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MSC Entertainment Lived up to my Expectations
When it comes to cruising, entertainment is one of those elements that can quietly make—or break—the overall experience. On my recent sailin
Brad Kaplan
4 days ago3 min read


MSC Seascape Cruise Review: Galveston Sailing (Jan 25–Feb 1)
Cruising on MSC Seascape out of Galveston offered a mix of strong value, solid food, great entertainment, and a few things travelers should
Brad Kaplan
5 days ago4 min read


A Practical Look at the Stateroom: Comfort, Function, and Expectations
When booking a cruise, one of the most common questions travelers ask is about the stateroom. How big is it? Is it comfortable? Will I feel
Brad Kaplan
6 days ago3 min read


Plenty to Do, No Matter the Weather
One of the biggest questions travelers ask before a cruise is simple: What is there to do on board? On this sailing aboard the MSC Seascape,
Brad Kaplan
6 days ago3 min read


Understanding the Different Experience Levels on MSC Cruises
A Closer Look at MSC Seascape from Galveston
It took me a while to truly understand the value behind the different “experience levels” offe
Brad Kaplan
Jan 283 min read


When Did Specialty Dining Become a Thing on Cruise Ships?
If you have cruised more than once—or even just browsed a ship deck plan—you’ve probably noticed how much emphasis cruise lines place on spe
Brad Kaplan
Jan 273 min read


Cruise Gratuities: Required, Optional, or Just Confusing
Few topics spark more debate on a cruise than gratuities. Almost every traveler asks the same questions at some point: Are gratuities requir
Brad Kaplan
Jan 273 min read


Food—The core of many cruises
Food is the core for many on a cruise how does MSC stack up?
Brad Kaplan
Jan 272 min read


MSC Cruise: First Impressions
I recently sailed on an MSC cruise out of Galveston, and I want to share an honest, easy-to-understand review of my experience so far. My go
Brad Kaplan
Jan 253 min read


Is a Discounted Cruise Really a Great Deal or Just a Tempting Trap?
When you see a cruise advertised with a bold "50% off" tag, it’s natural to feel excited. Who wouldn’t want to sail the seas at half the price? But before you book that seemingly unbeatable deal, pause and ask yourself: 50% off what exactly? The cruise industry is full of marketing tactics designed to catch your eye, but the lowest price rarely means the best value. This post will help you understand why a discounted cruise might not be the bargain it appears to be and how to
Brad Kaplan
Dec 25, 20254 min read


10 Essential Things Every First-Time Ocean Cruiser Needs to Know
(A smooth-sailing guide for new cruisers) Stepping onto a cruise ship for the first time is exhilarating—ocean views, unlimited food, new destinations every day. But the cruising world has its quirks, and knowing them ahead of time can make the difference between a stressful trip and a perfect vacation. Here are the 10 things every first-time cruiser must know before boarding. The cruise industry's goal is continued growth. This is one reason they continue to increase the si
Brad Kaplan
Nov 26, 20254 min read


The Magic of Affinity Cruises: A Look at This Week’s Love Boat Reunion Sailing
Cruising has always been about relaxation, exploration, and escape—but every now and then, a sailing offers something deeper: connection. This week’s Love Boat Reunion Cruise aboard the Regal Princess was a perfect example of how an affinity cruise can turn a standard vacation into something truly extraordinary. The principal cast members who are still living participated in this week's reunion cruise. Affinity cruises—sailings built around a shared interest, hobby, fandom, o
Brad Kaplan
Nov 21, 20253 min read


Cruise Review: A Detailed Look at Ship Design, Dining, Tech & More
Every cruise offers its own blend of design strengths, service highlights, and unexpected quirks—and this Princess sailing was no different. Using my EMRJ Travel evaluation rubric, I took a deep dive into the This rubric was utilized to rate his cruise. I wanted to utilize both anecdotal and numerical rating to create an honest review. ship’s layout, cabin features, culinary offerings, entertainment, and onboard technology. Here’s a thorough and honest look at what stood ou
Brad Kaplan
Nov 20, 20254 min read


Exceptional Service at Sea: How the Crew Made This Cruise Unforgettable
When people think of cruising, they often picture the glittering ocean views, the endless buffets, and the relaxing days spent by the pool. But on my recent sailing, what truly set the experience apart wasn’t the ship’s décor or the itinerary — it was the exceptional customer service that defined every moment on board. From the moment I stepped onto the ship, I could sense that this wasn’t just another voyage. The crew exuded a genuine warmth and enthusiasm that made every gu
Brad Kaplan
Nov 20, 20253 min read


Entertainment at Sea: Why Princess Cruises Keeps the Fun Going Day and Night
On board entertainment
Brad Kaplan
Nov 20, 20252 min read


Dining on a Princess Cruise: From Buffets to Fine Dining (and Everything in Between)
Let’s be honest: one of the biggest questions people have before booking a cruise isn’t about the ports of call, the size of the stateroom, or whether Wi-Fi will actually work in the middle of the ocean. Nope. The real question is: How’s the food? Good news: Princess Cruises delivers big in the dining department. Whether you’re a steak-and-potatoes type, a sushi lover, or the kind of person who considers dessert a mandatory food group, there’s something waiting for you onboar
Brad Kaplan
Nov 19, 20254 min read


Has the Cruising Industry Gotten Too Big? A Look at Cozumel
Is the cruiong industry getting too big for its britches?
Brad Kaplan
Nov 19, 20252 min read


Discovering the Wonders of Ocean Cruises
Imagine waking up to the gentle rocking of the sea, the sun rising over a vast horizon, and a day full of possibilities ahead. That’s the magic of ocean cruises. I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of exploring the world from the deck of a ship, and after diving into this experience myself, I’m here to share why ocean cruises are truly wonders waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a group looking for personalized travel experiences, this p
Brad Kaplan
Oct 17, 20255 min read


Sailing into Nostalgia: The Love Boat Reunion Cruise
Cruising always has a way of creating memories — the sunrises at sea, the laughter over dinner, the friendships formed with fellow travelers. But every now and then, a voyage comes along that stands out as truly special. This particular cruise had a unique twist — it was a Love Boat Reunion sailing! Fans of the beloved television series, which first aired in the late 1970s, know exactly why this theme struck such a chord. The Love Boat wasn’t just a show about life at sea; i
Brad Kaplan
Oct 8, 20253 min read


Smooth Sailing: How Princess Cruises’ MedallionNet Technology Enhances Your Vacation
When most people think of a cruise vacation, they picture relaxation — not necessarily technology. But Princess Cruises has found a way to use cutting-edge innovation to make your trip more relaxing and more personalized than ever before. One of the best features of sailing with Princess is their MedallionNet service — a tech-forward system designed to make every part of your vacation smoother, smarter, and more connected. The medallion is the size of an Apple airtag and wo
Brad Kaplan
Oct 8, 20253 min read
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