RETHINKING THE
RIVER CRUISE
AMERICAN SONG
Most cruise-centric
riverboats in the U.S.
evoke the style of the steam
age, replete with paddle wheels
and nostalgic furnishings. Not
so with the American Song,
which made its first voyage in
October. Although its interior
amenities are fairly standard
for cruises—think glass atria, a
putting green and an exercise
room—its exterior is sleek and
glassy, putting it more in line
with the au courant vessels that
have helped popularize riverboat
cruising in Europe.
—Wilder DaviesAN IMPOSSIBLE
SPACE
THE OTHER PLACE
Guilin, China
Floating archways,
staircases suspended
over the floor and doors that
open to nowhere—these are all
features designed to help visi-
tors get lost within the “Dream”
and “Maze” rooms in the Other
Place, a new boutique hotel in
Guilin, China. Both of these two-
bedroom suites were designed
to pay homage to the work of
the 20th century Dutch artist
M.C. Escher, famous for his
artistic explorations of infinity
and “impossible spaces.”
—Hillary LeungSMALL BUT
MIGHTY
LIECHTENSTEIN TRAIL
The tiny principality of
Liechtenstein often goes
overlooked by travelers with
busy European itineraries, but
this may be about to change. In
May, in honor of its tricentennial,
the country debuted the
Liechtenstein Trail: a nearly
47-mile trek that winds its way
through town squares and alpine
hillsides, linking the country
together and visiting many of
its most iconic sights, including
Vaduz Castle, the fabled
12th century fortress.
—Cate Matthews(C)
(^) DI
SN
EY