Cruise Tips From the Inside Out

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

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

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

Published October 5, 2025 Fall is here, and while everyone else is chasing sales, we’re chasing seasons. This week I’ve been exploring why the smartest guests plan now for 2026 — from New England’s foliage to Alaska’s glaciers, Europe’s shoulders, and even across-ocean repos. If you’ve been thinking about a milestone celebration, this is your… Read more

Every fall, I witness the same rush. Ads shouting “last chance,” inboxes flooded with deals, and guests scrambling to grab whatever stateroom is left. It feels more like coupon clipping than dream planning. But that’s not how cruising should work — especially not in fall, when the season itself is the reward. The Season Has… Read more

I sat with a client recently who opened her notebook and drew three columns. At the top of each: Alaska, Mediterranean, and Northern Europe. “We want a milestone celebration in 2026,” she said, “but we don’t know which direction to go.” That’s where most guests find themselves: too many good choices, too little time. Let… Read more

I can still picture standing on the Waterfront promenade of Norwegian Escape as we slipped down the Hudson at dusk. Manhattan’s skyline glittered behind us, a trail of light fading in the wake. Ahead stretched a week of harbors, cobblestones, and crisp October air. That moment taught me something I’ve shared with countless clients since:… Read more