All Tips

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

The “Joy of Missing Out” is redefining travel for 2025 — and Norwegian Cruise Line is leading the way. Discover how Vibe Beach Club, the Thermal Suite, and the Jewel-class ships help travelers truly unplug.… Read more

As I write this, I’m at a conference in Ft. Lauderdale, running on just over 3 hours sleep, after a 21-hour day yesterday getting here. And it’s a bit of a story. So here we go: Scott’s story of woe (tongue firmly in cheek). I as at my BNI Networking meeting yesterday morning when I… Read more

📧 Newsletter Format: The Sunday Compass with persona-specific intro sections Ships in Motion Ships are on the move this month—and with them, opportunities that exist only during these brief windows of seasonal transition. Whether you’re drawn to fall foliage, repositioning adventures, or Mediterranean shoulder seasons, October reveals how Norwegian’s fleet movements create extraordinary experiences. This… Read more

I’m excited you’re dreaming of Europe—making it real is where the magic happens. Picture steering through Santorini’s whitewashed maze as the light softens in October, or raising a toast in a tucked-away trattoria after a day exploring ancient streets. The Mediterranean in autumn is where culture and calm converge. Since this would be your first… Read more

Every fall, I get asked where Alaska ships go once the glaciers start to freeze. The answer? They set off on voyages that go beyond borders—and sometimes continents. But Alaska ships aren’t the only ones on the move. October and November represent the industry’s great migration, when Norwegian’s entire fleet reshuffles for winter deployments. Understanding… Read more

The first time I sailed into Bar Harbor, Maine in October, the cliffs radiated gold, crimson, and pumpkin-orange hues. The air was crisp—wake-up-in-your-lungs crisp—and I remember thinking: This is why people chase foliage cruises every fall. Norwegian Cruise Line brings fall to life with cruises like the 7-night Canada & New England on Norwegian Getaway,… Read more