TravelOnly With Ken

15 days through England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and Norway aboard Viking Neptune

15-Day Journey, Highlights, Tips & What to Expect: Viking British Isles Explorer In this video, I'm sharing highlights from my Viking British Isles ...

Contemporary cruise lines - many sailing the Caribbean - have taught us to believe that cruise prices will drop closer to sailing. As a Travel Advisor that specializes in Luxury Cruise experiences, price reductions and deals just don't happen closer to sailing.

Instead, prices tend to rise, initially offered promotions disappear, airfare becomes more expensive, and the best cabins are sold out.

I’ve personally seen the same luxury cruise increase by more than CAD $15,000 per cabin between launch pricing and later booking periods.

Luxury cruise lines reward early planners. I have cruises that are sailing this July, and also in January 2027. Both of these cruises had amazing offers/savings when they came on the market, and these offers only lasted 45-60 days. These cruises were sold out 18-months before sailing. Yes, these two cruises have been in the planning stages for 18 - 24 months now.

I think that my biggest challenge selling the High-Premium and Luxury cruise lines is helping my clients realize that for the best value, booking 18+ months out is what must be done. I just recently booked 8 cabins on an August 2028 14-night luxury river cruise.

In my latest blog post, I explain:
• why luxury cruises price differently
• why waiting can backfire
• how cruise inventory really works
• and why booking early can sometimes save thousands and give you the best perks, amenities, and add-on's

Read my full article and find the link in the comments.

Choosing the right river cruise cabin can be confusing, especially if you’re planning your first river cruise.

Unlike ocean ships, river vessels are narrower, which means the cabin types are very different. You’ll often see terms like French Balcony, Veranda, Suite, and Fixed Window class cabins on the lower deck.

I’ve sailed with Viking, AmaWaterways, and Uniworld, and each line approaches cabin design a little differently.

Some key differences travellers should know:

Lower deck cabins, or fixed window cabins sit close to the waterline with fixed windows. They are usually the most affordable way to experience river cruising.

French Balcony cabins feature floor to ceiling sliding doors with a railing but no step out balcony. These are very popular because they bring the scenery right into your room.

Veranda cabins include a true outdoor balcony with seating. Viking offers these, while AmaWaterways often features its signature Twin Balcony design, combining both a French balcony and a step out balcony in the same cabin.

Suites offer more space and often additional service levels. On Viking and AmaWaterways they usually include both balcony styles, while Uniworld focuses heavily on luxury interiors and larger accommodations.

Choosing the right cabin really depends on how you travel. Some guests spend very little time in their room and prefer a lower deck cabin. Others love sitting on a balcony watching castles, vineyards, and villages drift by.

If you are considering a river cruise and want a clear explanation of the cabin options across these three cruise lines, I’ve written a full guide and the link is in the comments below.

My full blog article explains the differences between French Balcony, Veranda, Suite, and lower deck cabins across Viking, AmaWaterways, and Uniworld so you can choose the one that best fits your travel style. See the link in the comments.

Have you sailed on a river cruise yet? If so, what cabin type did you choose and would you book it again?

River cruising has changed. If your image of a river cruise involves sitting quietly on a ship watching castles drift by, you may be surprised by what companies like AmaWaterways are doing today.

* Think guided hikes above Heidelberg
* Bike tours through Europe.
* Walking excursions through medieval towns
* Wellness programs onboard

And days that can be as active as you want them to be.

One traveller recently described joining an “energetic” hike along Germany’s famous Philosopher’s Way and quickly realizing this was far more cardio workout than casual stroll.

That is exactly why more active adults are discovering river cruising.

You still get the luxury of unpacking once, exceptional dining, and intimate ships, but now paired with immersive experiences that keep you moving and engaged throughout the journey.

River cruising is no longer just for seniors, and honestly, some of the people climbing those vineyard hills in Europe are fitter than the rest of us.

I explore why AmaWaterways is becoming such a strong choice for active travellers in my latest blog post. See the link in the comments.

Long-haul flights can be exhausting, but many travellers unknowingly make the experience even worse.

I have flown many times to destinations where one flight segment alone is 16 hours, and the total travel time adds up to 30+ hours. I have witnessed what I feel are some of the most common mistakes passengers make on long-haul flights, and shared them in my most recent blog article.

From dehydration and poor clothing choices to relying on aircraft power outlets and drinking too much alcohol at 35,000 feet, small decisions can have a major impact on your comfort and energy level when you arrive.

As someone who spends a lot of time travelling internationally, I found several of these points especially accurate.

I summarized the key takeaways and added a quick overview for travellers preparing for long international journeys.

Click the link in the comments to read the full article.

Happy flying!