Fran Golden

Freelance Contributor

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PURSUITS_WEB_Luxury Cruise Market

At $7,700 a Day, Aman’s Cruises Are Testing Travelers’ Limits

With reservations now open for booking, the luxury brand’s yacht-like voyages have become a new status symbol and a litmus test for ultra-high-end cruising.

February 5, 2026

February 5, 2026

At $7,700 a Day, Aman’s Cruises Are Testing Travelers’ Limits

With reservations now open for booking, the luxury brand’s yacht-like voyages have become a new status symbol and a litmus test for ultra-high-end cruising.

PURSUITS_WEB_Luxury Cruise Market

September 10, 2025

September 10, 2025

A New Kind of River Cruising Is Coming to Europe

The tried-and-true formula of dock, dinner and sleep is getting a makeover for a younger clientele.

PURSUITS_WEB_River Cruising

June 24, 2025

June 24, 2025

Hilton Breaks Into Cruise Industry With a Waldorf Astoria Nile Ship

You’ll be able to live out your Agatha Christie fantasies—and pay for them with loyalty points—in late 2026.

PURSUITS_WEB_Hilton Nile Cruise

April 15, 2025

April 15, 2025

With Boom in Ultra-Luxury Ships, Even Snobs Like Cruising Now

You never thought you’d see the day, but cruise ships have gotten their sexy back.

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February 24, 2025

February 24, 2025

Billionaire Pinault Family Doubles Down on Cruising With Aqua Deal

The billionaires behind Gucci owner Kering SA have acquired a small but highly luxurious cruise brand via their family investment company Artémis. The move points to much larger ambitions in the travel industry.

PURSUITS_WEB_Pinault Cruising

January 22, 2025

January 22, 2025

Disney Is Building Floating Theme Parks to Target Rich Indians, New Markets

India is one of the world’s fastest-growing travel markets, and the entertainment giant’s cruise line wants in.

PURSUITS_WEB_DISNEY CRUISES ASIA

August 22, 2024

August 22, 2024

With New Ship, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Changes Course: Photos

The 448-passenger Ilma, which is soon to debut, is nearly twice the size of its older sibling, which was all about intimacy. And yet, there’s little that’s cruise-shippy about it.

PURSUITS_WEB_Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection

July 23, 2024

July 23, 2024

Colombian River Cruises Offer New Alternative to the Amazon, Galapagos

Afro-Caribbean music. Tons of excellent coffee. Historic ports teeming with wildlife. The newest twist on river cruising highlights a wealth of interest—and soft adventures—in long-overlooked parts of South America.

0722_COLOMBIAN CRUISES

April 30, 2024

April 30, 2024

High Hotel Rates Got You Down? A Boat May Be Better Value

Make your money go further and take to the water.

High Hotel Rates Got You Down? A Boat May Be Better Value

April 5, 2024

April 5, 2024

Four Seasons’ New Yacht Cruises Come With Record-High Price Tags

Prices for one-week trips will typically range from $20,000 to $330,000—and food isn’t included.

Four Seasons’ New Yacht Cruises Come With Record-High Price Tags

March 1, 2024

March 1, 2024

A $1,000-a-Night Cruise Line Is Built for Bringing the Kids

Explora Journeys, the latest brainchild of MSC Cruises, aims to be a sophisticated solution for luxury-loving families, with caviar everywhere and child care galore.

PURSUITS_WEB_Explora

September 27, 2023

September 27, 2023

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Targets IPO and More Ships in Major Expansion

At least two of Marriott’s other luxury hotel brands have emerged as frontrunners for future ships, and a public offering is planned within three years.

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Targets IPO and More Ships in Major Expansion

July 7, 2023

July 7, 2023

Everything You Need to Know About Chartering a Yacht

The ultimate guide to proper budgeting, the best destinations and the brokers that’ll make it all easy.

Everything You Need to Know About Chartering a Yacht

March 23, 2023

March 23, 2023

Crystal Cruises Left Passengers Out $100 Million. Can That Same Debt Win Them Back?

In a “goodwill gesture,” the company will offer consumer credits through discounts on five future cruises.

Crystal Symphony Crystal Cruises GETTY sub

November 16, 2022

November 16, 2022

'Money Can Buy Happiness' on the Ritz-Carlton Superyacht Cruise: Review

On the 623-foot Evrima, which can host nearly 300 people, the vibe is more hotel than cruise line.

'Money Can Buy Happiness' on the Ritz-Carlton Superyacht Cruise: Review

October 11, 2022

October 11, 2022

A First Look at the Ritz-Carlton Superyacht: Photos

The highly anticipated, 298-passenger Evrima will set sail for the first time this month.

A First Look at the Ritz-Carlton Superyacht: Photos

July 14, 2022

July 14, 2022

To See the Future of Disney, All Aboard Its Newest Cruise Ship

Disney Wish is a hard pivot away from nostalgia, favoring modern franchises and high-tech, immersive experiences—plus big opportunities to splurge.

To See the Future of Disney, All Aboard Its Newest Cruise Ship

May 26, 2022

May 26, 2022

Cruise Lines Face a Rough Summer, and Covid Isn’t the Only Problem

With many staffers unable to travel to their ships or get visas, some lines are limiting the number of paying guests per voyage.

Cruise Lines Face a Rough Summer, and Covid Isn’t the Only Problem

April 14, 2022

April 14, 2022

A New Cruise Ship Is Redefining Luxury in the Galápagos

For $24,000 a week, you can sail Darwin’s laboratory in style.

A New Cruise Ship Is Redefining Luxury in the Galápagos

February 16, 2022

February 16, 2022

Crystal Cruises’s Epic Demise Leaves Customers Out $100 Million—or More

The company went from being worth an estimated $1 billion to having a bank account of zero in weeks. Those left in the lurch are scrambling to pick up the pieces.

Crystal Serenity