Wanna Save Money? Use a Travel Agent

Disney Cruise Ship - (photo via Flickr/James Wheeler)
When it comes to using a travel agent, you might not realize what benefits they bring to the table. After all, it seems that so many travelers are doing their own bookings using online travel sites, so shouldn't you?

Not really. There are multiple ways that travel agents can help you to save.

9 ways to make your cruise ship's cabin seem more spacious

Interior staterooms on Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas features a virtual balcony,
which gives your cabin a more spacious feel. (Royal Caribbean International)

Cruise ships offer travelers a lot of pluses: entertainment, activities, transportation and a seemingly endless supply of food. But they don't get many points for providing roomy accommodations.

Some cabins, in fact, are only slightly more than 100 square feet; compare that with the average hotel room, which is about 330 square feet.

No more check-in lines? New Royal Caribbean app lets you walk right onto ship

(Photo: Diane Bondareff, Invision for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.)
Add checking in for a cruise to the list of things you'll soon be able to do with a few taps on your smartphone.

Royal Caribbean Cruises this week showed off a new smartphone app that will let customers complete the check-in process before arriving at a ship. 

Disney Cruise Line Is Opening A 'Tangled'-Themed Restaurant

If you've ever wanted to eat like a princess, you'll finally have your chance to this spring. That's because Disney Cruise Line is opening a brand new Tangled-themed restaurant that's expected to open its doors in March 2018.

What’s the Best Time to Visit the Caribbean?

PHOTO: Barceló has revealed the sweet spot in Caribbean vacation booking.
(photo courtesy of Barceló Hotel Group)
The Caribbean continues to be one of the most popular visitor destinations in the world. Idyllic beaches, endless sunshine and Caribbean hospitality are all part of the allure. But nothing can ruin a vacation getaway quite like an extended heatwave or a protracted downpour.

If you’re looking to avoid hurricanes and high temps, Barceló Hotel Group has a few suggestions on optimal travel times to the Caribbean.

Carnival puts scents in a can for Caribbean promotion


Carnival Cruise Line on Wednesday set up a vending machine in New York's Greeley Square Park that dispensed cans filled with the scents of Caribbean destinations. 

American themes, from Civil War to lobster bakes, set for 2018 U.S. river cruises


Retrace the footsteps of explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark in the Pacific Northwest, go on lobster bakes in Maine, or sail through Washington state's Puget Sound on a wine-and-dine cruise. 

Cruise Critic picks world's best cruise ships for 2017


Viking Cruises dominated the 10th annual Cruise Critic Editors' Picks Awards with five wins.

Crystal Cruises came in second place with four awards, while Disney and Celebrity Cruises each picked up three awards, all of which were recently revealed on Tuesday.

Introducing Carnival's Improved Boarding Pass

We know the excitement when arriving at the port, eager to board so you can start your Carnival cruise vacation. I'm happy to share that Carnival has improved their check-in collateral to focus guests on key embarkation times.

Kids Can Now Get A Princess Leia Makeover On A Disney Cruise

Step aside, Snow White. You too, Cinderella. There’s a new princess experience coming to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique on the Disney cruise line. Who is this princess, you ask? None other than “Star Wars”‘ heroine, General Leia Organa!

Exciting News From MSC

New York will soon will be the temporary home to one of the biggest cruise ships in the world.

Europe-based MSC Cruises this week revealed that its new, 171,598-ton MSC Meraviglia would operate three cruises from New York in October 2019 before heading to Miami for an inaugural winter season of cruises to the Caribbean. 

TWO SHIPS IN TWO DAYS – A STUDY IN CONTRASTS

I recently had the opportunity to inspect two wonderful – and remarkably different – new ships: Carnival Vista and Holland America Koningsdam