Cruise Gratuities: Where That Money Actually Goes
Why cruise lines charge a daily service charge instead of a tip, who it actually pays, what happens when you remove it, and which fares already include it.
Read the dispatch →Category · Budget Travel
Filed under: Budget Travel
5 dispatches from the journal.
How Much Does a Cruise Really Cost? A Travel Advisor's Honest Breakdown
The cruise fare is not the cruise cost. Here's an honest, line-by-line breakdown of what you actually pay for, what's included, and where the real money goes.
Read the dispatch →
Wave Season 2026: Which Cruise Deals Are Actually Worth It
Wave Season runs January through March, and most of the promotions are noise. Here is how the deals really work, which offers hold value, and the repricing move most travelers miss.
Read the dispatch →
Offseason Travel: Fewer Crowds, Better Value, and Family Fun at Home
We prefer offseason travel for fewer crowds and better value. Here’s how we keep the excitement alive all summer with local adventures in NYC, Six Flags, Mets games, and more while planning our next big trip.
Read the dispatch →
How to Afford a Cruise Suite Without Breaking the Bank
Dreaming of a cruise suite? Discover 10 expert tips to book luxury suites on Royal Caribbean, NCL, Disney, MSC, and more without breaking your budget.
Read the dispatch →