The travel blog
Trip reports, honest reviews, and points & miles news from around the world — written after actually staying, sailing, and flying.
Cruise Ship Deployments for 2028 and 2029: Every Announcement and Release Date So Far
Every 2028 and 2029 cruise ship deployment announced so far, line by line, plus the dates when the next batches of itineraries go on sale.
MSC Sandy Cay: What To Know About MSC’s New Private Island Opening in 2028
MSC Cruises opens Sandy Cay, a second private island next to Ocean Cay, in 2028. What MSC has confirmed, what the renderings show, the Ocean Cay upgrades coming first, and whether to wait.
How to Book a Princess Cruise Through a Travel Agent (and Why It Costs Nothing Extra)
A Princess cruise costs the same whether you book it direct or through a travel agent, and the agent route usually adds onboard credit and a second set of eyes. This is how it works.
What To Know Before Sailing on Princess Cruises for the First Time
Princess is the premium line most first-time cruisers never consider, and it should be on the list. This guide covers who it suits, what the fare includes, the Medallion, and how to book it right.
Best Princess Cruises for Alaska in 2027: Ships, Homeports, and Glaciers
Princess is the biggest cruise line in Alaska, with eight ships and 85 Glacier Bay calls in 2027. This guide picks the right ship and itinerary for each kind of traveler.
Princess Plus vs Princess Premier: Is the Upgrade Worth It in 2026?
Princess Plus and Princess Premier are the two fare bundles every Princess guest has to decide on. This is the full comparison with 7-night math and my recommendation by traveler type.
Princess Cruises Sale Explained: What the Current Offer Includes
Princess runs a sale almost every month, and the terms change more than the headline does. This is what the current offer includes, what it leaves out, and how I would use it.
Carnival Jubilee Adds 4- and 5-Day Cruises from Galveston for 2028–2029: What To Know Before You Book
Carnival Jubilee will sail 4- and 5-day cruises from Galveston for the first time in 2028–2029. Hee’s every itinerary, every port, and how to book.
Celebrity Cruises Concierge Class Changes: Canapés Out, Free Room Service In
Celebrity Cruises is changing Concierge Class for sailings after September 21, 2026. Afternoon canapés are gone, room service fees are waived, and gratuities went up. What to know before you book.
First-Time Cruise Tips: 30 Things Nobody Tells You Before You Sail
30 first-time cruise tips from a travel agent who has sailed 40+ ships: what the fare really covers, when to check in, which cabins to avoid, and what sells out on embarkation day.
Carnival Rewards Is Live: 12 Things Every Cruiser Needs To Know
Carnival Rewards replaced the VIFP Club on September 1. What Gold, Platinum, and Diamond now cost in real dollars, which benefits changed, what happens to kids, and how the Mastercard speeds up status.
Virgin Voyages Alaska: A First-Timer's Guide
Sailing to Alaska with Virgin Voyages for the first time? Read this post on everything you should know about the experience!
Carnival Freedom Deck Plan Walkthrough: What’s Actually on Every Deck
A deck-by-deck Carnival Freedom deck plan walkthrough — what’s actually on all 13 decks, plus pro tips for picking cabins and finding shortcuts.
Carnival Freedom Cabins: Best Rooms, Categories, and Cabins to Avoid
Carnival Freedom cabin layout guide — every category, the best balcony rooms, and the specific cabins to avoid for noise and obstructed views.
Every Restaurant on Carnival Freedom
All Carnival Freedom restaurants ranked — every free and paid dining option, what each costs, when they’re open, and what’s actually worth your time.
The Best Cruise Lines for Families in 2026
A travel advisor and 40+ cruise veteran compares Disney, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, and MSC for families in 2026: kids clubs, price, and who each line suits.
What to Do When It Rains on a Cruise
Rain on your cruise? Here are the best indoor activities, rainy port day tips, packing advice, and refund facts so a wet day still feels great.
What NOT to Pack for a Cruise: Banned and Useless Items
A cruise YouTuber and travel advisor breaks down what NOT to pack for a cruise: banned items that get confiscated at security plus the useless gear that just wastes suitcase space.
What's Included on a Virgin Voyages Cruise (and Extras)
A travel advisor breaks down what's included on Virgin Voyages, from wifi and dining to gratuities, plus the drinks and spa perks that cost extra.
Virgin Voyages vs Royal Caribbean: Which Should You Book?
Adults-only Virgin Voyages or family-friendly Royal Caribbean? I compare what's included, cabins, food, price, and vibe to help you pick.