Sail Into the New Year

Megan McGaha — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 14:38:17 +0000

After more than a year without travel, it’s time to get your next trip on the books. But what if you don’t know where to begin planning or can’t decide where to go? Celebrity Cruises is your answer. With multiple itineraries to choose from for each destination, their offerings have something for every traveler. And not to mention drinks, Wi-Fi, and tips are always included with any trip, anywhere you go. To learn more about their cruises, we talked to the team at Celebrity Cruises to get the details on the many getaway options.

The Great Frontier: Alaska

Made for the adventurer or nature enthusiast, Celebrity Cruises’ Alaska sailings are filled with natural wonders, remarkable wildlife, and rich history. Choose from 15 itineraries, ranging from nine to 13 nights, and see hundreds of miles of untouched beauty. North- and south-bound sailings feature glimpses of glaciers such as the Hubbard and Dawes—just two of Alaska’s 100,000 glaciers.

Extend your vacation and travel to the mainland with Celebrity Cruisetours—featuring a five-star motorcoach and railway—to see all the beauty Alaska has to offer and for a more immersive cultural experience. By combining the sea and land tours, you can hike Denali National Park, traverse through the tundra, and encounter rare wildlife. Not only known for its nature, Alaska also boasts one-of-a-kind fine dining, art galleries, and other urban features.

Sailings depart from Seattle, Washington, Seward, Alaska, and Vancouver, British Columbia. All Alaska sailing ships include high-end restaurants, shops, cocktail and wine bars, kid-friendly activities, and, of course, impeccable service. Customize your experience and explore Alaska by sea, land, or both.

Coast to the Caribbean

The options seem endless when planning your vacation to paradise. Choose from Celebrity Cruises’ 136 unique itineraries with port stops throughout the entire Caribbean—which encompasses about 100 must-visit islands. Whether you’re a parent wanting to plan a trip for the family, beach bum looking to catch some sun, history buff wanting to experience a rich culture, or foodie craving vibrant cuisine, each tropical destination is home to all.

Caribbean beaches are some of the best in the world and every one has its own special personality. Spend some time on land to experience the different cultures of each port. You can personalize your trip with shore excursions to explore heritage sites, dive or snorkel coral reefs, horseback ride on the beach, or hike through waterfalls, rainforests, and caves. Plus, the seafood, coffee, and chocolate are exceptional for post-excursion fuel. No matter where you dock, the Caribbean spirit is a marvel not to miss.

Regional destinations include the Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean, Southern Caribbean, Costa Rica, Mexico, Florida, Virgin and US Virgin Islands, ABC Islands, Puerto Rico, and Central America with options from three to 12-night stays. Depending on the itinerary, ships depart from Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, and Miami. If you’re looking for a closer departure, Bermuda sailings leave from port in Bayonne, New Jersey–just a three-hour drive from Baltimore. While aboard a Celebrity Cruise Ship, enjoy unmatched restaurants, bars, shops, theaters, and outdoor decks with gardens and sports courts.

A European Adventure Awaits

From the Baltic to Mediterranean seas, Celebrity Cruises has a port throughout Europe ready for you. Unique on-shore excursions throughout some of the most iconic cities are available in each landing. Immerse yourself in the incredible regions of Scandinavia, British Isles, or the Mediterranean—all with Old World history intertwined with new experiences ready to be discovered.

Exciting things are coming in 2022. Celebrity Cruises is launching a new ship, the Celebrity Beyond℠, this spring. Featuring a flawless resort deck with outdoor gardens, an adults-only Solarium pool, and a main pool, the onboard activities have fun for the whole family. Your trip wouldn’t be complete without top-notch entertainment so the Celebrity Beyond℠ boasts a theatre and casino. Plus, five-star dining at The Eden and an unparalleled floating-bar experience at The Magic Carpet will keep you fueled for more fun.

Like all Celebrity Cruises, high-end amenities like elegant dining, aperitif lounges, and activities for kids and adults are available while on board other ships. View all of Celebrity Cruises’ European adventures and learn more about the 162 specially curated itineraries, here. Don’t miss out on experiencing untouched natural wonders and historic monuments.

With new journeys awaiting you all over the world, where will you choose to travel next? Celebrity Cruises is your personal travel agent and guide wrapped into one. Their services offer easy and convenient travel planning that will make your trip nothing short of spectacular. All vessels guarantee fun for all ages like Camp at Sea for kids or casinos for adults. Book your trip early to lock in your preferred date and cabin type before space runs out. Plus, in the height of wave season, you’re sure to find the perfect deals and specials to make your next vacation extraordinary and your New Year’s resolution come true.

Putting your safety first, Celebrity Cruises is taking precautions to ensure all guest experiences are exceptional and safe. From enhanced cleaning protocols to fresh air filtration systems, they’re taking the extra step so you can “Cruise with Confidence.” Review their Healthy at Sea initiative to learn more.

Source

Review: Café Fili

Jess Mayhugh — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 08:30:00 +0000

Of all the dining trends sweeping the nation, the fast-casual restaurant might be the most prolific. Ranging from big chains to mom-and-pop businesses, these counter-service eateries cater to those on the go, but they’re not your typical junk-food joints. Instead, they combine the speed of their fast-food forefathers with the hospitality and quality of a sit-down restaurant.

To wit: Mt.Vernon’s Café Fili runs as efficiently as any Chipotle or Shake Shack. Guests enter the former Milk & Honey space, with its sky-high windows and modern finishes, and are greeted by the blue glow of digital menus and a smiling staff waiting behind a marble bar.

But aside from the lightning-fast service and iPad registers, this Mediterranean café is a personable gathering space with a neighborhood vibe. On a recent lunch visit, the place was packed, bustling with friends and colleagues who stopped in for quick meetings or long lunches over marinated olives and baba ghanouj.

After 20 years at the successful Café Olé in Washington D.C., owner Ziad Maalouf has learned a thing or two about crowd-pleasing food. His menu’s influences traverse the globe—from Israel to Italy—and each simple yet flavorful dish is prepared with a home-cooking level of care. In whichever country you land, this rustic fare is meant for sharing—and eating with your hands. Silverware is hardly necessary for the cornucopia of cold and hot mezze options, served with crispy seasoned pita chips that are reason enough to visit.

As the litmus test of any good Mediterranean meal, the hummus is a must, especially the silky pesto version or the “special,” topped with succulent shaved lamb, toasted pine nuts, and a touch of smoky harissa. Whether your mission is breakfast, lunch, or dinner, paninis are the star. Served warm on Iranian barbari flatbread with a sprinkling of sesame, these crunchy comforts are big enough to split, but you’ll likely want your own.

The Cheesy Piggie was an unexpected delight, stuffed with a mouthwatering medley of pulled pork, Gruyère, Brussels sprout slaw, and a brilliant harissa-bacon jam. The French Riviera, a sort of vegetarian gyro packed with wild mushrooms, caramelized onions, and goat cheese, never left us wanting for meat.

A small market also offers charcuterie and booze for the road. Just be sure to grab a dessert from the glass case on the way out. Maalouf keeps his confections’ source a secret, but it hardly matters after buttery bites of baklava and tangy spoonfuls of key lime tart. But with a full bar, cozy booth seating, and wide views of the city street, you’ll want to slow down—finally—and stay awhile.

›› CAFÉ FILI 816 Cathedral St., 410-244-1600. Sun.-Wed. 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Thurs.-Sat. 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

Source

Mediterranean – Baltimore Magazine

Sail Into the New Year

Review: Café Fili