Are Cruises Returning to a Class System, Like in the Movie ‘Titanic’?
Are Cruises Returning to a Class System, Like in the Movie ‘Titanic’?
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https://www.fodors.com/news/cruises/are-cruise-ships-becoming-class-based-again-inside-the-rise-of-ship-within-a-ship-cruising
Once proudly egalitarian, cruise ships are quietly introducing tiered experiences through suites, VIP areas, and ship-within-a-ship concepts. Are modern cruises returning to a class system?
As anybody who’s seen the movie Titanic can attest, shipping used to be strictly compartmentalized by class. Cruising has always been more egalitarian, giving passengers the run of the ship, from the expansive lido to everybody showing off their vacation fashions in the same dining room.
Even Cunard’s venerable Queen Elizabeth 2 and her replacement Queen Mary 2, both of which were built as ocean liners that doubled as cruise ships, class distinctions largely disappeared apart from separate restaurants based on cabin category. For the rest of the cruise industry, the unspoken contract was that everybody on board could expect to have the same experience, whether they booked the lowest-cost inside cabin or the biggest suite.
Over time, cruise lines began to layer in additional perks and amenities for passengers booking suites, and this later gave way to entire ship-within-a-ship products that have seemingly compromised the egalitarian legacy of cruising.
The elevated products, including MSC Cruises Yacht Club, The Haven by Norwegian, Celebrity’s The Retreat, and The Sanctuary Collection from Princess Cruises, have stratified the onboard experience for many cruises, but it’s worth noting they’ve done it in ways that aren’t obvious. While each of these products offers dedicated public spaces to passengers booking those categories, the sections of the ship that are given over to those spaces are still relatively small.
On Holland America Line, there’s the Club Orange add-on surcharge to most stateroom categories, which gives passengers priority access lines at guest services and for shore excursions, a handful of elevated stateroom amenities, and priority seating with expanded menus or a separate dining venue, depending on the ship. MSC Yacht Club is similar in allowing its priority services to passengers across all stateroom categories—not just those who book suites.
Other cruise lines focus on in-suite amenities, with limited dedicated public spaces. Cunard touts the Grills Experience for their suite passengers, with their own single-seating restaurant, lounge, and sundeck, but otherwise, all the other spaces on the ships are all-access. On Virgin Voyages, there’s just one venue for Suites and Rockstar Quarters guests: Richard’s Rooftop, a dedicated top-floor sun deck with a private bar, loungers, daybeds, and hot tubs.
Perhaps wishing to defend the perception that cruise lines remain largely egalitarian for the majority of passengers onboard, they’ve shied away from the concrete class distinctions of the past. You won’t find a mention of “First Class” (although Celebrity offers “Concierge Class”, a stateroom category with elevated amenities that isn’t part of the suite-level The Retreat). Many also have their own concierge or guest services departments, or provide butlers to handle many guest needs and inquiries, to limit the need for separate priority lines or signs elsewhere in the ship.
Not all cruise lines have adopted the model, offering elevated amenities and offering exclusive onboard lounges, but otherwise giving over the majority of space on their ships to all categories. Oceania Cruises offers small, discreetly located lounges for Concierge Level and suites passengers, otherwise the ship is for everybody. Viking’s ocean ships are similarly without such divisions, and Disney, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean have also largely eschewed separate ship-within-a-ship type products.
Luxury cruise lines, including Crystal, Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, Windstar, and Seabourn, also don’t need to add separate VIP areas on their ships. Not only are they smaller, lacking space for walling of areas of the ships, but their brand is built on whole-ship, all-inclusive luxury, so it would simply be redundant. These luxury lines layer in additional amenities for their own top-tier suites, such as additional butler services or specialty dining access, but they’re otherwise the standard bearers of the traditional egalitarian cruise model.
Even with cruise lines that have gone to ship-within-a-ship models, they’re still offering a quality experience to all passengers onboard, regardless of whether or not they’ve booked the upper-tier accommodations. The days of crashing parties in steerage have sailed off into the sunset.
The 10 Worst Tourists of 2025
https://www.fodors.com/news/photos/the-10-worst-tourists-of-2025
Every year, tourists get into trouble and 2025 was no different.
Travel is a wonderful experience that broadens your worldview and opens your mind to different cultures. Most travelers embrace their destinations and appreciate what they offer. However, every year there are a few tourists who take things too far and treat local laws, customs, and people with disrespect. In 2025, these tourists caused a nuisance when they broke the law, destroyed historic sites, and defaced public property.
The Tourist Who Spray-Painted a Bangkok Train
In July, a tourist was arrested for vandalizing a passenger train in Bangkok. The man, whose nationality was not revealed, spray-painted the front of a train along with passenger cars. When he was arrested, he had 10 cans of spray paint with him and was taken to the police station for further investigation. His actions damaged state property and delayed trains. Authorities urged people to report any such behavior.
The Tourist Who Jumped Into the Trevi Fountain in Rome
Italy attracts unruly behavior every year, and this year was no different. A group of three tourists from New Zealand were caught swimming in the Trevi Fountain, and as they were being escorted by the police, one man broke free and jumped back in. The 30-year-old was then chased by the cops and, upon apprehending him, they fined him €500 ($524). He was also banned from the monument for life. Police also said that alcohol was definitely involved in the unruly behavior.
The Tourist Who Tossed a Large Rock at a National Park in Spain
In Spain, a tourist was caught on camera tossing a large rock along the Cares Trail at Picos de Europa National Park. He picked up the rock and threw it down the mountain trail—a stunt that could have injured someone. A loud bang was heard from the fall, and the man was seen reacting with giddiness. Authorities began an investigation into the incident. This offense could cost the young tourist as much as $224,000. A spokesperson said that a national park is a protected area, and “Disturbing the environment in the Picos de Europa National Park is classed as a very serious offense.”
The Tourist Who Climbed a Sacred Temple in Mexico
A German tourist scaled the Temple of Kukulcan in Chichén Itzá in March. A video showed him climbing the western side of the pyramid as security guards ran after him. The 38-year-old was found hiding in the pyramid but was escorted out by authorities. Locals were incensed by his behavior, and he was attacked by an angry mob as he was being ushered out by officers.
The Tourist Who Stole From a Grave in Japan
An Australian tourist caused an international incident when he desecrated a grave in Japan. In Aokigahara Forest, he took a can of beer from a grave—an offering for the dead as per Japanese customs—and drank from it while filming himself. He also ranted about Japanese women in the video. The internet was not amused by this stunt by Lochie Jones; he faced significant backlash and issued an apology, which many found insincere. As a consequence of his actions, the Australian Embassy in Japan urged tourists to respect local customs and behave appropriately.
The Tourist Who Stole Stones From Pompeii
A 51-year-old tourist stole ancient artifacts from Pompeii Archaeological Park in August. The Scottish tourist took five stones and a brick and was arrested by police outside the archaeological park. He claimed he didn’t know it was illegal to take the ancient stones from the park and that he picked them up for his son’s collection. He was charged with aggravated theft, and the artifacts were returned to the park. The tourist faced a fine of €1,500 and jail time of up to six years.
The Tourist Who Visited a Forbidden Island and Left a Can of Diet Coke
An American tourist got into hot water when he entered a forbidden island in India, where the Sentinelese people have never made contact with the modern world. North Sentinel Island, off the Andaman Islands, has remained off limits for everyone, but the 24-year-old American tried to visit the isolated tribe using an inflatable boat. It is not allowed to visit the island because the inhabitants don’t have immunity from common modern diseases.
He brought a can of Diet Coke and a coconut as an offering, which he left there after making the landing. The tourist also made a video on his GoPro and collected sand from the island and was later arrested by authorities. The American was lucky he wasn’t attacked; the last person who tried to make contact was killed by the tribe.
The Tourist Who Allegedly Sexually Molested Minors in Namibia
Namibian media reported that a 65-year-old British tourist allegedly sexually molested minors and took nude photographs of them. He was arrested after he gave them sweets and money to take naked photos. The group included 16 teenage girls and 14 boys from the Indigenous San community. The ministry said in a statement, “It is unacceptable for any visitor, foreign or local, to exploit or objectify indigenous communities or their children for any purpose, including photography.”
The Tourist Who Carried a Marble Slab on E-Scooter in Rome
Rome sees its fair share of surprising behavior each summer, and this year was no different. In May, a German tourist was caught riding an electric scooter with a marble slab from a Roman column. The 66-pound artifact was thought to be of historic interest, and the 24-year-old saw it as a souvenir. Authorities took possession of the marble slab and took it for further inspection to determine its origin.
The Tourist Who Threw a Tantrum and Got Caught With Cocaine
A British tourist had a meltdown at an airport after landing, and in his efforts to evade airport security, his packet of cocaine fell from his pocket. This is one of those bizarre incidents that are hard to believe—42-year-old Marc Patrick Wharton flew from Shanghai, China, to Phuket, Thailand, and allegedly managed to bring cocaine from the origin airport. However, airport security in Phuket flagged him for additional checks, and that’s when he lost his cool. He started rolling on the ground, beating his chest, kicking his leg up, and saying he was going to die. His effort to distract authorities fell short, and a 4-gram packet of cocaine was discovered. He was arrested and charged with bringing a narcotic into the country and illegal possession.
Our 10 Favorite Travel Experiences of 2025
Courtesy of Fodor's Travel
https://www.fodors.com/news/photos/our-favorite-travel-experiences-of-2025
A look back at an exciting year of adventures here at Fodor’s Travel.
As another year draws to a close, our team is looking back on 12 months of adventure, tasty meals, and inspiring trips, the memories of which we will be carrying forth into the New Year.
For some of our editors, travel this year was a conduit to healing, offering the calm and rejuvenation found in Canada’s wild nature. For others, 2025 was a year of new challenges—like hiking 80 miles across Spain on the Camino de Santiago or finding oneself on hand and knees, sifting through the dirt for truffles in Oregon’s wine country. For many of Fodor’s editors, 2025 was a year of crossing off bucket-list items, like finally experiencing Iceland firsthand or visiting Yellowstone National Park.
From discovering new favorites in beloved destinations like Charleston to enjoying a visit to Germany’s wine and spa town, Traben-Trarbach, here are some of our editors’ favorite travel experiences of 2025.
A Post-Op Recovery in New Brunswick, Canada
My 2025 travels came to a grinding halt after a ski accident in Japan led to an ACL surgery, so by the time I was ready to hit the ground running (er, walking), I weighed my options carefully, ultimately deciding on a place I knew nearly nothing about: New Brunswick, Canada.
Having enjoyed a glorious few days at Montage Healdsburg with my husband as my first post-op trip, I was excited to embark on a solo journey to Saint Andrews and Fredericton, two stops in the oft-overlooked Atlantic Canada province that promised tons of fresh seafood, incredible whale watching, a genuine beer trail, and a lively night market with every kind of cuisine imaginable.
In Saint Andrews, I discovered myriad charms and the friendliest people around. I ate oysters at every meal, but my favorite dine-at-the-bar experience was at William & Water, where I got tips from locals on where to get the best ice cream (McGuire Chocolate Company) and where to go for live music (Saint Andrews Brewing Company). In Fredericton, I kayaked on the Wolastoq River, got back on a bike, and napped in a sleigh bed at Quartermain House, a family-run bed and breakfast. On my last day in town, I met up with local food obsessive @freddy.foodie and proceeded to do a bakery tour, finishing at Seoul Boulangerie, which may just be the best patisserie in all of New Brunswick.
Exploring Banff With Indigenous Guides
In October 2025, I visited Banff, Canada, to experience the scenic town with the help of several Indigenous guides and representatives. I had the pleasure of e-biking through the Banff forest trails with Indigescape, whose guides gave me the opportunity to partake in sacred ceremonies; hiking around Cascade Ponds with Mahikan Trails, whose guide gave me insights into the region’s various native plants and their traditional medicinal uses; and walking through the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum with a Stoney Nakoda Knowledge Keeper, who delved into the history of Banff and its relationship with the local First Nations. The mountain scenery was spectacular wherever I turned, and the food—particularly dishes using bison—was delicious; but being equipped with the insights provided by the Indigenous guides made what I was looking at even more meaningful.
– Yoojin Shin, Associate Print Editor
An Anniversary on the Camino de Santiago
In September, my husband and I decided to hike the last 100 km of the Camino de Santiago for our anniversary. We started our trek in Sarria, hiking each day to another charming town in the Spanish countryside before continuing on the next day. Over the course of a week, we walked the 100 km to Santiago de Compostela. Through the aches and pains, the hills and rain, the emerald forests and magical encounters, we came to fall in love with the Camino in a way we haven’t fallen in love with a destination in the past. By the time we arrived at Santiago de Compostela, exhausted, achy, and exhilarated, we were both proud of what we’d accomplished and sad to reach the end of our trail. We had such a transformative and magical time on the Camino that we’ve decided to hike another of its routes—this time the Camino Norte along the coast—next fall.
– Nikki Vargas, Senior Digital Editor
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Truffle Hunting in Oregon's Wine Country
In March, I went truffle foraging on a misty piece of forestland in Oregon’s wine country. Our guide, Ava from First Nature Tours, instructed us to turn off geotagging to keep our location secret since truffles sell for up to $70 an ounce, and foragers will go to great lengths to guard their best spots.
I learned that modern truffle hunting doesn’t involve pigs. Instead, we relied on the discerning nose of Ava’s award-winning truffle dog JoJo, a bouncy Labrador whom Ava adopted after finding her abandoned on the street. When JoJo snuffled her wet nose into the soil and pawed at the dirt, we pulled out our trowels and got to work.
At a time when many of us feel so separated from and suspicious of our food sources, getting down on hands and knees to sift through damp soil was incredibly satisfying. I felt like a treasure hunter, utterly euphoric every time I unearthed one of those little delicacies. We departed with a handful of truffles and tips on how to infuse them into butters and cheeses once we got back home.
– Esme Benjamin, Contributing Digital Editor
A Roommate Yacht Cruise in Croatia
This summer, my roommate and I sailed on a small luxury yacht cruise through the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia. Jumping off the back of a luxury cruise ship into crystal clear waters during the daily swim stops was definitely one of the main highlights of my year.
With only around 35 people aboard this Unforgettable Croatia ship, none of us could even form a complaint with how relaxing each day was. After days filled with swimming and touring different islands along the coast, each night ended with fantastic dinners at port, like the beautiful flower-filled outdoor courtyard dinner at Puteus Palace, or the fantastic final night with a curated tasting menu at the Dubrovnik Restaurant.
– Angelique Kennedy-Chavannes, Associate Print Editor
Germany's Wine and Spa Town
My travel year was one of several firsts: my first trip to Yellowstone National Park, my first visit to North Topsail Beach in North Carolina, but the highlight may have been a visit to Traben-Trarbach, a wine-and-spa town on the middle Mosel River.
I often tell my friends that Germany is an underappreciated country to visit in Europe, especially once you get beyond top destinations like Munich and Berlin. While nearby Trier was buzzing with tourists in late spring, little Traben-Trarbach hadn’t quite woken up from its winter slumber, making it all the more pleasant. With lovely late-spring weather and a placid Mosel River, I was able to stroll the picturesque Art Nouveau town, visit the city’s extensive underground wine cellars, taste some excellent local food and wine at Die Mosel Vinothek & Winebar, and enjoy a stay at the excellent riverside Romantik Jugenstilhotel Bellevue. I was envious of my groupmates who got to stay at the hotel’s sister property, the Moselschlösschen Spa & Resort.
Long a destination for discerning Germans, the hotel completed a lavish (and award-winning) multilevel spa during the pandemic and has significantly expanded the region’s destination-spa offerings. To top things off, the hotel’s owner took us all on a trip in a vintage Amphicar, an option he offers to all hotel guests.
– Douglas Stallings, Print Editorial Director
A First-Time Visit to Iceland
In September, I finally arrived in Iceland for the first time, staying at two very different but incredible properties. First, I had the most relaxing two days of my life at the Retreat, the luxury hotel at the Blue Lagoon, where I experienced private Blue Lagoon access sans crowds, superb Michelin-starred dining, lush skin care products derived from the lagoon itself, gorgeous rooms, and an absolutely incomparable spa experience (that included an IN lagoon massage).
Then I headed to the Highlands, one of the most remote places in the whole country where I hiked in the steamy geothermal area that the Vikings once thought was literal hell, mountain-biked to a waterfall, took advantage of the nearby natural thermal baths, and saw the Northern Lights TWO nights in a row, all while staying at the cozy, chic Highland Base.
– Amanda Sadlowski, Senior Print Editor
Crossing Switzerland Off My Bucket List
Switzerland has long been on my bucket list, and this year I got to cross it off the list when I spent a few days exploring Zurich. From an early morning yoga class at a seebad (a public open-air swimming facility) on Lake Zurich, to searching for treasures at a weekend flea market along the Limmat River, followed by sausages at the Sternen Grill, and drinks at the incomparable Dolder Grand, I did it all. I even managed to squeeze in dinner at Restaurant Kronenhalle where I dined under the gaze of priceless works by Marc Chagall and Joan Miró—it was definitely a pinch me moment. But the biggest thrill might have been the private chocolate-making class at the Lindt Home of Chocolate, where we made our very own Dubai chocolate bar. It was divine, and the perfect way to cap off the trip, because what’s a visit to Switzerland without a lot of chocolate?
– Alexis Kelly, Senior Print Editor
A New Favorite in Charleston, South Carolina
Since Charleston is overflowing with hotels, restaurants, bars, and boutiques, I’m always on the hunt for new favorites. This year, I lucked into one: the delightfully pink Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton, which feels like the distilled essence of Southern charm. Think Spanish moss dangling from live oaks, horse-drawn carriages clipping over cobblestone streets, cast-iron balconies, and a gentle fountain burbling in the background. Sip a classic cocktail at the Iron Rose—my pick is the namesake Iron Rose, their spin on an espresso martini—and settle into the courtyard for some top-tier people-watching. It’s the perfect place to lean fully into the fantasy of Charleston at its most grand and glowing.
– Rachael Levitt, Digital Managing Editor
A Leonard Cohen Tour Through Montreal
I spent a day in Montreal wandering in Leonard Cohen’s footsteps, guided by the noted journalist Richard Burnett. Burnett is a veritable Mr. Montreal, with deep family ties to the city and a knack for having a story to tell about almost every block in town.
My obsession with Cohen dates back decades–and though I once lived in the same Los Angeles neighborhood as he died in, and he once tipped his hat to me at a cafe on Pico Blvd, there is a particular specialness in wrapping oneself in the haunts of a hero’s youth. These Montreal streets made him the man he was, and in turn, birthed a legend.
Dining where he dined–Schwartz’s Deli, Moishes (though its location has changed since Cohen’s death in 2016), and St. Viateur Bagels; passing through his old college stomping grounds, where his life as a poet began at McGill University; peering into the windows, a little like a peeping tom, at his residence on 28 Rue de Vallieres, where I left him a Viateur bagel as an offering–well, it’s all more than any fanboy can hope for.
Beyond the main stops on the Cohen route, he is as much ingrained in the city as it once was rooted in him. Towering murals have been painted on buildings, his photograph is posted in establishments, and his music plays regularly.
I sat at the bar of Cabaret L’Enfer, the restaurant of Top Chef semi-finalist Massimo Piedimonte, eating a gorgeous tasting menu, drinking a divine pinot noir, and watching the chef interact with his six-year-old daughter, who drifted from watching Nightmare Before Christmas in the corner to playing pretend maître d’ at the door, to adding the gratin tableside to a pasta dish made of a vine grown in Piedmont’s garden–it was already a lovely, quaint scene. But then Cohen’s melancholy ballad, Dance Me to the End of Love, tumbled out from the speakers. My eyes grew misty, my smile nostalgic, I mouthed the lyrics, and the lovely, quaint scene transformed from a nice moment to something that would forever be etched in my memory.
– Jeremy Tarr, Digital Editorial Director
The Rare Caribbean Resort That’s Perfect for Families, Couples, AND Solo Travelers
Romello Williams/Unsplash
https://www.fodors.com/world/caribbean/turks-and-caicos-islands/experiences/news/this-caribbean-resort-has-something-for-every-type-of-traveler
Whether solo traveling, with family or friends—this resort has something for everyone.
Finding a place to stay in the Caribbean can be tricky with so many options to choose from. Some accommodations are adult-only, catering exclusively to honeymooners, friends, and couples. Others are family-friendly resorts that boast an array of amenities and entertainment geared toward weary parents looking to keep their little ones occupied. While for solo travelers, resorts might feel like a place to avoid entirely, instead opting for something like a boutique hotel. That’s why finding a place, like the Ocean Club Resorts in Turks & Caicos, that can seemingly cater to the needs of all travelers is a special find.
Comprising two all-suite, deluxe properties just a mile apart via shuttle, Ocean Club East and Ocean Club West offer visitors an intimate experience in Providenciales. The differences between the two properties are that Ocean Club East offers calmer beaches, striking sunsets, and is near the Provo Golf Club, making it ideal for a more relaxed stay. Meanwhile, Ocean Club West advertises having a more spacious beach with bigger suites (perfect for groups and families) with a location close to restaurants and shopping, making this a prime spot for people who want to venture beyond the resort.
In addition to catching the sun along Grace Bay Beach, you can participate in activities at both properties, including riding bikes, kayaking, snorkeling, and spa time. Don’t miss the food offerings at Ocean Club West’s newest restaurant, Reef Rockers, a casual dining experience serving local favorites from conch salad and grilled snapper tacos to lobster pasta and quesadillas. Or, you can catch the shuttle to Ocean Club East’s restaurant, Cabana and Opus Wine Bar & Grill, for more seafood, including coconut shrimp, mussels, and more.
Though both properties are mere steps from the beach, Ocean Club East is a better option for solo getaways, serene honeymoons, and soft adventures, while Ocean Club West is ideal for girlfriend getaways, family travel, and soft water adventure-seekers.
Regardless of which property you choose, Ocean Club Resorts has something for everyone.
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