seas Prestige Scheduled to launch December 2026, Seven Seas Prestige is Regent’ s first new ship class in 10 years.“ Hosting 822 guests on a ship that could fit hundreds more means we’ ll offer heartfelt hospitality at sea like never before,” says Jason Montague, Regent’ s chief luxury officer. The ship’ s 11 restaurants include Azure, a new Mediterranean meze-style dining experience. images: Royal Caribbean; The Ritz Carlton Bacara
16 • pos t c a rds