Travel has roared back to life, with international tourism fully recovering and surpassing pre-pandemic levels—reaching around 1.5 billion global travelers in 2025. While iconic destinations continue to dominate, a new wave of emerging hotspots is reshaping how—and where—we explore.

Since Hurricane Melissa struck in late October 2025, Jamaica has been on a powerful path of recovery. While the storm caused significant damage in some areas, the island’s resilience, combined with coordinated recovery efforts, has helped restore much of what travelers love most. If you’ve been wondering whether Jamaica is still a good place to visit, the answer is yes—and here’s why.

If you’ve read my previous post, Cruise Math 101, you already know about some of the costs you may encounter before boarding your ship. This follow-up digs deeper into the true cost of cruising on most major cruise lines. Many of these items are cheaper when booked in advance, but I’m listing onboard pricing here for full transparency—no surprises later.

Having trouble deciding which cruise is right for you? Are you looking for relaxation, a lively party scene, nonstop activities, top-tier entertainment, fine or casual dining, family-friendly or adult-focused cruising—or maybe a mix of everything? Perhaps you already have a destination in mind and know when you want to travel.