Insights

Field notes from the open ocean.

Practical, honest articles drawn from years of working onboard. No sponsorships. No affiliate links. Just what I'd tell a friend.

Cabin guide

The 5 cabin locations I'd never book again

Above the theatre. Under the pool deck. Forward on a small ship in winter Atlantic. Some cabins look great on a deck plan and feel terrible at sea.

6 min readRead
Cruise lines

Royal vs. Norwegian vs. MSC: who they're really for

Three big-ship lines that look similar in marketing but feel completely different onboard. Here's how to pick the right fit.

9 min readRead
First time

First cruise ever? Read this before you book.

The single biggest mistake first-timers make is choosing on price. Here's what to weigh instead — and how to avoid the regret post.

5 min readRead
Ports

When to skip the ship's excursion (and when not to)

Independent tours can save money and elevate the day — but in some ports, the ship's excursion is genuinely the right choice.

7 min readRead
Money

Drinks packages: do the math before you click yes

A simple framework I use to decide whether the package actually pays off for how you'll really drink onboard.

4 min readRead
Behind the scenes

What 17 years onboard taught me about service

Why some ships feel warm the moment you step on, and others feel like a hotel chain. It's not the staff — it's the system.

8 min readRead

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