How Much Does a Cruise Cost? Fares Explained

Cruise pricing is the part of trip planning where I see the most uncertainty. Not because cruise pricing is dishonest, but because the advertised fare is only one piece of a larger number. A couple will see a great rate online, feel ready to book, and then wonder later why the final cost looks different […]
What “Doing the Homework” Looks Like for a Travel Advisor

There’s a phrase that gets tossed around in the travel industry that I want to push back on a little. It comes up whenever the conversation turns to travel advisor research and how that work actually shapes the recommendations you receive. FAM trip. Short for familiarization trip. The way it’s often described, especially outside the […]
2026 River Cruises, New Ships & Itineraries: What Empty Nesters and Groups Need to Know

Every January, the cruise industry resets. New ships launch. New 2026 cruise itineraries open. New opportunities appear for the travelers who are paying attention. 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most significant years for new river cruise ships in recent memory, and if you’ve been thinking about when to go, this is a good […]
Travel Advisor FAM Trips: The Homework

Many travelers think themed cruises are only for superfans or come with a higher price tag, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Discover how wine, wellness, and culture-themed cruises create meaningful, flexible, and value-packed experiences for couples, families, and empty nesters who want to travel with purpose and connection.