Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Capital One Quicksilver Secured overview
The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is a solid option out there for those with poor or limited credit. While most secured card options are intended to build credit and not earn rewards, the Quicksilver Secured is a unique blend of both — offering a 1.5% rewards rate on all purchases. With no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees), this card opens many doors for those who want access to credit. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐½
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Just because your credit score isn’t outstanding doesn’t mean you’re banned from applying for credit cards altogether. Secured credit cards are a great alternative that helps you build or repair your credit through a slightly different approach.
Rather than a traditional credit line, you’ll have to put down a fully refundable cash deposit that determines your credit limit. From there, a secured credit card will act just like a traditional credit card — but with a much easier approval process.
The Capital One Quicksilver Secured is one of the best — if not the best — secured card options on the market. There’s no annual fee and a minimum of a $200 cash security deposit required (see rates and fees). But perhaps the best part of this card is the ability to earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases, which is a fantastic earning rate even when considering traditional credit cards.
Let’s take a look at all of the details.
Capital One Quicksilver Secured pros and cons
Pros
Cons
Ability to rebuild credit score
1.5% back on all purchases
Limited earnings rates and redemption options
Capital One Quicksilver Secured welcome offer
Unfortunately, this card doesn’t come with a welcome offer.
Capital One Quicksilver Secured benefits
While secured cards are generally light on benefits, the Quicksilver Secured comes with a decent number of perks worth mentioning:
No foreign transaction fees: When traveling abroad and paying with your Quicksilver Secured, you won’t incur any foreign transaction fees.
Automatic credit line reviews: Based on your payment history and creditworthiness, you may automatically receive a credit line bump — without putting more down as a security deposit.
Monitor credit score: Using Capital One’s CreditWise feature, you can check your credit score for free and without hurting your score.
Access to digital features: You can implement a flexible payment date and AutoPay to ensure that you pay your statement on time.
No annual fee: All of these great benefits for no annual fee.
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Remember that you’ll have to put down a minimum of $200 as your security deposit (which also determines your credit line), so the more you put down, the more credit you’ll have access to.
If you need a larger credit line, you can put down an additional deposit within 35 days of being approved and activating your card. You can raise your initial credit line up to your maximum limit — which is assigned upon card approval — and may range from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on your creditworthiness.
Finally, you may be able to “graduate” to the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card — the unsecured version — by using the card responsibly. That means you’ll get your security deposit back, but all other card terms and features will stay the same.
Earning rewards with the Capital One Quicksilver Secured
With this card, you’ll earn a straightforward 1.5% back on all purchases, with no limit on how much you can earn.
That’s a decent earning rate, although you won’t enjoy any bonus categories.
Redeeming rewards with the Capital One Quicksilver Secured
You can redeem your rewards via a statement credit, buy gift cards or reimburse yourself for purchases.
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You won’t be earning Capital One miles, so you won’t be able to utilize Capital One’s travel transfer partners, but you will have a bit of flexibility with your cash-back rewards.
Which cards compete with the Capital One Quicksilver Secured?
If you’re looking to build your credit, you have several options; one of these might be a better fit than the Capital One Quicksilver Secured.
If you want to earn bonus rewards while building credit: The Discover It Secured Credit Card earns 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter) and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
If you already have a good credit score: The Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) earns unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy, and 1% as you pay). Its simplicity makes it one of our favorite starter reward cards. For more details, see our full review of the Citi Double Cash.
The information for the Discover It Secured Credit Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Although there’s no welcome bonus (uncommon for secured cards in the first place), the 1.5% rewards rate, no foreign transaction fees, and no annual fee are what make this card a viable option for those who need a clean break or someplace to start.
It’s a great secured credit card that can put you back on the road to creditworthiness.
There are some cruise destinations — Barcelona, for instance, or Venice — where you really don’t need to sign up for shore excursions. You can just walk off the ship and head to the major attractions on your own.
For the most part, the ports of Alaska aren’t like that.
To get the most out of an Alaska cruise, you’ll want to sign up for a tour in most, if not all, of the ports you visit. And not just any old tour. You’ll want the best Alaska shore excursions that get you out into the Alaska backcountry.
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In Alaska, many of the biggest “attractions” — breathtaking mountain landscapes, glaciers, fjords, breaching whales and feeding bears, for instance — are related to the Great Outdoors. As a result, many of the best Alaska shore excursions for cruisers are found outside of the towns where ships stop. If you just stay in the towns and explore on your own, you’ll miss a big part of what Alaska is all about.
People who know me know that I love talking about Alaska port towns. This isn’t just because I spent more than two decades writing about Alaska and other cruise destinations for major newspapers. For many years, I was the co-author of Frommer’s “Alaska Cruises & Ports of Call” guide. In researching nearly half a dozen editions of that book, I spent many days exploring each of the major cruise ports in the state. I’ve tried a large number of the shore excursions in places such as Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. I’ve also poked around these towns a lot on my own.
As noted above, my biggest message to anyone planning an Alaska cruise is to get out of the towns. Sign up for something — a hike, a rafting trip, a train ride, a fishing outing — that gets you out into Alaska’s spectacular outdoor settings.
But I also have a few specific, top-line pro tips when you’re thinking about the best Alaska shore excursions:
Get up in the air. It’ll be expensive. We’re talking $250 or more per person. But there’s nothing like seeing the grandeur of Alaska from a helicopter or floatplane. The Juneau Icefield, in particular, is a sight to behold. It covers around 1,500 square miles. You can see it on a flightseeing tour from Juneau, with some tours including landings on the ice.
Don’t miss the whales. Even if you’re not a big wildlife person, you’ll be mesmerized by the humpback whales of Alaska. They are huge (at up to 52 feet, longer than a Greyhound bus), and there are boat tours that will get you up close to them. The best places to do this are out of Juneau and also Icy Strait Point if your ship stops there.
Splurge for a trip to Misty Fjords National Monument. This glacier-carved wilderness area, not far from Ketchikan, is another don’t-miss sight. It’s everything you think of when you think of Alaska: icy blue lakes, waterfalls, snowcapped peaks and glacial valleys. The only way to get there is on a boat or floatplane tour, and they typically start at over $200 a person.
Unfortunately, as you can see from the above, many of the most spectacular excursions in Alaskan ports are expensive. But Alaska is not a place to skimp. Alaska is a destination where you may want to budget almost as much per person for your shore excursions as you do for your cabin.
That said, you don’t have to splurge for a big outing at every call. In Juneau, for instance, you can get an outdoor experience with a relatively inexpensive trip to the nearby Mendenhall Glacier. It’s just 12 miles from the cruise ship docks and reachable by bus or taxi. The bus will set you back an astounding $45 per person round-trip, which I find an intolerable gouge (but … it is what it is). If you have a few people, you’re probably better off with a taxi, which runs around $35 each way. For two or three people traveling together, it’s not all that pricey a trip.
Either way you do it, you’ll find some nice hiking trails around Mendenhall Glacier and a visitor center. There’s a creek there, too, where I’ve sometimes seen salmon running. One time, I even saw a bear. Speaking of which: A bear is something you think you want to see in Alaska until you actually see one. Then you’re just hoping you don’t get eaten.
The historic gold rush town of Skagway, Alaska. REINHARD PANTKE/TRAVEL ALASKA
I should also be clear that the towns themselves aren’t devoid of attractions. While I highly encourage Alaska-bound cruisers to get out into the wilderness, there are plenty of worthwhile things to do in each of the main port towns.
In Juneau, food tours have become popular; think King crab bisque and Alaska salmon. The Alaska State Museum is beautiful and worth a visit. Skagway is like a Gold Rush-themed movie set. You should at least walk its main street (Broadway), with its wooden-board sidewalks. If you’re a craft beer fan like me, you also might want to sample a Spruce Tip Blonde Ale at the Skagway Brewing Company. It’s made with Sitka spruce tips picked locally in the spring.
In Ketchikan, you should save a few minutes to stroll up Creek Street along Ketchikan Creek, where you might spot salmon running. It’s the ultimate Alaska selfie spot.
The simplest way to book an Alaska shore excursion is through your cruise line. You check a box on an online form before sailing or while on board, and — poof! — it’s all arranged. They send a ticket to your room, and a tour guide will be waiting for you when you walk off the ship.
Another way to go is to book directly with a tour operator in one of the ports. That said, many of the tour operators you’ll find in Alaskan ports are the same tour operators that operate the ship-sponsored excursions. Often, the tours that the local tour operators will sell you are the same tours that the cruise lines are selling you at the same price. Shopping around isn’t necessarily going to get you anywhere.
Indeed, in some cases, the cruise lines own the tour operators in Alaska ports, or at least a piece of them. For instance, the parent company of Princess Cruises and Holland America is a part-owner of Skagway’s big attraction, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway.
Note that you can sometimes get discounts by calling a tour operator directly. I’ve had some luck with that over the years, but it’s hit or miss.
Below, I’ve listed six of my all-time favorite Alaska shore excursions. These all are tours that you’ll find in the tour lineups at every major cruise line that operates in Alaska. Different lines sometimes have different names for these tours — and sometimes different pricing.
For the listings below, I’ve used the tour names and pricing listed in the current tour sheets at Princess, which along with sister line Holland America, is the biggest cruise operator in Alaska.
Cruisers arriving in Juneau can sign up for helicopter rides to a dog-sledding camp on a glacier. BRIAN ADAMS
For those with a hefty bankroll, this might be the ultimate Alaska shore excursion. Combining helicopter flightseeing over the seemingly endless Juneau Icefield with a landing on a glacier for dog sledding, it hits two of Alaska’s most iconic experiences.
It’s also insanely expensive, as I know from firsthand experience. I once took my entire family of five on this excursion, dropping more than $2,000 in the process (this was back when the pricing was half what it is today). That’s a huge chunk of change for an outing that lasts three hours.
But I’ll tell you this: I don’t regret doing it. Not one bit. For starters, the views of the Juneau Icefield as you fly to and from the dog-sledding camp are incredible (assuming the weather cooperates). But the real joy was seeing my three young girls interacting with the teams of Alaskan huskies that live at the camp.
Once you arrive at the camp, you’ll meet the dogs and their mushers, see where they live, get a quick tutorial in mushing, and then head out for a spin around the camp on a dog-pulled sled.
Seeing humpback whales is the highlight of a whale-watching tour out of Juneau. REINHARD PANTKE
If it’s Alaska’s famous humpback whales that you want to see, you’ll want to book a whale-watching tour. The waters around Juneau are particularly known for humpback whales — so much so that the operator of this excursion offers a whale-sighting guarantee.
Setting off from the Juneau harbor in a whale-watching boat, you’ll cruise to nearby areas to see not just humpback whales but harbor seals and sea lions, too. You might even spot a killer whale or porpoise.
The boat used for this excursion has both inside and outdoor viewing areas. The trips last about four hours, including transfer time from your cruise ship to the whale-watching boat.
Note that if you have a big enough group, it sometimes pays to arrange a private boat out of Juneau to take you to see humpback whales. Many lines offer a private boat charter for whale watching as a tour option, or you can arrange one through a local company.
Klondike rock climbing and rappelling
Cost: $119.95
Port where available: Skagway
Rock climbing in Skagway is a family adventure. STEPHANIE HAGER/HAGER PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES
If you’re like me, you may be a little terrified at the idea of climbing the sheer face of a rock cliff. But don’t let that scare you away from this 3 1/4-hour tour. It’s a hoot.
Experienced climbing guides will meet you at your ship and drive you up the Klondike Highway to an area of granite cliffs that’s the perfect playground for beginner and more seasoned climbers alike. Upon arrival, the guides provide you with all the gear you need — climbing shoes, helmets and harnesses — for a safe scramble up a 70-foot-high wall. They’ll also offer plenty of instruction (and encouragement), plus a snack of trail mix and hot chocolate.
If it all sounds a bit daunting, know that you don’t need any experience at climbing to do it; I sure didn’t have any when I tried it, nor did my young daughters, who absolutely loved it. There are multiple routes up the cliffs, some perfect for beginners. After making it to the top, you’ll rappel back down — an entirely different kind of thrill.
The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway travels through the mountains around Skagway, Alaska. TRAVEL ALASKA
Call it the iconic attraction of Skagway, Alaska. A ride into the mountains on this narrow-gauge railroad is the tour everybody takes when visiting the Gold Rush town-turned-tourist hub. And for good reason. It offers an easy way to get deep into the Great Alaskan Outdoors.
Truth be told, I’m a fan of more active excursions. But for someone who isn’t going to hike, bike, horseback ride or raft their way through the wilderness around Skagway (there are tours for all of those things, too), a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Railway is one of the best ways to get a glimpse of the area’s classic Alaskan scenery.
From the comfort of a vintage rail car, you’ll get stunning views of mountains, gorges, glacial rivers and waterfalls as you climb nearly 3,000 feet to the summit of White Pass — the headwaters to the mighty Yukon River. Designated an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, the 20-mile route is a marvel in its own right, with improbably steep grades at times and segments that pass over soaring wooden trestles and around tight, cliff-hanging curves.
Heli-hike and rail adventure
Cost: $399.95
Port where available: Skagway
A heli-hiking tour out of the port of Skagway takes passengers to a mountain trail along a river in the Tongass National Forest. PACKER EXPEDITIONS
This is another tour with a sky-high cost. But, in my opinion, it’s well worth the money. Indeed, it’s one of my all-time favorite Alaska shore excursions.
The five-hour, Skagway-based outing begins with a transfer from your ship to a nearby helicopter pad, where you’ll find a helicopter waiting to whisk you high into the surrounding Sawtooth Mountain Range.
On a quick flight to your destination — a mountain trail in the Tongass National Forest — you’ll get spectacular views of the mountains and Goat Lake. You’ll land at Glacier Station, a remote mountain helicopter pad alongside the White Pass & Yukon Railway tracks. From there, you’ll set off on a two- to six-mile guided wilderness hike on a trail along the Skagway River. The highlight of the hike is a magnificent view of Laughton Glacier.
Returning to Glacier Station, you’ll end the day with a ride back to Skagway on the White Pass & Yukon Railway, which makes a special stop to pick you up.
Misty Fjords National Monument by seaplane
Cost: $329.95
Port where available: Ketchikan
A fjord in Misty Fjord National Monument. KETCHIKAN TOURIST BUREAU
There’s nothing that says Alaska quite like a trip in a floatplane. And, if you’re going to do a floatplane ride, there’s nowhere better than in Ketchikan. You’ll find a small armada of floatplanes waiting to take you to the nearby Misty Fjords National Monument.
Misty Fjords is one of those quintessential Alaska destinations that’s so beautiful you just want to cry. That is, if it’s not too “misty” to see it. It got its name for a reason. The area is often shrouded in clouds and drizzly rain. Ketchikan is known as one of the rainiest places in North America, with over 13 feet of rain each year. So, yeah, bring a rain jacket.
But, also get ready for lovely views of glacier-carved fjords, cliffs and rock walls jutting thousands of feet out of the ocean. The whole thing is covered with temperate rainforests and features huge waterfalls (thanks to all that rain). It’s definitely a sight to see.
Note that there often are two versions of this tour available: One that is about two hours long and only includes flightseeing and a slightly longer version that includes a water landing within Misty Fjord National Monument.
Summer is a popular season for cruising, with kids out of school and warm weather making long days in the office unbearable. But summer cruises have two significant downsides: It’s the hottest time of year in popular cruise destinations like the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, and ships can be crowded with greater than 100% occupancy, given the multitude of families booked three or four to a cabin.
If you’re a fan of summer sailings to sunny destinations but aren’t too fond of the heat and crowds, take heart. Here are our top tips for beating the heat and avoiding the crowds so you can survive and better enjoy your summer cruise.
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Pay for priority boarding
Check-in line for MSC Cruises at Miami cruise port. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINT GUY
Getting on the ship can be hectic, so plan ahead for embarkation day. Consider booking a cabin or suite that comes with privileged access and perks (like priority boarding). For example, guests staying in a cabin in Norwegian Cruise Line’s The Haven enjoy a personal escort who brings them on board the ship during embarkation. Royal Caribbean’s Royal Suite class guests also get priority boarding.
You don’t have to splurge on a suite to get on board faster. Carnival Cruise Line’s Faster to the Fun package gives you access to priority check-in and security lines at embarkation, as well as early room access and priority luggage delivery.
If your booking doesn’t include early embarkation, arrive at the port either early or later to avoid the rush.
Pack ‘cooling’ items
Islands in the Caribbean enjoy a hot, tropical climate year-round, with summer temperatures reaching the high 80s Fahrenheit. Summer temperatures in the Mediterranean can reach 90 degrees or higher, especially in July and August.
The key to beating the heat is in the planning. If your packing list doesn’t include products to cool you down, add them post haste. Cooling towels won’t take up much luggage space and can be a real lifesaver on hot days. These types of towels are water-activated and use evaporation to draw water away from your body. You just soak the towel in water for a couple of minutes, wring it out and place it where you need to cool off.
A water bottle fan is another hot weather essential. These handheld misting fans provide a refreshing spritz when you need it. Up the chill level by dropping a few ice cubes into the bottle to keep your water cold.
Book a balcony cabin
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It might be a small patch of cruise ship real estate, but a balcony can be worth its weight in gold for some quiet time. Instead of fighting for a lounge chair among the pool deck crowds, you can enjoy the ocean breeze all by yourself on your private veranda.
Bring activities to keep boredom at bay when waiting in lines
Sometimes lines are unavoidable. While it might be easy to deal with them as adults, waiting is often harder for kids. Games on your smartphone or tablet can be a good distraction, or have your kids bring books or a Kindle if they’re readers.
You can also play simple games, such as “I Spy” or “20 Questions.” When our kids were younger, the alphabet game was one of our favorite games. You start off by saying, “I went to the store, and I bought an apple” (or something that starts with the letter A). The next person repeats your phrase and adds another item that starts with the letter B. You continue until you get to the letter Z or someone messes up.
Do the buffet differently
The buffet on Disney Wonder. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY
Cruise ship buffet areas are often buzzing during traditional meal times for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Consider shifting your meal times earlier or later to avoid the swarm of people. Also, skip the buffet for lunch on embarkation day, as it tends to be overcrowded.
One of the fantastic things about cruise ships is the bounty of dining options available. Avoid the buffet and enjoy a meal in the main dining room or one of the ship’s fast-casual dining venues. Added-fee specialty restaurants can provide a more upscale dining experience in a tranquil environment.
Go outside early or late
Plan your outdoor time for the morning or later in the day to avoid heat and crowds. Hit the pool early to secure a lounger before more people show up, and get your sunbathing on while the temperature is manageable. Likewise, take a dip around 5 or 6 p.m. when the summer sun is still shining but your shipmates are all getting ready for dinner.
If you’re going to the beach, aim to be one of the first off the ship to take full advantage of the morning hours and come back to the ship early to avoid the hottest part of the day. You might find that lines to get off and back on the ship are shorter if you debark early and come back before the all-aboard rush. Alternatively, if you don’t mind the heat or have indoor activities planned, wait for the initial disembarkation rush to pass and leave the ship later to avoid lines at the gangway and crowded tenders.
During peak heat hours (from around noon to 4 p.m.), enjoy indoor activities like onboard trivia games, karaoke or even ice skating (on select Royal Caribbean ships).
Cool off on shore
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When it’s time to leave the ship for a few hours, seek out water-based shore excursions or activities with shade. Spend the day at a beach resort or water park, or take a snorkeling or scuba diving excursion. If your itinerary includes a stop in either Belize or Bonaire, you can cool down with a cave tubing or cave snorkeling excursion.
Want to stay out of the sun for the day? Head to local art galleries and museums for a cooler day in port. Indoor diversions like these can also be a way to avoid droves of beach-loving crowds.
Hydrate often
When you’re spending lots of time in the sun and heat, drinking extra water is important. This is especially true if you’re drinking alcohol on your cruise. Increasing your water intake can help prevent dehydration, which is a common side effect of alcohol consumption.
Bottled water is readily available on cruise ships (though not included unless you purchased a drink package or are sailing with an all-inclusive cruise line). We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle that you can fill up at water stations throughout the ship. To balance your fluid retention, you can add electrolyte drink mixes to your water.
Rent a cabana
One of Loft 19’s cabana areas on Carnival Jubilee. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
Cruise ship cabanas and cabanas at cruise line private islands and ports of call provide extra shade and privacy and can level up your cruise experience. Cabanas are typically partially enclosed and often feature lounge furniture and special amenities like chilled fruit skewers, bottled water and designated bar service. Prices vary by cruise line and can range in price on the ship depending on the type of cabana you rent.
Beyond providing respite from the sun, cabanas can solve the problem of securing a lounger on a crowded beach or pool deck. Some cabanas, like the family cabanas on Disney’s Castaway Cay or the overwater bungalows at Royal Caribbean’s Coco Beach Club, give access to a private beach away from the hordes of other cruisers. Some cabanas come with attendants who will bring you food and drinks, so you can skip the long lines at bars and restaurants.
Take sun breaks
Whether you’re on the ship or off, make sure to get out of the sun every one or two hours. Cool off in an air-conditioned indoor space, grab an ice cream cone or find a shady spot outside. (Sun breaks are also a good time to reapply your sunscreen.)
Schedule small-group excursions
DAVID SACKS/GETTY IMAGES
While many cruise lines offer tours limited to 25 people or less, your “small group” excursion will likely be one of many visiting popular (and crowded) attractions. Consider booking small-group or private tours that take you to less-visited attractions. Seek out tours that provide VIP-type access that lets you skip the lines or provide a more private experience away from tourist crowds.
Another option is to book an independent shore excursion. You’ll enjoy a smaller group (typically 20 people or fewer) and more personalized service. You might even save money booking directly with the vendor. One downside is that cruise ship excursions guarantee your return to the ship before departure — independent tour companies might not.
Stay on the ship on a port day
If you’re tired of fighting the crowds on board, stay on the ship during the next port of call. You can enjoy your own personal “sea day” on a practically empty ship. Lounge chairs will be plentiful by the pool, and the lunch line at the buffet won’t be as long. If you want to spend an hour or two in port, plan to disembark midafternoon when your shipmates start returning from tours. Just remember to be back before the all-aboard time.
Make reservations
MSC CRUISES/FACEBOOK
Booking your cruise activities in advance is smart for two reasons. First, it means you can avoid waiting in lines for shows and dining. Also, booking excursions, activities and meals before you board ensures that you eat, do and see what you want during your cruise. Once you’ve booked your cruise, you can select and book your preferred dining and activities either online or through the cruise line’s mobile app.
Suite guests often get first dibs on reservations, so if you don’t have priority, you might want to book excursions and specialty restaurants the instant they go on sale — even if that means staying up until midnight.
Arrive early
If you didn’t secure reservations for some or all of the activities you hoped to do during your cruise, arrive early to get a good seat. We recommend getting there 15 to 30 minutes before the show.
Use the cruise ship app
Additionally, if you didn’t confirm reservations for dining, many cruise ship apps will come in handy, as they often include an easy dinner reservation option. For example, the Carnival Hub app provides dining room wait times and lets you check in when you’re ready to eat. It also lets you reserve mainstage shows and book activities like a ride on the Bolt roller coaster (on select ships).
Similarly, Holland America’s Navigator app lets you skip food lines altogether and order coffee, food or room service from anywhere on the ship through the app. You can even use the app to order pizza from New York Deli & Pizza and simply pick it up when it’s ready.
Find ‘hidden’ quiet spots
Norwegian Bliss in the Caribbean. NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
On your first day, seek out the ship’s secret decks or hideaways. You can find one on most cruise lines. If you’re sailing on Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wonder or Disney Magic, head to the back of Deck 7 for a little solitude and aft views. At the end of the hallway, go through the door, and you’ll see a somewhat hidden perch with lounge chairs.
If you’re on certain Norwegian Cruise Line ships, look for the “public sun deck,” which might look surprisingly private with few crowds. On Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, you’ll find the sun deck on Deck 17. On Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Bliss, it’s on Deck 19.
Passengers on a Carnival Cruise Line sailing aboard Carnival Freedom, Carnival Panorama or Carnival Sunrise will find a tranquil spot on the forwardmost end of Deck 5, 6, 7 or 10. Go through the doors (with porthole windows) to find hidden forward balconies. Carnival Breeze, Carnival Dream and Carnival Magic are home to a lesser-known lower deck area called the Lanai (Deck 5). It features lounge seating and hot tubs that are cantilevered off the ship.
Additionally, seek out lounges and other spaces without activities if you need a quiet place to kick back. Card rooms and bars in the aft area of the cruise ship are typically less crowded than centrally located venues.
Get access to a private sun deck
Enjoy fewer crowds by splurging for a suite that gives access to exclusive suites-only restaurants and sun decks. You can find these areas within Celebrity’s Retreat, Norwegian Cruise Line’s The Haven or the MSC Cruises‘ Yacht Club.
Additionally, nonsuite passengers can pay for access to less crowded adults-only spaces on many ships. For example, Norwegian’s Vibe Beach Club will get you amenities like padded clamshell-style daybeds, chilled towels, a dedicated bar, food and beverage service, and other perks. You won’t have an exclusive pool in the Vibe area, but some ships feature infinity-style hot tubs.
Passengers on an Oceania Cruises sailing can purchase a pass to the ship’s Spa Terrace, an open-air deck that features plunge pools and hot tubs. Spa Terrace passes also come with access to the thermal suite, which includes a sauna, scented showers and a steam room.
Bottom line
Summer cruising should be relaxing rather than stressful. If you plan ahead and use these tips, you can have a cooler and calmer cruise.
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
If you’re wondering whether a travel rewards credit card is right for you, consider your travel goals and determine which card fits your lifestyle the best and whether it’s worth paying the annual fee.
If your goal is to save on travel, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card might be a great fit since you can redeem your rewards for travel or transfer them to Capital One’s 15-plus transfer partners. This card comes with a $95 annual fee (see rates and fees).
Here’s what makes the Capital One Venture Rewards card worth it.
Capital One Venture Welcome offer
For starters, this card is currently offering new applicants 75,000 bonus miles after making $4,000 in purchases during the first three months, plus a $250 Capital One Travel credit in the first cardholder year.
THE POINTS GUY
Those bonus miles alone are worth $750 when redeemed toward travel, but potentially much more if you’re able to leverage Capital One’s various airline and hotel partners, easily offsetting the annual fee.
As such, TPG’s July 2024 valuations peg this sign-up bonus at $1,638 after you factor in the $250 travel credit.
Earning miles with the Capital One Venture
One of the top reasons many people love the Capital One Venture Rewards is its straightforward earning structure of 2 Capital One miles per dollar spent on virtually anything you buy. You also don’t have to worry about miles expiring as long as you keep your account open, and there’s no limit to how many miles you can earn.
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One factor that makes this card so appealing is that there are no categories to memorize or quarterly bonus categories to activate — it’s an ideal card for busy people who want to simplify their earning strategy and redemption options. It’s also a great card to fill in any gaps that may exist in your reward-earning strategy.
You can redeem miles at 1 cent apiece with the fixed-value option toward eligible travel expenses charged to the card. For example, say you reserved an Airbnb for $750 for an upcoming vacation. You could redeem the 75,000 miles earned from the welcome bonus to offset the Airbnb purchase and cover the entire stay from the miles earned on your Capital One Venture.
AIRBNB
This particular redemption option comes in handy when you don’t want to jump through hoops to find award availability, or if you like to stay at non-chain hotels. This is also a popular redemption approach when you find cheap airfare and prefer to save your other valuable transferable points for more aspirational redemptions.
*Benefit available to accounts approved for the World Elite Mastercard product, subject to terms, conditions, and exclusions in the World Elite Mastercard Guide to Benefits. See Account Terms or Application Terms for more details. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply.
The benefits of the Capital One Venture Rewards card can help provide peace of mind while you travel.
Bottom line
The Capital One Venture is a favorite among travelers for a few reasons. Its simple earning structure of 2 miles per dollar makes it easy to maximize on almost every purchase. The ability to redeem miles both directly for travel at a fixed rate and to transfer to various airline and hotel partners makes it extra versatile. Then there are the value-added benefits like relatively robust travel and purchase protections, making this card a great one to carry in your wallet.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
Unless you’re a true road warrior and travel every week, the spending requirements for elite status with airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines are likely out of reach. Plus, status is just less valuable than it used to be. Gone are the days of complimentary upgrades for elite members, along with a number of other snazzy benefits.
If you purchase an economy-class ticket after you’ve stepped off the airline status merry-go-round, you may think you’re stuck in coach — but there might still be hope for an upgrade.
What’s changed? Airlines have gotten more aggressive about selling upgrades, even on international flights. And, in some instances, you can also use your airline miles for those upgrades.
Here’s how to check for affordable upgrades using miles or cash on your next flight with some of the world’s largest airlines.
Upgrades on American Airlines
AA business-class cabin on a flight from Paris to New York City. CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY
American Airlines has long offered upgrades that can be purchased with miles, and they frequently come with a cash copay.
American maintains a chart that lists the fees you can expect to pay for an upgrade using miles (as well as the cash portion). Unless you’re buying a pretty expensive economy-class ticket, you can expect a copay to apply on virtually all flights. Even with that copay, using your miles to upgrade on certain routes can be a really good use of AAdvantage miles.
Unfortunately, unless you have a systemwide upgrade in your account, you won’t be able to see upgrade inventory on American Airlines’ website. The best way to search for one is by using ExpertFlyer (a product owned by Red Ventures, TPG’s parent company).
AMERICAN AIRLINES
Recently, American has also started to offer greatly discounted cash upgrades, even on international and award flights. However, scoring one of these upgrades isn’t as easy as we might want. The most reliable way to find an upgrade is to check your reservation after ticketing on the AA website or in their app. You will often see cash upgrade offers listed under your flight details.
American Airlines upgrade offer. AMERICAN AIRLINES
The pricing for these upgrades is subject to change and can fluctuate on a daily basis. So if you don’t like the first upgrade offer you see, be sure to check back again.
Delta Air Lines is much more straightforward about using your miles to upgrade a flight. Whether you want to do so during the booking process or after making your reservation, Delta will display the cash and miles prices to upgrade your flight. In contrast to American Airlines, they won’t charge you a cash copay when using your miles to upgrade.
Unfortunately, you generally won’t find a better deal with miles versus cash. Generally speaking, Delta will offer upgrades at a price of 1 cent per point, as in the example below.
Delta upgrade offer. DELTA
You can typically find these offers both on Delta’s website and in their app. NOTE: While you may see an upgrade offer after selecting a TakeOff 15% discounted award flight, that’s really just Delta trying to get you to spend more miles. The total price of that premium seat is the same whether you book it outright or choose the “buy-up” offer after selecting a more affordable cabin.
Much like American Airlines, Delta frequently offers some pretty incredible cash upgrade offers. These are typically listed much closer to booking, meaning you may need to gamble a bit of time to find the best deal.
United Airlines Polaris business class on the Boeing 777-300ER. KYLE OLSEN/THE POINTS GUY
Of the three big domestic airlines with premium cabins, United Airlines is the stingiest when it comes to landing a cheap upgrade right now — there are fewer recent reports of affordable upgrades on United Airlines than on American and Delta. It’s a stark reversal from years past when United would frequently sell upgrades to members without elite status at rock-bottom prices, oftentimes at a lower price than they gave elite members.
Unlike American and Delta, United Airlines will sometimes offer a decent cash upgrade deal right after you finish booking a flight. United sometimes serves a pop-up with ridiculous cash upgrade offers on the final confirmation screen. We say “ridiculous” because every so often, the upgrade will be more expensive than the cash price of purchasing the cabin upgrade outright. Other times, it’ll be roughly the difference between the ticket you purchased and the price for the seat in an upgraded cabin. But, occasionally, you can get a pretty good deal.
Here’s the catch (there’s always a catch, isn’t there?): This offer will disappear when you navigate away from the page and typically never reappears.
United is also more complicated than its competitors when it comes to using your miles to upgrade to a better seat. It’s also worth noting that if you’re using United’s mileage pool feature, you can’t use pooled miles toward upgrade purchases.
Many routes require a cash copay along with miles, and the copay will vary based on the fare class of your ticket. United has a page on its website that allows you to determine the fee.
United Premier members are exempt from copays — except when they’re not. It’s a bit complicated, so United has a chart to walk you through it:
UNITED AIRLINES
United makes it easy to browse the upgrade options on a specific flight you have already booked. Select the flight in question from “My Trips” on their website or app (this functionality works much better on the website). You should see an option labeled “Upgrade Cabin” in the top left. Click on that, and United will display all existing upgrade options in one place.
United Airlines reservation. UNITEDUnited Airlines upgrade offer. UNITED
However, if United MileagePlus or PlusPoint upgrades aren’t available, you’ll need to regularly check this page to see if availability has changed.
One last thing. If you’re a Premier member of United Airlines, there are a few routes on which you can score a free upgrade to a Premium Plus seat.
JetBlue has a fantastic premium cabin on select flights called Mint. Mint cabins feature lie-flat seats, upgraded meals and snacks, on-demand movies and other amenities. You’ll typically find Mint cabins on flights to Europe and a handful of transcontinental routes.
Unfortunately, JetBlue doesn’t offer a true way to upgrade to Mint using your points. You can use your TrueBlue points to buy a Mint seat outright, but there’s no way to score a Mint upgrade.
However, there’s one way to perhaps get a cheap cash upgrade to Mint. On your day of departure, find an agent at check-in and/or at your gate to ask about a cash upgrade to Mint. Typical cash prices for last-minute upgrades to Mint are in the $500 range, which can be a screaming deal!
Air France business class. CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY
There are a handful of other airlines (some more aspirational than others) where you can find a good deal using miles or cash to upgrade your next flight. One of the best examples is Air France. Air France already provides incredible bargains on premium flights. Plus, the airline recently decided to lower the minimum number of miles needed to book business-class award flights. Air France will allow you to upgrade flights with miles, though you must call their customer service department to do so.
Lufthansa, a member of the Star Alliance, allows upgrades with miles from other Star Alliance partners. The system is a bit convoluted but still achievable. There’s no waitlist option, so your best bet is to frequently check their website if you want to snag an upgrade.
Lufthansa is also one of a number of airlines that allows you to place a cash bid for an upgrade. This is part of a growing trend that allows airlines to earn extra money off a seat that otherwise might go empty while allowing customers to score an upgrade for a lot less than the full price of a premium cabin ticket. The trick to a successful bid for an upgrade is finding that sweet spot just above what everyone else is willing to spend, which can be challenging.
Virgin Atlantic and Etihad Airways will also allow you to bid for an upgrade, but one airline (that’s admittedly less aspirational than some others) that famously offers affordable upgrade options through a bid process is … Spirit Airlines. Nobody will ever accuse the airline of dishonesty in their marketing regarding the Big Front Seat. Spirit unabashedly offers a big seat in … wait for it … the front of the plane. The offering excludes free drinks, checked bags, or bells and whistles. You simply get a big seat at the front of the plane. And, like some larger international airlines, you can bid for a cheap upgrade to one of these seats.
Bottom line
Airlines are working hard to monetize every empty seat on every flight. While that’s bad news for elite travelers hoping to score a free upgrade, investing some hard-earned cash (or miles) can be a great way to score a better seat. Savvy travelers can still find some good deals using miles or cash to upgrade flights.
However, some upgrades are just bad deals, whether it’s due to antiquated technology or algorithms that may not work in your favor. If you have some flexibility in your travel plans, a little know-how and digital legwork may help you get a better deal. Since American, Delta and United have essentially eliminated cancellation and change fees, you may be able to try a different departure date for your next flight if the price of an upgrade seems sky-high.
Lastly, bidding for upgrades has quietly gained in popularity among airlines. Don’t sleep on the opportunity to gamble for a better seat on a plane, and may the odds be ever in your favor.
Premium demand is surging, and Alaska Airlines is betting that travelers will want to splurge for premium seats for the long haul.
The Seattle-based carrier announced on Wednesday that it would add new first class and extra-legroom seats to its aircraft as part of a retrofit program covering its Boeing 737 fleet, which will add 1.3 million premium seats to its schedule each year.
The retrofit program will span over 200 Boeing 737-800, 737-900ER and 737 MAX 9 aircraft. The first plane to undergo a cabin revamp will be pulled from service for retrofitting in September, with the entire retrofit process expected to be completed by summer 2026.
ALASKA AIRLINES
You’ll find an aircraft-by-aircraft breakdown of the cabin retrofits at the bottom of this story, but highlights include adding four first-class seats to the Boeing 737-800 fleet, bringing the total to 16 new recliners in the pointy end of the jet. (This news was already announced earlier this year.)
Going forward, the only mainline jets to feature 12 first-class recliners will be some Boeing 737 MAX 8 and 737-700 aircraft. (It’s interesting that Alaska didn’t announce plans to harmonize the number of first-class seats across its 737 MAX 8 fleet, an aircraft that will presumably be in the carrier’s fleet for many more years to come. That could change as the seats on the airline’s existing MAX 8 aircraft come due for replacement.)
ALASKA AIRLINES
The retrofitted Boeing 737-800s will offer updated Recaro first-class recliners with additional legroom, a foot rest (a rare and excellent touch for domestic first-class), a seatback device holder, a winged headrest, universal power outlets and USB-C charging ports. These seats will also feature built-in cup holders, along with additional recline and larger tray tables.
ALASKA AIRLINES
No other first-class cabins are being updated with new products as part of this announcement, but Alaska is expanding its so-called Premium Class footprint. Alaska is adding six Premium Class seats on its Boeing 737-900ER and Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft, increasing this cabin from 24 to 30 seats on both jets.
These extra-legroom economy seats include four additional inches of pitch compared to standard economy seats, free alcoholic drinks on flights longer than 350 miles and priority boarding.
ALASKA AIRLINES
Alaska says that Premium Class and economy travelers on all the retrofitted fleets will enjoy device holders, cup holders, USB-C charging ports and winged headrests. The airline also said it will continue offering four lavatories across its Boeing fleet.
The carrier said in a statement that it decided to invest in this project “in response to growing demand from our valued guests… Our Premium Cabin performance continues to support what we believe to be a structural shift in higher demand for premium products.”
Alaska isn’t the only airline to notice an upmarket shift in its traveler profile. For years, Delta Air Lines has leaned into a premium-focused strategy that has landed it at the top of the pack among U.S. airlines across multiple dimensions. United Airlines new “Next” brand campaign launched in 2021 and is highlighted by a nose-to-tail refresh of almost the entire domestic fleet, elevating the premium experience for travelers.
In the second quarter of 2024, Alaska announced that its first-class and Premium Class revenues finished up 8% and 6%, respectively, with a first-class load factor hitting 71%.
While these new premium seats may pad Alaska’s bottom line, they should also be good news for elite travelers looking for more award and upgrade space. With a higher proportion of premium seats, Alaska Mileage Plan members might begin noticing that upgrades clear just a little more frequently than before.
Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-800 retrofit
ALASKA AIRLINES
First class: increases from 12 to 16 seats
Premium Class: retains 30 seats
Number of aircraft being retrofitted: 59
Timeline: Starts early 2025, completed by summer 2026
Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-900ER retrofit
ALASKA AIRLINES
First class: retains 16 seats
Premium Class: increases from 24 to 30 seats
Number of aircraft being retrofitted: 79
Timeline: Starts fall 2024, completed by summer 2025
Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 retrofit
ALASKA AIRLINES
First class: retains 16 seats
Premium Class: increases from 24 to 30 seats
Number of aircraft being retrofitted: 80
Timeline: Starts spring 2025, completed by summer 2026
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with the latest information.
Compensation can be difficult when airlines cancel flights due to weather, crew scheduling, maintenance or other reasons. However, you’ll often face steep fees when making changes or canceling your reservations. Fortunately, many airlines have permanently waived these fees for paid and award tickets.
For airlines that still impose fees, there are strategies to minimize or avoid them, such as taking advantage of schedule changes or travel waivers. Here are some tips on how you can dodge fees when changing and canceling award tickets.
Overview of change and cancellation fees
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Although legacy U.S. carriers no longer charge change fees on most tickets, some other airlines do. You must pay a fixed fee and any fare difference to switch to a different flight. These fees can vary based on the airline, fare class, destination and how far in advance you make the change.
Many airlines offer same-day changes on the same route for a fixed fee. However, same-day change fees are often waived for elite members. The advantage of same-day changes is that you likely won’t have to pay any fare difference if you switch to a more expensive flight.
As with change fees, the legacy U.S. carriers no longer charge cancellation fees on most tickets. However, if you are subject to a cancellation fee, you’ll generally receive a travel credit minus the cancellation fee.
Most major U.S. airlines do not provide refunds to your original payment method unless there are specific circumstances, like a significant schedule change. That said, on award tickets, many will refund the mileage plus any taxes and fees if you need to cancel.
Change and cancellation policies by airline
KYLE OLSEN/THE POINTS GUY
Each airline has its own cancellation and change policies — some are more restrictive than others. Here’s a look at some major carriers and their respective policies.
Air Canada
Air Canada’s change policy for award flights is more straightforward than for paid flights, as it doesn’t vary by route.
You’ll always get free changes when booking Economy Flex, Economy Latitude, premium economy (flexible), business-class (flexible) and first-class (flexible) awards. Meanwhile, Economy Standard, premium economy (lowest), business-class (lowest) and first-class (lowest) awards have a flat change fee of 100 Canadian dollars, which is about $73 (per direction, per ticket). Change and cancellation fees are waived for Aeroplan Super Elite members.
When canceling award tickets, you’ll get your miles and taxes refunded, but the $12.50 partner award booking fee and $15 call center booking fee (for awards booked over the phone) are nonrefundable.
Same-day confirmed changes cost either $25 or $50 and are waived for MVP Gold, MVP 75K, MVP 100K, American AAdvantage Platinum Pro, American AAdvantage Executive Platinum and American AAdvantage ConciergeKey members. When available, you do not have to pay a fare difference for same-day changes. The fee is also waived for those traveling on the same reservation.
Allegiant Air
Although a low-cost carrier, Allegiant imposes a relatively reasonable $25 fee per person, per segment when you change or cancel your ticket. However, any changes or cancellations must be made within seven days of departure unless you’ve purchased Trip Flex. This add-on allows a one-time change or cancellation until one hour before departure, though you can’t add it after the fact. You must add this surcharge when you book your flight.
Miles will not be redeposited back into your account; instead, you will receive a voucher for the ticket’s value.
Check out this guide for more details on changing or canceling your American Airlines flight.
Delta Air Lines
Like American, Delta Air Lines no longer charges change or cancellation fees on flights within the U.S. or international itineraries starting in the U.S. This policy includes award tickets, though you will need to change or cancel the ticket before the scheduled departure time. You’re only responsible for the fare difference if you change to a more expensive flight. Basic economy tickets cannot be changed or canceled, as you might expect.
Check this link for more details on Delta’s change and cancellation fees.
Frontier Airlines
Frontier imposes no change fees on flights more than 60 days from departure. However, there’s a $49 change fee from 59 to seven days before departure. That climbs to a $99 fee within seven days of departure. All of these change fees are in addition to any fare difference.
Check this link for more details on Frontier’s change and cancellation fees.
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian doesn’t charge change or cancellation fees on Main Cabin fares or higher. However, you are responsible for paying the mileage difference if switching to a more expensive flight.
Blue Basic tickets can be changed or canceled for $100 per person for North American flights, or $200 per person on other routes, such as to Europe. You are only responsible for paying the fare difference if you move to a more expensive ticket. You will be charged a $25 fee if you process your change or cancellation over the phone. Further, same-day changes cost $75, and the fee is waived for Mosaic elite members.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest is famous for not charging change or cancellation fees, though you’ll have to pay any difference in the fare. You can also receive a credit if the fare goes down. The credit can only be used by the person whose name originally appeared on the ticket.
However, if you change an award ticket that has dropped in price, any additional points are redeposited in the member’s account and can later be used for travel by anyone. Just note that you must cancel paid Wanna Get Away reservations at least 10 minutes before your departure time. Otherwise, you’ll forfeit the entire value of your ticket.
If you want to move to an earlier or later Southwest flight, you’ll have to pay the fare difference on a Wanna Get Away ticket. These fees don’t apply to customers booked in Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime or Business Select tickets. A-List and A-List Preferred members can take advantage of free same-day change and same-day standby benefits even on Wanna Get Away fares.
Check this link for more details on Southwest’s fare options.
Spirit Airlines
Like Frontier, Spirit has a tiered system for flight changes and cancellation fees. Modifications are free if you change your flight more than 60 days before departure. Between 59 and 31 days, you’ll pay $69; between 30 and seven days, you’ll pay $99; and within six days of departure, you’ll pay $119. Passengers who have purchased Flight Flex can change or cancel an award up to 24 hours before departure.
If you have Spirit elite status, you’re eligible for free same-day standby to an earlier flight up to one hour before a flight departs.
United Airlines
United waives change and cancellation fees for all flights within the U.S. and Puerto Rico, between the U.S. and Mexico and the Caribbean, and all international flights departing the U.S. As usual, this doesn’t apply to basic economy tickets, and you’re responsible for any fare difference. United also doesn’t charge redeposit fees when you cancel award tickets.
You must cancel your award ticket before departure or be subject to a $125 redeposit fee to receive your miles back.
The airline might be open to waiving your change or cancellation fees in certain cases.
Look for a travel waiver
Travel waivers are typically given by airlines when they expect a large number of delays or cancellations. This could be due to bad weather or natural disasters. Airlines prefer to offer flexibility to travelers ahead of time instead of dealing with last-minute changes at the airport. The details of travel waivers differ depending on the airline and the reason for the waiver, but they generally allow you to change or cancel your flights without any fees.
AA.COM
You can find travel waivers on the airline’s website. Generally, these will show at the top of the website and on the screen when you check in for your flight. The airline may even contact you if you’re eligible for a travel waiver, so keep your eyes on your inbox before you travel.
Keep an eye out for schedule changes
You may be able to avoid change and cancellation fees if your flight schedule changes after you’ve booked your ticket. For instance, if your original departure time was 1 p.m. but changes to 2:30 p.m., you might qualify for free flight changes or cancellations. Airlines often notify you of these schedule changes through email, but it’s also important to regularly check your trip details to catch any changes.
In general, many U.S. airlines offer a full refund if there is a significant schedule change to your flight’s departure or arrival time. However, each airline has its own policy regarding schedule changes.
Remember the 24-hour rule
U.S. airlines are required by law to offer refunds within 24 hours of booking if the flight is more than seven days in the future. This can come in handy if the price drops or you are still nailing down some travel details. This also applies to tickets booked through credit card sites like Amex Travel and the Chase Travel℠ portal.
Have a good reason
Travelers can often get change fees waived in the event of illness, a death in the family or other extraordinary circumstances like a natural disaster. Just be prepared to offer supporting documentation.
Consider your credit card coverage
If you used a travel rewards or airline credit card to pay for your booking, it may include trip cancellation and interruption insurance. This insurance can potentially cover your change or cancellation fees and other eligible nonrefundable expenses. For instance, if you have a valid reason to cancel or modify your trip (like jury duty or a serious illness) and you booked with the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, you can receive up to $10,000 in reimbursement per person (up to $20,000 per trip).
In case of an emergency that qualifies for your credit card’s trip delay or cancellation coverage, you might have more concerns than just airline fees. However, knowing these protections are available if needed is reassuring.
Remember that to benefit from this coverage, you usually must pay for part of the covered trip with your credit card. This can include paying for award taxes and fees or using points to purchase a ticket through a platform like the Chase Travel portal.
Earn elite status
One of the greatest advantages of having airline elite status is that certain tiers with select carriers will waive change fees on same-day changes. This added flexibility is great if you want to move to an earlier or later flight at the last minute.
Use a credit card travel credit or redemption to cover your fees
If you go this route, you’ll still be subject to paying these fees, but you may be able to cover them with a statement credit or your miles. This mostly applies to award tickets since the change or cancellation fees are often an additional out-of-pocket expense. With paid flights, the fees are deducted from the value of your ticket.
In the case of the Amex Platinum, you can only cover the change or cancellation fee for the airline that you’ve selected to use for your up to $200 annual airline fee statement credit (enrollment is required). You can choose this airline when you first get your Platinum Card and then annually by Jan. 31 for that calendar year. It’s also worth noting that Amex’s system will determine which purchases are (and are not) eligible for the credit. Read our full guide to the Platinum Card’s airline credit for more information on what qualifies.
The Sapphire Reserve card has a more relaxed travel credit that automatically applies to the first $300 in various travel purchases each year. This credit resets once per calendar year, so if you’ve yet to use your credit, charge the change or cancellation fee to your Sapphire Reserve, and you’ll be reimbursed for the fee.
Don’t pay cancellation or change fees until you have to
When you book a flight and later need to cancel, it’s best to avoid paying the cancellation fee until necessary. Airlines can sometimes announce schedule changes, delays or cancellations, allowing you to change or cancel your trip without paying any fees. Remember that if the airline cancels the service, you should receive a refund to your original payment method, not just a travel voucher. This can be a valuable tool if the airline cannot provide the service you booked.
However, it’s important to understand your specific airline’s policies. Unused tickets can sometimes be rebooked after the flight by paying the same change fee that you would have paid in advance. Certain carriers may require you to cancel or change your flight before the scheduled departure. Familiarize yourself with your airline’s rules to make the best decision.
Bottom line
Changing or canceling a flight can be a hassle, especially if it means paying a hefty fee. Keep this page handy for future reference when changing a flight.
Depending on your flight type, it could save you a significant amount of money, potentially hundreds of dollars. So the next time you change a ticket, you’ll know how to mitigate your out-of-pocket expenses.
In just a few months, Disney Cruise Line will welcome its next ship, 4,000-passenger Disney Treasure, to the fleet when the 144,000-ton ship sets sail from Port Canaveral, Florida, with its first paying guests.
After a 10-year pause in growth, the cruise line is currently in a rapid era of expansion.
In 2022, Disney Wish became the first of three all-new Triton Class ships to join Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. In December 2024, Disney Treasure will join the fleet as the second of three Triton Class ships. Disney Destiny is scheduled to round out that Triton trio in 2025. Disney will also welcome Disney Adventure, the largest of the new ships, in 2025 to sail out of Singapore, and an unnamed ship, based on the Triton Class design, to sail from Tokyo starting in 2029.
From a new theme and new restaurants and bars to announced Caribbean itineraries, here’s everything we know so far about Disney Treasure.
Disney Treasure will share much of its footprint and layout with its sister ship, Disney Wish. However, it will have a distinct look that’s less “bright-and-airy fairy tale” than Wish and more “mysterious adventure.”
Based on renderings, Disney Treasure will feature a Grand Hall that leans into a palette of deep blue, turquoise and gold. Its design is inspired by gilded palaces from faraway places such as Asia and Africa — including the fictitious city of Agrabah from Disney’s “Aladdin.”
Fittingly, the statue in the Grand Hall will feature Jasmine, Aladdin and Magic Carpet ready to go on an adventure, which is the theme of the ship.
Captain Minnie will even wear a special adventure-seeking outfit while on board Disney Treasure. She will appear on the ship’s bow. Out on the stern, the adventurous duo of Peter Pan and Captain Hook will sail along wherever Disney Treasure may take them.
Disney Treasure cabins
Disney Treasure will have 1,256 cabins and suites ranging from interior cabins to a two-story funnel suite — all reflecting the theme of adventure. Disney movies like “Aladdin,” “Pocahontas,” “Finding Nemo,” “Up,” “Luca” and “Encanto” will be incorporated into the decor of interior, ocean-view and verandah cabins.
The Concierge Suites, specifically, will feature nods to “The Lion King,” while the four Royal Suites pay homage to the tigers found in “The Jungle Book” and “Aladdin.”
The signature suite on the ship will be the two-story Tomorrow Tower Suite.
Disney Wish introduced the concept of a nearly 2,000-square-foot, multiroom suite in the ship’s faux funnel. While its Tower Suite was “Moana” themed, Disney Treasure’s version will feature a futuristic design inspired by Epcot. The Tomorrow Tower Suite can sleep up to eight guests. If you want to book this stunner, prepare for sticker shock. This suite can go for $50,000 (or more) for a weeklong sailing for a family of four.
Each Disney ship has three included restaurants that guests and their dining team rotate through each night at either an early or late dinner seating. On Disney Treasure, one restaurant will be new to the fleet. Two will return from Disney Wish but with a slightly different spin.
Plaza de Coco
This all-new restaurant is only found on Disney Treasure. Plaza de Coco is a Mexican restaurant set after the events of the movie “Coco.”
It’s replacing the “Frozen”-themed space found on Disney Wish. A similar concept, the restaurant is a “dinner in the round” experience with music, dancing and characters from the “Coco” film performing on stage and making their way around the room during dinner.
As with all the restaurants on Treasure, guests will be scheduled to dine here at least twice, so Plaza de Coco will offer two unique shows.
You can look forward to menu options such as Enrique’s port wine-braised beef short rib; Abuelita Elena’s shrimp diabla; chorizo street croquettes with chili-lime crema, cotija cheese and cilantro; a blistered poblano pepper stuffed with Oaxaca cheese and green rice; warm coconut tres leches with milk; and margarita lime cheesecake.
Worlds of Marvel
As on Disney Wish, Disney Treasure passengers will enjoy the Worlds of Marvel restaurant. Due to Treasure’s longer itineraries, which ensure at least two visits to each restaurant, a new second show featuring Rocket and Groot will be added to the Worlds of Marvel lineup.
This new show, “Marvel Celebration of Heroes: Groot Remix,” will be a music-fueled celebration that honors Marvel superheroes and gives guests a chance to test their knowledge of the Marvel universe.
“Quantum Encounter,” the Marvel-themed dinner show on Disney Wish, will also be on Disney Treasure, though in a slightly updated way.
1923
Another Disney Wish restaurant that will be on Disney Treasure is 1923, a California-themed restaurant named after the year the Walt Disney Company was founded. The restaurant is adorned with props, art and decor from Disney’s decades of storytelling. On Disney Treasure, the memorabilia will be from Disney’s more adventurous films and stories.
Jumbeaux’s Sweets
Jumbeaux’s Sweets is a new ice cream parlor and candy shop debuting on Treasure. It’s inspired by Jumbeaux’s Cafe in the movie “Zootopia,” and the venue will feature statues of Officer Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde.
Artist’s rendering of Jumbeaux’s Sweets. DISNEY
Adults-only restaurants
As with Disney Wish, Disney Treasure will have Palo Steakhouse, Enchante and The Rose, a bar located at the entrance to both. Guests ages 18 and older can visit them for an additional fee. I’d argue this is some of the best money you can spend at sea, given how enjoyable the meals are.
Not just for grownups, the fast-casual, upper-deck Mickey & Friends Festival of Foods will also be on board Disney Treasure.
Disney Treasure bars
Skipper Society
Disney Cruise Line is doing something a bit different with its newest ship, and that’s theming onboard spaces to park attractions, not just Disney characters and movies. This concept is evident in the new Skipper Society bar on Disney Treasure.
Skipper Society takes the place of The Bayou on Wish. It’s inspired by Disney’s Jungle Cruise ride and its wisecracking skippers. Here, guests will find a menu of themed cocktails and light snacks, such as waffles.
Periscope Pub
A second new bar is Periscope Pub, inspired by Jules Verne’s “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” (and Disney’s 1954 movie version of the book and theme park attraction). It will replace Wish’s Keg & Compass as Disney Treasure’s sports bar. The bar is designed to look like the Nautilus submarine from the story, complete with a giant periscope, porthole windows and a ceiling designed to look like you’re underwater. Watch out for the giant squid below!
The Haunted Mansion Parlor
Disney will replace the popular “Star Wars”-themed Hyperspace Lounge, which debuted on Disney Wish, with the Haunted Mansion Parlor on Disney Treasure. This spooky watering hole is inspired by the creepy atmosphere and happy haunts of the Haunted Mansion park attraction.
The bar will be designed to resemble a first-class drawing room on a classic oceanliner that’s been taken into the ghostly realm. Guests can indulge in specialty cocktails (including spirit-free versions) with ghostly messages and ghoulish embellishments (gummy eyeballs, anyone?). They can also spot homages to the original park attraction and its cast of ghostly characters, as well as become acquainted with new seafaring haunts.
Passengers enamored with the Haunted Mansion Parlor will find themed souvenirs in the ship’s onboard shops, so they can take home a mirror full of hitchhiking ghosts or a clock that strikes the 13th hour to start up some ghoulish revelry.
Scat Cat Lounge
Just off the ship’s Grand Hall is another all-new space designed for adults found only on Disney Treasure: Scat Cat Lounge. This jazzy space where “everybody wants to be a cat” is inspired by Disney’s “The Aristocats” animated film, which was set in Europe circa 1910.
Inside the lounge, you’ll find hanging lanterns, a baby grand piano and a menu of craft cocktails. On the menu are options such as the Creme de la Creme Martini and the Cat Drink, made with clarified bourbon, amaro, Aperol and fresh lemon, which creates a near-translucent cocktail that highlights the cat design at the bottom of the glass.
Disney Treasure activities
Broadway-style shows
Disney Treasure will debut “Disney The Tale of Moana” as its new Broadway-style musical. The show will mark the first time Disney has brought the story of Moana to the stage. The musical will feature popular songs and favorite characters from the animated movie.
“Beauty and the Beast” and “Disney Seas the Adventure” will be the two returning Broadway-caliber shows running on the ship’s main stage, the Walt Disney Theatre.
AquaMouse
AquaMouse, Disney’s water ride that debuted on Disney Wish, will also be a signature attraction on Disney Treasure. As on Wish, riders will enjoy an animated adventure with Disney characters before they start twisting and turning around the ship. Treasure will add a third, new show to the rotation of animated shorts, along with the two from Wish.
Called “Curse of the Golden Egg,” the animation will follow Mickey and Minnie as they search for lost treasure inside an ancient temple. This new show will eventually be added to the AquaMouse rotation on Disney Wish.
Sarabi
“The Lion King”-themed Sarabi will be the ship’s two-story, multipurpose entertainment zone (replacing Luna from Disney Wish).
Artist’s rendering of Sarabi entertainment space. DISNEY
When will Disney Treasure set sail?
Disney Treasure’s maiden voyage is set for Dec. 21, 2024. It will be a seven-night sailing from Port Canaveral (near Orlando). The sailing includes stops at Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Castaway Cay, the line’s private island in the Bahamas. Passengers will enjoy three sea days to rest up from their adventures ashore.
The ship will sail weeklong Caribbean cruises throughout its maiden season. Most of the ship’s Eastern Caribbean itineraries will include the same ports, but a few swap out St. Thomas for San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Disney Treasure will also offer seven-night Western Caribbean sailings with two sea days and ports of call in Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands; Falmouth, Jamaica; and Castaway Cay.
This is different from the itineraries on Disney Wish, which are three- and four-night sailings to the Bahamas. The longer itineraries will give guests more time to enjoy the ship, and Disney has created more experiences to keep them entertained.
FOR NO-COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT DISNEY CRUISE, CHECK OUT TPG’S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS.
Fares for a Disney Treasure cruise are a bit higher than some of Disney’s other ships because it’s the line’s newest ship and only offers weeklong itineraries. The other ships have the option of shorter, less expensive itineraries.
Rates start at $4,211 for an inside cabin (double occupancy) or $6,741 for a family of four. The cost for verandah cabins starts at a little over $8,000 for a family, and concierge cabins start at around $13,000.
You’ll find the lowest prices on off-peak sailing dates, often in September, as well as dates outside of popular school vacation times.
Since 2012, Disney Cruise Line has operated a fleet of four ships, but 2022 marked the start of a period of rapid growth for the line. It welcomed Disney Wish in 2022, Disney Treasure will set sail in late 2024 and the third Triton Class ship, Disney Destiny, is scheduled to join the fleet in 2025.
Captain Minnie Mouse in her exploration outfit. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
Disney also made a surprise purchase of one of the world’s largest cruise ships. That vessel, Disney Adventure, will join the fleet and operate out of Singapore beginning in 2025. The cruise line will also introduce a new ship to the Japanese cruise market in 2029 with short sailings out of Tokyo.
It’s an exciting time to be a Disney Cruise Line fan. Stay tuned for more information about Disney Treasure as additional details are released leading up to the Dec. 21, 2024, maiden voyage.
Planning a Disney cruise? Start with these stories:
U.S. travelers have a new option when it comes to the rapidly growing extended-stay hotel market.
Wyndham’s newest brand, Echo Suites Extended Stay by Wyndham, officially opened its first hotel this week in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The 124-room hotel is the first property for the new extended-stay brand, which adds to a growing list of offerings from Wyndham and its competitors, such as Marriott International, Hilton and Hyatt.
There are a variety of reasons for the broader industry push into extended-stay brands, and Wyndham leaders seem particularly bullish on ongoing infrastructure projects in the U.S. as a driver for business at future Echo Suites hotels. Further, the company likes the durability of extended-stay hotel demand even in uncertain economic times.
“When you look at the extended-stay [segment’s] occupancy rate, it’s doing so much better than the rest of the industry right now,” Wyndham CEO Geoff Ballotti said in an interview with TPG this week.
A massive wave of coast-to-coast construction is expected to come from the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure and Job Acts of 2021 as well as the $280 billion spending package of 2022 for chip manufacturing plant building. Construction workers need a place to stay while they’re on the job, though.
Wyndham leaders anticipate the construction generated from the combined packages could bring a $3.3 billion opportunity for added room revenue to Wyndham franchisees.
“There’s a lot of building that’s going on around the country,” Ballotti said. “We’re already seeing in so many markets that our hotels benefit.”
Echo Suites Spartanburg consists of a mix of single- and two-queen studio suites with kitchens; public spaces include a fitness center, lobby and 24/7 laundry. Because Echo Suites operates in the economy end of the extended-stay segment, guests shouldn’t expect a free breakfast — that’s what Wyndham’s higher-end Hawthorn Suites brand is for. Wyndham also has WaterWalk Extended Stay, a brand that operates as a hotel-residential hybrid with a mix of furnished and unfurnished units for longer stays.
During an Echo Suites stay, guests will find clean, furnished and affordable stays. Average rates will vary by market, but the Echo Suites Spartanburg was priced as low as $84 per night for stays this week. Complimentary housekeeping is offered every two weeks — extended-stay hotels typically see guests staying at least 10 nights — but guests can pay for more frequent cleanings.
Other offerings, from cookware to soap and shampoo for rooms, are also offered via the Wyndham mobile app ahead of arrival, Ballotti said.
Similar to what Wyndham’s competitors are anticipating with their respective extended-stay brands, Echo Suites is expected to grow quickly. The company already has deals in place for 270 Echo Suites hotels. Wyndham leaders expect 75 Echo Suites to either open or be under construction by the end of 2026, and the brand is expected to have 300 hotels open by 2032.
“When you look at the infrastructure bill and its impact in terms of where money is being allocated, it’s no surprise to see the states where it is being most allocated are the states that have the most executed and signed Echo Suites by Wyndham contracts,” Ballotti said.
Hilton’s partnership with SLH stands to bring together the best of both worlds, providing travelers with more memorable stays while allowing them to earn and redeem Hilton Honors points.
Not all SLH properties are part of the Hilton Honors program, though more are expected to be added as the partnership continues to grow. You can see a list of the hotels that currently participate on Hilton’s website.
Hilton Honors members can now experience these boutique hotels with all the benefits of Hilton’s loyalty program — like redeeming points, earning points and using elite status perks. Let’s dive into all the ways you can take advantage of Hilton’s new SLH collection.
Nobu Hotel Marbella, Spain. CHARLY SIMON/SMALL LUXURY HOTELS OF THE WORLD
Since Small Luxury Hotels of the World properties are, by definition, luxurious, they often come with hefty price tags. Thus, they offer some great ways to maximize your Hilton Honors points.
To see what SLH properties are available in your destination, pull up Hilton’s map of SLH partners.
As you zoom in, rates will pop up at each hotel. You can check the “Use Points” box at the top to see rates for award stays. (At the time of writing, point values weren’t showing up at some SLH properties, but that should change as Hilton irons out the wrinkles on its site.)
HILTON.COM
Click on the hotel that interests you, then click “Select Dates” in the pop-up box to see a calendar with rates across several months. You can toggle between cash and award rates by clicking “Special Rates” and checking or unchecking the “Use Points” box.
Though Hilton does not operate using an award chart, the SLH properties follow standard award room pricing. This means that rooms considered “standard” will max out at a certain number of points.
However, if you’re looking to book nonstandard rooms, those are priced dynamically, which means award travelers typically won’t get the best redemption rate for their Hilton points.
For example, you can experience your own fairy tale in Hungary’s Botaniq Castle of Tura for just 80,000 points per night for a standard award room or a cash rate of $468 per night. This would give you a redemption rate of 0.59 cents per point, which is close to TPG’s July 2024 Hilton Honors valuation of 0.6 cents per point. Note that premium rooms in November start at 408,000 points per night or a cash rate of $831 per night. This would give you a value of 0.2 cents per point, which is significantly lower than our valuation.
HILTON.COM
Since Hilton prices nonstandard rooms dynamically, you can typically expect to get about 0.2 cents per point, making them not the best use of your Hilton points.
When searching Hilton’s website to redeem your points, be sure to put in specific dates, as some search results claim the hotels are “sold out” when viewed via the calendar feature.
Check the “Use Points” box to show the room types available and how many points they cost (or whether you can use a standard room reward).
Additionally, be sure to scroll down because the points prices may not be arranged from lowest to highest. For example, at Sowaka — a restored ryokan in Kyoto, Japan — standard room rewards cost only 120,000 points per night, but they’re hidden among much pricier options.
HILTON.COM
These rooms go for 196,000 yen (or around $1,215) per night, giving you a value of 1 cent per point — an excellent use of Hilton Honors points, which TPG values at 0.6 cents each.
If you happen to have one of Hilton’s valuable free night reward certificates, which are valid on any standard room reward (up to 150,000 points per night), the SLH collection gives you some excellent new options for redeeming it.
However, keep in mind that standard room award rates are subject to availability, so you may have to be a bit flexible with your travel plans.
Inverlochy Castle, Scotland. SMALL LUXURY HOTELS OF THE WORLD
Redeeming points may allow you to stay at high-end properties that might otherwise be out of reach, especially on peak travel dates. But when cash rates are low, you may be better off booking paid stays at these places and watching your Hilton Honors points stack up.
Earning Hilton points at SLH properties is easy, thanks to the new partnership. All you have to do is log in to your Hilton Honors account, search for your dates and destination, and book your stay through Hilton’s site.
There are many other avenues to book SLH properties, including online travel agencies like Expedia, credit card portals and the hotel’s website. But you won’t earn Hilton Honors points if you book through any of these, and you won’t be eligible for elite benefits. You may, however, earn other rewards and perks through credit card portals like Chase Travel℠ and American Express’ Fine Hotels + Resorts. Always consider the pros and cons of each option before deciding how to book.
When you book a Small Luxury Hotel through Hilton, you’ll earn Honors points just like you would at any Hilton property. Members earn points at varying rates depending on their status tier:
Basic members: 10 points per dollar
Silver members: 12 points per dollar
Gold members: 18 points per dollar
Diamond members: 20 points per dollar
At most Hilton properties, these points accrue not only on your room rate but on eligible room charges like room service, spa treatments and parking fees. But at SLH properties, you’ll only earn Honors points on the room rate.
These points are in addition to the rewards you earn on the credit card you use to pay for your room. If you don’t have a Hilton cobranded card that earns bonus Honors points on Hilton stays, consider using one of our favorite hotel cards.
Drinks and snacks at an elite members-only happy hour. KATIE GENTER/THE POINTS GUY
Thanks to the new partnership, Hilton Honors members (both basic and elite) can take advantage of several perks when staying at SLH properties. However, these benefits look a little different at the SLH collection than at other hotels.
For basic members, many key benefits are the same, including guaranteed member discounts on paid stays, waived resort fees on award stays and complimentary standard Wi-Fi. But some benefits may not be available at SLH properties, like digital check-in and room keys, the ability to choose your room, and access to Hilton Honors Experiences. And some new benefits have been added at SLH properties: complimentary late checkout and bottled water.
Silver members still get 20% tier bonus points and a fifth night free on award stays at SLH properties, which is a great perk if you want to save thousands of points. Plus, it’s easy to earn Hilton Silver status, especially if you hold the right card, such as the Hilton Honors American Express Card or The Platinum Card® from American Express, which gives cardholders complimentary Hilton Gold elite status (enrollment required).
But elite members may not have access to their usual 15% discount at all-inclusive spas.
Gold and Diamond members will still get their 80% and 100% points-earning bonus and space-available upgrades. Instead of the usual food and beverage credit, they’ll receive complimentary breakfast for up to two guests at SLH properties. Diamond members may miss out on their usual premium Wi-Fi (complimentary standard Wi-Fi is included), 48-hour room guarantee and executive lounge access.
Members also have access to special offers and promotions. We recommend checking out Hilton’s current offers before you book any stay and registering for all that apply.
If you’re working your way toward Hilton’s next status tier, stays at SLH properties now count toward this goal. Hilton status is earned by staying a minimum number of nights, completing a minimum number of stays or earning a minimum number of points. Staying at SLH properties can now get you closer to your next status tier, just like any other Hilton property.
Hilton’s new partnership with SLH is a boost for Hilton Honors members, who can now access nearly 400 unique luxury and lifestyle properties around the world — and that number is expected to grow. SLH hotels offer plenty of ways for members to maximize their points and free night certificates, grow their Hilton Honors balance, and take advantage of elite perks.
