Introduction
LETTER from the CREATIVE DIRECTOR
and travel that spans from the massive state of Alaska, which was once a Russian settlement, to the brightly painted Dutch- style buildings in Curaçao. Within these pages, you will find a glittering collage of travel essays and articles that reveal the origins of names, places and beloved traditions, some of which are familiar and some that are far from ordinary. For instance, did you know that Denali National Park and Preserve has had several name changes since 1896, but that to Alaska’s indigenous Athabascan people, Denali has always been Denali? Read about the storied past of Key West and its iconic lighthouse. Learn about how the sport of cricket is king in the West Indies and discover some of the magnificent stadiums dotting island nations from Barbados to Trinidad and Tobago. Coinciding with the return of our ships to sea, New York’s theater district once again opened its doors, and being a native New Yorker, I couldn’t resist including an article that explored the history of Broadway. The Great White Way is a cultural institution that’s renowned around the world, yet only exists within a 12-block stretch in midtown Manhattan. In the Caribbean, a plate of traditional home-cooked food can teach volumes more than any history book, which is why
I’ve included a fascinating article about the confluence of cultural influences on the regional cuisine. Across the Atlantic, in Bermuda, the moon gate tells a hopeful story about the people that call the island home. Also worth noting is an article about the American obsession with pumpkins. As my personal favorite fall flavor, I was surprised to learn that in colonial America, this autumnal staple was a “food of last resort.” If only these settlers could see the line at the local coffee shop today. With your pumpkin latte in hand, I hope you enjoy not only reading about these extraordinary destinations across North America, but also appreciating the history of these storied places. Perhaps you will be inspired to make your own mark, like being among the very first guests to sail aboard our newest ship, Seven Seas Grandeur ™, arriving in 2023. I can’t wait to join you on that history-making endeavor.
There is something about history that I think everyone can appreciate — even those of us who snoozed through the subject at school — and I believe that travel is the best way to experience and learn about our past. It’s magical to stand in the exact location of a decisive battle, climb atop the ruins of an ancient temple and savor the influences of different cultures through the cuisine of another country. I believe these experiences help us better understand our past and connect us to those who lived before us and, if we allow it, to each other today. North America may not be your first thought when seeking to explore the marvels of the past, but the more I travel throughout this region, the more I find myself enveloped in a living history. In this issue of Explore Magazine, I set out to highlight the intersection of history
Warmly,
Janice Davidson Vice President, Creative & Brand Experience Regent Seven Seas Cruises ®
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