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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 264 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 213 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 204 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 203 min read


Entertainment at Sea: Why Princess Cruises Keeps the Fun Going Day and Night
On board entertainment
Brad Kaplan
Nov 202 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 194 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 192 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 175 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 83 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 83 min read


Setting Sail on a Princess Cruises Adventure
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of stepping aboard a cruise ship, ready to leave the ordinary behind and embrace days filled with exploration, relaxation, and adventure. As the sun rises over the horizon, there’s a sense of endless possibility — and the promise of unforgettable moments just waiting to be experienced. The Regal Princess was docked early and ready to accept passenger. BUT I was lucky enough to tour this ship. This week, I am sailing on a beautiful Princes
Brad Kaplan
Oct 72 min read


Finding Comfort at Sea: My Princess Cruises Interior Cabin Experience
After a busy day exploring the ship or venturing out on a shore excursion, your cabin becomes your personal retreat — a place to recharge, unwind, and reflect on the day’s adventures. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, the right cabin can make all the difference in how you experience your cruise. During my recent voyage with Princess Cruises, I stayed in an interior cabin, and I have to say, it exceeded my expectations. The type of cabin you choose re
Brad Kaplan
Oct 73 min read


The Hidden Costs of Cruising: Understanding the Decline of All-Inclusive Value
Cruising has long been marketed as a hassle-free, all-inclusive vacation option, blending luxury, adventure, and relaxation into one...
Brad Kaplan
Sep 66 min read


Exploring Non-Traditional Cruise Lines for the Adventurous Mature Traveler in Europe and Beyond
Cruising has traditionally meant giant vessels packed with thousands of passengers. However, a new trend is emerging, appealing...
Brad Kaplan
Sep 54 min read


Celebrity Cruise: Rome to Barcelona
Boarding : Getting on the ship felt much calmer than on other cruises I’ve taken. There was no big rush or crowd like I’ve seen before....
Brad Kaplan
Jun 124 min read


Savor the Seas: A Taste of Celebrity Ascent’s Specialty Dining Experiences
Set sail on a journey of refined flavors and culinary artistry aboard Celebrity Ascent — where dining isn't just a meal, it's an experience.
Brad Kaplan
Jun 102 min read


Virgin Voyages, A First Person Review
Virgin Voyages Experience (Check out the Video Review) Booking: Booking a Virgin Voyages cruise was straightforward. The reservation...
Brad Kaplan
Apr 129 min read


Are Cruises Really the Most Economically Advantageous Method of Travel? A Deep Dive into the True Costs and Expenses You Need to Know About
Planning a vacation often feels like an exciting adventure in itself, and cruise ships have become a popular option for many travelers....
Brad Kaplan
Mar 84 min read


Uncovering the Hidden Benefits of Off-Season Travel: Explore the Top 10 Advantages Beyond the Peak Tourist Times
Off-season travel refers to planning trips during times when fewer tourists are around. Although many prefer peak seasons for nice...
Brad Kaplan
Mar 33 min read


Discover the Benefits of Booking a January Cruise: Your Guide to Finding Great Rates and Navigating the Wave Month
January and February are exciting times for both seasoned cruisers and first-time travelers. This month kickstarts a special event known...
Brad Kaplan
Mar 24 min read
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