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First-time cruisers often discover that small early decisions profoundly shape their overall experience. For instance, understanding that cruise pricing encompasses more than just the fare can prevent unexpected costs. Many feel caught off guard when they realize the total trip cost includes taxes, service charges, and optional packages. This key insight makes cruising more predictable, transforming the overall experience from confusion to clarity, setting the stage for a memorable journey.… Read more

If you have ever said, “I don’t care about the ship, I care about the trip,” you are halfway right. The itinerary matters. The ship matters, too, because it decides how your days feel once you are onboard. Quiet or buzzing. Spacious or tight. Easy to flow through, or full of little friction points that add up. This guide looks at four Norwegian Cruise Line® ship families through three lenses that tend to matter most in real life: Economics, Level of service, and Flexibility.… Read more

In case you missed it, I explained ship inspections about a week ago. I think I glossed over the deeper “why” of inspections, at least for me. I do inspections for one main reason: to be the best advisor I can be when it comes to the ships I recommend. One only gets a feel for how close or far it is to the action by being in the space. It’s part of my education… Read more

Norwegian Cruise Line just launched their Black Friday sale TWO DAYS before Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. Here’s what they’re doing right – and what’s hidden in the fine print. 🔥 THE TRIPLE PLAY (All Live Now) 1. 50% Off All Cruises Real half-price base fares (not “up to” marketing BS) 2. New Free at Sea Unlimited drinks, specialty dining, WiFi, excursion credits – INCLUDED 3. CruiseNext TripleUp Stack THREE credits (was two) on Balcony+ bookings… Read more

Norwegian Cruise Line just killed MORE at Sea after barely a year. Starting November 5, 2025, it’s back to “Free at Sea” – but this isn’t your 2022 Free at Sea. Here’s the evolution: 🍹 BEVERAGE PACKAGE: The 5 Cap That Vanished (Then Came Back as Tier Exclusions) OLD Free at Sea (2022-2024): – 5 price cap – want that 7 cocktail? Pay difference + 20% gratuity – Premium brands limited – Daily gratuity: ~38.60/person for 7… Read more

Next weekend, I’ll be making the drive to New Orleans for something that always gets my pulse racing: a ship inspection aboard the Norwegian Escape. While most cruisers experience these magnificent vessels as passengers, ship inspections offer a rare behind-the-scenes look at everything from galley operations to bridge technology—and right now, there’s no better time to get an up-close look at this particular ship. What Exactly Is a Ship Inspection? For those unfamiliar, a ship… Read more

Australia and New Zealand cruising is about as far from home as most Americans can get – literally on the opposite side of the planet. But what you get for that epic journey is some of the world’s most spectacular coastal scenery, unique wildlife you can’t see anywhere else, vibrant cosmopolitan cities, and English-speaking cultures that feel familiar yet distinctly different. This is cruising for people who want major destinations delivered efficiently, who appreciate nature… Read more

Asia cruising opens up a region that most Americans never properly explore – from the ancient temples of Southeast Asia to the neon-lit modernity of Hong Kong and Tokyo. This is cruising for people who want cultural immersion, exotic experiences, food that challenges and delights, and destinations that feel genuinely foreign in the best possible way. If your perfect vacation involves haggling in floating markets, exploring ancient Buddhist temples, and eating street food that you… Read more

Panama Canal cruising is bucket-list travel for people who appreciate engineering marvels, maritime history, and the satisfaction of crossing between two oceans on a ship. This isn’t about beaches or party ports – it’s about transiting one of the world’s most important waterways while visiting Central American and Caribbean ports along the way. If the idea of watching your massive cruise ship being lifted 85 feet in locks excites you, this is your cruise. Understanding… Read more

Nordic and Baltic cruising covers Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland) and the Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) with often Russia (St. Petersburg) included. This is cruising for people who find fjords more interesting than beaches, who appreciate design and architecture, and who are genuinely curious about cultures that Americans don’t typically know much about. Expect sophisticated cities, dramatic natural scenery, Viking history, and prices that will make your wallet weep. Understanding the Region Nordic-Baltic cruises… Read more

Northern Europe and British Isles cruising is what happens when you want European history and culture without Mediterranean heat. Think castles, dramatic coastlines, Viking history, literary landmarks, whisky, and cities that shaped the modern world. This is cruising for people who own raincoats and aren’t afraid to use them, who find Edinburgh more appealing than Barcelona, and who consider museums and pubs equally valid cultural experiences. Understanding the Region Northern Europe/British Isles cruises cover a… Read more

The Western Mediterranean is where you go when you want European sophistication, world-class food, iconic cities, and coastline that’s been attracting wealthy travelers since the Roman Empire. We’re talking Barcelona, Rome, the French Riviera, Florence, Monaco – places that show up on bucket lists and travel magazines. This is cruising for people who appreciate art, architecture, cuisine, and culture with their ocean views. The Route and Region Western Mediterranean cruises typically run routes connecting Spain,… Read more