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The Book with the Captain Blog

Plain-English cruise and hotel planning tips for first-timers, families and groups.

Illustrative image: a river cruise ship sailing past vineyards and a hilltop castle at golden hour (not an actual AmaWaterways ship).

AmaWaterways River Cruise Guide: Rhine, Danube & More

Twin balconies, included excursions, bikes on board and a Wellness Host. Here's my plain-English guide to choosing an AmaWaterways river cruise.

Celebrity Cruises Casino Guide: Blue Chip Club & More

Celebrity calls its casinos smoke-free. Here's what to know about the games, Blue Chip Club points, SeaPass play and how to use a Celebrity casino offer.

Illustrative image: beach essentials (sunglasses, sun hat, sandals, sunscreen and a travel wallet) laid out on a wooden table.

First Cruise Checklist: 12 Steps Before You Sail

From choosing a ship to boarding day, here's the first cruise checklist I walk every first-timer through.

Illustrative image: an infinity pool overlooking a calm Baja beach and desert mountains at golden hour (not the actual Four Seasons resort).

Four Seasons Los Cabos at Costa Palmas: Winter Guide

A calm, swimmable beach on the Sea of Cortez, seven pools and a private marina. Here's how I help you plan a winter stay at Four Seasons Los Cabos.

Illustrative image: a small white expedition cruise ship on calm blue water near a Victorian harbor town, white lighthouse and early autumn trees in golden light.

Great Lakes Cruises 2027: Lines, Ships, Ports & Choosing

Seven lines and 10 ships sailed the Great Lakes in 2026. Here's how to choose a 2027 Great Lakes cruise, from ships and ports to pre-cruise city stays.

Illustrative image: a hotel room window view of a city skyline and cruise ships at port at golden hour (not an actual hotel, PortMiami or Port Canaveral).

Hotels Near PortMiami or Port Canaveral Before a Cruise

Downtown Miami or Miami Beach? Cocoa Beach or an Orlando airport hotel? Here's how I help you pick the right pre-cruise hotel in Florida.

Illustrative image: a spacious cruise suite with a sofa, bed and floor-to-ceiling windows to a balcony at sunset.

How to Pick a Cruise Cabin: Types, Location and Tips

The ship matters, but your cabin shapes your whole trip. Here's how I help you choose the right type and the right location.

Icon of the Seas from Galveston: 2027 Guide for Texans

Icon of the Seas moves to Galveston in August 2027. Here's what Texas cruisers should know about the itineraries, the terminal, parking and planning a calm embarkation day.

Illustrative image: a private cruise balcony with two lounge chairs overlooking the ocean at sunrise (not an actual NCL ship).

NCL Balcony Cabins: How to Choose the Right One This Fall

Balcony, Club Balcony Suite or The Haven? Here's how I help you choose the right Norwegian Cruise Line balcony cabin, deck and sailing for your trip.

Illustrative image: a small white cruise ship anchored in a turquoise lagoon beside a volcanic peak and overwater bungalows (not the actual Paul Gauguin).

Paul Gauguin Tahiti Cruise: Itineraries & What's Included

Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine and Taha'a on a 330-guest ship built for French Polynesia. Here's how I help you plan a Tahiti cruise on the Paul Gauguin.

Princess Cruises Casino Guide: Smoking, Hours & Offers

Which Princess ships have a non-smoking casino room? When is the casino open? Here's a practical guide to Princess casinos and Players Advantage.

Royal Caribbean Casino Guide: Hours, Points & Offers

When does the Royal Caribbean casino open? How do Club Royale points work? Here's a practical guide to Casino Royale before you sail.

Royal Caribbean Icon Class Family Guide: 2027 Ships & Dates

Four Icon Class ships, four homeports in 2027. Here's how families can compare Icon, Star, Legend and Hero of the Seas and plan school-break dates early.

Illustrative image: a family of four, seen from behind in silhouette, at a cruise ship railing looking at a turquoise sea and a tropical island.

Spring Break 2027 Family Cruises from Florida: A Guide

School break dates are fixed, and family cabins are limited. Here's how I help families plan a spring break 2027 cruise from Florida.

Turks & Caicos vs Bahamas: Luxury Resorts Guide

Grace Bay calm or Bahamas variety? Here's how I help you choose between Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas for a luxury beach escape.

Illustrative image: a hotel balcony with a packed suitcase overlooking a calm Florida harbor and a docked cruise ship at sunrise.

Why Arrive a Day Early for Your Cruise (and How to Plan It)

The ship won't wait for a delayed flight. Here's why I recommend arriving the day before your cruise, and how to make that extra night part of the trip.

Illustrative image: a large modern cruise ship sailing turquoise Caribbean water at sunset (not the actual Wonder or Oasis of the Seas).

Wonder of the Seas vs Oasis of the Seas: Which to Book?

Two Oasis Class giants, two very different trips. Here's how I help you and your crew choose between Wonder of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas.

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