From the Mint to Mecca
By Virginia López Valiente
Managing Director of Cruises News Media Group and Editor of CruisesNews magazine
Editorial from CruisesNews magazine no. 64 – March 2023
Without intending to make anyone jealous or to boast, I've started this year with a lot of traveling.
I don't know if saying "from one end of the earth to the other" is the most correct expression because its use is more linked to wandering around without a specific purpose, and I have many purposes.
Back in January, right after Three Kings Day, I went to the Canary Islands to prepare for the exterior shots of the Excellence Awards, and as always, between takes and visits, you have a great time. January isn't usually a month for travel for me, but 2023 has made me get moving earlier than ever.
Before the month was out, I was already packing my suitcase again—my summer suitcase—for a trip to the Red Sea, flying to Egypt to embark on one of those cruises that leave a lasting impression. I've written a feature about it in this issue.
From what my schedule shows so far, I can only say that I have at least one trip a month planned, and I'm not going to back down, because life throws curveballs, and one wrong move can put an end to your travels. I'm writing this just back from Tenerife, where we wrapped up the 2023 Excellence Awards with great success, having arrived practically straight from the Cruise Europe conference in Lisbon. So, this year I've been to the Canary Islands twice, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Lisbon, and Málaga, which I'd almost forgotten about.
So, should I tell you what I have in my portfolio? Well, just a preview, because although I'm not superstitious like artists, I am a little modest.
I'm traveling soon to the Miami Cruise Show, which is being held in Fort Lauderdale this year. I've been going to that show for about 15 years, and very few people in the industry miss it. Miami is one of those places that has never blown me away, but it has its charm. Lately, they've gone overboard with prices, and you end up sleeping in a very basic hotel for the price of an ultra-luxury one anywhere else in the world. The show is productive but exhausting. Anyway, I'd be lying if I didn't say that we also eat, drink, party, and soak up the sun—you name it!.
After Miami, I'm going on vacation for a week with my kids. Hotel, beach, and relaxation in the company of my little ones, who, since they're not so little anymore, I don't get to enjoy spending time with as much.
And shortly after, another cruise awaits—a small expedition cruise. Embarking in Dakar, I'll visit the Cape Verde islands and return to the Canary Islands, but from a different perspective, exploring the smaller, volcanic islands. This will be my first foray on an expedition ship; I'll be doing them more often. Later in May, I think I'll go to Corfu for a conference, then to Malaga to inaugurate a ship, and after that, most likely, north from Amsterdam to Copenhagen to inaugurate another highly anticipated vessel. I might attend more inaugurations; I'll keep you posted. And this is just until June; in between, I'll take occasional one- or two-day trips… I'm saving the second half of the year for another post… which I'm sure will be quite eventful as well.
As I said, from one extreme to the other, at least I've made it to Saudi Arabia.
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