Advice & Tips David McDonald Advice & Tips David McDonald

What to Pack for a Norwegian Fjords Cruise: The Ultimate Port Day Guide

Packing for a Norwegian Fjords cruise can feel like preparing for four seasons in a single afternoon! After six cruises to Norway—experiencing everything from a sweltering 30°C Arctic heatwave to a week of 100% torrential rain—we've learned exactly what works and what doesn't. From the golden rule of layering to the surprising items you should completely leave at home (hint: put the cash and heavy snow gear away), check out our ultimate port-day survival guide.

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Advice & Tips David McDonald Advice & Tips David McDonald

How European River Water Levels Can Ruin Your Cruise (And What Cruise Lines Won't Tell You)

Thinking about booking a European river cruise? While floating past historic castles sounds like pure paradise, unpredictable river water levels can derail your itinerary faster than you think. We're sharing our real-world experience to break down the hidden realities of European river levels, what cruise lines won't tell you before you book, and how to protect your hard-earned vacation money.

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Port Guides Ben Hewitt Port Guides Ben Hewitt

Skagway White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad: Is the Luxury Train Excursion Worth It?

If you’re planning an Alaska cruise, there’s one shore excursion that pops up on almost every itinerary: the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad in Skagway. In this guide, David (our resident train geek) and I break down what the train ride is actually like, reveal three essential seating hacks most reviewers miss, and share our honest verdict on whether the $400+ luxury VIP carriage is genuinely worth your money or if a Yukon combination tour is the smarter pick.

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Advice & Tips, Cabin Reviews Cruise with Ben & David Advice & Tips, Cabin Reviews Cruise with Ben & David

Review of Suite Benefits & Private Areas on Royal Caribbean Icon-class ships (Legend, Icon & Star of the Seas)

Is the exclusive suite neighborhood on Royal Caribbean’s massive Icon-class ships actually worth an extra few thousand dollars? We look past the cabin doors to review Coastal Kitchen, the Suite Lounge, and The Grove sun deck to see if these private areas truly deliver.

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Cruise Dining Cruise with Ben & David Cruise Dining Cruise with Ben & David

Royal Railway Review: Is Royal Caribbean's Immersive Train Dining Worth It?

We spent $150 per person to test out Royal Caribbean’s brand-new immersive train simulator restaurant, The Royal Railway – Legend Station. Traveling along the historic "Silk Road" menu from China to Italy, here is our independent, first-hand breakdown of the tech, the actors, the curries, and whether this unique dinner show is actually worth the premium price tag.

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Cabin Reviews Cruise with Ben & David Cabin Reviews Cruise with Ben & David

Review: Panoramic Suite on Legend of the Seas (Is No Balcony a Dealbreaker?)

We spent 7 nights inside a Panoramic Suite on Royal Caribbean’s brand-new Legend of the Seas to see if a cabin with no outdoor space is actually worth the premium price tag. From a massive, sun-drenched wall of floor-to-ceiling glass to a shockingly low shower clearance, hard mattress, and the saving grace of the Sky Class suite perks, here is our completely independent, honest breakdown of the entire space.

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Port Guides Cruise with Ben & David Port Guides Cruise with Ben & David

What to Do in Juneau, Alaska on a Cruise: The Ultimate Honest Port Guide & Review

Stepping out onto your cabin balcony at six o'clock in the morning to watch Juneau's snow-capped mountains drift past is pure magic. But as Alaska's isolated capital, navigating a port day here comes with a few unique logistical surprises—from eye-wateringly expensive excursions to tendering headaches. Having sailed into Juneau across Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Voyages, and Norwegian Cruise Line, we’re sharing our honest, real-world guide to the best things to do, what to skip, where to eat local fish tacos, and how to avoid the most common cruise mistakes.

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