The Journal

Dispatches from the road.

Long-form cruise guides, port primers, and quietly opinionated lists — written by the advisors who plan the journeys.

What expedition cruising actually is, and why it's not just a smaller ship

Most people think an expedition cruise is a regular cruise on a smaller boat. It's not. Here's the actual difference, and why the itinerary is never the plan.

By Eric RileyAugust 20265 min read

The Archive

More from our writers.

arctic expedition cruiseAugust 2026

Arctic or Antarctic: what actually decides it

The Arctic and Antarctic aren't the same trip with different scenery. Here's the real difference in wildlife, season, and ship size that should decide which one you book first.

6 min read

norwegian cruise lineAugust 2026

How I match you across Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings brands: From Norwegian to Oceania to Regent

Three clients, three different cruise lines, one strategic approach. Here's how I think about matching you to the right Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings brand based on your priorities, budget, and cruising experience.

11 min read

icy strait pointAugust 2026

Nobody mentions the starfish beach at Icy Strait Point. They should.

Most people come to Icy Strait Point for the cannery, the whale watching, maybe the zip line. Almost nobody mentions the beach covered in thousands of starfish, and it ended up being the highlight of the stop.

3 min read

JournalAugust 2026

I book Regent and Emerald for completely different clients

I book both Regent and Emerald. They serve completely different travelers — one for formal luxury and white-glove dining, one for all-inclusive intimacy and a younger energy. Here's how I'm thinking about positioning each.

4 min read

alaska cruiseAugust 2026

Alaska with kids: why we left one day completely unplanned

A 103 degree fever knocked my wife out of our last day in Anchorage. What happened next, with just me and the kids and zero plan, turned into one of the best days of the whole trip.

4 min read

alaskaAugust 2026

We skipped the glacier hike in Seward. It was the right call.

Rain and bear safety canceled our planned glacier hike in Seward. What we did instead, a river valley, a free local bus, and an afternoon in a library with a view, ended up being exactly what the day needed.

4 min read

travel advisorAugust 2026

I left a successful sales career to sell something I actually believe in

After 15 years building sales teams in industries that wouldn't invest in their own infrastructure, Eric Riley explains why he walked away, and why travel was the only industry where the fix was actually in his hands.

3 min read

emerald cruisesAugust 2026

What a 100-guest yacht changes in the Caribbean

I missed a tour I'd already paid for in Cozumel because we booked it third-party and waited 45 minutes to get off the ship. Here's what changes when you sail the Caribbean on 100 guests instead of 4,000, and who I'd actually send.

5 min read

hubbard glacierJuly 2026

Everyone rushes back inside at Hubbard Glacier. That's the mistake.

Most cruisers duck inside once Hubbard Glacier gets cold. Here's why staying on deck, even after the crowd thins out, is the better move.

4 min read

regent seven seasJuly 2026

All-Inclusive luxury cruising won't break the bank

When you compare apples to apples with other luxury cruise lines, Regent Seven Seas' all-inclusive model actually delivers more value for your investment. Here's why the math works—and why you should stop sticker shock from stopping you.

8 min read

JournalJuly 2026

Havasupai twice: what changes the second time you hike in

I've backpacked into Havasupai twice now, once in the lodge, once camping. Here's what changes, what surprised me, and who this trip is actually right for.

3 min read

alaska excursionsJuly 2026

Ranking all 4 Alaska excursions we did, from best to worth doing anyway

A direct ranking of the Ketchikan fishing charter, the Juneau helicopter and glacier tour, and the zip lines in Icy Strait Point and Skagway, based on what our family actually experienced on each one.

3 min read

emerald cruisesJuly 2026

Emerald, Ama and Avalon: same price, different trip

I priced Emerald, AmaWaterways and Avalon for the same couple's first Danube sailing. All 3 came back within a few hundred dollars. Here's what actually separated them.

3 min read

skivacationJuly 2026

Breckenridge works for families for one reason nobody puts on the resort brochure

Most families picture a ski trip as slope side or nothing. Breckenridge proves that wrong: the walkable town, not the mountain, is what actually makes it work for kids. And with peak weeks already filling up, this is the month to lock it in.

5 min read

alaska railroadJuly 2026

Is the Alaska Railroad's GoldStar upgrade worth it? Here's what you actually get

What the GoldStar upgrade on the Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic actually includes, what we saw from the glass dome between Seward and Anchorage, and whether it's worth the extra cost over standard seating.

5 min read

alaska cruiseJuly 2026

Why I tell clients to fly into Vancouver, not Seattle, for an Alaska cruise

Why flying into Vancouver instead of Seattle saves a full port day on your Alaska cruise, plus what to know about the JW Marriott Parq, currency, and Canadian entry rules before you book.

6 min read

Travel PlanningMay 11, 2026

What Does a Luxury Travel Agent Actually Do? (And Why It Costs You Nothing)

If you've ever spiraled into 47 browser tabs of cruise reviews at midnight, this one's for you.

6 min read

Port GuidesApril 2026

The Tampa cruise port, fully explained: parking, hotels, and which sailings actually leave from here

Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Princess all sail from Port Tampa Bay. Here's the local advisor's guide to everything around it.

7 min read

Cruise GuidesMarch 2026

River cruise vs. ocean cruise: which one is actually right for you?

If you're choosing between a Danube river cruise and a Mediterranean ocean sailing, the decision usually isn't price. It's pace.

9 min read

How ToMarch 2026

When to actually book a Disney vacation in 2026 (and when to wait)

The 'book 11 months out' rule is mostly right, but it depends on which Disney property and which season you're chasing.

6 min read

ComparisonsApril 2026

TSV Exclusive Group Rate vs. booking direct: what you actually save

Same cabin, same ship, same sailing, different price, different perks, different person answering when something goes wrong.

7 min read

ComparisonsApril 2026

Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity for first-time cruisers in 2026

Same parent company, two completely different vacations. Here's how to pick the right one the first time out.

8 min read

ComparisonsApril 2026

Group cruise vs. private charter: when each one actually makes sense

Twelve cabins on a Royal Caribbean sailing or twelve guests on a private catamaran in the BVI? The right answer depends on three things.

9 min read

JapanApril 2026

Beyond the Shinkansen: 3 Luxury Ryokans that require a Travel Advisor to book

Why the most authentic Japanese experiences aren't found on Expedia.

6 min read

ExpeditionApril 2026

Expedition Ship vs. Luxury Yacht: Which Antarctica vessel is right for you?

A 2027 guide to navigating the 'End of the World' in style.

7 min read

Live Inspection: Hotel Xcaret & Xcaret Arte (June 2026)

Coming Soon

Coming Soon · InspectionJune 2026

Live Inspection: Hotel Xcaret & Xcaret Arte (June 2026)

We're headed back to the Riviera Maya to vet the latest dining and park experiences at Xcaret.

Coming soon

The Reimagined Crystal: Athens to Rome (Sept 2026)

Coming Soon

Coming Soon · InspectionSeptember 2026

The Reimagined Crystal: Athens to Rome (Sept 2026)

Sarah and Melissa are testing the new standard of luxury at sea. Stay tuned for our full report.

Coming soon

Travel GuidesApril 2026

Board or bring? The 2026 guide to luxury travel with (and without) your dog

Whether you fly your dog to Paris or board them in Tampa for two weeks, the wrong call ruins the trip. Here's how we decide, and the suppliers we trust.

9 min read

Cruise GuidesApril 2026

River cruising vs. Royal Caribbean: why experienced cruisers are making the switch

You've sailed the Allure, the Wonder, the Symphony. But what if the best cruise you ever take has nothing to do with the ocean?

12 min read

Corporate & Group TravelJune 2026

What Is Incentive Travel, and Why Every Forward-Thinking Company Should Use It

Incentive travel is the most powerful retention tool most companies aren't using yet. Here's how it works, what it costs, and how a travel advisor makes it effortless.

9 min read

River Cruise GuidesJune 18, 2026

Which AmaWaterways Itinerary Is Best for First-Time River Cruisers?

Danube, Rhine, Christmas Markets, Douro, or Nile? A first-timer's guide to choosing the AmaWaterways sailing that fits you.

9 min read

River Cruise GuidesJune 22, 2026

AmaWaterways Christmas Markets Cruise: What to Know Before You Book

Glühwein, candlelit squares, and a 156-guest ship that floats you between medieval old towns. Here's what to know before you book.

8 min read

River Cruise GuidesJune 15, 2026

AmaWaterways Tulip Time: What to Know Before You Book

Tulip season in the Netherlands is brief, beautiful, and one of the most sought-after windows on the European river-cruise calendar. Here's how to book it smart.

8 min read

Small-Group ToursJune 25, 2026

G Adventures vs Intrepid Travel: Which Small-Group Tour Company Is Right for You?

Two of the best-known small-group tour brands, compared the way an advisor would actually walk you through it, by trip style, comfort, pace, and fit.

10 min read

Small-Group ToursJune 11, 2026

Best G Adventures Trips for Solo Travelers in 2026: An Advisor's Honest Guide

Which G Adventures trips actually work for solo travelers, by travel style, comfort level, and the kind of solo trip you want this year.

9 min read

River Cruise GuidesJune 17, 2026

AmaWaterways Danube vs. Rhine: Which River Should You Book First?

Most first-time AmaWaterways guests land on the same two-way fork: Romantic Danube or Enchanting Rhine. Here's how to choose.

9 min read

Guided Tours & CruisesJune 20, 2026

Is Tauck Worth It? An Honest Advisor's Take

Tauck is one of the most premium-priced guided tour and river cruise operators in the world. Here's an honest read on whether that price is actually worth it, and when it isn't.

9 min read

Luxury & Safari TravelJune 28, 2026

Is Abercrombie & Kent Worth the Price? An Honest Advisor's Take

Abercrombie & Kent is one of the most expensive tour operators in the world. Here's an honest read on what you actually get, who gets the most value, and when a less expensive alternative will serve you better.

9 min read

Family & Multigenerational TravelJune 23, 2026

Tauck Bridges Family Travel: What It Is and Who It's For

Tauck Bridges is Tauck's dedicated family and multigenerational travel collection, guided land tours, river cruises, and small-ship sailings designed to work for grandparents, parents, and kids on the same trip. Here's how it actually works and who it fits.

10 min read

Safari & AfricaJuly 1, 2026

Abercrombie & Kent Safari: What to Expect and Who It's For

Abercrombie & Kent has run African safaris since 1962, it's the company's founding product, not a side offering. Here's what an A&K safari actually delivers, the destinations that matter, and how to decide if the price is justified for your trip.

11 min read

Rail JourneysJuly 6, 2026

Rocky Mountaineer & Canyon Spirit: What to Expect and Who Each Route Is For

Armstrong Collective operates two luxury daylight-only rail products: Rocky Mountaineer through the Canadian Rockies and the brand-new Canyon Spirit through the American Southwest. Here's what each one actually delivers, the routes that matter, and how to decide which is the right fit.

12 min read

Corporate & Group TravelJuly 11, 2026

Corporate Retreat Planning: How a Travel Advisor Plans It End to End

Venue sourcing, group contracts, experience curation, and on-site logistics, the full planning layer for corporate retreats, offsites, and incentive programs, handled end to end.

10 min read

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Question 1 of 7

Dispatches from the road.

What expedition cruising actually is, and why it's not just a smaller ship

More from our writers.

Arctic or Antarctic: what actually decides it

How I match you across Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings brands: From Norwegian to Oceania to Regent

Nobody mentions the starfish beach at Icy Strait Point. They should.

I book Regent and Emerald for completely different clients

Alaska with kids: why we left one day completely unplanned

We skipped the glacier hike in Seward. It was the right call.

I left a successful sales career to sell something I actually believe in

What a 100-guest yacht changes in the Caribbean

Everyone rushes back inside at Hubbard Glacier. That's the mistake.

All-Inclusive luxury cruising won't break the bank

Havasupai twice: what changes the second time you hike in

Ranking all 4 Alaska excursions we did, from best to worth doing anyway

Emerald, Ama and Avalon: same price, different trip

Breckenridge works for families for one reason nobody puts on the resort brochure

Is the Alaska Railroad's GoldStar upgrade worth it? Here's what you actually get

Why I tell clients to fly into Vancouver, not Seattle, for an Alaska cruise

What Does a Luxury Travel Agent Actually Do? (And Why It Costs You Nothing)

The Tampa cruise port, fully explained: parking, hotels, and which sailings actually leave from here

River cruise vs. ocean cruise: which one is actually right for you?

When to actually book a Disney vacation in 2026 (and when to wait)

TSV Exclusive Group Rate vs. booking direct: what you actually save

Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity for first-time cruisers in 2026

Group cruise vs. private charter: when each one actually makes sense

Beyond the Shinkansen: 3 Luxury Ryokans that require a Travel Advisor to book

Expedition Ship vs. Luxury Yacht: Which Antarctica vessel is right for you?

Live Inspection: Hotel Xcaret & Xcaret Arte (June 2026)

The Reimagined Crystal: Athens to Rome (Sept 2026)

Board or bring? The 2026 guide to luxury travel with (and without) your dog

River cruising vs. Royal Caribbean: why experienced cruisers are making the switch

What Is Incentive Travel, and Why Every Forward-Thinking Company Should Use It

Which AmaWaterways Itinerary Is Best for First-Time River Cruisers?

AmaWaterways Christmas Markets Cruise: What to Know Before You Book

AmaWaterways Tulip Time: What to Know Before You Book

G Adventures vs Intrepid Travel: Which Small-Group Tour Company Is Right for You?

Best G Adventures Trips for Solo Travelers in 2026: An Advisor's Honest Guide

AmaWaterways Danube vs. Rhine: Which River Should You Book First?

Is Tauck Worth It? An Honest Advisor's Take

Is Abercrombie & Kent Worth the Price? An Honest Advisor's Take

Tauck Bridges Family Travel: What It Is and Who It's For

Abercrombie & Kent Safari: What to Expect and Who It's For

Rocky Mountaineer & Canyon Spirit: What to Expect and Who Each Route Is For

Corporate Retreat Planning: How a Travel Advisor Plans It End to End

Ready to travel better?

What kind of trip are you planning?