Virgin Voyages Just Launched a Year-long Unlimited Cruise Pass — Here's How Much It Costs

As a frequent cruiser, I always book interior cabins. They're often the most economical option, though they aren't identical across cruise lines.

Dec 21, 2024 • 7 min read

It just got easier to fly as a VIP out west.JSX, a semi-private jet company based in Dallas, which has gained popularity for offering a luxury travel experience at more affordable prices than a private jet, recently announced new routes connecting Oakland, CA and destinations in the West. Starting on January 9, JSX will begin service between Oakland and Scottsdale, AZ. Located just twelve miles east of Phoenix, Scottsdale has become popular for hiking and outdoor activities, as well as shopping in the Old Town Scottsdale.  On March 2, JSX will begin new service connecting Oakland, CA and Carlsbad, CA. Known for its beautiful beaches, golf courses, and other outdoor activities, Carlsbad has been growing in popularity among outdoor enthusiasts as well. Best of all, Carlsbad is home to a LEGOLAND California Resort, which makes it a family-friendly destination as well.  Both of the new routes are currently on sale on JSX’s website, with tickets as low as $259 one-way. JSX operates a fleet of Embraer 145 and 135 jets. Each aircraft has a standard maximum capacity of 50 passengers, however JSX reconfigured the plane, and removed 20 seats, therefore each plane accommodates 30 passengers, providing a more spacious, luxurious experience.  JSX also offers free checked bags, free drinks, and snacks. The airline also offers «hangar-to-hangar» complimentary Wi-Fi, that is high-speed and powered by Starlink.  The JSX route map spans from New York to California, though most routes are on the West Coast. Major hubs include Burbank (BUR), Dallas (DAL), Las Vegas (LAS), and Westchester County, NY (HPN).

Aerial view of The Aerial in British Virgin Islands. (Photo Credit: Rental Escapes)

Virgin Voyages has secured six nominations in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards 2025, highlighting the cruise line's exceptional offerings and innovative approach to adult travel.

When weighing the merits of a long layover at a seemingly out-of-the-way airport (say, 18 hours at Istanbul’s Atatürk when you’re flying from Washington, D.C. to Bordeaux), consider whether it offers a free layover tour for in-transit passengers. Major hubs in Asia and the Middle East now provide connecting travelers with a glimpse of the city beyond the airport, on free tours that are easily booked on arrival or reserved in advance. The well-run programs are so robust, it’s like getting a mini-vacation tacked onto your real vacation.

A new gift idea for the traveler who has it all just landed.  Luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent recently unveiled two new private jet itineraries for 2026, and updated two existing ones. The programs will take travelers on curated journeys to off-the-grid, or hard to reach destinations. The firm operates the month-long excursions in February, May, September, and October and they sweep through multiple counties and destinations around the world on a private jet. 

Global getaways are a click away. Frontier Airlines, a Denver-based discount air carrier, recently announced it would continue the “Go Wild!” pass, extending the product offer through 2027, and is now pre-selling the pass at a discounted rate. The annual pass, which regularly costs $499, will be dropped to only $299 for the first 5,000 people who register their interest in obtaining the pass when it goes on sale in 2025.  The pass provides unlimited air travel within Frontier's network between May 1, 2025 and April 30, 2026.

A Costco member shelled out nearly $300,000 on an around-the-world cruise package purchased through the warehouse club.

Dec 12, 2024 • 6 min read

In a move that’s left the cruise industry reeling, Mexico’s Congress has voted for a new tax of $42 per cruise passenger on a ship docking at a Mexican port. This new levy could take effect as early as next month. And if you’re thinking, “That’s fine, I’ll stay on board,” there will be no avoiding this extra charge. Whether you disembark or not, all passengers will need to pay $42. Previously, cruise passengers were exempt from tourist taxes under the “in-transit” provision of the Non-Migrant Rights policy.

Royal Caribbean's latest ship, Utopia of the Seas, has more than 40 restaurants and bars across eight neighborhoods and three waterslides. Yet most travelers will only be on the ship for a few days.