The cruise journal

Firsthand perspective.
Thoughtful guidance.

Real experiences and careful comparisons to help you choose your next voyage with clarity.

Illustrated comparison of six ultra-luxury cruise lines

Ultra-luxury decision guide · 15 min read

Which Ultra-Luxury Cruise Line Is Best for You?

Compare Regent, Silversea, Seabourn, Crystal, Explora Journeys and Ritz-Carlton by food, suites, service, value and itineraries.

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Entry-level luxury cruise suites from Ritz-Carlton, Regent and Explora Journeys

Suite comparison · 14 min read

Best Entry-Level Ultra-Luxury Cruise Suites

Compare the least-expensive suite on six luxury lines by space, balcony, butler service, layout and overall value.

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Illustrated total-cost comparison of ultra-luxury cruise lines

Total-cost comparison · 13 min read

Which Ultra-Luxury Cruise Line Offers the Best Value?

Look beyond the advertised fare to compare excursions, drinks, gratuities, specialty dining, Wi-Fi and likely extra costs.

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Fine-dining dishes from Regent and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Dining comparison · 15 min read

Which Ultra-Luxury Cruise Line Has the Best Food?

Compare restaurant variety, specialty fees, reservation pressure, room service and culinary style across six lines.

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Artist rendering of Azure restaurant aboard Seven Seas Prestige

Seven Seas Prestige dining guide · 13 min read

Seven Seas Prestige Dining Guide

Compare Azure, Prime 7, Chartreuse, Compass Rose and the casual venues—plus what is included and what to reserve first.

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Artist rendering of the Starlight Atrium aboard Seven Seas Prestige

New luxury ship comparison · 14 min read

Seven Seas Prestige vs. EXPLORA III

Compare inclusions, suites, dining, atmosphere and complete trip value before choosing between two new luxury ships.

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Artist rendering of Seven Seas Prestige sailing during its inaugural season

Seven Seas Prestige inaugural season · 14 min read

Which Seven Seas Prestige 2027 Itinerary Is Best?

Compare the Caribbean, Panama Canal, transatlantic and European voyages—and find the inaugural itinerary that fits you.

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Artist rendering of Oceania Sonata sailing near a coastal city

Oceania ship comparison · 12 min read

Oceania Sonata vs. Allura

Compare size, dining, suites, itineraries and the tradeoff between a new ship and an established one.

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EXPLORA III at sea, sister ship to EXPLORA IV

Explora Journeys ship comparison · 11 min read

EXPLORA IV vs. EXPLORA III

The specifications are nearly identical. See why destination, launch timing and live suite availability should drive the choice.

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Seabourn Venture sailing among the ice and mountains of Greenland

Seabourn Grand Expedition · 13 min read

Seabourn’s 2027 Pole-to-Pole Expedition

The 94-day route, special inclusions, likely extra expenses and the questions to answer before booking.

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Luminara from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection sailing in Alaska near a glacier

Ritz-Carlton Alaska 2027 · 16 min read

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Alaska 2027: Is Luminara Right for You?

Compare Luminara’s 15 Alaska voyages, route choices, inclusions and likely extra costs before choosing your sailing.

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Seta su Luminara specialty restaurant aboard The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Ritz-Carlton fare guide · 14 min read

What Costs Extra on The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection?

The fare is highly inclusive, but it is not unlimited. See where dining, excursions, spa, laundry and travel costs can add up.

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The Art Bar aboard Luminara, a refined lounge within The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Marriott Bonvoy at sea · 14 min read

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Marriott Bonvoy Benefits Explained

Learn how points, Elite Night Credits, redemption values and onboard elite benefits work before you reserve a Ritz-Carlton yacht.

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Silversea luxury cruise ship sailing past Gibraltar at sunset

New Silversea suite structure · 14 min read

Silversea’s New Suite Categories Explained

What changed, what did not, and how to choose among Oceanview, Veranda, Residence and Villa before you book.

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Artist rendering of Seven Seas Prestige sailing at sunset

Seven Seas Prestige suite guide · expanded

Seven Seas Prestige Suites Explained

Compare all 12 categories, benefits and deck locations—from Deluxe Veranda through the two-level Skyview suites.

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Avenue Saloon aboard Crystal Symphony, an elegant social space for solo cruise travelers

Luxury solo cruise comparison · 17 min read

Best Luxury Cruises for Solo Travelers in 2027

Compare real one-person pricing, dedicated solo rooms, inclusions and onboard atmosphere before choosing a 2027 voyage.

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Azamara cruise ship docked beside Marseille Cathedral at twilight

New Azamara packages · 13 min read

Azamara Experience More Packages: Which Tier Is Worth It?

Compare Essentials, Enjoyment and Indulgence by price, credits, dining, Wi-Fi and the benefits you are likely to use.

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EXPLORA III sailing through an Alaska mountain landscape

Explora Journeys Alaska · 14 min read

Explora Journeys Alaska 2027: What to Know Before You Book

Compare EXPLORA III itineraries, inclusions, optional excursions, suites and land extensions before choosing your Alaska journey.

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Contemporary Conservatory lounge aboard EXPLORA III

Explora suite guide · 12 min read

Explora Journeys Ocean Suites Explained

Compare OT1, OT2, OT3 and OT4 with Ocean Grand Terrace—and learn why the exact suite location matters more than the category number.

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Seven Seas Explorer atrium and a Viking ocean ship

Complete cost comparison · 13 min read

Regent vs. Viking: Which Cruise Really Costs Less?

A real 2027 Alaska example compares fares, nights, excursions, drinks, gratuities, air and the likely total trip cost.

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Luxury cruise ship at twilight for an inclusions comparison

Six-line comparison · 17 min read

What Is Included on Six Luxury Cruise Lines?

Compare Regent, Silversea, Seabourn, Crystal, Viking and Ritz-Carlton—and see what can still cost extra.

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Regent Air Concierge compared with independently booked flights

Regent air guide · 15 min read

Regent Air Concierge Explained

Learn what replaced Ultimate All-Inclusive, how Air Concierge works and when booking your own flights may be better.

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Silversea All-Inclusive Plus and All-Inclusive fare comparison

Silversea fare comparison · 16 min read

Silversea Fares Explained

Compare All-Inclusive Plus, All-Inclusive and Last-Minute fares, including excursions, deposits and flexibility.

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Virgin Voyages Lady Ship sailing at sea

Booking guide · 13 min read

How to Book a Virgin Voyages Cruise Online

A screen-by-screen guide to choosing a sailing, cabin and fare, understanding your cabin assignment and reviewing the complete price.

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Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady sailing at sea

Fare comparison · 10 min read

Virgin Voyages Base vs. Essential vs. Premium

Compare Wi-Fi, dining windows, refunds, changes, drink credit and cabin flexibility before choosing your fare.

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Included dining and drinks at Extra Virgin on Virgin Voyages

What is included · 10 min read

Is Virgin Voyages All-Inclusive? What Your Fare Really Includes

Dining, drinks, Wi-Fi, fitness, gratuities and the extras to include in your real vacation budget.

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Brilliant Lady sailing near Cabo San Lucas

Value guide · 12 min read

Is Virgin Voyages Worth It? An Honest Look at the Cost and Experience

An honest look at where Virgin delivers value, its important tradeoffs and who is most likely to love it.

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Resilient Lady docked near Athens

Fleet comparison · 12 min read

Virgin Voyages Ships Compared: Which Lady Ship Is Right for You?

Compare Scarlet, Valiant, Resilient and Brilliant Lady by itineraries, updates and onboard differences.

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Couple relaxing in bed inside a Virgin Voyages RockStar Quarter

Suite guide · 11 min read

Virgin Voyages RockStar Suites: Are the Perks Worth the Upgrade?

Compare RockStar and Mega RockStar benefits, suite categories, priority access and the real value of upgrading.

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Melissa Lagerquist aboard Virgin Voyages with the gold anchor

Booking help · 8 min read

Why Book Virgin Voyages With a First Mate?

Learn what a First Mate does, when personal guidance helps and how to connect your Virgin reservation.

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Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady sailing at sunset

Virgin Voyages · 15 min read

Virgin Voyages for First-Timers: What to Know Before You Book

Fares, cabins, dining, Bar Tab, boarding, Scarlet Night and the details that make a first voyage easier.

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Virgin Voyages Sea Terrace balcony and red hammock

Cabin comparison · 10 min read

Sea Terrace vs. XL Sea Terrace: Which Is Worth It?

Compare bathrooms, space, balconies, locations and the real value of the XL upgrade.

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Couple over 50 enjoying a Virgin Voyages cabin

Who it is for · 10 min read

Virgin Voyages for Over 50: Will You Feel Out of Place?

An honest look at the atmosphere, dining, nightlife, comfort and adults-only experience.

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Virgin Voyages Sea Terrace cabin

Cabin guide · 12 min read

Virgin Voyages Cabins Explained

Compare Insider, Sea View, Sea Terrace, XL and RockStar accommodations before you choose.

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Celebrity Xcel sailing at sea for a comparison with Virgin Voyages

Cruise comparison · 14 min read

Virgin Voyages vs. Celebrity Cruises: Which Is Better for Couples?

Compare dining, cabins, inclusions, nightlife, pools, dress and total vacation value.

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Luxury cruise ship at twilight for an Oceania Cruises and Viking Ocean comparison

Cruise comparison · 11 min read

Oceania Cruises vs. Viking Ocean: Which Cruise Line Is Right for You?

Compare Oceania Cruises vs. Viking Ocean on dining, inclusions, shore excursions, staterooms, atmosphere and value to find the right cruise for you.

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Hubbard Glacier scenery on a luxury Alaska cruise

Updated for 2027 · 21 min read

Best Luxury Alaska Cruises for 2027

Compare six luxury options and see what is genuinely new for 2027, including Explora’s debut and Ritz-Carlton’s expanded second season.

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Elegant luxury cruise suite for a Regent Seven Seas and Silversea comparison

Cruise comparison · 11 min read

Regent Seven Seas vs. Silversea: Which Luxury Cruise Line Is Right for You?

Compare two ultra-luxury cruise leaders on inclusions, suites, service, shore excursions, expedition travel and overall value.

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Luxury cruise setting aboard Regent Seven Seas

Cruise comparison · 10 min read

Regent Seven Seas vs. Oceania Cruises: Which Luxury Cruise Line Is Right for You?

Regent and Oceania both offer refined, destination-focused cruising. Compare their inclusions, dining, accommodations, excursions and overall value.

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Alaska mountain scenery viewed from Seven Seas Explorer

Regent Seven Seas · 10 min read

Regent Seven Seas Alaska Review: Our Experience Aboard Seven Seas Explorer

A firsthand look at sailing Alaska aboard Seven Seas Explorer—from our F1 Serenity Suite and dining to included tours and Hubbard Glacier.

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Elegant specialty dining aboard Regent Seven Seas

Regent Seven Seas · 9 min read

Is Regent Seven Seas Worth It? Understanding the Real Value of the Fare

A practical look at Regent’s inclusions, possible extra costs and who receives the greatest value from an ultra-luxury cruise fare.

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Melissa dining aboard Seven Seas Explorer

Regent Seven Seas · 11 min read

Seven Seas Explorer Dining Guide: Our Experience Across the Ship

Firsthand impressions of Chartreuse, Pacific Rim, Prime 7, Compass Rose and Sette Mari at La Veranda aboard Seven Seas Explorer.

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Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls in Alaska

Regent Seven Seas · 12 min read

Regent Alaska Tours We Experienced Firsthand

An honest account of our included Alaska tours—plus Hubbard Glacier scenic cruising—aboard Seven Seas Explorer.

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Elegant atrium aboard Seven Seas Explorer

Regent Seven Seas · 10 min read

Your First Regent Seven Seas Cruise: What to Know Before You Book

A calm, practical first-timer’s guide to Regent fares, suites, dining, excursions, dress and choosing the right voyage.

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