Travel Biz
Money MattersFor Most Cruise Travelers, Black Friday Changes Nothing
For most travelers, a Black Friday cruise sale adds nothing to the fare. The few who do benefit, and why to pick for the trip instead.
4 min read
Sometimes You Don't Need Me. Here's When.
Not every cruise needs a travel advisor. The short, simple sailing, the casino offer, the planner who loves the hunt, and the five-hours-and-lowest-fare booking: when to book it yourself, and when the math changes.
3 min read
Days AshoreA Great Private Tour Comes Down to the Guide, Not the Stops
Two ports, two private tours on our anniversary trip. Both hit the right stops, and the guide made the difference: Bar Harbor in the rain with Carli, and the Reversing Falls in Saint John.
3 min read
Reflections on Rebranding
Why Cruise Made Easy became Squared Away Travel. The old name said cruises only; the new one covers every kind of trip I plan, with the same personal attention to getting it right.
3 min read
What a CDC Sanitation Score Covers
How the CDC Vessel Sanitation Program inspects cruise ships, what the published scores measure, and how to look up any ship's inspection record.
5 min read
Money MattersThe Fare Drop I Catch for You Is About to Get Rare
I catch fare drops after you book. Norwegian Cruise Line says it is moving toward holding its opening fares, and my read is that drops get rarer and booking early stops being a penalty.
4 min read
Notes on the Bliss Propulsion Situation
What the Bliss propulsion problem means for Alaska port time, what Norwegian is giving affected guests, and my advice whether you are already booked on a fall sailing or still choosing a ship.
3 min read
When Competent Isn’t Enough: A Conversation About Cruise Value
My most recent Norwegian sailing had nothing wrong with it, and no moment that stood out. What that says about price versus value, and how I evaluate Norwegian now.
4 min read
Behind the Scenes: My Upcoming Norwegian Escape Ship Inspection in New Orleans
The questions I'm taking into a Norwegian Escape inspection after her 2025 propulsion trouble, from missed ports and late arrivals to how Norwegian is supporting guests caught in the delays.
7 min read
Before and After the TripYes, Travel Advisors Have Travel Issues, Too!
A 45-minute delay put a tight connection at risk, so I rebooked myself through Dallas to get there. What went wrong, what I'd do differently, and what to do when your own trip hits a snag.
3 min read