You don’t always have to fly all the way to Hawaii — and this surprises a lot of people.

Every once in a while, an itinerary comes along that makes me pause and think, this is something truly special.

I hear two big misconceptions about cruising all the time. Either people think it is completely all-inclusive, or they assume you have to pay for absolutely everything once you get on board. The truth sits somewhere in the middle, and it also depends heavily on which cruise line you choose.

One beautiful way to experience Hawaii is on a 17-night Circle Hawaii cruise, sailing roundtrip from San Diego aboard Holland America Line’s Koningsdam. This sailing departs January 9, 2027, and offers a relaxed, immersive way to see several Hawaiian islands in one journey.

Lately, I’ve also been spending a lot of time thinking about just how much I love ocean cruising—and how perfect it can be for so many different kinds of travelers.

Traveling with food allergies can feel like planning a high-stakes operation—especially when you’re setting sail for days at a time with limited control over what’s served. But here’s the good news: cruising can be safe, delicious, and even relaxing if you pick the right cruise line and know a few insider tips.

A Minnesota Dad’s Guide to Taking the Damn PTO Without Guilt, Drama, or Apologizing to Your Out-of-Office Email

If you’ve ever poked around your cruise reservation and spotted one of those “Make a Bid to Upgrade” emails, you’ve probably wondered if it’s worth it. The short answer: sometimes. The longer answer? Let’s walk through it so you know exactly what you’re getting into.

A No-Nonsense Guide for Families Who Just Want a Great First Vacation Without Guessing

A No-Stress, No-Drama Guide for Families Who Want the Right Vacation — Without Guessing.

There’s so much to love about cruising—the convenience, the variety, the ocean views, the unpack-once ease of it all. But if you want to take your next sailing from good to unforgettable, don’t overlook a few small touches that make a big difference. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, here are three things I always recommend to make your cruise even better.

Don't Forget These Cruise Must-Haves—Or You’ll Pay for It (Literally)

Are you dreaming about setting sail on an Alaska cruise out of Seattle, Washington?  One of the first questions you might be asking yourself is: “Will Seattle be easy for me to get around, especially if I need accessibility?”

If the northern lights aren't on your bucket list yet, it might be time to rethink that list. There is simply nothing like looking up and seeing ribbons of green, violet, and sometimes even red dance across the Arctic sky. It’s otherworldly—quiet, powerful, and unforgettable.

Not all cruises are created equal—some let you dive deeper into culture, food, and local life.

These aren’t your standard “don’t forget sunscreen” tips. These are the unsung heroes of cruise packing—slightly quirky, incredibly useful, and always in my suitcase. Whether you're heading to the Caribbean, Alaska, or Europe (ocean or river!), here are five things I always recommend packing for your cruise.

As you're reading this, I'm aboard an Avalon Waterways river cruise, slowly making my way from Burgundy to Provence—and falling even more...

Repositioning cruises are one of the best-kept secrets in modern travel. These one-way sailings happen when a cruise line moves a ship...

When you think of a European river cruise, chances are your mind drifts to charming villages, castles perched above vineyards, and quiet...

Something is exciting about the launch of a new cruise ship, especially when it builds on a foundation people already love. Celebrity...