Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways – Episode Summary

In the latest episode of Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways, hosted by NerdWallet’s travel experts, Sally French and Meghan Coyle, listeners are treated to an in-depth exploration of cruising—why 2025 is poised to be the year of cruising, insider tips for getting the most out of cruise vacations, and strategies to maximize travel budgets using credit cards.

1. Introduction and Recent Cruise Adventures

The episode kicks off with Sally sharing her recent experiences aboard two inaugural cruise ships:

• MSC World America: Hosting nearly 7,000 guests, this colossal vessel is packed with family-friendly amenities, including a ropes course, multiple water slides, and a retractable glass-roof pool for year-round enjoyment. Sally was particularly impressed by the live Queen show, highlighting the ship’s commitment to top-tier entertainment. (06:03-09:16)

• Norwegian Aqua: Slightly smaller but equally impressive, the Norwegian Aqua features a unique hybrid roller coaster water slide—the Aqua Slide Coaster—which propels rafts at over 30 mph using a magnetic lift. Additionally, the ship boasts a Prince show with Broadway-caliber choreography and an innovative Indulge Food Hall offering diverse small plates from various cuisines. (09:24-11:55)

2. Current Travel News

Before delving into cruising, Sally and Meghan discuss recent updates in the travel industry:

• Southwest Airlines Fare Changes: Southwest has revamped its fare classes to more utilitarian names like Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra. Starting in the third quarter of 2025, assigned seating will be available, with perks for Rapid Rewards Priority Credit cardholders and elite members. Sally notes, “Having one of these cards can really make it seem like you're getting a lot of value out of holding them” (01:15-02:33).

• United Club Access Modifications: United Airlines now requires the primary cardholder or an authorized user to be present when using United Club passes, and entry must occur within three hours of departure. This shift is part of a broader trend addressing overcrowding in airline lounges. (02:33-04:32)

• Transfer Bonuses: Chase Ultimate Rewards is offering a 25% bonus on transfers to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club through June 15th and to KLM Air France’s Flying Blue program through May 31st. These bonuses can be combined with monthly promotional offers for enhanced value. (04:32-04:44)

• Under Canvas Promotions: From June 15th to September, guests staying at Under Canvas properties can earn additional American Airlines AAdvantage Bonus Miles per dollar spent, especially when stacking with World of Hyatt points via the World of Hyatt credit card. (04:44-05:43)

3. Deep Dive into Cruise Highlights

Sally provides a comprehensive overview of her cruise experiences:

• MSC World America:

  • Family-Friendly Features: Including an 11-floor spiraling slide and multiple water slides designed for family fun.
  • Adult Amenities: A serene botanic garden pool with a retractable glass roof allows for uninterrupted relaxation regardless of weather.
  • Entertainment: High-quality live performances, notably the Queen show, which Sally describes as "killer choreography" (07:04-09:16).

• Norwegian Aqua:

  • Aqua Slide Coaster: A high-speed roller coaster water slide that offers exhilarating thrills.
  • Indulge Food Hall: A new dining concept featuring diverse small plates across various cuisines, with standout options like a Texas barbecue serving smoked turkey breast.
  • Prime Entertainment: The Prince show surpasses expectations with Broadway-level production values (09:24-11:55).

4. The Resurgence and Future of Cruising

Amidst lingering pandemic concerns, cruising is making a robust comeback:

• Growth Projections: Triple A forecasts that 19 million Americans will cruise in 2025, a 4.5% increase from the previous year and 34% higher than pre-pandemic levels. (12:29-12:44)

• New Ships on the Horizon:

  • Disney: Introducing the Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure ships, following the debut of the Disney Treasure in 2024.
  • Norwegian: Launching the Norwegian Luna in April 2026, mirroring the Aqua’s success.
  • Virgin Voyages: The Brilliant Lady is set to sail in September 2025.
  • Royal Caribbean: Expanding with the Legend of the Seas series starting in 2026, complementing the Icon of the Seas, currently the largest cruise ship globally (12:53-14:10).

5. Comparing Cruise Value to Land Vacations

Sally and Meghan emphasize the cost-effectiveness and convenience of cruising compared to traditional land-based vacations:

• All-Inclusive Pricing: Cruises typically bundle lodging, standard meals, and entertainment into one upfront cost, reducing the complexity of budgeting for multiple expenses.

• Cost Savings: For instance, a Disney cruise can be up to 33% cheaper than a comparable trip to Orlando, factoring in hotel stays, theme park tickets, and dining costs. (14:10-16:18)

• Fewer Hidden Costs: Unlike land vacations, cruises minimize unexpected expenses such as parking fees or transport costs, although some extras like specialty dining and spa services are available at additional charges. Sally notes, “If you're not a drinker then you're not paying for alcohol anyway” (14:10-15:38).

6. Exclusive Insights and Tips from Experts

Insights from industry professionals enrich the discussion:

• Adam Malone, CMO of Norwegian Cruise Line, underscores the importance of maintaining elite status without expiration to reward long-term loyalty: “I have a hard time telling her that you're starting over” when addressing high-frequency cruisers. (22:14-23:17)

• Melissa Katie, a seasoned solo cruiser, shares her passion for solo cruising, highlighting cost benefits and the camaraderie found in dedicated solo lounges: “Sometimes cruise lines will coordinate events where we're all gonna meet for dinner at 6... or if you want to be alone, you can skedaddle and be alone.” (24:03-26:19)

7. Maximizing Savings with Credit Cards

The hosts provide strategic advice on leveraging credit cards to enhance cruise experiences and accumulate travel rewards:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve: Recommended for its $300 annual travel credit and 3 points per dollar on travel spending, making it a versatile choice for general travel expenses, including cruises. Additionally, the card offers valuable travel insurance benefits, as Sally recounts her experience of avoiding potential losses during a hurricane-induced cruise cancellation. (18:44-20:22)

• Norwegian Cruise Line World MasterCard: A no-annual-fee option that earns three World Points per dollar on Norwegian purchases and two points on air and hotel bookings. With Bank of America's preferred rewards program, users can boost earnings by up to 75%, translating to a 5.25% return on cruise bookings for high-tier members. (20:22-21:44)

• Capital One Venture X Rewards: Although a premium card with a $395 annual fee, it offers 2 miles per dollar on all purchases and the flexibility to transfer miles to partners like Flying Blue, providing indirect benefits for Delta flyers. (28:12-29:43)

• General Cashback Cards: For those seeking flexibility without specific cruise affiliations, cards like the Wells Fargo Active Cash and Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards offer 2% cashback on all purchases or selected categories, respectively. (27:30-28:38)

8. Listener Q&A

Addressing a listener's question from Colleen in Minnesota, Sally and Meghan discuss optimal credit card choices for someone who holds a Delta Amex card but frequently shops at Costco, which doesn't accept Amex:

• Citi Costco Anywhere Visa: Offers 2% back at Costco and 4% on gas up to $7,000 annually, making it suitable for heavy gas spenders. (26:37-27:30)

• Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards: Provides 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 3% on a chosen category for the first $2,500 each quarter, with potential boosts for preferred rewards members. (27:43-28:12)

• Capital One Venture X Rewards: Suggested as an alternative for those willing to navigate transfer partner limitations, allowing indirect Delta flight benefits through Flying Blue transfers. (28:38-29:43)

Conclusion

Sally and Meghan wrap up the episode by reinforcing the value of cruising as a cost-effective, all-inclusive vacation option, especially when coupled with strategic credit card use. They encourage listeners to research and select cruise lines and cabins that align with their personal preferences and budget, ensuring memorable and financially savvy getaways.

Notable Quotes:

• Sally French: “Having one of these cards can really make it seem like you're getting a lot of value out of holding them” (02:33).

• Adam Malone, CMO of Norwegian Cruise Line: “I have a hard time telling her that you're starting over” regarding elite status (23:17).

• Melissa Katie, Solo Cruiser: “Sometimes cruise lines will coordinate events where we're all gonna meet for dinner at 6... or if you want to be alone, you can skedaddle and be alone” (25:16).

For more detailed insights and to explore the best credit card options for your next cruise, visit NerdWallet’s Smart Travel podcast page and access their comprehensive guides linked in the episode description.