In this episode of CruiseTipsTV Unplugged, we're recapping my hosted voyage aboard Oceania Vista from New York to Atlantic Canada and Iceland. We chat about what it's really like to cruise solo, my favorite ports and excursions, what surprised me about Iceland's weather, and the must-do tours I'd recommend if Iceland is on your bucket list.

Whether you're planning an Oceania cruise or just dreaming about the Land of Fire and Ice, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical tips.

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It's another listener Q&A episode, and you all brought some fantastic questions! I

n this episode, I'm answering everything from what to pack for an Antarctica expedition to whether cruise line loyalty programs are really worth it. We also chat about first-time solo cruising on Princess, planning excursions in the Caribbean and Japan, what it's like traveling through Japan if you're tall, and my thoughts on MSC Yacht Club, Holland America's Club Orange, and Virgin Voyages' new Alaska sailings.

You'll also hear my recommendations for ports like Key West, Grand Turk, Barbados, Loreto, and La Paz, along with packing tips for a Bahamas cruise, ideas for cruising with teens on Royal Caribbean, and a few of my favorite ways to enjoy sea days when trivia isn't your thing.

As always, thanks for sending in such thoughtful questions—and if you'd like your question featured in a future episode, be sure to keep an eye on our CruiseTipsTV Facebook community for the next Q&A post! Shop our favorite cruise essentials on Amazon 👉 Visit our storefront: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/KRMDO Visit us on AmazonLive! https://www.amazon.com/live/cruisetipstv

Fresh off Star Princess, we're comparing notes on everything from food and entertainment to excursions, cabins, and overall cruise experience. In this fun father-and-son-style review (well, mother-and-son in our case!), Junior joins me to share his perspective as a young adult cruiser—and let's just say he had strong opinions, especially when it came to the food.

We talk about our stateroom, favorite meals, the restaurants that stood out, the Alaska excursions we loved, onboard entertainment, and who we think Star Princess is best suited for. Whether you're considering Star Princess for Alaska or just curious how this newest Princess ship stacks up, you'll hear two very different perspectives from the same sailing.

And yes, somehow we also spend a surprising amount of time talking about steak.

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This week on CruiseTipsTV Unplugged, we're joined by travel rewards expert and NerdWallet travel writer Sally French to talk about her first Alaska cruise aboard Star Princess. Sally shares her biggest surprises about Alaska, favorite experiences from the cruise, thoughts on staying active while traveling, and practical tips for getting the most value from your vacation using points, miles, and travel rewards.

Whether you're planning your first Alaska cruise or looking for ways to travel smarter, Sally offers a fresh perspective on one of cruising's most unforgettable destinations.

You can find Sally on Instagram at @savewithsally and listen to her on the Smart Travel podcast from NerdWallet.

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In this CruiseTipsTV Unplugged Q&A episode, we're answering your cruise questions on everything from Norwegian Luna and MSC Cruises to Japan trip planning, Alaska wildlife viewing, Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships, and even traveling to Japan with toddlers. We compare Princess and Viking in Japan, share our favorite spots on NCL Luna, discuss whether MSC might be right for your travel style, and offer practical advice for first-time Oasis of the Seas cruisers.

Plus, we tackle jet lag strategies for Japan and talk about our favorite cruise lines and why. Later in the show, we spotlight two travel resources you may not know about. First, we share details on a unique new 100% gluten-free sailing with Celiac Cruise aboard Oceania Vista in 2028, designed for travelers with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities.

Then we introduce Yes You Can Concierge, a service that may help simplify your travel planning. Whether you're planning your next cruise, dreaming about Japan, or just love talking travel, this episode is packed with tips, opinions, and inspiration.

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Fresh off our press trip aboard Norwegian Luna, Sheri and Junior are sharing their honest first impressions of NCL's newest ship. In this episode of CruiseTipsTV Unplugged, we talk about what's new on Luna, the attractions and spaces that stood out most, the food we loved, and what the experience is really like for teens and families.

From the Aqua Slidecoaster and Moon Climber to dining favorites, entertainment, relaxing spaces, and overall ship vibe, we're breaking down the highlights — plus a few surprises along the way. If you're considering Norwegian Luna or just love keeping up with the newest cruise ships, this episode will help you decide if Luna might be right for your next cruise.

We also share what makes Luna feel different from other Norwegian ships, how it compares to Aqua, and whether the newest additions actually live up to the hype.

Shop our favorite cruise essentials on Amazon 👉 Visit our storefront: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/KRMDO

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We're recapping our fully hosted Japanet cruise aboard a Viking ship — from Yokohama and Tokyo to unforgettable ports like Yakushima, Nagasaki, Amami Oshima, and Jeju, South Korea. In this episode, we talk about the fully guided travel style, the all-inclusive Viking experience, the cultural performances and excursions that made this trip unique, and who this type of cruise is really best for. If you've ever wanted to visit Japan but felt intimidated by planning it on your own, this episode is for you. Shop our favorite cruise essentials on Amazon 👉 Visit our storefront: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/KRMDO Visit us on AmazonLive! https://www.amazon.com/live/cruisetipstv

Virgin Voyages has made some big changes lately, and if you haven't looked closely, you might miss them. In this episode, I'm joined by my travel advisor partner Wendy to break down what's really different, what it means for your cruise, and whether Virgin still delivers that signature "almost all-inclusive" experience people love. We're covering the new fare structure, what's no longer included, and how to book smart in 2026.

If Virgin Voyages is on your radar, this is a must-listen before you book.

🔗 Links & resources:

Browse Virgin Voyages sailings (affiliate link): https://tinyurl.com/m88h27xx Shop our favorite cruise essentials on Amazon 👉 Visit our storefront: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/KRMDO Connect with Wendy for personalized planning: https://cruisetipstv.membercruises.com/home-page Visit us on AmazonLive! https://www.amazon.com/live/cruisetipstv

This week on CruiseTipsTV Unplugged, we're diving into your questions straight from our Facebook community! We're talking best balconies on Sun Princess, the cheapest times of year to cruise, Alaska and Europe cruise tips, and a whole lot more. If you've got a cruise coming up, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you plan smarter and cruise better.

Don't miss the latest news and updates at www.cruisetipstv.com and come ask your questions LIVE at amazon.com/shop/cruisetipstv and click on the "livestreams" button! Visit us on AmazonLive! https://www.amazon.com/live/cruisetipstv

In Haines, Alaska, the wilderness doesn't just surround you… it watches. In this episode of CruiseTipsTV Unplugged: Alaska Lore & Legends, we explore the story of the Kushtaka, a shape-shifting presence said to mimic human voices and lure people into the forest. When a routine walk along the Chilkat River takes an unexpected turn, the line between explanation and something more begins to blur. Because in Southeast Alaska… not every voice is meant to be followed.

In this episode, we explore how those stories connect to a modern-day experience in Haines, where the environment, the legend, and one unsettling moment begin to overlap. This episode is a narrative exploration of Alaska's history, culture, and folklore, based on publicly available historical records, oral traditions, and multiple secondary sources.

Details are presented for educational and storytelling purposes and may reflect differing historical interpretations. Legends and traditional stories are shared respectfully and in context. This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any historical institution, cultural group, or cruise line. Follow and chat with us live on AmazonLive! at https://www.amazon.com/live/cruisetipstv