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• WHEN CAN WE START BOOKING THE NEW CELEBRITY RIVER CRUISES – SHOULD WE?

  Q –  11.29.25  – When will the new Celebrity Riverboat be sailing, and have the books been opened up yet? Is this a river cruise you will be recommending? We are past Celebrity guests in Europe (twice) and we were extremely satisfied. 

  A – Celebrity River Cruises will launch their first sailings in 2027, featuring two new luxury river ships: Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker. The initial itineraries will explore the Rhine and Danube rivers, promising immersive cultural experiences, expansive open decks, onboard butler service, and 24-hour dining.

  Past Celebrity guests were allowed to begin booking in September of 2025, and the entire 2027 season sold out in six minutes, according to Celebrity.

  As the vessels have not yet been launched, we cannot make any recommendations. Our Inspectors will be filing reports, and we will begin to determine how Celebrity River Cruises’ quality standards compare with those of the three leading river cruise lines in Europe: Scenic, AMA Waterways, and Tauck.

  

  For now, these are some of the features and characteristics you will find in the new Celebrity River cruise brand:

  Here’s a breakdown of the key features you can expect aboard these 172-guest luxury river ships:

  Signature Design & Outdoor Living • Infinite Veranda Staterooms: Adapted from Celebrity’s ocean ships, these cabins feature floor-to-ceiling glass that transforms into open-air balconies at the touch of a button. • Expansive Open Decks: More outdoor space than any other river vessel, designed for panoramic views and relaxation. • Infinity-Edge Plunge Pool: A dramatic, cantilevered pool extending over the river for a floating sensation. ️ Dining & Social Spaces • Magic Carpet-Inspired Dining Pods: Elevated, cantilevered dining venues offering immersive views and a floating experience reminiscent of the Magic Carpet on Edge-class ships. • Top-Deck Bar & Grill: Al fresco dining and cocktails with 360-degree views, designed for year-round enjoyment.

  Luxury Service & Amenities • Butler Service: Personalized attention in all suite categories, continuing Celebrity’s high-touch hospitality. • 24-Hour Dining: Flexible, upscale culinary offerings around the clock. • Wellness & Enrichment: Programs focused on local culture, history, and cuisine, with onboard experts and curated excursions.

  Itineraries & Immersion • 33 Weeklong Sailings in 2027: Focused on the Rhine and Danube Rivers, with immersive port experiences in cities like Vienna, Budapest, Amsterdam, and Basel. • Cultural Deep Dives: Emphasis on local flavors, storytelling, and behind-the-scenes access to Europe’s most iconic destinations.

  Will these ships be tying up to other riverboats at night? In many ports we suspect they will. Will there be extra charge shore-excursions and dining options? Unlike more inclusive competitors we expect that there will. 

   

  Will most of the guests be coming over from Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises? Absolutely yes. So Celebrity River Cruises is looking to become an extension of an existing brand loyalty not normally associated with a TrueLux product on Europe’s rivers.

  But remember this: Royal Caribbean is not playing games here. They have announced a commitment to an initial order of ten new Celebrity riverboats carrying 172 guests each. But TrueLux cruise brand Silversea is also owned by Royal Caribbean and don’t be surprised if you see the development of the ultimate river cruise product under that name and financial umbrella. 

• CAN YOU SIMPLIFY TRAVEL INSURANCE AS IN ‘WHAT SHOULD WE TAKE OUT”?

  Q – Much of what you cover on your “Traveltruth Media” sites makes sense and we feel travel educated when we spend some time reading the postings. But there is an exception. Travel insurance just confuses the hell out of me. I am 71 years old, both my wife and I are cancer survivors, and we both go a full 18 holes a few times a week. So, we are in pretty good shape. As we start doing even more touring around the world, in general, how would you advise us to approach travel insurance? And remember – please keep it simple.

  A – Understood. Technically, it is against the law in most states for a non-licensed insurance agent to make insurance recommendations. Of course, we do it anyway.

  Per your request to keep it simple: Take out a policy with one of the very best private insurance companies that offers at least $500,000 in medical evacuation coverage. The trick is to use one of the top-grade insurance firms that gives you extended coverage if you take out the policy within three weeks to a month of your deposit. The specific benefit you want is the waiver of pre-existing coverage. That means that if your previous condition acts up and you need to cancel, you would be covered even though the medical reason is based on a recurrence of a prior condition.

  We go a step further with our clients. We urge them to consider the state of medicine in the countries they will be visiting. Would they be comfortable with the level of medical care, surgery, hospitals, etc. if there was a medical emergency during their travels? If the answer is “no,” we think our clients should seriously consider medical evacuation coverage from a company like Med-Jet.

• IS THERE REALLY A SO-CALLED $2000 RULE AT RITZ-CARLTON HOTELS?

  Q – In a previous post, you mentioned the $2000 Rule at the Ritz-Carlton. I am in HR at a Fortune 500 Bank Group, and I am really curious as to how this works. I understand it is a “Rule” at the hotels and not necessarily aboard the new Ritz-Carlton Cruise line. Can you explain what it is and how it works?

  A –  The Ritz-Carlton’s $2,000 Rule empowers every employee—regardless of role or rank—to spend up to $2,000 per guest, per incident, to resolve a problem or enhance a guest’s experience, without needing managerial approval.

  The Core of the $2,000 Rule • Empowerment at Every Level: From housekeepers to front desk agents, every Ritz-Carlton employee is authorized to use up to $2,000 to immediately address guest concerns or create memorable moments—without needing to escalate to a supervisor. • Per Guest, Per Incident: The rule applies to each guest and each incident, not as a lifetime cap. This means if a guest has multiple issues during a stay, the employee can act on each one individually. • No Pre-Approval Needed: The policy is designed to eliminate bureaucratic delays. Employees are trusted to use their judgment and act swiftly to resolve issues or surprise and delight guests.

  The Strategic Philosophy Behind the Rule • Rooted in Hospitality Psychology: The policy was introduced in the early 1980s by Horst Schulze, then COO of Ritz-Carlton. He believed luxury wasn’t just about opulence—it was about creating a sense of home and psychological safety. Guests should feel that their needs are anticipated and met with care. • Proactive, Not Reactive: The rule encourages employees to anticipate guest needs and go beyond reactive service. For example, noticing a guest’s toothpaste is running low and replacing it without being asked is a small but powerful gesture.

  In fact, Ritz-Carlton contacts tell us that the “$2000 Rule” is rarely used. While the $2,000 limit is generous, most employees don’t come close to spending that amount. The real value lies in the freedom to act, not the dollar figure itself. It is the staff empowerment and the way staff can think about improving the guest experience that is seen as the major value of “The Rule”.

• ARE ALL THESE ‘BLACK FRIDAY’ OFFERS REALLY LEGIT?

  Q –(11.21.25) – It seems as though our e-mail and our physical mailbox have been inundated with so-called “Black Friday” travel offers from hotels, cruise lines, tour operators – everyone! The offers sound good. In one specific case, the current offer and amenities seem better than what I had when I booked my Viking cruise four months ago. How do I know if I can take advantage of these Black Friday offers? I guess what I am really asking is “are these true deals or true scams”?

  A – That is a complicated question. In previous years, offers from the Cruisetruth Top-Ten ranked cruise Lines or the RiverboatRatings.com site rankings were generally insincere marketing ploys to attract new bookings over the Thanksgiving Holidays. At the same time, mass market brands can discount at any time with little regard for the feelings of those who might have booked their tour, hotel, or cruise, in fact, the very top brands do not, as a rule, punish their best clients who have booked the first 25% of a tour, a room, or a sailing. They have no interest in alienating those who book earliest, seen as their most loyal and most preferred customers.

  So “sales” and “special one-of-a-kind” promotions were the rule aboard the larger, mass-market cruise brands and at hotels that were below true five-star status.

  The way pricing typically works on the better cruise lines’ and riverboat lines is that the upper-echelon lines raise prices every 90 to 120 days. Then marketing develops a strategy to sell the remaining space at the new, higher price point.

  So when we would be checking a “sale price” for clients, about 80-90% of the time, the original price paid was the better deal. That was the way the system worked, but it was not publicly discussed, as no high-quality hotel or cruise product wants to admit that when occupancy reaches a certain level, prices will go up.

  The better escorted tour products are much more concerned about being undercut by “early bookers”. Think about the challenge faced by a seasoned Tour Director when several couples on a tour discover that they have paid a significantly higher price than others in the group.

  In the hotel industry, this is not a concern. It is assumed that guests really do not interact with strangers or discuss the price they paid for their room. On a several-thousand-passenger floating shopping mall with dozens of for-profit mini-centers scattered about the ship, core stateroom pricing is not a major concern, as it is assumed by management and by their customers that prices can and do change regularly.

  But on one of our TrueLux Top-Ten Ranked cruise lines, management must assume that passengers mix and dinner conversation could well drift to the area of “price paid”. It is also a fact that on the Top Ten Rated Lines (see the summary of the latest 2026 Ratings on www.cruisetruth.com) those who book earliest tend to book higher-category staterooms as specific category suites are limited in number.

  So that is the way that pricing has always worked. But this year, we are seeing some pricing strategies that are different. There seems to be a feeling that Black Friday, and the days just prior to and following Thanksgiving, have become, as a result of efforts by Amazon, Wal-Mart, and other major online sellers, a sort of national sales Holiday Season with the expectation that special pricing offers never previously offered will be available for a one or two-week period. That is what we have seen this year, and it has affected some pricing in the TrueLux cruise sector. The chances are still not good that the “Black Friday” offer will be better than the price paid by guests who booked months earlier – but this year, it very well could be, and price checks are always required.

  To save time and effort and to approach cruise pricing seriously – there is one simple rule to follow:

  If you booked your cruise months earlier, you paid one price. The deal, upgrades, price incentives you see on the TrueLux products during the Thanksgiving period are generally real – but YOU MUST PAY THE CURRENT PRICE FOR YOUR STATEROOM. That means that your room charge will likely be significantly higher than the price paid months ago. Then you must add in all the bubbles and the glitter in the new Thanksgiving offer to see if they offset the current pricing.

  Sorry for the long explanation but we wanted to try to explain this thoroughly as your question has come up many times.

• JUST WHAT CAN WE DRINK ON AN AIRCRAFT THAT WON’T MAKE US SICK?

  Q – We are not yet clients – but hopefully, we soon will be. So let me pose a serious question. You have been somewhat specific about some beverages you advise your clients to avoid when flying. These include coffee, Coca-Cola, Hot Tea, and that famous Mrs. T Bloody Mary Mix, which tastes better at 33,000 than on dry land, even though the concoction is 50% salt. You also warned against water served from carafes. Please let me know, when working with you on future trips, precisely what you will recommend I drink at my seat while flying.

  A – Well – we do permit our clients to purchase something from Starbucks in the terminal to enjoy onboard. In fact, we generally recommend purchasing a picnic of sorts in the terminal before boarding. Actual water encased in a bottle is fine onboard, and a bit of sugary juice won’t make you ill. But, right now, and after consulting with nutritionists and parking lot attendants at Duke, UCLA, and NYU, we recommend that your first choice should be old-fashioned Ginger Ale – one of the brands that actually contains Ginger. Ginger will help soothe your stomach. Or, just carry some real ginger in your carry-on and add it to your drink. 

• WHAT DO WE DO IF ONE OF OUR PLANNED EUROPE VACATIONS IS AFFECTED BY A FLIGHT CANCELLATION?

  Q – This coming year, we have two trips planned to Europe: one for a Baltic Cruise on Seabourn and the other for a Douro River Cruise on Scenic. In each case, we are doing the air arrangements ourselves, taking your advice to work directly with the airlines. Given all the delays and cancellations we’ve heard about, we are wondering what our rights are if the worst happens when flying to/from/within Europe as U.S. citizens. Really appreciate this site.

  A – The good news is that when you fly within the European Union, and there is a severe delay or cancellation, you will likely be entitled to a replacement flight or a cash refund. The standard refund in the EU is now “up to a maximum of Euro 600”. That is based on how long you were delayed and the advance notice you were provided – so all a bit “iffy”.

  This general rule applies to both US carriers and E.U. airlines. But understand that, these days, most serious delays are weather-related, and “climate change” events are thought to be legally out of the airline’s control. So if thunderstorms are delaying your departure, don’t expect meal vouchers, accommodations, or even an earnest apology – unless, of course, you have chartered an Emirates 787 for yourself.

• FLYING TURKISH AIRLINES TO ISTANBUL TO CONNECT – KIND OF WORRIED – ANY ADVICE?

  Q – We will be flying Turkish Airlines because it has the best connection to Italy, where we are headed. I am a rather Goth-looking fellow, as is my girlfriend, who will be joining me. We have a fair share of tattoos, and we are a bit concerned about being stopped and searched in the process of changing planes in Istanbul. We have sprung for Business Class seats so perhaps that will help. My girlfriend has some face jewelry so wondering if she will get served? We take lots of videos and post online but this one scares us a bit. My father suggested I ask your opinion. 

  A – Several questions there – let’s try to be specific:

  No one cares if you follow a Goth lifestyle as you pass through Turkey. If, however, you get invited to President Erdogan’s residence for dinner – we would suggest you say you are busy. Actually, the Italians might be more inquisitive. 

  Covering tattoos should be easy and, if possible, we would suggest removing facial jewelry where possible. Customs inspectors are human, and they make decisions on appearance. 

  The Business Class on Turkish overseas direct to Istanbul is one of the highest-rated in the industry. The service and food get high marks, and the accommodations are quite inviting. You will likely have to pass through Istanbul’s beautiful airport between flights. It would be a good time to “blend”. 

  There is one specific we want to warn you about. Do not attempt to video any Turkish Flight attendant or officer and do not film in the Istanbul Airport. Turkish police have detained passengers for filming flight attendants during the safety demonstration when the attendants claimed it was sexual harassment. 

  

  If at all possible, carry documentation that shows that you are a regular golf partner of President Trump. It couldn’t hurt. 

• WHICH CARIBBEAN ISLANDS SHOULD BE AVOIDED BY HONEYMOONERS?

  Q – 11.9.25 – We will be planning a honeymoon to the Caribbean in the next three months, and we have a rather specific question we hope you can answer without fear of backlash. Obviously, we will be choosing a five-star resort or as close as we can get to it. My bride and I love to walk, shop, and explore. We keep hearing stories that in the Caribbean that can, in certain places, be dangerous. Despite the quality of the hotels, can you name the islands that you would deem “unsafe” for folks like us – adventurous types who would not want to remain “on-campus” at one of the island’s inclusive resorts. We are 26 and 29 – if that matters. Really appreciated and we will understand if you prefer not to name “names”. 

  A –  These are the islands we would definitely avoid at the present time:

  • Haiti – No brainer – healthcare is collapsing and there is a high rate of civil unrest and attempted kidnappings of foreigners. If you are planning on packing an AK-47 in your honeymoon luggage – you might have a chance. 
  • Trinidad and Tobago – Same as above – but somewhat less severe.  There is a current “reconsider travel” alert from our State Department.
  • Jamaica – Violent crime is an issue ion many neighborhoods. Jamaica is also under “Reconsider” advisory although the Jamaica Tourist Association will offer a counterargument. 
  • Dominican Republic – This is the one most visitors miss because the Dominican Republic has numerous inclusive resorts and low airfares. But look behind the ads and you will note any number of statistics that make us add it to our list.
  • Turks & Caicos – Requires a “heads up” for travelers from the US although less serious than the preceding islands.
  • St. Thomas – The Mega-Cruise Ships call here daily so the assumption is that the island is safe. But night demands caution and assault and kidnapping are not unknown. There are absolutely neighborhoods that rank among some of the most in the Caribbean.

  We realize that some of our readers and guests will point out that cruise lines regularly call at most of these ports. Yes – but they get out of town by sundown!

  We all wish you a truly memorable, walkable, and entirely safe honeymoon.

   
• ARE YOU KIDDING ME? 20% ADD-ON FOR TRAVEL INSURANCE?

  Q – 11.9.25 – We are sailing to the Caribbean aboard one of the new Explora Cruise ships in a nice Suite. The Travelex insurance for this trip is a 20% premium. I believe this is really excessive. I am curious, what percentage of your customers actually purchase this high-cost insurance?

  A –The vast majority of our guests traveling overseas take out insurance – 90% use Travelex. There are several companies with in-house, flat-rate insurance that we are currently recommending. These include:

  Tauck – AMA Waterways – Abercrombie & Kent – Silversea 

  Most supplier-provided insurance is outsourced to firms we do not highly recommend. The advantage of Travelex is they permit advocacy meaning we can, sometimes, get them to re-open a claim that had been rejected.

  The average cost for insurance bought directly from the supplier is currently in the range of 12.5%. But age-based policies, as you know, can go much higher. Supplier-provided insurance is less expensive but it does not offer the same coverage including the coverage of pre-existing conditions..

  To receive the waiver for Pre-Existing conditions you would need to take out Travelex within 15 days of deposit. If you don’t, pre-existing conditions are not covered.

  The better consortium groups carefully screen insurance companies that want to be part certified “partners” with access to their members.  Few qualify. As of now, Travelex remains our highest-rated provider which is the sole reason we recommend them. 

  If you feel that the quote is too high (that will happen with age-based policies which Travelex is) one alternative is to visit the website www.squaremouth.com  This site includes most of the insurance carriers including some with lower rates. It tries to describe the coverage in detail. My concern is that you would be working with a website. But it might answer some of your questions.

  In summary:

  If an age-based policy recommended by your adviser seems too high, compare it to the actual coverage offered by the supplier’s insurance which is, almost always, a flat fee and not age-based. If the coverage is similar, you will save a considerable amount of money going with the fixed-price cruise line or tour operator policy.

  From a practical “what if something goes wrong” perspective, look at the issue of “advocacy” carefully. If the person who sold you the insurance policy cannot speak directly to top-level management in a case where a claim is rejected, shop somewhere else. If you are entitled to coverage and no one is going to fight for you by demanding your file by re-opened by a new adjuster, you may regret your insurance decision. Normally, the higher-priced policies offer significantly better coverage. But once you approach seventy years of age, the rates can skyrocket as you have noted.

  This is a really excellent question and we understand it is on the minds of many travelers. We wish it was on even more “traveling” minds. 

• ANY STRATEGIC ADVICE IF MY THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY, OR EVEN CHRISTMAS, FLIGHTS ARE CANCELLED DUE TO GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN?

  Q – (11.8.25) – We are, I am certain, not alone when it comes to concern and more than a little anger that we are subjected to so much stress over our next two major holidays regarding the shutdown and its impact on flights within the United States. If our political parties actually speak to one another this thing may end in a few days but from what I am hearing, that won’t solve the shortage of qualified (let’s pray they are) air traffic controllers. Been following this really helpful site for more than a year and wonder if you might share some of the advice you must be giving your personal clients during these challenging times.

  A –  We are pleased to share a communication we sent out to our guests yesterday:

  Dear Friends and Flyers:

  As our media is filled with stories highlighting the dysfunctional nature of our government and a bit of chaos at our nation’s airports, we thought it might be helpful if we could highlight some of what you need to know as this “crisis” unfolds.

  We have scoured some of the best information currently available and put it in one report for your convenience. There are some cliches in the attached report but, also, some very good advice.

  In terms of our reading of this air crisis we thought it best to highlight a few personal observations:

  01 – There is a very real shortage of air traffic controllers in the United States. The number of job openings currently exceeds 3,000 and we do not see any way that this number will be increased in any dramatic way without special government intervention and funding. This has been exacerbated by the current government shut down. This means that, for safety reasons, flights and entire routes will be cancelled in the months to come. The current feeling is that a 10% reduction in the number of commercial flights operating in US skies is an achievable goal.

  02 – There are no planned cutbacks of international flights to and from the United States. As they tend to involve larger aircraft, international flights are seen as an economic necessity when it comes to airline profitability.

  03 – Small, so-called “Regional Jets” will be the target of most cutbacks this weekend and into the immediate future.

  04 – Every domestic flyer should have a strategy. The first involves allowing 3-4 hours of check-in time until this situation is under control.

  05 – Some TSA and Air Traffic Controllers are not being paid a salary given the government shutdown. In fact, several airlines have requested their catering management at major airports to deliver food to controllers working the “towers”. There are reports that some controllers have taken on second jobs such as Uber driver while the paychecks are being withheld. This shortage of controllers was predicted and will need to be addressed via systemic changes no one is openly discussing.

  06 – You will be checking the status of your flights. Do not do that with a human being at the airline. Cancellations, pricing, and most scheduling is now a part of so-called “Dynamic” pricing which is managed by sophisticated AI programs.

  07 – When you call an airline you will be led to believe and even told you are speaking with an employee reservationist. In fact, some air reservations customer service staff have been outsourced for years. Some are simply a component of the largest corporate travel agencies. Some are based outside the United States. One of our largest hotel chains was in the habit of setting up reservation centers in prison settings where those on “good behavior” work for $5.00 per hour with no benefits. The two best ways to check the status of your flight during a “crisis” is to use the airline app you have downloaded to your phone. This is the method most often used by airlines to notify passengers of any changes/delays/cancellations. Don’t be an “ANT” (A Naive Traveler) who books online. That is usually what “ANTS” do because it appears to be easier. But it rarely produces an iota of customer service or human care. ANTS are laughed at in much of the travel community.

  08 –  If you are making new air reservations, we strongly urge you to consider making them through Cranky Concierge or a similar service that includes real time flight monitoring via e-mail.  Do not expect cruise line or tour operator air departments to have the staff to offer flight monitoring services. They are offering air “as a convenience”. 

  09 – If you have an issue with an airline that requires that you speak to a supervisor, do not try calling. Instead, state your case as clearly as possible and ask for as prompt response on the airline’s Customer Service Facebook site. They actually monitor Facebook.

  10 -If you are getting frustrated – and can’t get through – here is a trick that often works. Call your airline at an overseas office in Europe. Google the airline and “London Reservation Center” etc. You will find you can often get through easily to an English-speaking agent who is sitting in front of the same flight database as colleagues in the States.

  Major airlines have overseas locations where staffers speak English—in the U.K., Germany, Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore, for example—and they are typically just as able to help you as their U.S.-based counterparts, as long as their office is open (not all call centers are open 24 hours) and not dealing with a snowstorm.  So if you need to speak with someone at, say, American Airlines, try calling one of their worldwide phone numbers.  To keep the cost of the call down, use WhatsApp, Skype, or Google Voice.

  11 – Gethuman.com is a website that gives you the best telephone numbers to use to reach customer service at a wide variety of travel-related corporations. Might save you time.

   FINALLY – OUR CONGRESS MAY BE CLOSED DOWN –

  BUT WE’RE NOT

  CHURCHILL & TUREN LTD. WILL REMAIN OPEN THIS WEEKEND AND ALL WEEKENDS UNTIL THIS AIRPORT CRISIS, THIS PREDICTABLE CRISES, IS DRAMATICALLY IMPROVED.

   

   

       
• MY CHASE VISA GETS ME AIR MILES: HOW DOES THAT REALLY WORK?

  Q – 11.1.25 –  I have a high-level Chase Sapphire card and I earn miles which I use on American Airlines for free tickets to Europe and upgrades in the States. But no one ever really explains how the system works. Am I really earning something tangible? It seems as though I am.

  A – It is a bit complicated, and it is constantly changing – so let’s simplify what is really happening. You are earning something tangible. Visa is purchasing miles from American to give you as a partial repayment of some of the profits they are earning based on your use of the card. the price has generally been between 1.8 to 2.5 cents per mile. Visa then takes the miles they have purchased and doles t hem out as rewards to customers. And here is the secret rarely discussed: In recent years, several major airlines have earned as much selling miles to credit card banks as they have selling airline tickets to consumers. 

• CAN YOU GIVE IT TO US STRAIGHT – AFTER ALL THE ADVERTISING BS WHAT ARE THE BEST THREE CRUISE LINES OVERALL?

  Q –  I don’t know if there is an answer to this question but your advice would be truly appreciated. We have traveled within the US and have always gone the deluxe route. We can, fortunately, afford the best accommodations, food, guides etc. when we are on vacation. We’ve traveled abroad seven times, staying at castles, villas etc., twice with friends. Now, finally, we are ready to go on our first cruise and we want to start at the top with the best, highest-rated cruise line overall. Online searches reveal little but we thought we could pose this simple question in the hope that you will be able to offer a straightforward answer. 

  What are the current top-three cruise lines in the world all things considered? 

  A – Your question made us smile because it is rather timely. Our Consumer Cruise Site rates the Top Ten Cruise lines annually and we are deep into research and Certified Cruise Ship Inspection Reports before officially naming the Ten Lines for 2026. But you have asked a reasonable question and we fully understand why getting the answer is not something you are likely to discover on Tik-Tok or in industry advertising. The rankings have changed this year. These are the Top Three Cruise Lines in the World at the moment:

  # 1 – Ritz-Carlton Yachts # 2 – Hapag-Lloyd  # 3 – Scenic Eclipse  
• DO YOU HAVE A HANDY SUBSTITUTE FOR VENICE ITALY NEXT SEPTEMBER?

  Q – (9.27.25) – We are traveltruth newbies – thoroughly impressed. But we are frustrated. My wife and I honeymooned in Venice thirty-four years ago. We have been back once, but were thinking of going again for our vacation next September. But when I look at the overcrowding and the long lines I wonder if it might be best for us to just keep the Venice that we know cradled in our memory. The thing is, of course, we loved the Venice we knew. So we are looking for a viable substitute which doesn’t have to be in Italy. But we’re seeking sort of the same vibe, beaches etc. But here’s the thing – we want the place to be ours – we are looking for a place that is lovely, charming, with Venetian style towns and villages to explore. Does the secret Venice, unscathed by mass tourism exist?

  A –  At the moment, the tourist hordes have not yet discovered the beautiful 30-mile coastline of Slovenia and  the town of Piran, the heart of the Slovenian “Riviera.” This lovely city actually rests just across the Adriatic from Venice. In fact, it was once a part of the Venetian republic. We think you will love being an early visitor to this hidden gem. The fresh fish is extraordinary but so are the nearby villages, the beautiful forests, and the cliffs  that plunge toward the water. The harbors are not crowded but they are welcoming. We would urge you both to consider being the first on your block to claim Piran as “yours”.

• IS CRYSTAL RIGHT FOR THE KIDDIES?

  Q – 8.28.25) – I have a question for you; here is the background: My wife would like us to take a cruise with her son and his family (wife and two small children, currently aged 2 and 4).  Obviously, after Mickey let me down, the Cult is out of contention.   

  I have been looking into luxury cruise lines that have programs for small children.  Surprisingly, Hapag-Lloyd seems to have good programs for children, and even has cabins that are configured for parents and kids.  (Also, it seems that one of the Hapag-Lloyd ships, the Europa 2, is trying to court people who don’t speak German: the ship has a bi-lingual staff, and a dedicated English-speaking “hostess” for what they call “international guests”.  I read several reviews by non-German-speaking cruisers, and they all thought that everything was excellent, with one exception: while the Europa 2 offers at least one excursion in English in each port, that means that the selection of excursions is limited for those who don’t speak German.)  The problem for us is that, in the itineraries which have been released for the Europa 2, none of them work for us (there is one which starts and ends in Miami, which would be perfect, but it lasts for 14 days, which would be much too long for our son’s work situation)…

   …So I did some googling for luxury cruise lines which have children’s programs, and there seems to be only one: Crystal.  I read your most recent appraisal of Crystal, and it sounds quite good.  There do seem to be several itineraries in the next two years that could work for us.  So my question is: have you heard any first-hand reports about Crystal’s children’s programs? — probably most importantly, whether they are sufficient to keep rambunctious kids occupied for a significant amount of time, day after day?

  A – This is what you need to know about the Crystal Kids Programs:

  Children must be at least three years old to participate in Crystal Cruises’ onboard kids program independently. The program is divided into two age groups:

  •          Fantasia (ages 3–12): Includes supervised activities like crafts, scavenger hunts, pajama parties, and more.

  •          Waves (ages 13–17): Tailored for teens with gaming consoles, video arcades, and social events.

  Children under age 3 are welcome aboard but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times during any kids’ programming. Crystal also offers babysitting services for children aged 1 and older, available for a fee.

  Crystal operates older ships (with three new ones on order). They have been kept up nicely and we think the line offers one of the best combinations of excellent crew/cuisine/and entertainment. We agree that Hapag-Lloyd is not the appropriate choice in this scenario. 

  Be careful – as the Crystal kids programs only operate when there are enough kids onboard to justify operation/staffing. Best to book during primary school holidays.

  Crystal is not a major force in terms of online social media “impressions”. But their product wins awards in several categories in the Cruisetruth Rankings. Have your travel adviser ask her contacts how many other children are booked before you put money down. Your adviser can also determine if onboard children’s program staff is confirmed for your sailing.  And congrats on the quality of your research.

• HEADED TO MYKONOS AND PAROS WHERE WE HEAR THE BEACHES ARE MOBBED

  Q – A quick question, as I imagine you are busy booking “Southwest tickets”. We leave for the Greek Islands in three weeks and I am hearing stuff on TripAdvisor and TikTok about crowds on some beaches in Greece. I guess you need to make a reservation to hold a spot. I am less concerned about Mykonos than Paros. We have heard some great things about the island and we will be there seven nights. What is the secret to getting a good spot on the beach. I realize we can pay a small fortune to rent a chair and umbrella but we just want to lay in the sand and go swimming. What’s the real story? And I know you likely have never booked a Southwest ticket!

  A –  You will be entering “Towel War” country. In June, the residents of Paros got fed up with the lack of space on their formerly beautiful, unspoiled beaches. Now, the locals have trouble, literally, finding a place to set up camp close to the water. So residents are waking up early, beating the tourists to the beach, and laying down towels to protect their newly claimed ground. Under Greek law beaches are public. And beach umbrella stands are forbidden to set up barriers around their chairs. The sand is, essentially, first-come first seated. On the island of Paros, the local protesters would tell you that their “movement” has been a success. Locals can now have their “place in the sand”. They just have to wake up at 7:00 AM to grab a towel and go to claim it. 

• WHERE CAN WE SEND OUR DAUGHTER ON HER HONEYMOON?

  Q – Our incredible daughter number three is getting married, and she has asked us to plan the honeymoon. Both she and her fiancé have traveled very little; he to Mexico and the Caribbean, and she has taken one trip to Paris. They think we have a strict budget, but we want to surprise them with something magical. They are hard-working good kids and they deserve it and I can afford it. So, I suppose, without knowing them, what parts of the world are currently at the top of most lists as the overall best honeymoon destinations?

  A – Right now, the top five on a bride’s “wish list” would include:

  • Italy (but of course)
  • Tahiti
  • Maldives
  • Bali
  • Hawaii (Maui)

  But unless this must be a total surprise, I would suggest that you contact your preferred travel adviser and schedule a long discussion with the bride and groom. If you don’t have an adviser we would be pleased to assist.

  This is the most important journey this couple will ever take. It should be to a destination that will be the stuff of memories for decades. The secret is to have them both there and only take notes when the bride speaks.

  Congratulations.

• WHERE ARE THE HEAVIEST TRAFFIC JAMS IN THE AIR?

  Q – Although I thoroughly enjoy Traveltruth, I have absolutely no plans to travel anywhere this year. But I am a bit of an airline nerd and was wondering about increasing traffic in the air. Where are the skies most crowded these days?  It came up in conversation with friends last night, and I honestly had no idea. 

  A – It is an interesting question with a surprising answer.  Currently, 90% of ther world’s busiest air routes are all located in the Asia-Pacific region.

  If you are playing airline trivia (might be a good idea for a small business concept) the busiest flight route in the world at the moment is in Korea. The route between the resort city of Jeju (CJU) and Seoul saw just over 13 million passengers flying in 2024.

  For the sake of comparison, the busiest route in the United States is New York to LA. This is largely due to the fact that the Housewives of Beverly Hills can’t live without the Pastrami sandwiches at Katz’s Deli. But still, the total annual number of travelers on the LA-NY route is just under 2.5 million.                                                                                                                                                                                     

• CONSIDERING TWO OR THREE TRIPS IN ASIA BEFORE 2028. WHAT IS CURRENT STATUS OF TRAVEL IN ASIA FROM A TOURISM PERSPECTIVE?

  

  Q –  (8.11.25) – My husband and I are recently retired. We have been fortunate enough to travel quite well in our former positions, but we never spent much time in Asia.. We plan to undertake up to three separate trips to Asia within the next 36 months. We will contact you regarding specifics, but we were wondering of you would mind, on this excellent Q&A format, to give us an overview of travel within Asia? Is it up or down – where are Americans going – any trends? 

  A – The trends in Asia have been quite interesting. There has been a great deal of discussion about the Canadians boycotting travel to the United States. Rarely mentioned is the fact that the Chinese are as well. Inbound tourism from China is down significantly. The industry data shows that travel to Asia from the US is up between 15-20% year-to-year.  The countries that are responsible for most of this growth are Japan and Thailand. 

  The influence of the TV Series White Lotus is thought to account for a great deal of the interest and follow-through in tourism to Thailand. There are no real signs of this interest slowing down. 

  Travel to China is down, as it has been for the past four years. Some analysts attribute this to a  lack of adequate non-stop flights from the US Mainland to China’s primary destinations.  While Thailand is enjoying the benefits of Mike White induced tourism numbers, Japan is now leveling off as a result of over-tourism and consistently rising prices. Japan is a bit of an enigma – as the yen is still weak against the dollar. But trade tariffs and demand have resulted in higher prices negating much of the benefit of as dollar that buys more yen. 

  We are seeing enhanced interest in cruises that circle Japan. It is a wonderful way to see the country and the “TrueLux” lines are, even in the best accommodations, far less expensive than the cost of hotels and meals on an independent basis. Many affluent travelers from the US are rethinking the cruising option given what are perceived as skyrocketing costs for hotels, meals, and private guides who speak fluent English. 

   

   
• LOOKING AT FINALIZING OUR BUCKET LIST: PLEASE HELP US SORT IT OUT

  Q – We are looking for good options for the future – retirement is not far away and we want to plan way ahead so we can start getting ready and anticipating each journey. These are some of the places we are considering for two or three weeks per trip: 

  Antarctica 

  Greenland

  Australia

  India

  How far in advance do we need to plan to get the good spots?   What time of year is best for different places? Looking for multiple options for the next several years.

  Thanks so much – as always. 

  A – Let us offer a few comments on your priority destinations:

  Antarctica 

  Season is November through January. You will want to do a cruise on Silversea or aboard the Scenic Eclipse.  Figure 90% of sightseeing requires sailing in Zodiacs. This is not terribly taxing and the crew is careful with helping guests on and off, but Zodiac travel is uncomfortable for some. Given the physical requirements – this should be at the top of your list when you are in the best shape.

  Greenland

  Greenland is too limiting on its own but is a fascinating destination. The best way to see it is in combination with Iceland on an Exploration cruise of about two weeks. Iceland, along with Japan, are the two hottest destinations right now for upscale travel so availability is an issue. I wonder if seeing Antarctica and then going and spending the money again to see Greenland would not be repetitious. I think Antarctica would meet your needs in terms of Penguins, Ice flows, and a rugged ice-borne habitat.

  If you  have always wanted to go there we can find an excellent cruise (likely Silversea) with an excellent itinerary. But I do wonder if too much “ice age” travel might seem like overkill.

  Australia

  Everyone loves this part of the world – but everyone says the same thing. “Australia was terrific but New Zealand was even better”. There will be a temptation to cruise. But I really think you would love staying at some of the gorgeous top-tier lodges in New Zealand. If you can spare three weeks – something like a 12-14 Night cruise followed by two lodges in New Zealand would be the perfect trip. If the cruise was out of Auckland, you could do the lodges first and then board the ship. Private arrangements here are worth what they cost – you will never forget it. I have done this for a large number of clients – happy to send you the best itinerary to look over.

  The other option is to do an all-land program. There are several excellent ones and our guests for decades have loved the Tauck 21-Day Australia/New Zealand Program. It is unique because it gives you 50% of your time in New Zealand -highly unusual. On this trip there can be five internal flights – that gives you an idea of the length and breadth of the areas you would be covering.

  But here’s the thing – This is about the easiest travel on your list. So, in theory, it makes the most sense to delay it a while to get some of the more active programs out of the way. And they speak a form of English! No worries about the flights – the airlines that serve this part of the world handle Business Class extremely well.

  India

  Peak travel season is October through March. December/January would be the best months. BUT – I am very cautious about recommending travel to India unless it is a lifelong dream. Right now, eight of the ten most heavily polluted cities on earth are located within India. The air you breathe will impact your travels – as will the smells and the constant reminders of poverty. You would need to clear this travel with your doctor and I would be worrying about you both the entire time you are there.

  India is an assault on the senses and fascinating on many levels. It now houses the world’s largest population and India will soon have the world’s largest outbound tourist industry. It is likely that one or both of you will get sick from the air and/or the food. Let’s just make sure it is worth it.

  One of the very best way to see India is with Micato. They are absolutely deluxe and they would take wonderful care of you. 

  Do be aware that there are some fascinating First Class Train experiences in India.

  Allow me to share some personal bias: These will be some of life’s greatest memories – your retirement travels free of so many other pressures and time constraints. I would urge you to consider an important question that is never discussed in travel circles:

  How would I feel if, for whatever reason, during my travels to this place I had to be hospitalized and in the hands of local doctors/surgeons?  Most travelers planning post retirement travel never ask this question.

  Other places you recommend

  • We like a few days in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or Qatar followed by a non-stop flight and a week or more at a pristine resort in the Maldives.

  • Chartering a true luxury Barge along a French Waterway. Would require four couples sharing cost – but an incredible dining and visual experience.

  • Ireland in Depth in April/May/September staying at some of the five-star country hotels. Ireland is now almost totally organic – the food is shockingly wonderful and the people colorful. Our Signature Trip there was one of our client’s all-time favorites. No need to join a group but they do, of course, exist.

  •  Private Italy – Again, late April/May/ and particularly the first half of October. Our offices in Italy can create magic and one never tires of going there. I am not thinking of Venice – I am thinking of areas somewhat outside the tourist throngs like Perugia or Sicily.

  OR

  Think about joining us on one of our Signature Journeys. I can guarantee some wonderful fellow travelers. In October 2027 we will shortly be announcing a “Leaves & Lobsters” sailing on Regent from Boston up the coast to Canada with a few days at the end in Montreal.

  In October 2026 we are cruising the coast of Italy aboard the fully chartered Ponant French Yacht with arrangements by Abercrombie & Kent.

  Hope this helps a bit. Always happy to chat. Based on your list, we would look at Antarctica and India ahead of other easier journeys.

   

     
• RETIRED AND WANT TO WORK FOR YOU? HOPE YOU WILL RESPOND

  Q – This is an unusual way to apply for a job but I just retired from the US Government, no I was not fired, where I specialized in overseas logistical planning. It has always seemed to me that selling travel might come naturally as I have been fortunate enough to live in Singapore, Dubai, and Mexico. I have traveled on business extensively in Europe. I made a good living and I think I am realistic about what travel agent salaries might be.

  I don’t know a great deal about your company but everyone is looking for great sales people and I think I am that. I love the content on your sites and I have learned a lot by reading your massive catalog of information. I have a resume and all sorts of awards that can back that up. Eventually, I would like to be a tour escort leading my own tours to places I’ve never been.

  Love to know if you are interested or if you might point me in the right direction. I am 64 and I live in the Pittsburgh suburbs. Trust me – I am a born salesman. I would, I suppose, have to be home-based.

  A – We receive a number of similar notes and we want to respond a specifically as possible. Here are some things we sincerely hope will be helpful:

  We do not employ travel agents or salespeople of any kind. We do not believe that some of the most important moments of a persons life should ever be “sold”. So we have no openings for a travel agent.

  The positions we have available are for Research and Concierge Team members who help make certain that every journey we plan is executed in the best possible way. That is a part-time position, three or four days a week, and requires extensive luxury travel experience and strong editing computer skills. Any new person who joins our team will work directly with guests and also assist our owners with the growth and management of Traveltruth Media Group. 

  In terms of your specific needs we would suggest the following:

  • Find one of the top-ranked travel agencies in the Pittsburgh area (there are several) Make an appointment with the owner.
  • Offer to work as a trainee since you have no experience in the industry. Ask for a six-month trial without compensation or benefits. 
  • Once successfully completed, become an outside salesperson for the top-tier agency where you will be paid commission for everything you sell. Expect to keep 60-100% of the entire commission.
  • Define specific financial goals that must be met before management allows you to launch your own sub-division travel club where an annual or twice annual trip that you host will be the focus of your attention.

  This path has led to success for others and we hope it brings you the level of success you are seeking.

• IS THIS THE TIME TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A STRONG DOLLAR IN EUROPE?

  Q – We are planning either an October cruise to England an d Ireland on Celebrity or a trip next May/June. Our cruise will be less than 10 days but we want to add a week or so at the beginning and the end so this trip will be in the range of three weeks plus. We stopped watching the news a few weeks ago and, like many travelers we talk to, no one has a really clear answer to the question how far will the dollar go this year versus next? May I ask what you are advising your clients regarding costs in Europe for the near term and into next summer?

  A – We’re sure that you understand that anything we say that is specific will change in the next hour or so. But you were kind enough to reach out so let us try to offer some generalizations we feel comfortable making:

  Let’s start with some good news: We think you may stumble onto some favorably-priced airline tickets to London or Dublin. International travel is down for non-luxury travelers, or those for whom cost is a significant issue.

  But that is overshadowed by the fact that the dollar has declined for the first half of this year against peer currencies at the steepest rate in more than 50 years. To be specific, the Dollar Index, which tracks the dollar against a handful of major currencies, has turned in the worst performance for American travelers overseas since 1973. 

  Today, a single British Pound now costs (as of today) $1.17 to purchase versus $1.08 only one year ago. No one knows where the dollar will be next year as our nation’s Tariff policy will be a major influence on future rates. 

  It is difficult to give you specific advice – for which we apologize. But let us end this way – if the cost of your vacation is really important we would travel in October this year as cruise costs will be going up for certain given demand. But we would suggest that whatever travel arrangements you are making in advance be paid for before you leave in dollars so the amount of dollars you have to exchange at lousy current rates is minimized. Independent travelers who need to cash large amounts of US Dollars when they arrive abroad will take the biggest financial hits in the months to come. Consider a pre-paid tour (in USD) instead of winging it when you get there.

  Finally, let’s take a broad look at the American Traveler and the state of overseas travel plans: The tourism market research firm, Future Partners, found that about 47% of all Americans who will take a vacation in the next year will travel abroad. BUT 35% said uncertainty about US policy decisions has already caused them to either cancel or reconsider those plans. 

  But there is scant evidence that so-called “Affluent Travelers” have any intention to cancel or postpone overseas travel plans despite projected higher costs.

   

• ARE THE SCAMMERS WITH PHONY HOTEL WEBSITES NOW ENTERING THE AIR TICKETING PORTIONS OF THE INTERNET?

  Q – (7.21.25) – Am I imagining it or are online scammers, like the ones who have created fake online hotel booking sites now training their efforts on airline ticketing? I just don’t know where to search for air schedules and fares anymore. You think you are dealing with an actual airline or a certified air travel agent – but often the phone numbers don’t match. Is this my paranoia or is this a “thing”.

  A – You are actually understating what is happening. There are now several thousand online airline booking sites that are run by overseas professional scammers posing as as actual airlines or air-issuing travel agencies.

  Often they book real flights but add on hefty fees that are falsely said to come from the airline -but are just tagged on. The primary goals of these companies is to receive and sell your credit card information. Flights booked by these online companies are often cancelled by the airline without the passengers knowledge.

  They are often adept at changing the contact information in Google’s “Knowledge Panel” which is that nice box that appears on the right side of the page during a Google search.

  This is a real and growing problem.  So here are some first steps to avoiding the fraud:

  01 – Always verify that you are using the actual phone number of the airline. Remember that online listings and ads mean nothing. Many of them are fraudulent. There are hundreds of companies selling phony web sites to anxious buyers.

  02 – Always use the URL address box at the top of the search engine. If you see words that are different than the airline’s name – walk away quickly. Check with Google to see if the site has any negative comments.

  03 – Always pay by credit card – never by bank draft etc. That affords you a much higher level of protection.

  04 – Always work with the airline reservations number directly. They sell what is in their computer system. No one can sell you a ticket that isn’t in their system. The staff in airline res centers is often outsourced. In many cases they are travel agents under contract to the airline. Always verify who you are speaking with before beginning any transaction. Keep a list of the best airline reservation numbers available to clients of some of the better travel agencies or copy information from one of the leading consumer travel magazines. 

  Always remember that the internet is largely based on the sale of one particular commodity – your personal information. It is worth money. Always assume a 1-800 travel firm is a scam unless you are completely satisfied that it is not. 

   

   
• WHAT ARE THE REAL ADVANTAGES OF USING ONE OF THE ONLINE TRAVEL AGENCY GIANTS?

  Q – (6.24.25) – What are the advantages, if any, of booking our hotels through a travel agent? My wife and I will be setting up two driving trips in Croatia and Spain. and we’re looking for the best strategy. We like travel planning and will do most of the work ourselves but wondering what Traveltruth sees as the advantages of using one of the large online agencies or someone in the neighborhood?

  A – That is actually a question that could justify a book. Here is the short answer:

  You never want to book anything on an 800 number with someone claiming to be a huge online player. The site could be a fraud designed to gather your credit card and other personal information. The mega online legit bookers are always a bad idea because they never beat the rates the hotels charge directly and if you are booked by one of these firms online several hotel executives will admit to assigning their guests the worst rooms. The idea behind that is that online bookers are price searching and are not likely return guests. They likely are looking for the least expensive type of accommodation and it is doubtful they will spend much in the hotel on drinks and meals when compared to loyal past guests or those guests personally referred by a high-producing travel advisor.

  Try to find an advisor who is a top-producing member of one of the better travel agency consortiums. They may not be able to get you a better rate than the hotel is offering to direct calls BUT:

  01 – They can get you a comp upgrade

  02 – They can get you a free breakfast

  03 – They can personally introduce you to hotel management so they know you are coming.

  You have not indicated your budget so we won’t make any assumptions. Let’s assume that you are really seeking out 3 or, perhaps, 4-star properties that are under 500 Euros per night. In that case, we would suggest that you carefully review the ad-free, professionally written hotel inspection reports and then contact the hotel directly when you are ready to book. But please be careful – a majority, a vast majority, of the online hotel booking sites are not affiliated with the hotel and are, therefore, not worthy of your trust or your credit card information. 

• DO I STILL NEED TO AVOID COFFEE OR TEA MID-FLIGHT?

  

  Q – (6.23.25) – You had something wild a few months back regarding never ordering coffee on any flight anywhere in any class of service. Does this still hold, and are there other things one should never order while flying a respectable, commercial aircraft (I fly four times a week on average)? Your site is wonderful except that I now know more than my TA and it can get somewhat embarrassing.

  A – In general our advice holds. Coffee and tea are made using water from the aircraft’s bacteria-laden water storage tank. Virtually all airlines handle hot drinks this way as it saves them tens of millions of dollars per year.

  We won’t get into alcohol consumption except to say that there is clear evidence that in the thin atmosphere aloft, alcohol has a more immediate and decisive effect. There are a few other “nevers” on our list. Here is the current short list of “nevers” when flying. Abd look carefully – see if you ever spot anyone from the flight crew actually drinking the tainted coffee or tea.

  1. Never drink Hot Tea or Coffee 
  2. Never drink water poured from a pitcher
  3. Never drink anything aboard an aircraft in a glass filled with ice (it is not purified ice – it is also made from tank water)
  4. Never drink Bloody Mark Mix on an aircraft (one of the highest sodium levels you can imagine at a level that could affect your well being at 33,000 feet)
  5. Never consume food on long flights that can cause serious bloating and after effects such as broccoli or beans. If your seatmate on a flight to Singapore has brought a large bag of tacos aboard it might be wise to change your seat. 
• NOT SURE YOU CAN ANSWER THIS; HOW DO YOU PLEASE A SEAFOOD LOVER WITH ONE OF THE BEST MEALS OF HER LIFE DOWN UNDER?

  Q – (5.20.25)  A bit of a challenge for your researchers: My wife of forty-two years loves great seafood. We will be on a tour of Australia through Scenic and I am wondering if there is one seafood gourmet dining experience that might provide a memorable experience for her?  I really want to knock her out! I suppose you might say we’re foodies but she has no idea I am planning this. Is there one best option?

  A – We think there is but start working on your reservation right away. You want to try for Saint Peter, a new restaurant by, perhaps, the most famous chef in Sydney, Josh Niland. His “Saint Peter at the Grand National Hotel” is seen as an ultra-creative “scale to tail” fish concept. For an incomparable night, try to book a room in the adjoining 14-room luxury 14-room boutique hotel. The rooms continue the theme with fish-fat soap and ceramics made from fish bones.

  You will want to order the 10-course Chef’s Table experience. If you can’t get in for dinner know that they are open for lunch. You can’t taste the best of Aussie cuisine at the moment until you’ve dined with dishes overseen by Chef Niland. 

  Australians don’t pay all that much attention to stars from a tire manufacturer in France. Instead, they rely on their own system, the Three-Hat ratings. Of course, Saint Peter comes complete with a rare “3 Hat” ranking.