Oceans & Lands - Luxury & Expedition Travel

06/12/2026

This is what Friday's, and every other day feels like at the The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay

06/07/2026

Another Incredible Adventure Takes Shape: Iceland. New Year's Eve and the Northern Lights.

This one checks a lot of boxes.

My clients will spend New Year's Eve in Reykjavík, where fireworks fill the sky in every direction and the celebration feels more like a citywide party than a scheduled event.

From there, things only get more interesting.

They'll be staying at some of Iceland's finest hotels and lodges, including The Reykjavik EDITION, Torfhús Retreat, Skálakot Manor Hotel and the spectacular Retreat at Blue Lagoon.

In between? Helicopter flights over Iceland's rugged interior, snowmobiling across a glacier, exploring a natural ice cave, soaking in geothermal hot springs, and, with a little luck, watching the Northern Lights dance overhead.

What I love about this itinerary is the balance. It's adventurous enough to feel like an expedition, but luxurious enough that every day ends with a great meal, a warm fireplace, or a world class spa.

Not a bad way to start 2027.

06/05/2026

Off They Go! Edinburgh & The Highlands

Some journeys begin with a booking. Others begin years earlier as a dream quietly waiting for the right moment.

Today, my clients finally set off on a long-awaited adventure through Scotland, a journey they have talked about and postponed for years. The main requests? Harry Potter for her, and whiskey & archery for him.

Over the next eleven days they'll explore the cobbled streets of Edinburgh, discover the beauty of the Scottish Borders, and venture deep into the Highlands in search of castles, legends, lochs, and unforgettable landscapes.

Their adventure includes Edinburgh Castle, Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle, the Scottish Highlands, Inverness, and a ride aboard the world-famous Jacobite Steam Train through some of the most breathtaking scenery in Britain.

There is something especially rewarding about finally taking the trip you've been dreaming about for years.

Wishing Brian and Mary Jo smooth travels, wonderful discoveries, and memories that will last a lifetime.

06/05/2026

Paradise Perfected. JUST BOOKED • TAHITI 2027

A voyage through French Polynesia aboard Silversea's Silver Whisper.

Volcanic peaks shrouded in mist.
Crystal lagoons painted in every shade of blue.
Ancient Polynesian traditions.
Sunsets that seem almost unreal.

October 2027 can't come soon enough for my fortunate travelers.

Extraordinary journeys begin long before embarkation day.

06/04/2026

We're honored to have been invited aboard Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seven Seas Grandeur for a special sailing from Southampton to Belfast as a member of Luxe House, Travel Planners International's invitation-only luxury division.

Over the years, we've always believed the best travel advice comes from firsthand experience. Whether it's a safari camp in Kenya, a palace hotel in India, an expedition ship in Antarctica, or one of the world's most celebrated luxury cruise ships, there's simply no substitute for being there.

This voyage aboard Grandeur will be an opportunity to explore the ship's acclaimed accommodations, dining venues, public spaces, and service firsthand while gathering insights I can bring back to my clients.

We're looking forward to sharing the experience, discovering what makes Grandeur so highly regarded, and continuing to seek out the extraordinary on behalf of the travelers who place their trust in us.

Regent Seven Seas Grandeur
Southampton → Belfast
June 28, 2026

05/05/2026

The beauty of Normandy France reveals herself in unexpected ways as we voyage roundtrip from Paris on this 10 Night river cruise with Scenic. Our "better than direct" negotiated group pricing is yours for the taking (before it sells out). Simply make your stateroom selection here: --> https://www.oceansandlands.com/normandy-gems-of-the-seine

05/03/2026

Our New Zealand expedition cruise is bound to be wild. But if you don't sign up, you'll miss the ride of your life... just like the one we'll have on this Shotover Jet Boat ride we're planning during a pre-cruise visit to Queensland. Trip Details -> https://www.oceansandlands.com/newzealandexpeditionyacht

05/02/2026

Glass of wine. Kenyan sunset. Mt. Kilimanjaro backdrop. Masai tribal games. Africa is calling and you should answer. Request your trip here-> https://app.tern.travel/public/forms/eUhATq7Bzbpq5ueCpEAu7Q/responses/new

04/19/2026

New Zealand: The Edge of the World — Now Reserving for March 2027

When I first designed this journey, I envisioned an epic land expedition — three iconic rail routes, multiple regions, the full “see it all” experience. Then reality stepped in.

Five different hotels. Constant packing and unpacking. Long coach transfers. Hauling luggage on and off trains. And a price tag approaching $15,000 per person before you’d even enjoyed a proper dinner or tipped a guide.

It started to feel less like a dream trip… and more like work.

So I went back to the drawing board and found something far more elegant.

Aboard the intimate Swan Hellenic SH Minerva, New Zealand reveals herself effortlessly. One unpacking. Ever-changing scenery delivered right to your balcony. Thoughtful expedition landings and experiences included. And a highly inclusive approach — meals, premium beverages, gratuities, and more, all taken care of.

She carries just 152 guests — more private yacht than cruise ship. Quiet, refined, and perfectly sized for the remote beauty of New Zealand’s fjords, wildlife, and dramatic coastline.

Same destination. A completely superior experience.

I’ll be personally escorting this voyage, and I’d love for you to join our small group.

Voyage: New Zealand in Depth • March 8–21, 2027 • Dunedin to Auckland

Full details, itinerary & pricing at the link below:
https://www.oceansandlands.com/newzealandexpeditionyacht

03/16/2026

Read all about it! I was asked to contribute an article to the luxury lifestyle magazine, Bay Magazine by the Tampa Bay Times talking about ultra-luxury cruising from Florida ports, including my closest home port in Tampa. I hope you'll take a moment to read my thoughts on 3 extraordinary options and more by Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Orient Express Sailing Yachts and Four Seasons Yachts.

Spring starts this month, and we at Bay are hoping it brings sunshine, sightseers and soulful adventures. In this issue, we have lots of suggestions for how to entertain guests who come to visit in dr