Want shore excursion discounts, free cocktails and other great perks, even at the lowest levels of your cruise line’s loyalty program? Hurtigruten Expeditions, which has split from sister brand Hurtigruten, has launched a new reward system for its passengers with just two levels — one for those who have cruised with the line previously and…

We get it — mastering points and miles is no easy feat. You may have already seen our guide to getting started with points and miles, but what happens once you are ready to cash those points in for a trip? Maximizing points and miles to travel luxuriously without breaking the bank doesn’t need to…

There has been a flurry of brand expansion and brand swap announcements at Hyatt in recent weeks, including at one popular lifestyle hotel in Mexico. This means there are many new ways to earn and redeem World of Hyatt points around the world. Miss out on what this means for your next getaway? You can…

Get ready, luxury cruise fans. One of the industry’s most beloved lines is increasing its fleet size by more than 30% with a new ship, on which every single cabin is a suite with a balcony — even the solo cabins. But cruisers will have to wait until 2032 to enjoy it. Crystal has risen…

If you are a frequent flyer and spend many hours traveling each year, having elite status with an airline, such as United Airlines, can make a significant difference in your travel experience. Shorter lines, faster service, complimentary upgrades, international lounge access and other benefits can easily make stressful trips more seamless. However, these perks do…

It may be a California comeback, but the Regent brand of today is nothing like it was in 1990, when it took a star turn as the hotel backdrop in “Pretty Woman.” Regent Santa Monica Beach officially opened its doors last month — a return to U.S. shores for the brand that was previously best-known…

MSC Cruises fans will soon receive more perks for their loyalty. The line announced Thursday it will add another tier to its MSC Voyagers Club loyalty program. The new Blue Diamond level will be the highest tier frequent MSC cruisers can obtain, requiring 25,000 points or more. The Blue Diamond membership tier brings embarkation-day benefits…

Seoul has emerged in recent years as an in-demand destination. But South Korea’s capital can still feel daunting for first-timers, given its size — it’s one of the world’s biggest and most densely populated cities — and differences in language and culture. As anyone who’s already taken a trip to Seoul will assure you, there’s…

The Platinum Card® from American Express has a high $695 annual fee (see rates and fees), but it offers a long list of benefits. As an Amex Platinum cardholder, you’ll earn 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year) and…

If you’re new to cruise vacations, you might wonder about cruise fares labeled “cruise cabin guarantee.” What does that mean, and can booking a guarantee cabin save you money or help convince the upgrade fairy to visit you? Let’s find out. Cruise cabin types and categories Screenshot of Carnival Celebration deck plans. CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE…