List of posts

  • Save some cash on pre-cruise purchases

    If you’re lucky, in the months leading up to your cruise, the cruise line will run a sale on pre-cruise purchases such as beverage packages, specialty dining, and shore excursions. This post will talk specifically about Royal Caribbean, but the same principle applies to all lines: When the price of something you’ve already purchased drops,

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  • Alaska in a carry-on suitcase?

    Yep, you can do it! Here’s how: Alaska cruises are notoriously difficult to pack for. For one thing, the weather in the areas you visit can be wildly unpredictable. In my own experience, I’ve found myself wearing anything from a tank top to three layers and a hat. And those were all in July! People

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  • Do you need a balcony in Alaska?

    No — and you might not even want it! I’m not trying to manufacture controversy with this post, I promise. But it’s my opinion that not only do you not *need* a balcony in Alaska, you may even be happier with an inside cabin. As I’m writing this blog post, I’m on my fifth Alaska

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  • When delayed flights hand you lemons…

    Make a shandy! (That is, head to a brewery) * H/t to my roommate and travel buddy Emily for the excellent post title It should have been so easy. I was flying to Seattle to meet my brother for our Alaska cruise. His flight was direct, mine connected in Austin. (I like to fly out

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  • Get cruise deals in your inbox!

    Just one email a month, I promise 😁 Want to see yourself in selfies like these? I send out an email newsletter once a month with cruise deals, stories from my travels, tips for cruising, and suggestions for cruises you should be booking now. You can click here to sign up for my email newsletter.

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  • Getting your things on the ship

    How does luggage work when you board a cruise? Whether you’re a minimalist or want to bring everything with you that might possibly need, it helps to understand your options for bringing luggage on your cruise ship. There are some things you can do to make this process much easier! When you arrive at the

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  • Booking a cruise: The basics, part 1

    New to all of this? I’m here to help! If you’ve decided to take the plunge and (finally!) get yourself onboard a cruise ship, you might find that the way you book cruises is a little different from other kinds of travel. In this two-part series, I’m going to talk about some of the things

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  • Booking a cruise: The basics, part 2

    New to all of this? I’m here to help! Cruising has a couple of rules that differ considerably from air or hotel travel, and understanding them can help you make the most of your cruise planning experience. Difference #2: Correcting the spelling of names on a cruise booking is no big deal. I think we’ve

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  • Operation: Working Vacation

    Can you do work on a cruise? Should you? Because I have a job (well, two really) that lets me work remotely, I often take my work with me on cruises. Cruise ship wifi isn’t perfect, but it’s improved to the point where it’s possible to do most online tasks while you’re on your cruise.

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  • Quietly Making Noise

    Quietly Making Noise

    Doing the “speakeasy” experience on the Margaritaville at Sea Islander When, like me, you’re a Jimmy Buffett fan, you keep your ears open for opportunities to honor your favorite singer’s legacy. Jimmy died in September 2023, and for many of us, it was a huge loss. If you’re a late-40s Parrothead like me, you might

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