On Friday, October 10th, at 7:00 PM, the Old Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York opened its doors to the Military Office of the Italian Permanent Mission to the United Nations for an event rich in symbolism and cultural significance: the Concert for Peace, performed by the Federiciana Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Benedetto Grillo.

The initiative marked an important moment in the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of Italy’s admission to the United Nations, offering a reflection on the country’s enduring contribution to peace and international cooperation.

The concert was organized by the Office of the Military Adviser to the Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations, in the presence of General Alfonso Manzo, General of the Carabinieri, Defense Attaché and Military Adviser to the Mission.

Inside the Old Saint Patrick’s Cathedral — made available thanks to the generous support of Father Luigi Portarulo, parish priest and reference figure for the Italian community in New York — music became a bridge of dialogue and solidarity. The Federiciana Symphony Orchestra, arriving from Bisceglie in southern Italy’s Puglia region, presented a program that intertwined historical memory and hope for the future, in a time when the pursuit of peace feels particularly urgent.

Renowned for bringing together young talents and established musicians, and for its commitment to cultural projects promoting diplomacy and inclusion, the orchestra — under Maestro Grillo’s direction — offered the audience a performance that was both artistic and civic in spirit.

The program ranged from Pablo Casals’ To the United Nations to Ennio Morricone’s Once Upon a Time in America, including timeless pieces such as Rossini’s L’Italiana in Algeri, Bellini’s Norma, Verdi’s La Vergine degli Angeli, and Toselli’s Serenata Sentimentale. There were also moments of deep spirituality with Monsignor Marco Frisina’s Pacem in Terris, and nods to Italian popular tradition with Mamma by Bixio Cherubini. The evening closed with the moving What a Wonderful World by George David Weiss — a symbolic hymn to hope and universal brotherhood.

“In a time marked by conflicts and divisions, music reminds us that harmony is not only an aesthetic condition but an ethical and civil choice. This concert is both a tribute to peace and a renewed commitment by Italy to dialogue and international solidarity,” said General Alfonso Manzo.

Through the Concert for Peace, Italy reaffirmed its role in international cultural diplomacy, showing how art and politics can work together to promote harmony and cooperation. The evening brought together representatives from numerous UN member states, a reminder that culture remains one of the most powerful and universal languages to unite peoples and perspectives across the world.

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A new chapter unfolds in the story of luxury: the one written by Orient Express. The legendary brand, which since 1883 has transformed travel into a timeless aesthetic experience, is now undergoing an extraordinary expansion. On Monday, June 2nd, at the historic Academy Mansion—an elegant period residence located between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue, in the heart of Manhattan’s Upper East Side, New York City—Orient Express unveiled its latest visions and achievements to the international public. The exclusive presentation was attended by Gilda Perez-Alvarado, CEO of the brand, and Philippe Hetland Brault, President of Orient Express Silenseas, underscoring the strategic importance of the new sailing yacht fleet project.

During the event, through immersive projections and storytelling, some of the brand’s most ambitious projects were revealed, including the inauguration of the first luxury train designed and built entirely in Italy; the opening of bookings for the first Orient Express sailing yacht fleet; and the debut of a culinary experience by Gigi Rigolatto on Rome’s most enchanting terrace.

La Dolce Vita Orient Express: the first Made in Italy luxury train
Among the most significant new ventures by Orient Express stands La Dolce Vita Orient Express, the first luxury train entirely designed and built in Italy, born from the collaboration between Arsenale S.p.A. and Orient Express, with support from Fondazione FS Italiane and FS Treni Turistici Italiani of the FS Group. The train officially debuted on April 3rd at Roma Ostiense station, where the exclusive Orient Express Lounge for travelers was also inaugurated.

Key figures present at the inauguration included Paolo Barletta (CEO of Arsenale), Gilda Perez-Alvarado (CEO of Orient Express), Luigi Cantamessa (General Director of Fondazione FS and CEO of FS Treni Turistici Italiani), along with ministers Daniela Santanchè (Tourism) and Adolfo Urso (Enterprises and Made in Italy), and Rome’s Councillor Alessandro Onorato.

The train features 31 cabins—including 12 deluxe, 18 suites, and the prestigious Suite La Dolce Vita—and underwent a meticulous restoration and redesign. Interiors, curated by Dimorestudio, pay homage to the eclectic aesthetics and cultural vibrancy of 1960s Italy, evoking the iconic atmosphere of Fellini’s films. The eight itineraries span 14 Italian regions, from Venice to Portofino, Siena to the Sassi of Matera, the vineyards of Montalcino to the truffle routes near Nizza Monferrato, and Sicily’s Catania, Palermo, and Taormina.

Onboard, the culinary experience is crafted by three-Michelin-star chef Heinz Beck, who offers menus inspired by the local gastronomic excellence of each destination. This initiative aims to revive luxury rail tourism, celebrating Italy’s identity and creativity through art, landscape, and cuisine.

Rome, the heart of expansion: the world’s first Orient Express hotel, La Minerva
Orient Express’s expansion begins in Rome. Steps from the Pantheon, within an elegant 17th-century palace overlooking Piazza della Minerva, stands La Minerva—the world’s first Orient Express hotel, soon to be followed by “Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli” in Venice.

Inaugurated on Monday, April 7th, in the presence of Rome’s Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, Councillor for Major Events, Tourism and Sports Alessandro Onorato, Arsenale Group CEO Paolo Barletta, Gilda Perez-Alvarado, CEO of Orient Express, and Nicola Bulgari of Annabel Holding, the exclusive hotel is located in the heart of the Eternal City, within walking distance of its most famous monuments.

Masterfully restored by architect and artist Hugo Toro—renowned for transforming historic architectural gems into contemporary works—La Minerva blends Roman heritage with modern aesthetics, offering an authentic and refined experience. The hotel has 93 rooms, ranging from 25 to 235 square meters, including 36 suites unique in design and size, among them the Stendhal Suite, dedicated to the French writer who was one of the hotel’s most famous guests.

Each room recalls the golden age of travel with details inspired by the legendary Orient Express carriages, including custom trunks, fine woods, and fabrics by Rivolta Carmignani. Corridors and common areas evoke the luxury train’s elegance, while careful attention to textures, colors, and lighting creates a unique atmosphere—an enchanting corner where every space pays tribute to literary and cosmopolitan Rome.

“Orient Express’s expansion marks a fundamental strategic step in our vision to redefine global luxury travel. By blending the brand’s historic heritage with cutting-edge hospitality and sustainability innovations, we are creating an exclusive ecosystem. Our goal is to offer authentic, unforgettable experiences, positioning Orient Express as a benchmark in the world’s most prestigious destinations, inviting travelers to discover hidden beauty in every corner of the globe,” said Gilda Perez-Alvarado, CEO of Orient Express.

Adding to the hotel’s unforgettable experience is the opening of the Gigi Rigolatto restaurant on its terrace, already a reference point for the international elite between Paris, Dubai, and Saint-Tropez, conceived by Rikas Hospitality Group and Paris Society. This is no ordinary restaurant—the concept is “an Italian sky-view residence,” celebrating convivial elegance, refined cuisine, and breathtaking views.

Scheduled to open by year-end, Mimi Kakushi, a prestigious restaurant that immerses guests in the atmosphere of 1920s Osaka, will offer a fusion culinary experience blending traditional Eastern flavors with refined Western elements.

La Minerva offers five event spaces:

• Sala Olimpo (165 sqm), enriched by eleven marble sculptures by Rinaldo Rinaldi.
• Sala Rinaldi (54 sqm), inspired by the interiors of vintage Orient Express carriages.
• Sala Alfieri (28 sqm), a secluded retreat for exclusive meetings.
• Sala Bernini (26 sqm), discreet and uniquely finished.
• La Galleria (75 sqm), adjacent to La Minerva Bar on the ground floor, with ceilings recalling the Pantheon’s great dome.

The journey continues by sea: Orient Express Sailing Yachts
The story of luxury does not end on land. With the Orient Express Silenseas project, the brand announces the imminent arrival of Orient Express Corinthian—the world’s largest sailing yacht—set to sail the seas from summer 2026, followed by Orient Express Olympian (2027).

Measuring 220 meters long and featuring 54 suites ranging from 45 to 230 square meters, the vessel redefines luxury, offering spacious, meticulously designed areas that reinterpret the golden age of travel. The yacht’s artistic director, architect Maxime d’Angeac, has infused the design with timeless elegance.

The onboard culinary offer is curated by multiple Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno, overseeing various restaurants, lounges, and bars, including a refined Art Deco-style speakeasy and entertainment spaces such as a 115-seat cabaret, a state-of-the-art recording studio, two swimming pools, and a private marina.

“With Orient Express Silenseas, we are ushering in a new era of luxury travel, where past elegance meets sustainable innovation for the future. It is an honor to lead this extraordinary journey that celebrates the art of travel and the excellence of French savoir-faire,” stated Philippe Hetland Brault, President of Orient Express Silenseas.

Following a 35-port itinerary focused on discovery throughout the Mediterranean and Adriatic—featuring stops in Monte Carlo, Saint-Tropez, Portofino, Portoferraio (Napoleon’s secret refuge), Saint-Florent, and Lerici—reservations are now open.

At each stop, Orient Express Corinthian offers unique experiences evoking the routes of European romance, linked to local culture, history, and craftsmanship. From exclusive visits to the Pompeii archaeological site to private dinners on the Peggy Guggenheim Museum terrace in Venice, to the thrill of driving a race car on the famous Paul Ricard Circuit.

Artisans of travel
During the New York event, Gilda Perez-Alvarado captured the essence of the Orient Express vision with a simple, evocative phrase: “We are artisans of travel.” Every brand experience is conceived as a tailor-made masterpiece, a sensory and cultural story built around time, beauty, and memory. Whether a Roman suite or a sea voyage, attention to detail, aesthetic harmony, and service excellence are the constant ingredients of this new concept of luxury.

The expansion of Orient Express is not just growth—it is a new form of nomadic elegance. A way of traveling that looks to the past to imagine the future. An invitation to be guided by those who have always aimed to make every departure a signature experience.

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A leading voice in Italy’s theme park scene and the country’s first creator to specialize in amusement park storytelling, Efrem Lamesta has built a loyal following by decoding the magic behind global attractions. In this interview, he takes us aboard Disney’s latest ship, the Disney Destiny, for a Caribbean voyage through the Bahamas and the brand’s exclusive private islands offering a rare insider’s perspective on how Disney reimagines its signature experience at sea.

What makes a Disney Caribbean cruise different from a classic theme park experience?

The biggest difference is the pace. Visiting a Disney park is incredible, but it’s also physically demanding. You spend the entire day walking, moving quickly from one attraction to another and constantly being surrounded by stimulation.

On a Disney cruise the experience is much more relaxed. You still have the magic of the Disney characters, stories and atmosphere, but everything happens at a slower and more enjoyable rhythm.

What does a typical day on board look like?

My days usually start very early, around 6 a.m., because I love watching the sunrise from the deck while the ship is slowly waking up. Breakfast begins around 7 and lasts a couple of hours. After that, the day depends on whether the ship is docked at an island or sailing.

On port days you can go ashore and explore the destination or visit Disney’s private islands in the Bahamas and the Caribbean. On sea days there’s a full program of activities on board.

There are Broadway-level theatrical shows, pools, sports activities, cinemas, food stands around the ship, trivia games, comedy shows and bars. The experience is designed so that you can either relax all day or fill every hour with activities.

How do activities work on board?

Most activities are included for all passengers. Some extras, like drinks at bars or certain specialty dining options, are not included in the cruise price. Excursions on external islands can also have additional costs, but in many cases simply enjoying Disney’s private islands is already more than enough.

What was the most surreal moment you experienced on board?

One of the most unforgettable moments was seeing Captain Jack Sparrow appear at the top of the ship, slide down dramatically and arrive on the main stage.

From there he started performing the famous pirate song *“Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me)”* together with a rock band, ending the performance with fireworks in the middle of the ocean.

Moments like that perfectly capture what makes Disney experiences special: the incredible attention to detail and the ability to create something truly unique.

The cruise is not exactly cheap. Is it fair to keep that level of exclusivity?

It’s true that Disney cruises tend to be more expensive than other cruise options. However, in my experience the price is largely proportional to the quality of what you receive.

You often hear about cruises at similar prices that suffer from poor organization, lower-quality food or less attention to cleanliness and service. On a Disney cruise you know that everything is managed extremely well. Sometimes it might require saving a little longer, but once you’re there the experience is consistently excellent.

Is it one of those experiences worth doing at least once in a lifetime?

I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s something everyone must do at least once in their life, but I would definitely recommend it. It’s the kind of experience that stays with you and becomes a story you’ll remember and tell for years.

Is there a specific target audience?

If you love Disney, the experience can work for almost anyone. Families are obviously a big part of the audience, but the cruise is designed so that adults, couples and groups of friends can enjoy it as well. One of the strengths of Disney Cruise Line is the way activities and spaces are organized by age group.

Kids have dedicated themed areas with high-level entertainment, including experiences inspired by worlds like Star Wars or Marvel. This also allows parents to relax knowing their children are having fun in a safe and structured environment.

Your favorite attraction on the ship?

One of my favorites is the water roller coaster on board. It’s essentially a water slide that behaves like a roller coaster, wrapping around parts of the ship and offering incredible views.

And I have to mention the food as well: it’s highly themed, varied and consistently high quality.

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