Editor Letter: The Art of Relaxation
Read the latest editor letter from Jennifer McKee!
The older I get, the less I want to run myself ragged on vacation. I remember in my 20s how I’d schedule every minute of a trip to maximize what I could see and do, like the episode of “Full House” in which Bob Saget’s Danny Tanner micromanaged his family’s excursions on a trip to Hawaii. It threatened to undo the very bonds it should have cemented.
Thinking about that episode today, I wonder if I’d take the same approach had I gone to Hawaii in my 20s. But I know this for sure: the 2024 me would embrace the island spirit and opt for a more relaxed vacation.
I was faced with the hectic vs. relaxed dilemma at the end of January when I sailed on the world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. The number of experiences on the schedule each day were mind boggling, and when I boarded the ship, people were already running around, trying to visit all the sites noted on a lanyard, so they could win themselves a commemorative pin or some such item. I just wanted to put my feet up in my stateroom. Lucky for me, my room came with an ocean view. Many mornings were spent with room service, and on many evenings, I was enthralled by the lulling waves from a cozy lawn chair on my balcony.
I still had more than enough time for exploration. I saw all the shows, ate at most of the restaurants, laid out on deck—frozen drink in hand—played trivia (and won), rode the carousel and listened to some great bands. I discovered the back of the ship, something every traveler must do on an ocean voyage.
And along the way, I sampled the different types of loungers available on each deck. I was a connoisseur of relaxation.
This issue, you’ll read about all the details that put Icon of the Seas at the top of its class, and we’ll introduce you to the best port cities in the U. S.—three of them are in Florida. You’ll also get a closer look at Cocoa Beach, which is just a stone’s throw from Port Canaveral.
And since knowledge is power, you’ll want to read through our Best Lawyers feature, listed alphabetically by specialty and ranked by their peers. Should you or a loved one ever need representation, it’s a comfort to know these professionals are considered the best of the best.
As you plan your Orlando vacation, don’t forget to keep relaxation in mind. Those lines at Disney will always be there, so why rush through? Stop and indulge your fancies along the way.
