The travel blog
Trip reports, honest reviews, and points & miles news from around the world — written after actually staying, sailing, and flying.
The Ultimate Alaska Cruise Guide
Everything I have written about Alaska cruises in one place, organized around the four decisions that shape the trip: route, month, cruise line, and glacier day.
Inside Passage vs. Gulf of Alaska Cruise: Which Route To Book
Roundtrip Inside Passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska: how the two Alaska cruise routes differ on glaciers, flights, cost, and Denali land tours, and which I would book.
Alaska Cruise Glaciers Compared: Glacier Bay, Hubbard, Dawes, and More
Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier are the two biggest names on an Alaska cruise. This is how they compare, along with Dawes Glacier, College Fjord, and Tracy Arm.
Alaska Cruisetours Explained: Denali, Rail, and Whether the Land Portion Is Worth It
How Alaska cruisetours from Princess, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity work, and when the land portion is worth adding.
Ocean Cay Guide: Everything To Do on MSC's Private Island
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve includes eight beaches, free lunch, and a nighttime lighthouse show on select sailings. This is what is included, what costs extra, and what MSC is adding next.
Great Stirrup Cay Guide: What To Know About Norwegian's Private Island
Norwegian's private island now has a pier, a free lagoon pool, and a paid waterpark. Here is what is included, what costs extra, and how I would plan the day.
Half Moon Cay Guide: Carnival and Holland America's Private Island
Carnival renamed Half Moon Cay to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay and opened a new pier in 2026. This guide covers what is included, what costs extra, and how I would plan the day.
Princess Cays Guide: What To Do on Princess Cruises' Private Beach
Princess Cays is a 40-acre tender beach on Eleuthera with a free barbecue and paid bungalows. Here is what to expect and which ships still call after the reported 2026 Princess itinerary changes.
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island Guide: Prices, What Is Included, and Whether It Is Worth It
Royal Caribbean's paid beach club on Paradise Island opened in December 2025. Here is what the day pass costs, what it covers, and when a day in Nassau is the better call.
Cruise Line Private Islands Ranked: Which One Is Best?
I ranked nine cruise line private destinations by pier access, inclusions, variety, crowding, and family features. Perfect Day at CocoCay comes out on top, and Labadee sits out while calls are paused.
The Best Food at Universal Orlando: What’s Actually Worth Your Money
The best food at Universal Orlando in 2026 — what to order at both original parks and CityWalk, a full butterbeer guide, real prices, and what to skip.
Universal Studios vs Islands of Adventure: Which Park Wins?
Universal Studios vs Islands of Adventure in 2026 — coasters, dark rides, both Wizarding Worlds, food, and kids’ options compared, with verdicts by traveler.
