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Port Canaveral just took the crown from Miami as the world’s busiest cruise port and that one stat says a lot about where cruising demand is headed. We unpack what changed, why Port Canaveral’s passenger numbers surged, and how that can affect your choices if you’re comparing Florida departure ports for your next sailing. Along the way, we also flag a money detail most travelers miss: American Airlines quietly nudged up short-haul international checked bag fees, another reminder to price the entire trip, not just the airfare. 

Then we jump to Cancun and the Riviera Maya, where Mark is fresh back from El Dorado Royale and brings home the Palm Award from Lomas Hospitality. We talk through what makes these resorts stand out, who each property fits best, and why “more inclusive” can be a real value upgrade. Think beyond the usual all-inclusive basics: airport transportation, signature experiences like snorkeling cruises and cenotes, Maroma Beach club access with excellent local food, and even a major water park option for families at Generations Riviera Maya. If you’re searching for Cancun all-inclusive deals, adults-only romance resorts, or a multi-generational Mexico vacation, you’ll leave with a clearer shortlist. 

The Just Cruising segment goes deep on loyalty and Alaska. Virgin Voyages is now status matching most cruise lines and even select Virgin airline status, and they’re rolling out a 30-day Alaska season pass for 2026 built on back-to-back sailings. Mark also announces AlaskaCruiseGuru.com, a dedicated hub for Alaska cruise planning, including small ship adventure cruises and Alaska cruise tours. We wrap with a listener question that turns into a timely warning: Christmas markets river cruises for 2026 are selling out early, so we share when to book, which cities to prioritize, and our top picks for AmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways, plus current promotions. 

Subscribe, share this with your favorite travel buddy, and leave a review if these weekly travel deals and cruise tips help you plan smarter.

Thank you for taking the time to listen to the show.  There are literally thousands of podcasts from which you can choose, yet you listened to my show.

The entire purpose of this podcast is to help people plan and book their next vacation or simply give listeners ideas of where they might consider going on vacation next.  Our goal is to help our listeners live their lives deliberately and intentionally.  You only get one shot at life so you might as well make it count.  Make memories with those that matter most to you.

TAKE ACTION:  Quit talking about going on vacation, just do it.  If you want more information about any of the destinations we discussed during the show, or have your own custom vacation in mind, I can help you.  Please call, text, or email me.  

Here's my contact information:

Patrick Wiscombe

Cell/Text:  (801) 874-7717

Email:  [email protected]

Podcast:  https://thevacationnerd.buzzsprout.com/

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheVacationNerd