North & King Signature Travel

02/11/2024

A snapshot of Istanbul. Have not been here for 7 years and despite Covid, hundreds of thousand of refugees from Syria and a devastating earthquake in the south last year, this city has never looked more vibrant- and despite the 52% inflation rate, it radiates wealth. No longer is it a bargain however. One of many reasons to spend two days here with with your suite and tours included. So many different neighborhoods. A cruise along the Bosphorus always a delightful way to start your stay! .horne

30/10/2024

is an amazing new hotel in Athens. Location-check. Design-check. Staff- warm and efficient. Extras-so many to list from comp pastry buffet to wine and goodies in your beautiful ivory rooms. Headed by an amazing woman GM who gets it. Athens is lucky to have another 5 star hotel!

28/10/2024

Magical is the word for the newest luxury hotel in Athens. For so many reasons, but evenings at the rooftop terrace and pool looking directly at the magnificent Parthenon dating from centuries before Christ, is one for sure. Watch this space for more news and images of

26/10/2024

First return since Covid. And Greece looks better than ever. Yassou Athens! So happy to be back. Tomorrow off on to explore some new ports and islands with old friends and new.

13/10/2024

My favorite hotel in Rome. Tucked away near the Borghese Gardens, 3 mins off the Via Veneto, and only a 10 min walk if you need to be in the heart of the tourist areas. Which you maybe don’t. Traditional, newly renovated, lovely rooms and suites, much appreciated on a rainy afternoon. Rooftop bar Adele, with terrific cocktails and a view one can only see in the eternal city. Breakfast and a $100 credit when you have me book you at the very special

18/09/2024

Last weekend was a great experience being part of the christening of the magnificent Explora 2 in Rome. For a sample of what that entailed have a quick watch!
And consider joining us next September for 14 days in the
Med!

Welcome, EXPLORA II. 💙 A look back on a spectacular Naming Ceremony in Civitavecchia, near Rome. Directed by Romain Reglade Featuring: Pierfrancesco Vago… | 30 comments on LinkedIn

25/08/2024

Trying out the magnificent new Yacht “Ilma” by Here the floating marina deployed off St. Tropez and whenever weather and calm seas allow. Launch the water toys and order your cocktail! More pics to come so stay tuned. .italiangroomingart

10/08/2024

Part of the wonder of travel are the differences in architectural styles. Here are some examples from our trip this summer from Latvia to Norway and most points in between. Europe always seems to have more than it’s fair share of remarkable edifices.

30/05/2024

Hard to beat Punta Mita for a memorable family vacation just 4 hours from rainy Seattle. Great service, roomy digs, lots of action, wonderful food, tequila! Makes for the best family bonding time. Also helps to have everyone in vacay mode. Love our tribe.❤️Thanks

21/05/2024

Solo morning
Peaceful but for the amazing breakers and a beautiful breeze. My favorite corner of Mexico.

21/04/2024

Design details and memorable cuisine is what sets Explora I apart from other luxury lines. High end finishes, lots of marble and glass, luxury bedding and pool lounges, an appealing neutral palette of colors, all combine to give guests a high quality environment from which to enjoy the extra long stays in the world’s fascinating ports of call. And a recent award for best new ship from Travel & Leisure!

09/04/2024

It was a disconcerting excursion from Kagoshima to Chiran, some 40 miles away. Chiran had one of the two large bases built to train kamikaze pilots in WWII. Standing here now, is a peace museum. Inside are hundreds of photographs of men as young as 17 in their gear and appearing convinced they were chosen to die gloriously for their country. I think 600 from this base went to their deaths, screaming out of the sky toward our naval forces. Also inside were the last letters written to family from the bunkhouse you see here, in their final days. The statue of the woman dedicated to mothers left behind. Each of the cement lanterns has a name of a pilot. I think there are over 1100 now. Strangest of all was, as we walked through quietly, we were surrounded by Japanese, once our enemy, but you could feel their sense of and reaction to the tragedy, was in fact so similar to ours. So many young men, on every side of WWII, all dying in their youth, because of the hubris and greed of a few men in charge. And ironically, the cherry blossoms-Sakura-finally burst forth this day, in southern Japan. Life goes on.

05/04/2024

IMO, the most extraordinary restaurant on the high seas. Pacific Rim aboard Explorer. Not only is the decor spectacular, but the staff dressed in chic grey wool sheaths provide superb service, and the cuisine from all parts of Asia can’t be described adequately, except as perhaps mouthwatering. Do not miss the lobster tempura or extra large prawns!

29/03/2024

Evening light show in Pudong Shanghai. 25 years ago this area was agriculture only. Now the new tech side of the river for the 24 million inhabitants of this incredible city. Fortunately they have not decimated the British edifices on the opposite side dating from the end of the Second O***m War in 1920. So much amazing history that I did not know until this 2 week journey aboard in northern .

26/03/2024

Dress up at the Royal Palace Seoul. This magnificent structure which encompasses many acres in the center of prime real estate, was built in the late 14th century. Before America was discovered. It was destroyed twice! Both times by Japanese invaders in 1592 and 1910. You would never know it wasn’t the original. People in traditional dress get in free and are everywhere having Kardashian moments via selfies. That part is a little discouraging but they are lovely to look at. .explores .southkorea

24/03/2024

The magical Golden Pavilion of Kyoto. Built as a retirement home for a Sh**un. A zen environment. Set afire by a deranged monk in 2011 but restored to former glory. Snowing as we arrived but suddenly blue skies and sun as we entered the compound. Good karma!
.explores

17/03/2024

In the main shopping area of Tokyo, the Ginza main drag shuts down traffic on Sunday at noon and this crazy neighborhood becomes pedestrian only. The younger generations are out in full force with strollers, dressed in the latest fashions and lining up to enter the smartest designer shops in the world. This gentleman opted for traditional kimono and umbrella to shield from the springtime rays. Tomorrow after three days of touring, we board Explorer and head south to smaller cities.

04/02/2024

Good bye for now beautiful Hawaii! Hope to see you next year!

02/02/2024

I will never get over how lucky the continental USA is, to have one state halfway to Polynesia.

01/02/2024

Many travelers have a favorite Hawaiian island. For me that is the Big Island or Hawaii. Here at 5pm looking out from Mauna Lani. Such powerful waves, Maui in the distance on a clear day, laid back vibes, and the highlands of Mauna Kea behind us. Where to stay here with our unbeatable included breakfasts and other amenities?Hard to beat maunakeahotel

21/01/2024

One of the most fun activities I have ever done in the fair city of Dublin, was a mixology class where we learned to make the perfect Make a reservation ahead of your departure at for a happy hour you won’t forget! Follow it up with a great meal Thank you 🍀

15/01/2024

Sometimes even on a small ship, you just want to squirrel away, with a good book or mag, order a special cocktail or coffee and watch the waves out of the corner of your eye. The more you cruise, the more you appreciate days at sea and the anticipation of sights still to come. Here aboard new Grandeur, I found this cozy corner at the observation deck and more wonderful corners at the beautiful library. There is never enough time!

14/01/2024

Report back from inspection cruise aboard newest luxury ship, the Grandeur. Intimate, all suites with private decks, 6 spectacular dining options, full test kitchen for cooking classes with a view of Thur ocean, superb cuisine beats out the competition, cozy little details like a sumptuous library and tables for 2 with a view. Very impressed. Thank you and for a lovely few days!

03/12/2023

Our wonderful advisor, Tony has spent the last week aboard Silversea Endeavor in Antarctica, in spectacular weather.
Enjoy his pics and remember we have two special departures in winter 2025 aboard Silversea in Antarctica. Contact Tony for info on the 15 day option, with a charter flight one way over the Drake Passage, and Sheelagh for the 22 day incorporating an 11 day extension from Ushuaia along the coast northwest through the famously beautiful Chilean fjords to Santiago.

02/12/2023

The breathtaking Lakes of Killarney. A good place to stop and stare as you begin the famous drive called The Ring of Kerry. One of the most beautiful national parks in Ireland. And weather? This was in late November. Go off season is my advice with better pricing at the beautiful country hotels and few crowds. .ie