Episode 162: The Sun Disappears but the Buffet Remains

A great cruise isn’t just about the ship, it’s about timing, ports, and knowing where the real deals are hiding. We jump into a packed travel run-down that starts with solo cruising and ends with why your airport experience can set the tone for the entire vacation.First up, we talk solo cruise travel and a rare price point that actually makes sense: Margaritaville at Sea is running July sailings where a single traveler can cruise from Tampa for about $540. We explain what makes that unusual in a world of single supplements, and who this laid-back, social style of sailing fits best. Then we shift to big demand signals for future travel, including Holland America adding a third ship to Northern Europe in 2027 as travelers snap up Norwegian fjords, Iceland, Greenland, and Baltic itineraries years ahead.We also explore one of the coolest niche trips out there: solar eclipse cruises. With August 12, 2026 on the calendar, cruise lines are adding capacity and building itineraries designed to chase totality at sea. Finally, we answer a listener question about Galveston, break down why it’s becoming a value-packed cruise port for Caribbean sailings, and share sample pricing on MSC and Princess. We wrap with fresh cruise news in the Southern Caribbean and a surprising topic we can’t stop thinking about: why Salt Lake City International Airport is winning over travelers nationwide.Subscribe for weekly travel strategy, share this with a cruise-loving friend, and leave a review so more people can find the show.This episode of The Vacation Nerd Podcast and Radio Show is presented by Rampage Rental & Repair!  Headed to St. George, Utah? Get out and RIDE! Rent or buy your Ebike at Rampage Rental & Repair—or get your own bike tuned up and trail-ready.Cruise Snow Canyon, ride the Virgin River Trail, or explore Kayenta.Reserve your ebike ride today! Call 435-767-2003 or book at RampageRentalRepair.com.Rampage Rental & Repair—gear up, get out, and RIDE! Support the showThank you for taking the time to listen to the show.  There are literally thousands of podcasts from which you can choose, yet you listened to this show.The entire purpose of this podcast is to help people plan and book their next vacation or give listeners ideas of where they might consider going on vacation next.  Our goal is to help our listeners live their lives deliberately and intentionally.  You only get one shot at life so you might as well make it count.  Make memories with those that matter most to you.TAKE ACTION:  Quit talking about going on vacation, just do it.  If you want more information about any of the destinations we discussed during the show, or have your own custom vacation in mind, I can help you.  Please call, text, or email me.  Here's my contact information:Patrick WiscombeCell/Text:  (801) 874-7717Email:  [email protected] Vacation Nerd (Audio Podcast):  https://www.thevacationnerd.co/YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheVacationNerdFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/patrick.wiscombeInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/patrick.wiscombeThreads:  https://www.threads.com/@pa...