Alexis Bates 
Yes. Oh… You’re still here. You want an explanation, you say? Well then, I guess I’ll explain. Can cruise ships really just change your itinerary? Once again, yes, cruise ships can just change your itinerary with, basically, no notice. The cruise lines reserve the right to amend, alter, and cancel any part of the cruise, … Read more
With Alaska’s peak tourism season a little more than a month away, it seems the right time to discuss what, exactly, you can do on a cruise to The Last Frontier. Determining what are the best Alaskan cruise excursions is hard because Alaska possibly has the widest variety of activities that you can sign up … Read more
It’s always a challenge to pack for a place that you’re not familiar with. I once visited San Diego in May and I, incorrectly, believed that southern California in late Spring/early Summer would be warm and pleasant. It was not. I was there for a conference, so packing warm weather clothes when it was rainy … Read more
Updated April 1, 2026 (No fooling) This is your guide to Virgin Voyages deals. Virgin Voyages is shaking up the cruise industry with its bold new approach. Setting itself apart from traditional cruise lines, Virgin has a strict No-Kids policy, leads the way in environment-friendly cruising, and includes more in the base fare than any … Read more
Late last week, an executive order was signed that commanded TSA agents to be paid. This should not be confused with Congress passing a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security, far from it. Disfunction still remains within the halls of Capitol Hill and no bill to fund DHS has been passed by both … Read more
Each week that passes seems to worsen the growing migraine that is air travel. This week brings news of a worsening situation with the DHS shutdown and ongoing impacts from the war with Iran. TSA Staffing Issues The Department of Homeland has been experiencing a partial shutdown for nearly 40 days now. TSA, Coast Guard, … Read more
There are several significant changes coming to Virgin Voyages itineraries and experience. There’s a new restaurant, some updates to which cruise port they use in New York, and a major home port missing from the deployment chart. New Restaurant on the Valiant Lady Just a matter of days ago, Virgin Voyages announced that they will … Read more
As summer for the northern hemisphere approaches, so does the peak travel season for most tourist hot spots, and there’s more trouble on the horizon for air travelers. Some of it can be planned around, to a degree, and some of it can’t. Cancelled Cruises and Tours There’s already been quite a bit written about … Read more
On the last day of February, the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide caution to all U.S. citizens. The caution follows the joint attack on Iran by Israel and the United States. The warning indicates that travelers should prepare for delays and cancellations to air travel. Further, the State Department advised Americans worldwide to, “exercise … Read more
Updated February 27, 2026 This is your guide to Virgin Voyages deals. Virgin Voyages is shaking up the cruise industry with its bold new approach. Setting itself apart from traditional cruise lines, Virgin has a strict No-Kids policy, leads the way in environment-friendly cruising, and includes more in the base fare than any similar cruise … Read more
