The travel blog
Trip reports, honest reviews, and points & miles news from around the world — written after actually staying, sailing, and flying.
Palo Dinner Goes À La Carte on Disney Cruise Line: What To Know Before You Book
Disney Cruise Line is changing Palo- and some elites aren’t happy!
Disney Cruise Line Is Testing Wristbands Instead of Key to the World Cards on Disney Treasure
Disney Cruise Line is testing wristbands in place of Key to the World cards on the October 10th Disney Treasure sailing, and I board the ship the day the test ends!
Disney Believe Reveal: First Sailings, Booking Dates and My Reaction
The Disney Believe sails December 18, 2027 from Port Everglades. First sailings, booking dates, every venue announced so far and where the reveal fell short.
When Is the Best Time To Book a Cruise?
Book early on a refundable deposit, then use Black Friday and wave season to reprice. A travel agent's guide to every cruise booking window.
Black Friday Cruise Deals: What To Expect and How To Shop Them
Black Friday 2026 is November 27. Here is what cruise lines offered last year and how to judge whether a sale price beats what you would pay otherwise.
Cruise Wave Season Explained: When It Is and Whether the Deals Are Real
Wave season runs January through March, when cruise lines launch their biggest sales. Here is what they offered in 2026 and how to tell a real saving from a relabeled one.
Cruise Price Drop After Booking: How To Get the Lower Fare
How to claim a lower fare when your cruise price drops after booking, including Royal Caribbean's Best Price Guarantee, Carnival's Early Saver price protection, and what changes after final payment.
Cruise Deposits and Final Payment Dates by Cruise Line
Deposit amounts and final payment dates for Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney, Norwegian, Celebrity, MSC, Princess, Holland America, and Virgin Voyages, plus the stricter 2026 changes to know before you book.
Cruise Cancellation Policies by Cruise Line
The penalty schedules for Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney, Norwegian, Celebrity, MSC, Princess, Holland America, and Virgin Voyages, including the stricter rules several lines introduced in fall 2026.
Alaska Cruise Packing List: What To Bring by Month
What to pack for an Alaska cruise in May, June, July, August, or September, based on the actual climate numbers for Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway.
Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival: Which Cruise Line To Book
Royal Caribbean costs more and gives you bigger ships, bigger shows, and CocoCay. Carnival costs less and keeps the trip social and simple, so the right pick depends on what your group values.
Royal Caribbean vs. Disney Cruise Line: Which Is Better for Your Family
Disney wins for young kids who love characters and rotational dining. Royal Caribbean wins for tweens, teens, and big groups who want water parks, thrills, and a lower fare.
Royal Caribbean vs. Norwegian Cruise Line: Which To Book
Royal Caribbean wins on attractions, families, and CocoCay. Norwegian wins on flexible dining and its Free at Sea bundle, which suits couples and adult groups.
Carnival vs. MSC Cruises: Which Budget-Friendly Line To Book
Carnival and MSC both sell big ships at value fares, but they feel very different on board. Here is how I help clients choose between them.
Celebrity Cruises vs. Princess Cruises: Which Premium Line To Book
Celebrity and Princess are both premium lines, but they differ on ships, bundled fares, gratuities, Alaska, and suites. This is how I help clients pick.
Icon vs. Star vs. Legend vs. Hero of the Seas: Royal Caribbean's Icon Class Compared
Royal Caribbean's four Icon class ships share one layout but differ by homeport, Broadway show, and a few new venues. This guide shows how to choose between them.
Is The Key Worth It on Royal Caribbean?
The Key bundles priority boarding, reserved show seats, and VOOM Wi-Fi for regular staterooms. I walk through the per-person math and who should skip it.
Is the Royal Caribbean Unlimited Dining Package Worth It?
The Unlimited Dining Package pays off at about five or six specialty dinners on a 7-night cruise. I break down what it covers, what costs extra, and how to run the numbers.
Is Carnival Faster to the Fun Worth It?
Carnival Faster to the Fun is priced per stateroom, so it is a strong buy for families in one cabin and a weak one for couples on short sailings. Here is what it includes and who already gets it.
Royal Caribbean Star Class and the Royal Suite Class Explained
Star Class includes a Royal Genie, drinks, dining, Wi-Fi, and gratuities, while Sky and Sea Class include far less. I compare the three tiers and run the break-even math.
