This invigorating vibrancy and Frisco flair is seeping into Gap Inc. as we know it today. The clothes, whether they’re from Posen’s elevated Gap Studio or cheerful Old Navy, are tailored yet relaxed and effortless, and sometimes boast searing saturations. He brings up a flamboyant striped chunky turtleneck sweater from 2001 and says that he is releasing his own Zac-ified reissue. There was also that fantastical ROYGBIV addict Christopher John Rogers x Old Navy collection this past April. And when Posen worked on his first Met Gala as the brand’s creative director, with actor Da’Vine Joy Randolph in 2024, he designed her a denim gown in crisp light and dark blues, inspired, he says, by the coloration of San Francisco Bay. (This year he dressed Kendall Jenner in a winged twist on the classic Gap white tee.)

Whether on the street or at the office, Posen is excited by the unbridled sartorial creativity in San Francisco, from the loud to the demure. Yes, there are sometimes public displays of nudity, which he sweetly describes as “very eccentric people that proudly exist in their full freak-flag regalia.” But he notes that “there’s also a general California casual, laid-back elegance—a kind of Western minimalism” to San Francisco style. He describes going to the opera and wondering what people’s outfits are: “Is it Ann Demeulemeester? Is it Yohji? Rick? There is this understated quality of a double-faced boiled wool or the clean white ease of the perfect T-shirt. [But] I would never call it quiet because [San Franciscans] are not quiet people.”

As for Posen’s personal style evolution by way of SF: “I’ve never worn more linen in my life!” What more could you expect from a Gap guy in the easy, breezy City by the Bay?

This article appeared in the July/August 2026 issue of Condé Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here.

The ports of New York City and New Jersey are gateways to the world. Leave soaring skyscrapers and busy streets behind for tropical beaches, rugged Arctic landscapes, charming European streets, the Panama Canal, or an around-the-world adventure.

You can cruise to just about anywhere from New York City. Norwegian Cruise Line, Crystal Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Viking, Virgin Voyages, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania Cruises, and Holland America sail from midtown Manhattan, steps away from Times Square and Broadway’s iconic theaters. Princess and Cunard sail from a cruise terminal in Brooklyn that’s just a couple of miles from the Brooklyn Bridge and a short walk from Brooklyn Heights Promenade, where you’ll find one of the best views of the Manhattan skyline. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity sail from New Jersey, making it easy to catch a postcard view of the Statue of Liberty en route to your dream vacation.

New York City is home to the oldest cruise port in the US, and there are few better places to experience a pre-cruise city break. Catch a show before boarding your ship. Head to the top of the Empire State Building, One World Trade, or Rockefeller Center. Shop your heart out on Fifth Avenue, museum hop across Manhattan, eat your way across Queens, or explore Brooklyn art galleries. Depending on where you stay, you may even be able to walk to your cruise ship, and that may be the best perk of all to sailing from New York City.

Viking Cruises

Best overall cruise from NYC

Trade the soaring skyscrapers of New York City for coastal Canada, remote Greenland, and endless Icelandic summer days. This Viking itinerary makes two stops in Canada and two stops in Greenland before circumnavigating Iceland, beginning with the remote Westfjords and ending in Reykjavik. Sail the same seas as legendary Norse explorer Leif Erikkson (on a far more luxurious Viking ship) while learning about the American Revolution and Canadian exploration from the cruise line’s resident historian. Lounge by the pool, visit the spa, or look out for whales and puffins. Viking has several nearly identical ocean ships sailing this itinerary from New York—each can accommodate a maximum of 930 passengers, allowing them to dock in ports larger ships cannot access.

Virgin Voyages

Best for solo travelers

You may step onboard Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady as a solo traveler, but chances are you’ll leave with new friends. From fitness classes to creative writing sessions and unforgettable parties, Virgin Voyages journeys are designed for making new friends. Virgin Voyages sails round-trip from New York City to Bermuda, and these adults-only, five- to eight-night itineraries include two full sea days—plenty of time to experience an immersive Scarlet Night party, live music, sunset cocktails, Virgin’s highly lauded dining options, and maybe even a spin class. Cruise fares include Wi-Fi, food, nonalcoholic beverages, and fitness classes, making it easy to relax without needing to worry about anything. Best of all, cocktails on board can be ordered for around $11, including tip. Good luck finding that in Manhattan.

Filippo Ciappi/Courtesy Norwegian Aqua

Best family cruise from NYC

One thing’s for sure, no one is getting bored on board the Norwegian Aqua. One of Norwegian’s newest Prima class ships, the Aqua features the world’s first slide coaster—a thrill ride that’s a combination of water slide and roller coaster. Or go for a spin on the 10-foot drop slide, which will make you feel like the ground just slipped away underneath your feet. Prefer something a little less thrilling? There’s something for every interest on board: Grab the family for a game on the glow court, a little geography-themed mini golf, or a pickleball challenge. Catch a Fleetwood Mac tribute show or sing your heart out to Prince’s greatest hits; lounge by the pool; spend a day at the spa; and in between it all, eat your way around the world at the ship’s food hall, which includes Indian, vegetarian, pasta and barbecue spots.

Seer/Courtesy Scenic Eclipse

Best cruise from NYC for US history

This 11-night itinerary on the Scenic Eclipse is a celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Sail the Atlantic Coast on what feels like your own private yacht, visiting historic sites like Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began; Jamestown, the first English settlement in the US, and Mount Vernon, the former home of founding father George Washington. This cruise stops in Baltimore, Maryland; Yorktown, Virginia; Charleston, South Carolina; and Key West, Florida; before ending in the Bahamas. En route, dive deeper into US history with lectures from an onboard historian. Eat and drink your way across more than a dozen bars, restaurants, and lounges, one of which has a whiskey menu with more than 130 options. Or relax on your spacious veranda while a butler tends to your every need.

Best cruise from NYC to Puerto Rico

This cruise departs from Manhattan, exchanging the city’s skyscrapers for the turquoise waters and sandy beaches of the Caribbean. Sail the newly revamped Crystal Serenity, a ship that accommodates up to 740 passengers and includes almost everything—beer, wine, spirits, Wi-Fi, soft drinks, fitness classes, and specialty coffees—in cruise fares. Start your nine-night vacation onboard the Crystal Serenity with a laid-back sea day en route to Bermuda before heading to Antigua, Guadeloupe, and St. Barts before pulling into San Juan, Puerto Rico’s lively, colorful capital. Onboard, take advantage of a 3,000 square foot fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, a glamorous casino, and a supper club.

Best luxury southern Caribbean cruise from NYC

Take the long way from New York to Miami on the luxurious Oceania Vista. This 14-night cruise stops in 10 idyllic ports, including St. Lucia, Curacao, St. Kitts, and Aruba, and includes five sea days to enjoy a space that feels more like a luxurious resort than a high-end cruise ship. This is one of Oceania’s newest ships, and with capacity for just 1,200 guests, it feels manageable but will still keep you busy on sea days. Catch a comedy show or Broadway-style revue. Eat your way through a dozen dining venues, or lounge around your cabin, taking in endless ocean views. Worried you’ll feel cramped? Don’t be. Staterooms start at 240 square feet; the largest suites on board the Oceania Vista are around 2,400 square feet.

The Celebrity Silhouette

Michel Verdure/Celebrity Silhouette

Best cruise to Iceland from NYC

Iceland and Greenland are two bucket-list travel destinations that are hard to reach and pricey. Fret not: The Celebrity Silhouette makes the journey accessible and affordable. This cruise sails from Cape Liberty, New Jersey, stopping in charming Eastern Canadian towns, a town in Greenland, and three fascinating Icelandic destinations. Wander the colorful streets of Reykjavik, look for whales or puffins in Isafjordur, or seek out waterfalls, lava fields, and fjords from Akureyri. Prices start at around $5,500 per person for 13 nights, not including alcohol or Wi-Fi. The ship has space for about 2,900 passengers. On board, there’s a spa, fitness center, casino, and kids camp. Many of the ship’s cabins have balconies perfect for taking in glacier views.

Best Panama Canal cruise from NYC

For those with vacation days to burn (or retirement plans in sight), spend 19 nights on the Viking Polaris, a luxurious expedition ship that largely splits its time between the Great Lakes and Antarctica. This sailing includes a full transit of the Panama Canal—a 50-mile waterway that connects the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Transiting this engineering marvel takes between 8 and 10 hours, allowing for a close-up look at the lock system that lifts and lowers ships to help them pass through the artificial waterway. Expert guides will walk you through the mechanics and help you recognize the geographical features and wildlife you pass along the way. This ship accommodates just under 380 passengers, making it cozy enough to make new friends but spacious enough not to feel crowded. There are four restaurants onboard as well as a fitness center and Nordic spa that’s free to access. This itinerary also visits the Bahamas, Jamaica, Peru, and Chile.

Ivan Sarfatti/Explora Journeys

Best cruise from NYC to Canada

There’s no place like the eastern coast of Canada in the fall, and there’s no better way to experience it than on board an Explora Journeys ship. These family-friendly ships are perfect for leaf-peeping in luxury, whether it’s from the pool deck, outdoor gym, or your spacious private balcony. Every cabin on board this ship is a suite, and even the smallest suites are larger than the average Manhattan studio. Luxury bathrooms come equipped with Dyson hairdryers, and almost everything onboard—including premium beverages, high-speed Wi-Fi, and most specialty dining—is included in your cruise fare.

STEPHEN BEAUDET/Regent Seven Seas

Best world cruise from NYC

Let New York be your literal gateway to the world with this 92-night cruise on the Seven Seas Mariner. Leave the skyscrapers and hustle and bustle of Manhattan behind as you set off toward Halifax, Casablanca, Lisbon, and beyond. This cruise visits more than 60 ports, including several of Europe’s most popular capitals. Museum-hop across Berlin. Stroll the charming Old Town of Tallinn, Estonia. Sip a Guinness in Dublin. Stroll along the River Thames in London. Soak in Iceland’s iconic Blue Lagoon. Onboard the ship, enjoy the comforts of home. Every cabin on this ship is a suite. There’s a desk, bedside USB chargers, and even a walk-in closet. Every guest is greeted with a bottle of Champagne, and it’s hard to find better service at sea.

Best transatlantic cruise from NYC

High flight prices got you down? Consider cruising from New York to Europe on this 14-night cruise onboard Odyssey of the Seas. For under $1,500, this transatlantic sailing will take you from Bayonne, New Jersey, to Rome via Malaga, Barcelona, the Azores, and the Cinque Terre. And if you’re wondering what you’re going to do with all those sea days, don’t. There’s so much to do on this ship, you’ll run out of time before you run out of options. Check out the view from the North Star glass capsule, which rises to 300 feet above sea level to show off unforgettable 360-degree views. Go roller skating. Test your bumper car skills, try out a surf simulator, play laser tag, or give yourself a taste of skydiving with the ship’s onboard skydiving simulator. Don’t worry about going hungry, either. The ship has 15 dining venues, ranging from a poolside taco joint to high-end immersive experiences.

FAQ:

Living in New York City comes with endless perks, but the one thing it always seems to be lacking is space. Quiet is a close second. So when I was searching for Airbnbs to stay in during a weekend trip to Charlottesville, Virginia, for a dear friend’s baby shower, the apartments and townhouses directly in the college town didn’t have much appeal. For that reason—and to be closer to some of the wineries my travel buddy and I wanted to visit—I expanded our search to include the wider Charlottesville area, and came across this gem of a property in Crozet, about a 35-minute drive away from the Downtown Mall.

To reach the rustic two-bedroom cottage situated on a 400-acre farm, we drove down a long, unpaved dirt road—I’ll admit, a bigger car, or one with four-wheel drive, would have been nice, but ultimately wasn’t necessary so long as we drove slowly. Upon arrival, we could just barely make out the yellow house further down the road where the host family lived—it really felt like we were on our own endless stretch of land surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. The sounds of birds chirping and cicadas buzzing were the soundtrack of the weekend; it couldn’t have been more serene.

The home has a bit of a summer camp feel to it, with a badminton net out front (rackets can be found inside, near the wood stove) and a hammock, grill, and Adirondack chairs surrounding a firepit in the back. It’s the perfect place for slow, lazy mornings soaking up nature, or sipping a cup of coffee while reading a good book on the screened-in porch. There’s an easel, canvas, and paints available for those feeling creative, and a shelf of board games and puzzles in the front hall closet. Given the remote nature of the property (the nearest general store is about a 15-minute drive away), if you plan to cook, you’ll want to stop somewhere bigger on the way in for provisions.

The host family has taken care to show off the area, with QR codes directing guests to playlists of local bluegrass music and a comprehensive guidebook with food, drink, and activity recommendations; we consulted it before heading to Pro Re Nata for pizza and live music and were not disappointed.

Whenever it’s time to refresh my capsule wardrobe with new seasonal staples or pick up a few last-minute things before a trip, I turn to Old Navy. The classic American fashion brand has been designing affordable clothing for the whole family for over 30 years. There’s a reason Old Navy is a go-to of mine and shoppers all across the country for everyday clothing, shoes, and handbags. The brand is nothing if not reliable—the styles are on-trend, the colorways and sizes available are plentiful, and the prices are hard to beat. I’ve been buying a fresh pair of Old Navy flip-flops every summer for more than two decades—with no plans of stopping.

Whether you need a breathable sundress for a tropical vacation or a matching travel set to wear on the plane, Old Navy has you covered with hundreds of cute and comfy options that won’t break the bank. And to help you save some cash on your next purchase, I’ve rounded up all the best Old Navy discounts and promo codes on offer right now. Start shopping and thank me later!

Get up to 70% off in the Old Navy summer sale

Old Navy’s summer sale is in full swing, offering online shoppers deals all across the site for up to 70% off without the need of a promo code. From everyday dresses and linen shorts to tank tops and tees, Old Navy’s sale section is your one-stop shop for summer essentials. My favorite oversized button-down is even marked down to 30% off right now. I practically lived in this thing on a recent beach trip to Kiawah Island, South Carolina, when the weather was a bit windier than expected. Scroll through the sale section to find deals on clothing for women, men, and kids. Even better, some sale items are eligible for an additional discount at checkout.

Sign up for Old Navy emails or texts and get a $10 discount

Here’s a quick way to save some money on your next purchase: Sign up for Old Navy’s email list and instantly receive a $10 signup discount. These emails will keep you updated on the latest sales and Old Navy promo codes so you never miss out. Head to Old Navy’s website to sign up for emails and unlock your exclusive discount. The $10 off promo code can be used sitewide, whether you’re shopping for new tops, dresses, or sandals.

Become an Encore credit card member and get an Old Navy promo code for 30% off

If you already love Old Navy, consider becoming a part of its membership program—with it, you’ll get rewarded every time you shop. There are a few different tiers in the program that determine your status. Core is free to join, and you earn five points for every $1 spent. The Premier tier is for shoppers who spend at least $350 annually; they’ll earn five points for every $1 spent, and gain access to an extended return window.

For the ultimate Old Navy loyalists, there’s the All-Access tier, where members earn 25 points per $1 spent, an extended return window, free shipping on orders of $35 or more, and even more perks. To be a part of the All-Access tier though, you must be an Encore credit card member. After your application is approved, members will receive a 30% off promo code to save on their next purchase.

Free shipping for Rewards members at Old Navy

There’s nothing worse when you’re online shopping than getting smacked with hefty shipping fees. Old Navy offers free shipping on all orders of $50 or more to all Rewards members, even if you’re a part of the Core tier—which is free to join. To maximize your savings, combine this free shipping perk with another active Old Navy discount code. And because there are so many stylish summer essentials worth snagging at Old Navy right now, it won’t be difficult to reach that $50 minimum needed to unlock free shipping.

When it began operations, the cruise line Virgin Voyages sought to shake up the industry with a bold vision: attract a clientele below retirement age. Its vessels would be sexy and sleek, cabins outfitted with red hammocks and decks child-free. Its first ship, Scarlet Lady, was scheduled to have its maiden voyage on April 1, 2020. Then came Covid-19, leaving their newly minted ship people-free for a time. But the cruise industry rebounded, and the Virgin fleet hit the seas in 2021 with an ebullient This Ain’t the Queen Mary 2, Bitch! ethos. There was, for example, a drag queen aboard.

For this piece, my assignment was to board a Virgin vessel, talk to passengers, and determine whether there was truth to the anecdotal observation that gay people in particular love cruising with Virgin because of its adults-only, fun-loving, drag queen-laden ethos. After all, nautical exploits on more dedicated vessels are the stuff of legend. Consider: The Atlantis Cruise; a semi-mythic floating orgy. The cruise ship that capsized in Puerto Vallarta in 2021 and launched several gay notables into the sea. I set out unsure what this sailing would bring me, and mostly found myself facing up to the passage of time in an unfamiliar environment.

A party aboard a Virgin Voyages vessel.

Virgin Voyages

The Virgin formula is this: Disrupt an industry by making it, it seems to me, 10% less formal. This 10% is not insignificant. Remember it was Virgin Atlantic that pioneered the playful airline safety video now considered industry standard; its marketing campaigns these days make a point to emphasize their inclusive nature (see the ads featuring LGBTQIA+ Virgin crew members and RuPaul’s Drag Race’s Michelle Visage). Like Sir Richard Branson himself, Virgin lets the hair grow long and undoes a few buttons while still making savvy business decisions, like a boss. The enterprise is predicated on youthful mischief. On being a rockstar.

I, an Okie, was unfamiliar with the Virgin brand until this past April, when I arrived at Long Beach, California, to embark on a five-day cruise aboard the Brilliant Lady. While boarding, a woman working security asked if I was a rockstar. “Yes?” I said. “Are you a Rockstar?” she asked again. “YES!” I said, hyping myself up. She shook her head and parlayed with our guide, who established that I was, by rights, a Rockstar—an exclusive category on the ship, denoted by a special black wristband and conferring certain perks. “Thank you,” the woman said, waving me forward. “You can go on ahead.”

Finally, that prowess has been directed to soccer. This Cup, Norway’s skill on the pitch is absolute, fierce, and overpowering, and has allowed them to defeat Iraq, Senegal (the Africa Cup of Nations champions), Ivory Coast, and Brazil, on their way to becoming quarterfinalists for the first time. (When Norway scored against the Ivory Coast, celebrations in the cities of Bergen and Oslo were so loud, seismic activity was registered. )

Haaland netted two monstrous goals in the recent Brazil game, which has in second place for the most goals scored (7) just behind France’s Kylian Mbappé (8, as of yesterday) and Argentina‘s Lionel Messi (also 8) in the race for the Golden Boot. Also in the spotlight is Martin Ødegaard (who captains both his national team and English Premier League champions, Arsenal), proving that this Golden Generation of Norwegian booters have met their moment. These are folk heroes in the making.

Fans in a league of their own

It’s not only the players who are stealing the show. Other countries may have their chants, but Norway’s fans have their now-famous Row: Fans sit down in a tight line formation and move to the beat of a drum in one synchronized motion, as if powering an imaginary Viking longboat. Whether made up of 2 or 200 people, an entire section of a stadium or a group of strangers in the middle of Times Square, the Row has become a dominant symbol of unity.

Norwegian fans do the “Viking Row” en masse in New York City’s Times Square.

Getty

Visit Norway has since dedicated an entire section of their website to The Viking Row: “When Norwegian fans sit down and row in unison, they are actually tapping into a powerful historical lifeline with a crew, rhythm, and a shared goal,” it reads.

“For centuries, life in Norway has been shaped by the sea, where rowing together required teamwork, coordination, and trust. Those values still resonate today, which is why the celebration feels instantly recognizable and meaningful,” says Dr. Caroline Malloy, Viking Resident Historian. “It is easy to learn, anyone can take part, and it crosses language and cultural barriers.”

As for making changes, Herne says that, most of the time, any issues can be addressed there and then. The exception is with color, as you may need to come back at a later date for a correction. Hillier caveats this by saying: “Before assuming the color is wrong, ask about the maintenance and how the color will evolve. Most color will soften, lighten, or settle after a few washes.” Above all, keep the conversation calm and constructive. “If you’re still unhappy, communicate that clearly and respectfully so you and your stylist or colorist can decide on the best route to navigate,” advises Hillier. “The end goal is always to make sure you love your hair, and I would much rather address your concerns than have you leave the salon disappointed.”