The travel blog
Trip reports, honest reviews, and points & miles news from around the world — written after actually staying, sailing, and flying.
Margaritaville at Sea: What's Included and Is the Drink Package Worth It?
A travel advisor's honest breakdown of the Margaritaville at Sea drink package: what's included, what's not, real pricing, and how to know if it pays off for your sailing.
Is Specialty Dining Worth It on a Cruise?
What specialty restaurants cost per person, when the main dining room is enough, and how to book the best nights for less on your cruise.
How to Get Free Onboard Credit on a Cruise
Learn every legit way to stack free onboard credit on a cruise, from advisor perks to shareholder benefits, plus how to spend it before it expires.
A Beginner's Guide to Booking a Cruise
A first-time cruiser's walkthrough of the five decisions that shape your booking, plus deposits, final payment, price-drop repricing, and cancellation fine print.
How to Avoid Seasickness on a Cruise
A cruiser's practical guide to preventing seasickness: cabin choice, remedies, ginger, the horizon trick, smoother ships and itineraries, and what to do if it hits.
How Much Does a Cruise Really Cost? A Full Breakdown
The full cost of a cruise beyond the fare, with rough per-person-per-night ranges by line and a real breakdown of gratuities, drinks, wifi, excursions, dining, and travel, plus a sample budget.
What's Included on a Holland America Cruise (Extras Too)
A travel advisor breaks down what's included on a Holland America cruise, what costs extra, and whether the Have It All fare saves you money.
Holland America Ships by Size: Classes Explained
A travel advisor breaks down Holland America ship classes from Pinnacle down to the smaller ships so you can pick the right HAL cruise.
Holland America Mariner Society Explained: HAL Loyalty
A travel advisor explains the Holland America Mariner Society loyalty program, how star tiers work, the perks by level, and how to climb faster.
Holland America Gratuities Explained: How Tipping Works
A travel advisor explains Holland America crew appreciation rates, the 18% bar charge, prepaying vs onboard, and how to budget your tips.
Holland America Drink Package Guide: Is the Signature Beverage Package Worth It?
An honest look at the Holland America Signature Beverage Package. What it includes, the 15-drink limit, the math on whether it pays off, and when to skip it.
How Much Does a Holland America Cruise Cost? (Real Budget)
A travel advisor breaks down Holland America cruise costs by cabin, season, and ship, plus a real all-in budget with tips, drinks, and wifi.
Embarkation Day Tips for a Smooth Cruise Start
A travel advisor's playbook for embarkation day: arrival groups, carry-on picks, dining and spa booking, muster drill, and day-one mistakes to skip.
Eastern vs Western Caribbean: Which Cruise Is Better?
A travel advisor breaks down Eastern vs Western Caribbean cruises, ports, sea days, beaches, and cost so you can pick the right itinerary.
Do You Need a Passport for a Cruise? Cruise Documents Explained
A travel advisor's plain-English guide to cruise documents, closed-loop sailings, passport book vs card, kids' paperwork, and visas.
What's Included on a Disney Cruise (and What Costs Extra)
A travel advisor breaks down what a Disney cruise fare covers, what costs extra, and how to budget so you never get surprised.
Disney Ships by Size: The Fleet Explained
A travel advisor ranks Disney Cruise Line ships from Wish to Wonder, biggest to smallest, so you pick the right ship for your family.