Q – 9.3.26 – We are determined, along with my wife’s brother and his wife, to cruise the Danube next year. We will be contacting you if you have room for us. But given all the negative publicity about record-draught and inoperable itineraries this summer that often turned into bus tours, I have to wonder: some of these companies have beautiful ships; others seem to have better service than others. We were wondering if you could share with your readers any information or conclusions about which lines have handled this summer’s problems best in terms of customer service, outcomes, refunds, best alternatives, etc. If you have an opinion we would really value it – we’ll give up the best food on the rivers for the line that can provide advance notice of issues and express the highest levels of information and reaction to water depth events. 

A – That is an important and timely question so we have taken the time to offer a fairly comprehensive report on this challenging topic that few in the industry care to discuss:

2026 Danube & Rhine Low‑Water Advisory: How Each River Cruise Line Is Responding

By Angela and Richard Turen –  Named Nation’s Top European Riverboat Specialists by Condé Nast Traveler

630-717-7777  –  www.riverboatratings.com

Unusually low water levels on the Danube and Rhine have created operational challenges for river cruise lines in 2026. Each company has taken a different approach to communication, itinerary protection, and guest options. The following guide outlines how the major luxury and premium river cruise brands are handling the situation and what booked guests can realistically expect.

AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways has been one of the most proactive and transparent operators this season. They openly acknowledge the low‑water conditions and communicate directly with guests when itineraries may need adjustment. Their ships are designed with shallow drafts, giving them more flexibility than most lines to continue operating even when water levels drop.

When conditions prevent normal sailing, AmaWaterways typically modifies the itinerary rather than cancels. This may include changes to embarkation points, revised port calls, or short motorcoach segments. They do not generally offer refunds in advance of travel based solely on projected water levels; refunds occur only if AmaWaterways cancels the sailing outright, which is rare.

Best for: Travelers who prefer the cruise to operate in some form, even if modified, and who value clear communication throughout.

Scenic

Scenic’s response has been highly operational but less communicative than some competitors. They have acknowledged low water on key stretches of the Danube and Rhine and rely heavily on ship swaps and port adjustments to keep itineraries running.

Guests can expect Scenic to maintain the cruise experience through logistical workarounds rather than early cancellations. Communication tends to occur closer to departure or once changes are confirmed.

Refunds are not typically offered in advance due to anticipated low water; Scenic focuses on delivering the itinerary with modifications.

Best for: Guests who prioritize staying on the river and trust Scenic’s behind‑the‑scenes operational capabilities.

Tauck

Tauck has taken the most guest‑forward and proactive stance in 2026. They have contacted guests before travel when water levels make the planned itinerary unlikely, offering clear choices that may include full refunds or alternative arrangements.

When operating under low‑water conditions, Tauck uses a combination of ship swaps, adjusted ports, and occasional hotel nights. Their communication is exceptionally transparent, and they do not push guests into land‑heavy substitutions if that is not what they booked.

Best for: Travelers who want early, honest communication and the option to cancel or rebook when conditions threaten the itinerary’s integrity.

Riverside Luxury Cruises

Riverside, with its boutique fleet, has limited ability to perform ship swaps or large‑scale rerouting. While they deliver an excellent onboard experience, their operational flexibility during low water is more constrained.

Riverside has not issued broad public advisories for 2026. Communication tends to be individualized and concierge‑style rather than large‑scale updates. When disruptions occur, guests should expect itinerary adjustments such as port changes or motorcoach segments.

Refunds or rebooking options are handled on a case‑by‑case basis rather than through formalized policies.

Best for: Guests who prioritize onboard luxury and personalized service, and who are comfortable with itinerary modifications if water levels require them.

Uniworld

Uniworld has posted water‑level advisories and updates on its website throughout the season. Their approach is moderately proactive, with public alerts but less advance outreach than Tauck or AmaWaterways.

When water levels disrupt sailing, Uniworld typically adjusts the itinerary using port changes, motorcoach segments, or occasional ship swaps. They do not generally offer pre‑departure refunds unless the company cancels the sailing.

Best for: Travelers who appreciate a blend of luxury and flexibility and are comfortable with itinerary adjustments when necessary.

Viking

Viking has been highly visible in 2026 due to several water‑related disruptions, including a grounding incident that prompted public updates. Their large fleet gives them significant operational flexibility, and they frequently use ship swaps to keep itineraries running.

Viking communicates publicly through website updates but is not known for early, individualized outreach unless a major change is confirmed. Their model is to operate the cruise—with modifications—whenever possible. Viking typically offers refunds only if it cancels the sailing.

Best for: Guests who want the cruise to operate in some form and appreciate Viking’s ability to reposition ships and maintain continuity.

What This Means for Travelers

Low water does not automatically mean a canceled cruise. Each line has its own philosophy:

• Tauck offers the strongest guest‑first flexibility, including early communication and refund options.
• AmaWaterways is the most operationally resilient, often able to sail when others cannot.
• Viking and Scenic excel at keeping itineraries running through ship swaps and logistical adjustments.
• Uniworld provides balanced communication and reliable modifications.
• Riverside offers exceptional onboard luxury but has limited contingency options due to its smaller fleet.

For travelers booked on 2026 Danube or Rhine itineraries, the key is understanding each brand’s approach so expectations align with reality. All lines are committed to delivering the best possible experience, but their strategies—and the flexibility they offer guests—vary significantly.

WE PROMISE – THERE WILL BE SMOOTHER DAYS AHEAD ON EUROPE’S BEAUTIFUL RIVERS

View our Industry Articles about Riverboats and Water Levels on www.riverboatratings.com

Q – We have a tour coming up with Collette that will begin in Zurich. We live in Spokane, so we’ll need to change planes a couple of times, and we are seriously considering shipping our luggage to make sure we have everything we need for the start of the tour. Is this something you recommend, and is there one company that is better at this, more trustworthy than others?  We just received a set of three pieces of nice-looking luggage from Amazon for the trip for $190 total. How much would it cost to send the two large suitcases to Zurich? I certainly hope it would be less than the cost to buy the luggage.  If I were a client what would you advise?

A – Part of it would have to do with how many nights you will spend in your arrival hotel in Zurich. If your luggage is lost, you need to be in a hotel where you can be easily reached. That is why you should always have a prominent identity tag on your luggage showing where you will be staying initially with the specific dates.

You should talk with your travel adviser to see how much connecting time you have outbound. That said, shipping two suit cases will some in close to double the price you paid for the entire luggage set. There are several reliable companies that are in the business – we prefer a company called “Luggage-Free” (they’re not). An alternative might be to pay about $90 to purchase a set of three Apple Tags that will allow you, through the downloaded app, to always know exactly where your luggage is during transport. Our staff would never travel without this security. 

Given frequent airline cancellations and delays, having a strategy to assure your luggage is in your hotel room sleeping with you on your arrival night overseas is increasingly important

Q – 9.2.26 – We have just returned from our second cruise after a bit of a demographic nightmare on an NCL ship.  Princess seemed more upscale, and we really enjoyed our time in the lower Caribbean. It helped that we were joined by good friends. We all noticed a kind of anomaly none of us could understand. As we walked by several cabins on our friend’s deck, we noticed that some of the doors had upside-down photos of pineapples pasted on them. We never mentioned this to anyone but thought we would ask if there is any meaning to this – is it a kind of club or a communication? Are they frequent guests or fruit lovers? Why would they do that?

A – This is something you will usually see on mega mass market ships with several thousand fellow guests from all walks of like – and “demographics”. Upside down pineapples means that the occupants of the cabin self-identify as “swingers” and they are open to meeting others of the same persuasion.  It is usually not such a big deal but they do want nearby fellow guests and, particularly crew serving them, to be aware of their desires to meet others who share their views. No, they are not “fruit lovers” at least not in the traditional sense. 

Q – We have been to Italy three times, including two trips on your Signature vacations over the past nine years. We have been clients for more than two decades, as you know, and now we are seriously thinking about trying to get into the Palio horse race, an event we have heard you talk about, with one or two friends in the summer of 2028. Of course we will talk further about this, but for others interested, can you explain a little of the way the Palio really works without the usual online travel PR BS. Feel free to post your response on Traveltruth so our friends can see it. Keep it up – and please consider making this a new Signature trip. Faithfully…..

A – So good to hear from you online. Here is a report we have prepared I hope will address some of your initial questions:

The Insider’s Guide to Surviving (and Superbly Enjoying) the Palio di Siena

A dispatch not approved by the Italian Tourist Board

By Richard Bruce Turen

If you’re heading to Siena next July for the Palio—specifically, if you’re one of the blessed few staying in a private apartment overlooking the Piazza del Campo—congratulations. You’ve essentially secured the Tuscan equivalent of front‑row seats at the Super Bowl, except the teams are medieval neighborhoods, the mascots are actual horses, and the fans have been holding grudges since the 13th century.

What You’re Actually Attending

The Palio is not “a horse race.” It is a civic blood sport wrapped in silk flags, religious processions, and the kind of neighborhood loyalty that makes New Yorkers look like casual acquaintances. The contrade—17 historic districts—are not merely neighborhoods. They are micro‑nations with their own governments, museums, mascots, and emotional support priests.

You will hear locals say things like “I am of the Snail,” as if this is a normal sentence. It is not. But in Siena, it is everything.

Your Apartment: The Holy Grail of Real Estate

You will be perched above the Piazza like a benevolent monarch, watching 60,000 people sweat, scream, and pray below you. This is the Palio equivalent of having a private box at Wimbledon, except instead of strawberries and cream, you’ll be served the sound of 17 contrade chanting war songs.

Insiders know: The higher the balcony, the lower the risk of being accidentally baptized in Chianti by an enthusiastic fan.

Ten Insider Secrets (That Only the Truly Initiated Know)

1. The race lasts 90 seconds. The drama lasts 900 years. Do not blink. Do not sip. Do not sneeze. The horses will be gone before you finish saying “Is that the Eagle contrada?”
2. The horse is the real celebrity. Jockeys are replaceable; horses are practically canonized. If a horse sneezes, an entire contrada will hold a press conference.
3. The tratta (horse selection) is more emotional than the race. Watching grown men cry because their contrada drew a “slow horse” is a uniquely Sienese experience. It’s like the NFL draft, except everyone is wearing medieval costumes and nobody pretends to be rational.
4. Contrada rivalries are eternal. If you accidentally compliment the wrong contrada’s flag, you may be politely escorted out of a bakery. Or not politely.
5. The parade is not a parade. It is a solemn medieval procession that lasts longer than most marriages. You will see armor, banners, drums, and at least one child who looks like he was born specifically to carry a flag.
6. The mossa (starting line) is where sanity goes to die. Horses back up, jockeys yell, the starter waits for divine intervention. This can last 40 minutes. Or two hours. Or until the sun explodes.
7. The dirt track is imported. Siena literally trucks in special dirt to lay over the Piazza. It’s the world’s most dramatic landscaping project.
8. The winning contrada parties for a month. A month. Weddings are postponed. Work is optional. Wine is mandatory.
9. The losing contrada mourns like a Victorian widow. Black clothing. Quiet dinners. Emotional devastation. It’s all very operatic.
10. You will be adopted by a contrada whether you want to or not. Someone will decide you belong to their contrada. You will be given a scarf. You will be expected to wear it. Resistance is futile.

Neighborhoods You’ll Hear About (and Why They Matter)

• Torre (Tower): Known for intensity, pride, and the ability to glare at rivals from 300 meters away.
• Onda (Wave): The maritime contrada in a city nowhere near the sea.
• Selva (Forest): Their mascot is a rhinoceros. No one knows why.
• Drago (Dragon): Fierce, flamboyant, and excellent at flag‑throwing.
• Chiocciola (Snail): Slow and steady, except when they win, in which case they become the loudest people in Tuscany.
• Aquila (Eagle): Elegant, dramatic, and very aware of their own elegance.

Each contrada has its own museum, fountain, church, and collection of historical grudges. Visiting them is like touring 17 parallel universes.

Food: What You’ll Eat While Pretending You’re Not Sweating

Sienese cuisine is rustic, rich, and designed to be eaten while standing in a crowd of 50,000.

Expect:

• Pici cacio e pepe (Tuscan spaghetti that refuses to be twirled)
• Panforte (a medieval fruitcake that doubles as a weapon)
• Cinta Senese pork (the Beyoncé of pork)
• Ribollita (a soup that tastes better the more times it’s reheated)
• Chianti, Chianti, Chianti (hydration is a state of mind)

Insider tip: Never say “I prefer Brunello.” This is not Montalcino. They will know.

How to Behave Like a True Insider

• Pick a contrada early. Preferably one whose colors flatter your complexion.
• Do not cheer for multiple contrade. This is not the Olympics. You cannot be “happy for everyone.”
• Learn the chants. They are loud, repetitive, and vaguely threatening. Perfect.
• Pretend you understand the rules. No one fully understands the rules. Not even the officials.
• Act unfazed by chaos. Horses may crash into walls. Jockeys may fall off. The crowd may erupt. Smile serenely, sip your wine, and say, “Ah, tradition.”

Ten Fun Facts Only Palio Insiders Know

1. The horses are blessed in church before the race. Yes, inside the church.
2. The jockeys are hired mercenaries. Loyalty is… negotiable.
3. The contradas have official enemies. It’s printed.
4. The race can be won without a jockey. The horse alone counts.
5. The track is so tight that horses often run sideways.
6. The Palio banner is hand‑painted by a local artist each year.
7. The prova (practice races) are attended like Broadway previews.
8. The contrade have their own anthems, which they sing loudly and off‑key.
9. The winning horse eats at the victory banquet. At the table.
10. The entire city smells like adrenaline, leather, and Chianti for 48 hours.

Final Advice

You are not attending an event. You are entering a centuries‑old emotional vortex disguised as a horse race. Embrace the chaos. Wear the scarf. Drink the wine. Choose a contrada and defend it with the kind of irrational passion normally reserved for New York real estate.

And when the horses finally thunder past your balcony—90 seconds of pure medieval madness—you will understand why the Palio is not merely watched. It is survived.

If you want, I can also craft a version tailored for your travel clients, or a shorter, punchier version suitable for publication.

Your work is, again, exquisite. I want to keep it as it is, but can you add the same humorous style descriptions of each contrada and why one should root for it instead of the others? It could be a great list.

Absolutely—here comes the Contrada Field Guide, written in full New Yorker‑style satire, designed for the insider who already knows the Palio is less a horse race and more a centuries‑old neighborhood feud with equine accessories.

I’ll keep your original piece intact in spirit and simply add this glorious appendix: “Why You Should Root for Each Contrada (And Why You Probably Shouldn’t)” A lovingly sarcastic dossier on Siena’s 17 micro‑nations.

The Contrade of Siena: A Traveler’s Guide to Choosing Your Allegiance Poorly

Aquila — The Eagle

Root for Aquila if you enjoy elegance, soaring metaphors, and people who behave as though they were born in a Renaissance fresco. Their colors are gold, black, and blue, which conveniently match the emotional palette of someone who takes the Palio very seriously. Avoid Aquila if you dislike being told—subtly, politely, and repeatedly—that your contrada is “very nice, dear,” in the tone one uses for a child’s watercolor.

Bruco — The Caterpillar

Root for Bruco if you appreciate the underdog story: a humble caterpillar dreaming of becoming a butterfly, but settling for civic dominance instead. Their mascot is a worm with ambition. Avoid Bruco if you fear that someone will corner you at a bar and explain, at length, why the caterpillar is actually the most powerful symbol in medieval iconography.

Chiocciola — The Snail

Root for Chiocciola if you enjoy irony: the slowest animal representing a contrada in a 90‑second horse race. Their fans are loud, proud, and absolutely unbothered by the zoological contradiction. Avoid Chiocciola if you prefer modesty. Snail people are not modest. They are the loudest slow creatures on earth.

Civetta — The Owl

Root for Civetta if you enjoy nocturnal animals, intellectual vibes, and people who look like they’ve read every footnote in every Palio history book. Avoid Civetta if you dislike being judged silently from across the piazza by someone wearing feathers.

Drago — The Dragon

Root for Drago if you enjoy flamboyance, drama, and the kind of people who would absolutely have a dragon tattoo if medieval Siena had tattoo parlors. Avoid Drago if you prefer subtlety. There is nothing subtle about Drago. Their flag‑throwers perform like they’re auditioning for Cirque du Soleil.

Giraffa — The Giraffe

Root for Giraffa if you enjoy tall things, long necks, and the general vibe of “We can see the race better than you.” Avoid Giraffa if you dislike being reminded that you are short, metaphorically or literally.

Istrice — The Porcupine

Root for Istrice if you enjoy prickly personalities, defensive strategies, and mascots that look like they could ruin your day. Avoid Istrice if you prefer hugs. Porcupines are not huggers.

Leocorno — The Unicorn

Root for Leocorno if you enjoy whimsy, fantasy, and the idea that Siena secretly invented the Lisa Frank aesthetic centuries before Lisa Frank. Avoid Leocorno if you dislike being asked whether you “believe in magic” by someone wearing a horn.

Lupa — The She‑Wolf

Root for Lupa if you enjoy ferocity, maternal symbolism, and people who will absolutely fight you over the last piece of panforte. Avoid Lupa if you prefer calm environments. Lupa is not calm. Lupa is a lifestyle.

Nicchio — The Seashell

Root for Nicchio if you enjoy maritime themes in a city nowhere near the sea. Their mascot is a shell, their identity is aquatic, and their commitment to the bit is admirable. Avoid Nicchio if you dislike cognitive dissonance.

Oca — The Goose

Root for Oca if you enjoy chaos, honking, and the knowledge that this contrada has historically won more Palios than anyone else. They are the Yankees of Siena. Avoid Oca if you dislike dominance, confidence, or geese.

Onda — The Wave

Root for Onda if you enjoy the sea, sailors, and maritime swagger. They are the contrada most likely to sing loudly, drink heartily, and tell you they could have been pirates. Avoid Onda if you dislike people who wear blue and white stripes unironically.

Pantera — The Panther

Root for Pantera if you enjoy sleek aesthetics, feline energy, and people who look like they could win a staring contest with a statue. Avoid Pantera if you dislike intensity. Panthers do not do “casual.”

Selva — The Forest

Root for Selva if you enjoy nature, greenery, and mascots that make absolutely no sense (their symbol is a rhinoceros—yes, really). Avoid Selva if you prefer logical consistency.

Tartuca — The Tortoise

Root for Tartuca if you enjoy slow‑and‑steady wisdom, philosophical vibes, and the idea that patience is a virtue even in a 90‑second race. Avoid Tartuca if you dislike being told that “victory comes to those who wait,” especially by someone who has been waiting since 1712.

Torre — The Tower

Root for Torre if you enjoy intensity, pride, and the kind of people who can glare at rivals from 300 meters away with sniper‑level precision. Avoid Torre if you dislike drama. Torre is drama.

Valdimontone — The Ram

Root for Valdimontone if you enjoy boldness, horns, and people who charge into situations with admirable recklessness. Avoid Valdimontone if you prefer diplomacy.

Richard’s Guide to Choosing Your Correct Contrada

• Pick the one whose scarf matches your outfit.
• Pick the one whose mascot you could theoretically adopt.
• Do not Pick the one that Richard recommended
• Pick the one whose anthem sounds least like a war cry.
• Or simply pick the one whose fans hand you a glass of wine first.

Q – 9.1.26- My husband and I are avid skiers, and we often use a condo in Park City, Utah for some wonderful vacations. But my husband’s 60th is coming soon and I want to take him to Japan, a destination he has always wanted to visit. I have heard there could be some really good skiing there. Is there a particular place we should be looking at? Your advice is truly appreciated.

A – You want to go to Niseko, Ja1pam which is considered to be one of the two or three top ski areas in the world. There is something they call the Niseko Express, a form of airstream resulting when the freezing cold of Siberia crosses the warm waters of the Sea of Japan. The result is a canopy of snow that can often gain more than a foot a day – it is known as “Japow”.  You will want to stay at the Paerk Hyatt in Niseko Hanazono where the “better rates” start at bout $2400 USD per night. As soon as you book get the hotel Concierge to get you two of the 12-seats at remote Rakuichi Soba – a remote cabin featuring a nine-course lunch prepared by famed Soba master, Tatsuri Rai.  Anthony Bourdain loved this spot – a fitting way, perhaps, to celebrate an important birthday. 

Q – As a client, I try not to bother you often, using your websites and our assigned Concierge to answer many of our questions. But as a former naval researcher, I can tell you that one question I’ve been researching is unusually elusive and I am thinking many of your clients and followers might be interested in any response you can provide.

The problems on the Danube and the Rhine this summer, with historically low water levels, seem to be leaving many booked guests on a hastily-arranged bus tour rather than the river cruise they paid for. We are looking for a cruis eon the Rhine next summer and we are wondering which of the major riverboat lines seems to be handling the current crisis better than the others. This will help guide us, and perhaps many others, in our decision. 

A – Unusually low water levels on the Danube and Rhine have created operational challenges for river cruise lines in 2026. Each company has taken a different approach to communication, itinerary protection, and guest options. The following guide outlines how the major luxury and premium river cruise brands are handling the situation and what booked guests can realistically expect.

AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways has been one of the most proactive and transparent operators this season. They openly acknowledge the low‑water conditions and communicate directly with guests when itineraries may need adjustment. Their ships are designed with shallow drafts, giving them more flexibility than most lines to continue operating even when water levels drop.

When conditions prevent normal sailing, AmaWaterways typically modifies the itinerary rather than cancels. This may include changes to embarkation points, revised port calls, or short motorcoach segments. They do not generally offer refunds in advance of travel based solely on projected water levels; refunds occur only if AmaWaterways cancels the sailing outright, which is rare.

Best for: Travelers who prefer the cruise to operate in some form, even if modified, and who value clear communication throughout.

Scenic

Scenic’s response has been highly operational but less communicative than some competitors. They have acknowledged low water on key stretches of the Danube and Rhine and rely heavily on ship swaps and port adjustments to keep itineraries running.

Guests can expect Scenic to maintain the cruise experience through logistical workarounds rather than early cancellations. Communication tends to occur closer to departure or once changes are confirmed.

Refunds are not typically offered in advance due to anticipated low water; Scenic focuses on delivering the itinerary with modifications.

Best for: Guests who prioritize staying on the river and trust Scenic’s behind‑the‑scenes operational capabilities.

Tauck

Tauck has taken the most guest‑forward and proactive stance in 2026. They have contacted guests before travel when water levels make the planned itinerary unlikely, offering clear choices that may include full refunds or alternative arrangements.

When operating under low‑water conditions, Tauck uses a combination of ship swaps, adjusted ports, and occasional hotel nights. Their communication is exceptionally transparent, and they do not push guests into land‑heavy substitutions if that is not what they booked.

Best for: Travelers who want early, honest communication and the option to cancel or rebook when conditions threaten the itinerary’s integrity.

Riverside Luxury Cruises

Riverside, with its boutique fleet, has limited ability to perform ship swaps or large‑scale rerouting. While they deliver an excellent onboard experience, their operational flexibility during low water is more constrained.

Riverside has not issued broad public advisories for 2026. Communication tends to be individualized and concierge‑style rather than large‑scale updates. When disruptions occur, guests should expect itinerary adjustments such as port changes or motorcoach segments.

Refunds or rebooking options are handled on a case‑by‑case basis rather than through formalized policies.

Best for: Guests who prioritize onboard luxury and personalized service, and who are comfortable with itinerary modifications if water levels require them. Riverside is the current top-rated European Riverboat Line in the new RiverboatRatings Consumer Rankings.

Uniworld

Uniworld has posted water‑level advisories and updates on its website throughout the season. Their approach is moderately proactive, with public alerts but less advance outreach than Tauck or AmaWaterways.

When water levels disrupt sailing, Uniworld typically adjusts the itinerary using port changes, motorcoach segments, or occasional ship swaps. They do not generally offer pre‑departure refunds unless the company cancels the sailing.

Best for: Travelers who appreciate a blend of luxury and flexibility and are comfortable with itinerary adjustments when necessary.

Viking

Viking has been highly visible in 2026 due to several water‑related disruptions, including a grounding incident that prompted public updates. Their large fleet gives them significant operational flexibility, and they frequently use ship swaps to keep itineraries running.

Viking communicates publicly through website updates but is not known for early, individualized outreach unless a major change is confirmed. Their model is to operate the cruise—with modifications—whenever possible. Viking typically offers refunds only if it cancels the sailing.

Best for: Guests who want the cruise to operate in some form and appreciate Viking’s ability to reposition ships and maintain continuity.

What This Means for Travelers

Low water does not automatically mean a canceled cruise. Each line has its own philosophy:

• Tauck offers the strongest guest‑first flexibility, including early communication and refund options.
• AmaWaterways is the most operationally resilient, often able to sail when others cannot.
• Viking and Scenic excel at keeping itineraries running through ship swaps and logistical adjustments.
• Uniworld provides balanced communication and reliable modifications.
• Riverside offers exceptional onboard luxury but has limited contingency options due to its smaller fleet.

Q – 8-12.26 –  My wife and I will sailing Celebrity in the Caribbean during late October which is a part of the major storm season. We are curious if there are any policies about avoiding storms or just plowing right through them on a larger ship. How does that really work and would they alter an itinerary if the seas are unusually rough? No one much talks about this but my wife is really concerned. I called Celebrity directly and got the corporate answer you might expect.

A – Cruise lines always have the right to alter any itinerary due to a perceived “Act of God” or an “Act of Disney”. The Captain of any vessel has the ultimate decision-making responsibility based on the latest weather information received. Generally speaking, ships will always try to stay 300 nautical miles away from any storm center no matter what inconvenience to an itinerary that might produce. The hurricanes in the Caribbean tend to move at an average speed of 12-15 nautical miles per hour while modern ships have speed capabilities 18-20 knots so outrunning a storm could be an option. 

Our Managing Editor, Richard Turen, helps direct traffic inside London Heathrow

Q – I am planning two, possibly, three trips to Europe later this year. In setting up flights, I am wondering what the real travel pros are recommending in terms of airport and connection times. It was always an hour and a half for anything out of  Atlanta and that has worked for my wife and I for years. But I just put down an article in USA Today that makes me think I should follow the strategy of getting to the airport around midnight and just camping out in front of my gate. It might be helpful to many of us to have the latest recommendations. I simply do not believe what I am reading online or on the airline aps. We will likely fly Delta.

Thank you for this obvious labor of love. Quite frankly, I don’t quite understand how you are monetizing this site but we would gladly pay an annual subscription fee. 

A – So, you live in the Atlanta area and you’ll be flying Delta internationally – what a shock! You are correct, things are changing before our eyes – as our eyes become part of our biometric profile. It is taking longer to get a Biometric reading at Hartsfield than it takes to get a double latte from Starbucks. And that’s a very long time.

Although airlines may legally sell connections as short as 45–90 minutes, most experienced travel professionals prefer considerably more time. For Europe-bound travel, we generally recommend 2½–3 hours when connecting in the United States and 2–3 hours when connecting through major European gateways. Airports such as Heathrow, Frankfurt, and Charles de Gaulle often warrant a minimum of 3 hours. Missing a connection can easily cost half a day of vacation time, so we prefer building itineraries with comfortable rather than merely legal connection times.

Look at it this way: The value of an extra hour in the airport is usually far greater than the value of saving an hour on paper if a missed connection could jeopardize hotel reservations, private transfers, cruise embarkation, or touring arrangements. And, at Hartsfield-Jackson you have the sandwiches at Proof of the Pudding over in Terminal A to help pass the time. 

Finally, our entire Traveltruth Media Group is operated on a not-for-profit basis. We hope in some small way we can make your travel experiences just a little bit easier and more fact-based. 

What Experienced Travel Advisors Are Now Recommending:

Q – Believe me, I am not going to ask a travel adviser whether or not I should climb Mt. Everest. But I am a serious 26 yea-old climber, the nephew of a client, and I am in serious training to do Everest as soon as I can. My Uncle, Steve “K.” has told me that the cost is going to be all on me. I know it is expensive and I know there are climbs I need to do before anyone would ever imagine I would be ready for Everest. I know my Uncle trusts you with his life so I thought I would ask you how you would advise a client with Everest as a life’s goal how to prepare and, quite frankly, how to sell my Uncle.  If I have to wait until I am thirty to meet this goal, I am prepared to do it.  

A –  You will have to wait hours in a line, chest to chest with strangers, on an icy ridge with a minimum 20-foot drop, all with the goal of reaching the summit, where you will get to stand with about 20 other people on a tiny piece of relatively flat land the size of two ping-pong tables. But you know all of this. The climb is now a primary example of humans creating a serious tourist trap at 29,000 feet for an average cost, we are told, of $70,000 per person.

We won’t give advice because we are totally unqualified to do so. You may be a super athlete looking to score the ultimate “goal” or, more likely, you are just another twenty-something with a stylish kind of death wish. 

The experts we have consulted tell us that there are absolutely three things you must do before considering standing in line in sub-freezing temperatures:

# 1 – Complete at least one, preferably two, 6,000 m peaks like Island Peak, Lobuche East, or the Mera Peak.

# 2 – You must complete one of the challenging 7,000 m peaks like Ama Dablam, Aconcagua, or Ojos del Salado

# 3 – The top Everest expedition experts say that after you have experienced these climbs, you need to do one 8,000 m peak climb on either Cho Oyu, Manaslu, or Gasherbrum.

If you can complete these “warm-up” challenges, some of the best guides at the very best expedition companies, tell you they might consider your application. And be prepared for the possibility that when you have finally met the recommended criteria, the weather gods are friendly, and you join the slow, crawling line to the top, be prepared for the possibility that you may see a Gold sign reading “Trump Mountain”.

Q – (6.13.26) – Just reviewing some of the questions and responses on Traveltruth we are strongly considering using one of the better Concierge/Air Ticketing Services given the somewhat chaotic nature of flying these days . We would only use one of the firms that includes Flight Monitoring. Can you tell us your current advice and what these firms typically charge for our planned travel to Germany and Austria and Dubai along with the Maldives planned for 2028. Appreciate your “No Ads” positioning. 

A – There are surprising few firms that are really dedicated to airline ticketing and flight monitoring that we would feel comfortable recommending. One form you might want to try is Cranky Concierge. The consumer travel press is quite fond of them and they win numerous awards. If they are planning your air arrangements and offering included flight monitoring services, expect to pay about $200 per person. That seems expensive but they often have access to contract fares that could save you money on the base cost of your tickets in First or Business Class.  If you want them to plan your air using miles the cost is in the range of $400 per person. The question every traveler needs to ask is :“Who has my back if something goes wrong.”? 

Our opinion is that overseas travelers should strongly consider using Flight Ticketing with 24-7 Flight Monitoring Services. Some travel editors are advising that consumers flying in the front of the plane on non-stop routes do not really need flight monitoring services. If your scheduling is going to require connecting flights we would strongly urge you to consider a Monitoring service. The peace of mind does have a certain value as we flit about from place to place. By the way, combining the Maldives and Dubai is a brilliant vacation strategy. 

Q – My girlfriend and I keep received airline warnings and airport updates that make us wonder if we should contemplate traveling to Europe at all this fall. Our friends who will be traveling to Spain (we are headed to Belgium and the Netherlands) keep telling us we should book with one of the larger online agencies like Expedia. We want to do this right – and price isn’t everything. As a Traveltruth fan, I am sure there are many folks like us who would really appreciate a concise list of recommendations and strategies for flying this Fall. I take it you don’t mess with airfare but wondering if you might share some thoughts about the current projections of massive international travel issues. Thanking you in advance.

A – Thank you for this question(s) – we have received many like it. We are currently working on an article to be published soon that ranks the media levels of exaggeration when issues like shortages of air traffic controllers, shortages of pilots, airport crowds and chaos due to insufficient staffing, along with new European biometric requirements, and the cancellation of major international routes. Finally let’s add significant price increases across the board throughout the summer and fall.

You need to heavily discount all but one of these anxiety-producing concerns. The one concern that is based in reality has to do witht he new system adopted in much of Europe that now requires biometric identification and registration. This can easily add two or three hours to your arrival or departure customs procedures. That is the one that is real and not media exaggerated.

The online agencies are sort of neat places to do online research but you would be a silly traveler to actually book anything with an online agency. In some cases their tickets can’t be transferred, in many cases their service levels are awful, and in far too many cases you would be giving your credit card number to an unknown entity pretending to be an online booking engine. Plus – they don’t know you nor do they really care to. They have no connections to utilize when things break down. When it comes to travel, always avoid fraud and avoid anonymous 1-800 Booking entities no matter how many positive online reviews they have purchased over the years.

Here are the strategies you have requested. We sincerely hope this information saves you some stress with your air arrangements:

Our Recommended Strategies to Book the Lowest-Priced Business-Class Tickets This Fall and The Summer of 2027

# 1 – Try to be flexible with dates and airports – balance number of trip pre-nights with current fare pricing.

# 2 – Remain flexible on dates and airports. Try to fly on Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday to avoid weekend peak fares

# 3 – Use competitive major airport hubs like LON/CDG/AMS/FRA

# 4 – Engage a fare watch service such as price monitoring and look for airline sales 8-12 weeks prior to Fall Travel this year and 6-11 months prior to peak summer travel next year.

# 5 – Remember: Seats generally become available at 3:00 am. on the date exactly 11 months from the date of your return flight.

# 6 – If you are not adept at Fare Search tactics and matrix-style multi-search tools, engage a professional booking and monitoring service such as Cranky Concierge to handle your arrangements.

# 7 – At times, two one-way fares can be less expensive than a round-trip fare.

# 8 – Explore booking Premium-Economy on an upgradeable ticket and use miles for the upgrade to Business.

# 9 –  Explore the use of accumulated miles, points, and partner awards. Transferable points from American Express, Chase, and Capital One to a specific airline or air alliance can sometimes provide outsized value for your awards.

10 – Fully explore partner award availability, such as United Star Alliance points on ANA, Avianca, Turkish, and Air Canada. Note that award seats usually become available 11 months or 360 days prior to your flights.

11 – Use credit card portals to explore discounted Business Class Offers.

12 – Consider long-haul on one carrier with a short connection with a low-cost or partner carrier

13 – Book refundable/changeable fares that allow you to rebook shortly after you buy if a sale appears.

14 – Always try to avoid third-party 1-800 airline sites. Use a trusted credit card for all air purchases. (Note that Elite American Express cards provide stronger consumer support than Mastercard or Visa)

15 – Given the uncertainty in pricing resulting from events in the Middle East, we strongly advise our guests to engage an air ticketing firm that provides the best available pricing and Concierge-level flight monitoring. Only use those companies that enjoy the highest consumer ratings in the field. Both Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler rate Cranky Concierge # 1. (Note: Churchill & Turen Ltd. is not affiliated with Cranky Concierge, and they are not Preferred Suppliers in our Virtuoso Group)

Q – We have never sailed with any one of the cruise line son the 2026 List of The World’s Top Ten Cruise Lines. We have sailed with so-called “Premium” Lines four times. I travel frequently for work and never feel I spend enough time with my wife. We want to book several of, what you call, “TrueLux” lines but we have one specific question. Our ideal day on a cruise in someplace like Malaga or Positano, spending a full day ashore and then retiring to our Suite for an evening oif private dining on the terrace.

I would love to know if this is realistic on these lines or would we have to settle for inferior offerings from a rather standard room service menu – which is my understanding. Really appreciate your approach and lack of advertising.

A – There is no reason to order from the standard room service menu if you are sailing on one of the very top-ranked TrueLux lines. You can inform your butler, or suite attendant with advance notice, that you would like to receive a copy of the evening menu in the main dining room. You should then be able to enjoy a leisurely, course-by-course dining experience in the privacy of your suite. That is five-star service but it is not widely advertised as this really requires some extra effort on the part of the staff. There is never going to be an upcharge for this service but, sadly, many upscale cruisers are unaware that this service is available. 

You can also custom-design your dining. Order all appetizers one night or several different desserts to cap off a meal. If you can’t decide between the lobster or the grilled Wagu steak – order both. No one will blink.

We do suggest that you have tuck-down service for your suite before dinner so you won’t be interrupted or rushed. If the weather is right and the sea gods are calm, dining along on your private terrace with your butler in charge is, we agree, a nearly perfect end to a long day.

By the way, do inquire if you can order dinner on your terrace from any of the specialty restaurants aboard your ship. Don’t assume you must order from the larger, main restaurant menu.

Nice to know at least one of our readers is a “cruise romantic”. 

Q – As you are aware, we will be joining you, along with 34 other Churchill & Turen clients on the Ponant Yacht chartered by A&K around the southern coast of Italy this coming September. The entire program will begin in Florence and end in Venice. 

In reviewing the just-released list of shore excursions for our sailing, we noticed that many of them seem to be rated carrying the designation “elevated” with the notation that “Walking longer distances while traversing uneven terrain and/or stairs; suitable for active guests”. 

This surprised us as we are in our early seventies and we were not fully expecting A&K to be offering such “elevated” offerings to typical retirees who wish to see the world in style but who have, lost a bit of “pep in the step”. Wondering how what A&K’s reasoning is since you rate them so highly? We know it will all be OK but will we be embarrassed when we start looking for the nearest bench? This will be our fifth guided tour/cruise to Europe and we are truly excited. But we are just wondering why A&K would advertise they are offering an “elevated” physical requirement?  Looking forward to seeing you and Angela soon. 

A – This is an interesting question and it has been discussed at length with A&K. The fact is that Italian cities are ancient, often hilly, and the streets have been, for centuries, paved with cobblestones. Any tour operator must provide what the average traveler will want and in the case of a deluxe operator like A&K the assumption is that no one really expects to see the museums, to visit the outdoor markets, to tour ancient buildings, and to maximize their time in each location on a tour designated as “easy”. There are some tour operators that specialize in tours for those lacking full mobility, but for most, the planning is done to provide maximum exposure to the destination – and that includes walking, sometimes climbing stairs, and often entering neighborhoods where buses are not permitted. 

A&K like most tour operators does and is providing tour experiences on our program graded at “intermediate” level. But you are correct – when it comes to fully experiencing and immersing oneself in a destination, guests do need to be out walking the destination, walking the unsmooth streets, and exploring the ancient sites. 

A&K has responded to your question by stating that “we tend to veer away from the typical “cruise” excursions, i.e. just sitting on a bus all day – as that is not “our guests expectation.

That said, what do we recommend: First, you can be sure that one of us will remain with you if you are unable to proceed with the included sightseeing. We will come up with solutions. We may, in some ports where “intermediate” tours are not available, suggest that we inquire about hiring a private guide/driver to allow you to see portions of our journey at your own pace. We can arrange for private touring at your own pace in advance and will be happy to do so. You can speak with the Tour Desk soon after boarding to set up private touring (at an additional cost of course) in any of the ports. Or, to save a bit of money, we can forward a special report that will list the better online shore excursion booking agencies so you can pick the pace of your tour far in advance and have it quickly confirmed online.

If you do join our tours that are causing a bit of anxiety, please know we will be present to make certain that the guide slows it down and allows for a break when the group is feeling it necessary. This is meant to be a life-changing journey with friends – not a marathon through the streets of Tuscany and points south.

Q – We have friends who left for Paris for a week of rambling around and investigating croissants “fillings” in the better neighborhoods. They know we are leaving for Paris ourselves next month on a Scenic Seine River Cruise and they warned us that there is a new Visa system in place that can take a long time. We had heard that the Visa’s they are talking about for entry into the EU have been delayed so all we have are our passports. Please let is know the real story.

A – The “European Entry/Exit System” is currently being implemented at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
However, we are receiving mixed feedback depending on the terminal and the time of day. Some passengers pass through quickly, while others experience longer waiting times, especially during peak hours. Travelers who need to register biometric data, such as fingerprints and photographs, should allow extra time for passport control. Waiting times of around one hour or more have been reported during busy periods.
 
We  recommend that travelers factor this information into their pickup time when departing. This is not a “New” visa that is required – it is, instead, a new way to gather more detailed information from travelers arriving in France. You don’t have to bring anything other than your Passport and another photo ID. Be prepared to fingerprints etc. It is not required of all arrivals but it soon may be required as soon as CDG is fully staffed. 

Q – We visit Paris as often as we can. This time, however, our journey has a new purpose – we want to try to find a store where we can find quality French beauty products, health supplements, and the kind of typical drugstore products you might find at a CVS in the States, There is no reason other than the fact that my wife loves the true local French brands and we love to gift friends with French beauty products. The question is where do we go? Are there any names you can share where we won’t be paying list price like most tourists in the city? By the way, unusual site and love the fact that you don’t have ads.

A – If only all questions were this straightforward:

You want to head to CityPharma (there are several locations) or Pharmacie Monge Notre Dame at Place Monge in the 5th arrondissement. We think you will be pleased with the pricing and selection at either drug emporium. But CityPharma will have a larger selection.

Q – 4.23.26 – I must confess that I have been a subscriber to Consumer Reports magazine for more than three decades. I believe strongly in their consumer stance and I have demonstrated that belief with occasional donations. Our washer/dryer, bedding, and the two automobiles in our garage are all purchases based on their favorable ratings and honest testing process. 

So I was really excited to see that they were naming, actually naming the best and “worst” cruis elines in their latest issue. I can only imagine the research that went into that project – something new for the magazine – identifying the best and the worst travel products. I know that your outfit does similar work but you don;t lay claim to analyzing cruise lines in a research lab. 

The results were rather surprising. Ritz-Carlton Yachts, your # 1, were never mentioned. The three best lines, for varying reasons, were Lindblad/National Geographic, Windstar, and, are you ready, Viking. 

The three “worst” were, I assume, the lines with the lowest overall scores in a variety of categories: They were Carnival, MSC, and Norwegian. 

So what do I do now;  stop following Cruisetruth.com or cancel my subscription to Consumer Reports? Seriously wondering what your reaction is to these newly published ratings?

A – This is a hard question to answer because we are, as well, lifetime supporters and believers in the work of Consumer Reports. Many years ago, we helped address ome of their travel questions and they were bright and entirely honest in their approach.

We have mixed feelings about these new cruise rankings. They do not even list the current three top lines, Ritz-Carlton Yachts, Hapag-Lloyd, and Scenic (Eclipse ships). But let’s give them credit for being open about how they reached their conclusions and compiled their comparative listing of the 19 lines in the report. 

CR surveyed 18,850 members with questions about the most recent “ocean cruise they’d taken in the previous 36 months.”

They then tried to evaluate guest satisfaction in areas such as value for price paid, customer service, quality of the food, onshore excursions, and entertainment. Survey respondents were graded on their responses and the three top lines received the highest scores. 

We can see why the shore excursions and intellectual approach of National Geographic wins over fans.  Windstar’s ships average 150-340 guests and each includes a Spa and some excellent dining at a reasonable price. Viking offers Scandi-modern 1,000 guest ships with excellent onboard lectures, a policy of no children, and no casinos. They attempt to spend more time in port and have no formal nights. That is a series of policies that has wide support among their core clientele, retirees who want to learn about destinations in depth at pricing that is lower than the TrueLux lines. 

We do not believe in “Reader Polls” as they place far too much weight on the reviewer’s most recent cruise experience. Viking has 104 ships in the water at this time. The fact is that an overwhelming percentage of cruisers thoroughly enjoy whatever product they have sailed. Given its total number of guests, Viking is always going to do well in polls even though it is not inclusive or a member of the very top-tier luxury lines. 

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Q –  1.29.26 – Let’s just say we like to be ahead of the crowd when it comes to staying in really chic places in Europe. This gets complicated because my partner and I have developed “Mike White Syndrome” which takes the form of a need to experience the hotel stars of the very next White Lotus series on HBO. Do you have any information on where/when filming will take place for the new season and when it will air? We want to try, if at all possible, to be guests during the filming, although we realize the chances are not good that guests will be accommodated. Don’t know how you select the questions to answer but hope you will answer ours.

A – Of course. We are Mike White fans as well, despite his early departure from Season 50 of Survivor a week ago. Mr. White will begin filming the fourth season of The White Lotus next month at the rather incredible Chateau de la Messardiere in Saint-Tropez, France. This is a 19th Century Palace converted to a hotel with 86 rooms, truly stunning views of the Mediterranean, and its own private beach club. But unlike the previous three seasons, this is not a Four Seasons property. There will also be filming in Paris this time.

Sources are telling us that filming will take place from April through October. The new series could air in late 2026 but it is more likely to be ready for airing in early 2027. 

Q – 3.28.26 – Don’t judge me harshly but I was on Tik-Tok the other evening and a dimpled, freckled, exquisitely-smiling influencer was explaining that lying in caskets is “sweeping” Japan and that all visitors to the country who want to be cool and up with the times should try it out. We are leaving for a tour of Japan with Insight in just a few weeks and, although we are in our mid-sixties, we were wondering if this is really a thing in Japan and if you think it is worth trying. Or, is this, as I suspect, just more pablum misinformation for the younger masses on the App?

A – Actually, congratulations are in order – you have  discovered one of only 17  items on all of Tik-Tok that is totally accurate! This trend, well let’s call it a “trendette” is called “coffin meditation”. The experience is available throughout urban centers in Japan and is offered in funeral parlors and select hair studios. The sessions can be guided, they can be designed to simulate death, but, for the most part, they are seen as an excellent means to totally rest while contemplating the meaning of life and, if you don’t buy religion’s packaged  answers, the meaning of death. 

People who have gone through the half hour or so sessions say it was unsettling at first but it ended up being unusually calming, a great preparation for the week ahead.

Participants lie in a clean casket that is often decorated with flowers and comfy pillows, Gentle music in the background sets the scene for uninterrupted introspection. Sure you think about death – but many participants claim it creates a sort of emotional “reset” and it allows participants to place some of life’s challenges in better perspective. 

Coffin Meditation can now be booked by any hotel concierge or on-site travel planner.  Facilities are available throughout Japan’s major cities and there are coffins large enough to hold a two or three person group. 

Q – 3.27.26 – One has to imagine that travel to the US is way down from Canada and similarly down from our “former” allies in Europe. My husband and I were wondering what the Europeans are now viewing as prime destinations for Holidays abroad?

A – The numbers show that travel to the US from Canada for pleasur eis down 22%. The impact of our current Immigration policies is spurring a decline in visitors from the US to Europe but it is felt the decline is not as severe.

Germans are clearly going on vacation to the Greek Islands and Morocco. The Brits seem interested in “three M’s” Malta, Morocco, and Montenegro.  The Italian travel profile is a bit more spread out but Croatia now seems to be a favorite destination along with Spain. Wealthier Italians are visiting Norway and the rest of Scandinavia in record numbers. 

That said, Europeans are increasingly interested in vacations in Asia, particularly, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, and Cambodia. The availability of packaged air programs dictates how large this growth will be in Asia.

Most studies are showing that average Europeans are shortening their vacation time for cost-related reasons.

Q –  (3.7.26) – I have two trips planned this year – one a land tour to the Canadian Rockies and the other a cruise to ports in Asia operating out of Bangkok. I am 81, my wife is a bit younger, and we are in relatively good health following my bypass surgery two years ago.

I have been quoted an outrageous price for travel insurance by my travel agent, a woman I have known for many years and who we trust. She says that the better policies are age-based and once I hit 80 the price went up. Is that your experience and what do you recommend for your readers in our general age group? These days, it seems really foolish not to have insurance but is there any way a price conscious traveler can find a lower-priced alternative. She uses a company called Allianz. 

A – Generally speaking, your agent is correct. The best policies, and Allianz is a respected carrier, tend to be age-based and premiums have skyrocketed in the past several years. If you purchase the insurance offered by your supplier – the tour operator or the cruise line, you will almost always pay a flat rate, the same rate they would charge a 30 year-old so there are some savings. But if you are looking for advocates to seek out the cheapest travel insurance – we’re not it. Always think about the possibility of needing emergency surgery in a destination you will be visiting. Will your medical treatment, necessary surgery, care and accommodations for your spouse, and, if necessary, a medically equipped private flight home to the States be included in your coverage? (Some of this falls under the title “Medical Evacuation”. We want you to have $1 Million in Evacuation coverage on any policy. 

That said, if you want to “shop” for travel insurance at a lower rate we will mention the website www.squaremouth.com This site allows you to compare both coverage and cost of a wide range of travel insurance providers. It would be wise to spend some time on the site to get an overview of the coverages available along with sample costs for someone your age. There is no charge to use the site.

Finally, we would point out something about travel insurance that is rarely discussed. Always dig deep to find out if the insurance seller has true “Advocacy” rights on your behalf. That means, if your insurance claim is turned down, does your seller promise, on any reasonable claim, to personally be your advocate with the insurance carrier to try to re-open your claim so that a new underwriter at the company evaluates it.

We have done this several times for our clients and the claim was eventually approved after being initially turned down in every case. 

And congratulations on your good health! We hope the beauty of the Rockies and the parts of Asia you will be taking in provide truly memorable moments in a life well-lived. 

Q – It looks like I finally have enough Bonvoy Marriott points to get a two-or three night stay at one of their overseas properties. We are sailing out of Copenhagen in September and we were wondering if you feel that using our points at the Copenhagen Marriott is a good idea? Or, should we just sit on them?

Was wondering about the Bonvoy Club. Do a fair number of people join and do most find it valuable? Thanks for this site. Really helpful to a lot of us. But too much about cruises – would love to hear more airline and hotel advice. 

A – The Marriott in Copenhagen is with easy walking distance of Tivoli Gardens. We think it is a good, perhaps very good, 4-star option. But with one caveat: Make certain that you are confirmed in a riverview room. The back of the property faces a section of the river that is quite active with boaters and kayakers. It also has a lovely walking path. The front side of the hotel faces the street.

It is a decent walk to the city center but the #26 bus stops by the hotel’s front door so it is easy to hop on and off.

Generally speaking, we do advise using Marriott points for quality European hotel bookings whenever possible. 

You are a member of a very “exclusive club”. The Marriott Bonvoy Club announced it had reached only 203 million members at the end of 2024. It is, by a very wide range, the largest, most successful hotel loyalty program on the planet. The Marriott Corporation realizes significant earnings just on the guest information it amasses. So don’t be disappointed if you are not immediately recognized on sight.

Q – We have a rather special privately planned trip to Egypt scheduled to depart in the next 45 days. With war in the region we have to face the necessity of canceling our long-awaited trip to Egypt. Do we cancel now or let the tour company in Egypt cancel? . The government is telling Americans not to travel to the Middle East and I suppose there is good reason. We will be using our credit card insurance coverage. We booked this online so details are rather sparse.

A – We sort of knew you had booked online by your third sentence. Your credit card insurer will likely not cover your final payment which we are guessing has already been made. Normally, we would advise that you wait for the tour company in Egypt or whoever it was that handled your arrangements to cancel. But as you are scheduled to depart in 45 days, our guess is that your trip will not be cancelled.

In fact, Egypt inbound tourism is generally not affected by events in Iran. Egypt is not on the Level 3 or Level 4 State Department Advisory List. Here is the latest State Department notice that would affect your trip:

On March 2 we issued a region-wide precautionary message to Americans in the Middle East in light of evolving dynamics. Here is a summary of our latest security updates as of March 3, 9pm EST. We have increased Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to Level 3. Egypt remains at Level 2 reflecting that our overall assessment of the security situation there has not changed at this time.

You need to speak to the firm handling your arrangements directly. You also need to assess exactly what level of coverage you are holding. Do you, for instance, have the kind of coverage that would pay your bills for a stay in an Egyptian hospital? Do you have the kind of coverage that would allow you to be medically evacuated from Egypt if that was necessary?

Your note was rather brief so it is difficult to give you a comprehensive answer. In looking at your situation, we would advise that you consider moving forward with this journey. But if you do, you may need to purchase additional travel coverage (Really challenging at this late date).

We are concerned about you. You are in a difficult situation. If you cancel you will likely be out a great deal of money. If you get frustrated, call us. There will be no charge but we would like to be available in case you need us.

We are starting to hear from a number of people who made bookings abroad, offering up their personal details and credit card information with a 1-800 call center that, given technology, could be located anywhere in the world. Sadly, these travelers are all being charged for the services of a US-based travel adviser without their knowledge. It is always included in all online pricing even though no highly-qualified adviser is involved. It is one of the major travel scams associated with online bookings. The public knows little about this because media outlets are so dependent on travel advertising from online purveyors. 

Q – (3.3.26) – We have been planning a Viking River Cruise along the Nile along with several days of land touring for almost a year. We obviously will not be going. Our insurance is through Travelex and we are wondering if they will cover the entire cost of the trip. We are scheduled to depart in two months. How will this be handled?

I would hope that we would be granted a full refund but not sure if that will come from Viking or the insurance company. My travel agent is suggesting I make an immediate claim based on the State Department advising travelers not to travel to Egypt and the Middle East. Do you agree?

A – No. Your insurance claim will likely be denied. Below is a list of specific events not covered by typical insurance policies. Viking will, in this instance, likely offer a future credit and cancel your sailing. The War was no fault of theirs and full refunds to all guests on a major itinerary covering several months would have a severe and negative impact on the company. The credit would likely be in the full amount of what you have paid to date.

The good news is that Viking will almost certainly be advising your agent that it is canceling your cruise. The amount of the credit should be in the official cancellation notification. One question worth pursuing is whether or not you would be allowed to pass on this credit to other family members if you decide not to use it. Most policies will not permit this. Discuss with your agent whether or not you should wait until Viking cancels. If you cancel first, your options may be severely limited. Understand that travel advisers are, in the vast majority of States, prohibited from discussing insurance policy coverage as they are not licensed insurance agents. We would strongly recommend that you call the Customer Service number at Travelex directly to verify your options and to choose the best way to sustain a favorable outcome. 

Here is their contact information:

Customer Service Phone: 1-800-228-9792
8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CST, Monday – Friday
customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com

Guests who have purchased CFAR or “Cancel for Any Reason” insurance will, on the other hand, likely receive a full cash refund as that type of policy allows for the cancellation of any journey for virtually any reason. Because insurance companies offer CFAR options, they will only offer full cash refunds to those who purchased that type of coverage. It is an extremely costly type of coverage so few travelers take it out. 

As of this morning, plans are underway to remove ships from the conflict area. Escorted tour groups to Israel and throughout the Middle East are being cancelled. The vast majority of flights are being cancelled. It could be some time before travel resumes in this part of the world to anything like “normal” levels. 

Here is what Travelex specifically states it will not cover: Note it does not cover “declared or undeclared war, or any act of war.”

Q – (2.23.26) While I am thinking about it, maybe sometime you could explain when and why a cruise line will offer to buy a confirmed cruise passenger out of their booking. A person sailing with us told us Regent offered a full refund if they would cancel their cruise.

A –  It would almost never happen on a normal booking. Computer systems prevent a double booking and your agent receives a written contract of passage for your journey. Unlike airlines, which do not have an obligation to honor your assigned seat, cruise lines put everything in writing and no one is moved involuntarily.

Our guess would be that the situation you describe was generated by a group booking. When a travel agent gets a contract for thirty beds on a sailing, for instance, no one really knows how many of those beds will actually be sold. The cruise line makes a guess based on the travel agency’s past performance. But if they underestimate the size of the group a ship can become overbooked and independent guests need to be bought off. This is never a forced cancellation. Offers are made until the number of staterooms required is achieved. 

Q – We have been traveling on luxury programs abroad for the past twelve years including four of the cruise ranked “Best in The World” on your sister site, “Cruisetruth”. Recently, at the urging of close friends, we are planning on doing both the Danube and the Rhine next year on the best rated riverboat line. But here it gets a tad confusing – Viking gets all the awards but not yours. Instead, you seem to rank Scenic, Tauck, and AMA at the top without a very clear winner. 

Our interests are as much comfort and space as possible with nice suite options as well as, hopefully, the best cuisine on the rivers. We are less interested in evening entertainment or shore excursion quality (we’ll likely do our own thing). Given this profile, we were wondering what your best recommendation might be.

A – Your concise summary is helpful. You are correct – Viking wins all the “Reader’s Choice” Awards and they are also the largest industry advertiser. Coincidence?

You have also noticed something fairly adroit. The clearance of various bridges along the routes together with water draft requirements creates a design similarity among river boat brands that you don’t find in the cruise industry. 

That said, the brand that will most closely meet your needs is Riverside Luxury Cruises. This is a fairly new line that purchased the Crystal Riverboats when that line went bankrupt. They are the most specious and best designed ships currently sailing Europe’s rivers. We are currently ranking them # 1 for cuisine and wine. They have one of the highest crew to passenger ratios and we think you will find the more intimate experience you are seeking on Riverside. It is worth noting that riverboat cuisine has always been hampered by the tiny kitchens aboard each boat. When it designed its fleet, the original Crystal line made changes creating the largest kitchens on the river. This is one reason that Riverside Luxury Cruises currently features the finest food on the Danube and the Rhine. 

Q – We have been on four separate trips to Europe since we were married. We are now planning a trip that will include time in Italy and Spain. Both my husband and I are having some qualms about the way we may be greeted given the news about Trump’s disengagement from NATO and the horrendous photos of ICE arrests etc. I have read how you previously responded to this question but am wondering if events we are experiencing in early 2026 have caused you to re-evaluate your earlier opinions that there are few, if any, reports of anti-American actions as opposed to anti-tourism movement which we have read about and understand?

A – It is a fair question. There is still no evidence of any significant harassment or acts of physical confrontation between residents of Europe and visitors from the United States. However, the latest data is showing an increasing number of documented cases of Americans reporting cold receptions, pointed questions, and awkward conversations about our current President. So we would say you could possibly run into a bit of social friction, perhaps a bit of pre-conceived judgements, and even political questioning.  But outright hostility is just not being reported by American travelers.

The kinds of things we are hearing are anecdotal and include:

• Taxi drivers asking Americans to explain U.S. policy
• Hotel staff making pointed jokes
• Locals making comments about immigration bans or tariffs

A 2025 report from ASTA, the American Society of Travel Advisors, highlighted the fact that a growing number of Americans were feeling compelled to explain or apologize for American actions. Itis clear that events within the political arena in the US are being widely reported abroad. Many European leaders including those in France, Germany, and England have openly criticized, what they see as, a decline in American support and mutual trust. In the same ASTA survey, travel advisors report an increasing number of their clients are increasingly “worried” about how they will be received abroad due to Trump administration policies especially in the area of immigration. Travel advisors have reported a growth in the number of potential international travelers who express concerns about a fear of a negative reception. There is a “more significant” growth in the number of potential travelers who have a hesitation to book and who are questioning how one can use insurance to cancel a planned journey for politically-related reasons. 

It should be pointed out that there is a direct link between those travelers that have the greatest fears and the cost of the trip they are contemplating. The true luxury market has not slowed down and questions regarding potential political hassles are rarely reported in this segment of the industry.

We realize this is not a conclusive answer but we hope these observations are helpful. We do very little domestic travel business at our firm. Well over 95% of our clients are traveling overseas and we have not had a single cancellation that we can trace directly to the concerns listed in this response.  You did not say where you live – but, sadly, it is likely that wherever you call home is less statistically safe than the places in Europe you are contemplating visiting. Let that fact guide you in your decisions.

Q – We are interested in planning a rather complex itinerary that will likely include time in New Zealand and Australia. This will involve meeting beer distributors (my field) meeting local artists (a passion of my wife and while also watching the All Blacks play, enjoying a private yacht for a few days including a sail around the Sydney Opera House, a few days of golf, and, finally, a day or two with a real estate agent in Adelaide.

I know I can’t walk into any travel agent’s office to have them work on this – or can I? Would you take us on as client’s and, if so, why would we be able to place our trust in you to handle all of these details? We live to Scranton, Pa. if that is any help and, as you may have guessed, cost for this likely 3-4 week journey is not a major issue? I understand I am asking some big questions but perhaps you can distill down your response. We are huge fans of traveltruth and we hope that you continue this project. 

A – Thank you. We will try to offer a simplified response and if it is not sufficient always feel free to give us a call at 630-717-7777. As “fans” we trust you appreciate that tooting our own various horns is not the purpose of this site. Whether or not you are able to trust us is something only you can decide. We are fairly visible and easily Googled. Our work goes back 40 years, we’ve published several books, and our media group is fairly well-exposed. So, instead, let’s try to address this for others who might share your wish for a direction to turn when a rather complicated itinerary with many twists and turns is going to be required.

The most important thing the intelligent traveler can do is realize that the work won’t be done by a local travel advisor in Scranton or anywhere else. We would urge the consumer to seek out an established travel professional who is a member of one of the two or three most highly respected consortium groups. The consortium will have a working arrangement through the Member agency in the United Stated to work on projects such as the one you have described.

Virtuoso, the group that we happen to belong to, just announced 2025 revenue in excess of $34 Billion. That means that they are likely the largest group producer, by volume, for a majority of the very best cruise lines and tour operators. But that has nothing to do with your trip. What does have to do with your trip is the fact that a major consortium group also creates partnerships with the very best travel planners in countries all over the world. We meet with the owners and managers of these “on-site” offices once or twice each year. We know them and sometimes we know their families. We currently operate with on-site offices in 91 countries.

If you can find a firm that has these connections, the supervision of your arrangements will be handled by a trusted advisor in the States, but the actual planning and operations will be done on the ground in the countries you will be visiting. You will be privy to in-country wholesale accommodation rates and personal contacts in terms of golf arrangements, working with the best possible local realtor, and prize seats at an All-Blacks game.

Your trip will be planned by local experts on behalf of a member of a $34 Billion group – and no one down under wants to disappoint the Consortium and its members in any way.

That, stated simply, is the best way to do what you want to do. You need a trusted advisor in the US who has a close and long-term working history with the best local travel firm in the destinations you will be visiting. This is all human to human. Notice we did not mention doing this on TripAdvisor or trying to use TW (the name we use to more clearly define the term AI – TW stands for “Twisted Wires” – a more specific and accurate definition of what AI truly is)  

Q –  We were watching a feed on Tik-Tok that showed that one of Regent’s ships, the Mariner, had an outbreak on a sailing between Miami and Honolulu this January with many of the older guests aboard this longer itinerary getting sick. The video was not pleasant to look at and we are wondering if these outbreaks on cruise ships are something potential cruisers should be aware of as we all prep for the next possible form of Covid? We have a longer sailing on Europa we are looking at but we do have these health concerns. How do you advise your clients on this issue given all the publicity online. 

A – There is a branch of the “Media” that is dependent on sensationalism and some good photo ops. Tik-Tok is mostly produced by phone-wielding amateurs seeking to make their photo collection chat-worthy. Tik-Tok is probably not the best or most accurate way to gauge what is happening aboard cruise ships. Search cruise ship on this site and you will likely see amateur videos of fist fights breaking out in the pool area or misbehaving guests being restricted to their rooms by serious security personnel.  The absolute fact is that a three or four night cruise is just about the most inexpensive vacation available given the components involved in alternative vacation options. But that is not cruising. Or, perhaps it is. We’ve stopped referring to the world’s top ten cruise lines as “Cruise Shops”. They represent an entirely different vacation experience within the sailing category identified as “TrueLux”.

Our Managing Editor has been on 148 cruises and has never witnessed a physical altercation unless you count the time he got punched in the gut by his wife when he tried to order a second Black Swan dessert aboard the Silver Ray.  

That same level of mis-information applies to outbreaks of virus at sea. The fact is that there were 21 guests who were reported ill on the Mariner sailing you mentioned out of 631 guests aboard. This was a gastrointestinal illness and was reported, as required, to the CDC.

The outbreak  was actually the first reported to the CDC last year. But lets look at some key facts:

In all of 2025 there were 23 reported outbreaks reported by cruise lines to the CDC.  A total of 17 were caused by norovirus almost always brought onboard by guests.

The fact is that even though the Media has put a fear of a norovirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship in the minds of the consumer, last year literally 99% of all outbreaks reported did not occur on cruise ships. Despite attracting hundreds and, in many cases, thousands of guests to one floating venue, cruises only make up 1% of the total reported outbreaks in 2025. That is not being reported – and it should be.  

We have studied the data and if you look at the cruise industry as a whole, you can make a strong case that you are far less likely to experience a gastrointestinal outbreak aboard a cruise ship than those who remain on land within the general population. Of those 99% of non-cruising Americans who experienced an outbreak we can look at schools, churches, theaters, grocery stores, and shopping malls as the most likely sources of the initial spread.

The fact that the land-based population has now virtually abandoned protective N-95 mask-wearing in heavily populated zones makes this particularly true. Every cruise ship has dedicated sanitary officers and crew who must maintain the highest levels of health and public safety available. You will likely find the highest health/safety standards on those vessels that have the highest guest to staff ratios.

Q – We are starting a search for a good tour that will last about two weeks taking us through the highlights of Ireland. This is all a bit new for us and we should tell you that we are in our mid-sixties, recently retired, and you might say we are cautious about throwing away money. I suppose the question is should we pursue saving money on a nice escorted tour by firms like Collette or Globus on one of the larger discount travel sites. I mean why pay retail? Is there any negative result in seeking the best price?

A – This is, we realize, a confusing maze of contradictions for the consumer. Every web seller wants every potential traveler to assume that the best deals are hidden in the twisted wires of the internet. And, truth be told, in some rare cases they are. But virtually never when it comes to an escorted tour product. Here are a few things worth noting:

01 – No tour operator wants an escorted tour experience ruined by the couple that informs the group over dinner that they booked with XXXXXX and saved XXXXXX. Imagine how that might make the other tour members feel. Imagine the pressure that might place on the tour guide who is ill-equipped to mediate such a discussion. It would result in very unhappy campers all sharing the same tour bus but now with a majority feeling they were “ripped off”. It is just poor business to allow discounting of a shared travel experience like a tour or a cruise. 

02 – In most states it is legal for a travel seller to discount. But it is also legal for the supplier of the tour to reuse to pay any commission at all to any online entity that discounts its product. That is one way the better tour operators shut down online discounters.

03 – Tour companies have fixed prices. They do not use so-called “Dynamic Pricing” of the type now prevalent in the airline industry. The price of each tour is carefully calculated and printed in an expensive brochure while also appearing on the firm’s website. If a seller does not honor the company’s selling price, the tour company can and they have gone to court to enforce their anti-rebate policies.

04 – The other side of this argument has to do with with the awarding of gift benefits to those who purchase tour products. Generally speaking, suppliers have not fought this practice. So if, for instance, you booked your tour at The Dollar Store, and they offered a $100 store gift certificate to all who book with a specific tour with them, it is likely the supplier would not interfere in any way. 

05 –  Generally speaking, you should follow this rule: Rates will vary on rental cars, airline tickets, and at hotel properties. It may in each case be worthwhile to seek the best price. When it comes to travel you are sharing with a select group of fellow travelers on a river boat or in a tour bus, unauthorized discounting is frowned upon and the supplier will usually take action to stop it. 

Q – 12.19.25 – As we have not spoken for two or three weeks, I thought I would submit a question I would normally ask you on the phone in writing. Feel free to respond on the Traveltruth site. As you know, I am a bit of an aircraft nerd. I like to know what I am flying and if I can get the tail number I like to know the history of the bird carrying me from place to place. Last month, flying United into Frankfurt en route to the Rhine River Cruise on Scenic you had arranged (fantastic), I noticed two 747’s parked at the gates, one right alongside us as we pulled in. I couldn’t believe it. Is Lufthansa the only airline still flying this beautiful but elderly aircraft?

A – The short answer is No. You were looking at the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental, the longest running aircraft model currently in commercial operations. It is flown by only three airlines:

Lufthansa is, by a wide margin, the largest operator of the 747. It has 19 active aircraft and, despite their lack of fuel efficiency, uses them on international routes. This includes several routes to Germany from the US.

Korean Air has four of the aircraft and it uses them on Trans-Pacific flights including Seoul-Los Angeles and Seoul-Atlanta. 

Air China also has four 747’s in service primarily between Beijing, Frankfurt, and New York.

The last 747 came off the assembly line in 2022

Q – Please be careful how you write this. I have a hobby – I travel a great deal for business, almost all of it international. As I do business on three Continents, I find myself flying many different airlines. About a year ago, I started taking quick photos of some of the better looking flight attendants as they walk the aisles. A business associate who was with me when I did it on an Swiss flight out of Zurich has cautioned me that you can get arrested for photographing a flight attendant. I am always polite and I usually ask permission. Can a paying passenger really get into trouble for collecting photos of beautiful flight attendants. These photos line the living room wall in my apartment but, other than that, they are completely confidential. Please print my question exactly as worded and do not use my name. I am seriously interested in your response.

A – Unfortunately, we lack the psychological qualifications to deal with your question professionally. Flight attendants are there for your safety – really they are. Photographing them as you might Lions on safari is a degrading activity and we might suggest that you travel less and spend time, instead, on a psychiatrist’s couch. Have you given any thought to how you are making the flight attendants feel when you treat them as objects for your enjoyment? We imagine you live alone with your photo wall. But flight attendants have husbands, wives, and children. 

Let us stop there – and, instead, give you just one case study as reported by consumer travel writer Gary Leff:

Nine passengers on a Pegasus Airline flight were arrested by Turkish police after landing in Istanbul. The flight attendant charged that the passengers, all Israeli, took a video of her during the safety announcement. She claimed that this was sexual harassment. Three of the passengers in question were taken to a remote prison “close to the Syrian border.”

Never photograph any airline employee unless you have received very clear authorization to do so. 

Q – (12.19.25) – My husband is a nurse practitioner who told me at dinner last night that my aversion to large cruise ships is a medical condition and that somewhere buried in the medical literature it has a name. I have no issues with yachts or smaller vessels that carry say, a few hundred passengers. But if we are even parked in sight of a huge ocean liner I get extremely anxious and even a little frightened. Is this a thing or is my husband making it up? Do you have clients who have a medical aversion to these giant cruise ships?

A –  We have not personally run into this kind of phobia but your husband is not exaggerating. Folks who are afraid of large cruise ships are said to be both Naviphobes and often Megalophobes. This means they have a fear of both ships and extremely large objects. It sounds like you have a rather practical and even mild association with both as you enjoy smaller ships and yachting to floating shopping centers. So do we. Stay well.

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. 

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.

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”.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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

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”.

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.

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. 

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.

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.                                                                                                                                                                                     

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.