The travel blog
Trip reports, honest reviews, and points & miles news from around the world — written after actually staying, sailing, and flying.
Virgin Voyages Ships Explained: The Fleet by Size
A friendly guide to the four Virgin Voyages Lady ships, how they compare by size, where each sails, and how to pick the right one for you.
Virgin Voyages Loyalty Explained: Sailing Club & Extras
A travel advisor explains the Virgin Voyages Sailing Club, Blue and Deep Blue Extras, Bar Tab credit, and whether the loyalty perks are worth chasing.
Virgin Voyages Gratuities Explained: Why Tips Are Included
A travel advisor explains Virgin Voyages gratuities: what's covered, the auto service charge on drinks and spa, whether to tip extra, and how to budget.
Virgin Voyages Drinks: What's Included and Is the Bar Tab Worth It?
Virgin Voyages has no traditional drink package. Here's what's actually free, how the Bar Tab and its bonus credit work, and whether you should pre-buy or pay as you go.
How Much Does a Virgin Voyages Cruise Cost? (Real Budget)
A travel advisor breaks down Virgin Voyages cruise cost: all-in fares, base ranges by cabin and season, what still costs extra, and a real budget.
Solo Cruising: A Complete Guide for Single Travelers
A travel advisor's guide to solo cruising: cutting the single supplement, studio cabins, solo meetups, safety, the best lines, and budgeting.
What's Included on a Royal Caribbean Cruise (and What Costs Extra)
A travel advisor explains exactly what's included in your Royal Caribbean fare and what costs extra, from dining to drinks to wifi, plus how to budget.
Royal Caribbean Ships by Size: Classes Explained
A travel advisor breaks down every Royal Caribbean ship class from Icon to Vision, biggest to smallest, so you can pick the right ship.
Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Society Explained
A travel advisor breaks down Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society: the tiers, points per night, perks by level, and whether the status chase is worth it.
Royal Caribbean Gratuities Explained: How Tipping Works
A travel advisor breaks down Royal Caribbean's daily automatic gratuities, the 18% service charge on drinks and spa, prepaying vs paying onboard, and how much extra cash to bring.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Cost: A Real Budget Breakdown
A travel advisor breaks down what a Royal Caribbean cruise actually costs: base fares by cabin and season, what's included, gratuities, drinks, wifi, and a real all-in budget.
What's Included on a Princess Cruise (and What Costs Extra)
A Princess travel advisor breaks down what your fare covers, what costs extra, and how Plus and Premier packages stack up.
Princess vs Holland America for Alaska: Which Is Better?
A travel advisor and cruise YouTuber breaks down Princess vs Holland America for Alaska: glacier viewing, ship size, dining, cruisetours, demographics, cabins, and price.
Princess Ships by Size: Classes Explained
A travel advisor breaks down Princess Cruises ship classes from biggest to smallest, what each is known for, and how to pick the right one.
Princess Captain's Circle Explained: Princess Loyalty Tiers
A Princess travel advisor explains Captain's Circle tiers, perks by level, how to climb faster, and whether loyalty status is worth it.
Princess Gratuities Explained: How Tipping Works (2026)
A travel advisor explains Princess crew appreciation rates by cabin, the 18% auto tip on drinks and spa, prepaying, and adjusting your gratuities.
Princess Plus vs Premier: The Drink Package Math
Princess Plus or Princess Premier? I break down the drink package math so you can tell which one actually pays off for your sailing.
Princess Cruise Cost: A Real Budget Breakdown
A travel advisor breaks down real Princess cruise costs: fares by cabin and season, Plus and Premier packages, gratuities, wifi, and how to save.
Royal Caribbean Oasis Class vs Icon Class: Which to Book?
A Royal Caribbean travel advisor breaks down Oasis Class vs Icon Class ships: neighborhoods, waterparks, dining, cost, and who each one suits best.