Bon Voyage

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By the time you read this, my friend Stefan and I will be hitting the high seas.  After this awful winter, I don't have to tell you how excited I am to get away to warmer weather.  Thank you to everyone who sent me recommendations for Miami and Nassau.  If you want to follow our adventures in real time, you can always check me out on Twitter. But don't think I've left you high and dry.  I have written lots of fun posts that will upload while I am away.   Bon voyage!

Photos by Pamela Hanson

Ralph Lauren at Sea

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The most stunning space on the Marina was the Owner's Suite on the back of Deck 9.  It was decorated by Susan Bednar Long of S.B. Long Interiors in collaboration with Ralph Lauren Home.  It looked like the interior of an elegant yacht but was also comfortable and cozy.  The bedroom was one of the rooms that had to adapt to the rules regarding flammable materials.  Susan originally wanted to upholster the walls in a heathered grey cashmere but had to find an alternative material.  The new ultra suede looks great nonetheless.  Owner Frank Del Rio and his wife were always out and about on the ship but if I had a suite this nice, I might never leave!

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

Graceful Sailing

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I don't know if I am going to look as chic as Grace Kelly on my cruise but I sure am going to try!  On April 4, 1956, Grace along with 50 members of her family, friends and bridesmaids, 84 pieces of luggage, and her poodle boarded the SS Constitution on route to France and her new life as a princess. She was seen off by thousands including hundreds of members of the press.  The trip across the Atlantic took eight days and she passed the time playing charades, shuffleboard and walking her dogs on deck. When they arrived in Monaco, the ship had to anchor just outside of the harbor and Prince Rainier's yacht the “Avante II” was sent out to the ship to bring Grace ashore.  The rest as they say, is history.  But more importantly, does anyone have a poodle I can borrow?