The Magic of the Season and the Magic of Cruising

The holidays give us the joys of reflection and gratitude. It’s been an incredible year of World’s Greatest Cruises as we wrap up a calendar year and anticipate wrapping up a production year to deliver the next Season of the series to PBS stations from coast to coast in 2026.

What a privilege it’s been to cruise, film and experience river and ocean cruises during Tulip Time in the Netherlands, through four countries in Central Europe on the Danube River, meet global icon winemakers on the rivers and waterways of Bordeaux, France, immerse ourselves in French Riviera lifestyle, try a new kind of expedition cruising- epicurean! – in Portugal, Spain and the north of France, get off the beaten path in the islands, and celebrate the ancient traditions of christening a new ship as she sets sail on her maiden voyage in the Caribbean.

No matter how many cruises I have the pleasure of experiencing, the wonder of cruising never leaves me: I feel just as elated on sailaway day as the first time I sailed; I marvel at the cruising traditions that link us to our seafaring ancestors and the lands and peoples who developed by and in tune with the water, and I search ceaselessly for people and stories that inspire.

I also reflect how grateful I am to viewers and supporters like you who make it all possible, and wish you all the wonders of the season, however you mark the transition from the darkest days of winter to the hopes of a new year ahead.

I've just made my final cruise of the year, in the company of a group of PBS viewers of World's Greatest Cruises, and it reinforced the joy of sharing travel with long-time friends and new ones, too. After all, as they say:

“A stranger is a friend you've never met.”

I look forward to sharing more cruise memories with you, meeting more viewers who share that curiosity and love of life through travel, and to never letting the flame of inspiration, curiosity, wonder and gratitude dim.

From all of our team to all of you,

Wishing you the very best of the season!