sailing

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A cruise can satisfy the greatest wanderlust, satisfy your favorite (and newfound) food cravings and open new horizons and interests you never thought possible. But you can also fall for tourist traps or miss the authentic culture of the places you visit.

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If you’ve never cruised, talk to others who have more firsthand insights. Their perspective can shed even more light on the experience you can expect.

Going on a cruise has pros and cons, and it may be worth reviewing them before your next sailing. Let’s look at the pros and cons of cruises.

Pros

A good deal

Cruises can be costly, but you get more than just a great view of the ocean. Cruise bookings often include your:

  • Accommodations.

  • Some drinks.

  • Entertainment.

  • Recreational amenities like pools and waterslides.

  • Other onboard activities.

You can step aboard the ship and not spend a penny if you play your cards right.

There are plenty of ways for cruises to pull more money out of your pocket on board (think: spa, specialty restaurants, upgraded drink packages, shore excursions, shops and casino), but you can still have plenty of fun without spending an additional dime.

Cruise lines are reinventing their onboard options, and specialty restaurants tap in to the talents of well-known chefs and restaurateurs. This can take some of the boredom away from the same dining rooms, but it comes at a cost.

For the most part, however, if you find a good price on the cabin, the number of inclusions that come with it can quickly drive down the cost of an overall vacation. Of course, the more you spend on the cabin (some of those luxury suites, for example), the lower the bargain you’ll get.

Entertainment and education galore

You read that right — you can learn something educational on a cruise.

Many cruises have port talks, destination immersion lectures covering the history and culture of a place, art galleries and trivia games. You can learn something on board, and then when you’re ashore, you can explore the destinations you visit.

Cruises are a great way to learn more about the world, meet new people and learn from them, too.

And there is more entertainment than you can shake a stick at on board and ashore. From musical performances to game shows and cinemas, you can easily fill up your schedule.

Every ship is different, so it is important to review what is available on your sailing if staying busy is your goal. Otherwise, bring a book and watch the world float by from the deck.

On sea days (when the ship is traveling between ports), it’s like having your own resort with pools and activities included in the overall cost of your vacation.

Maximize your time

A cruise can introduce you to many places at once without your worrying about unpacking and repacking between destinations or paying for transportation between cities.

You unpack once and then are on your way, with all of the details handled for you — from immigration protocols to where to go and when.

The cost of a cruise includes a preplanned journey to some of the most popular points within a region and your transportation between them.

For example, your itinerary may have multiple Mediterranean cities or several European capitals.

There’s something quite relaxing about waking up each morning in a new city. And when you return after a day of exploring, housekeeping has cleaned your room.

A cruise may be a great option for less-frequent travelers because the cruise line is essentially “holding your hand” along the way.

Even better, some stops may be hard to reach by land — like many Alaskan ports — or expensive to reach independently, like some Greek islands or pricy ports in the Caribbean like St. Barts.

Family and group travel come easy

Cruises are an easy option for groups traveling together. Unlike on land, where it can be hard to find restaurant reservations for large groups or find one activity that suits every interest, cruises have something for everyone.

People can branch off to do what they like on the ship and then meet back up an hour later without worrying about traffic or safety issues for kids.

Cons

Lots of people

While this varies by ship — some enormous ships have so much space that there are plenty of areas where you’ll be one of only a few people — crowds may flood popular areas.

For example, people vying for their moment in the sun may swarm the pool deck and families may descend on the water park area simultaneously.

Lines can form at popular buffets or restaurants at meal times, and when it’s time to go ashore (or disembark after the cruise), you’ll be one of many waiting in line.

Repetition

If you’re not willing to pay for specialty venues or you’re on a smaller ship that doesn’t have many free dining options, you may find that the dining rooms become repetitive. Menus change daily, but the setting does not. The window views at dinner will vary by destination, though, adding a bit of pizzazz.

If you make an effort, it is possible to find different things to do each day on almost all larger ships. River cruises, on the other hand, are much smaller and tend to feel more repetitive.

The same premise appears with the destinations for repeat cruisers. Because the cruise line plans itineraries, you may visit places you have been to multiple times if you sail often enough. It becomes harder to exclusively visit “new-to-you” places.

If it’s the latter you’re after, planning your own trip may be a better option.

One price is not always just one price

If you loosen your purse strings easily, spending more than you realize aboard a ship is possible.

A few cocktails by the pool each day, an extra tour or specialty restaurant dinner another, and before you know it, you’ve paid twice as much as you thought. It’s wise to board a ship with a budget in mind and plan your sailing accordingly so you don’t overspend without realizing it.

Tourist traps

Cruise lines are often important economic engines for destinations. You may find yourself dealing with tourist traps, such as shops by the port, and beginner tours organized by the cruise line.

If you want the most authentic experience, it might be worth studying local guides and tour options online in advance to find something more authentic without falling for what’s waiting for you right at the port.

If you’re going on a shore excursion through the cruise line, you can count on being carted to places designed for large groups rather than hidden gems. Many tours often include a stop at a local shop or business that may be presented as authentic, but locals will tell you it is not.

This trend is amplified because travelers usually have only one day at each destination. As a result, time is of the essence to visit the most important sights without wasting it at tourist traps.

Frequent cruisers, however, will tell you that you should use a cruise to determine places you want to return to by using it as a sampler to explore many destinations. They also suggest planning what you want to do so you can hit the ground running.

Exploring independently or with a local guide (not booked through the ship) can often be your best bet. It also has the added benefit of directly supporting a local business or guide rather than funneling that cash through the cruise line.

The pros and cons of cruises, recapped

It’s unfair to decide how you feel about a cruise without trying one. Even those who insist they wouldn’t like one may end up having a good time.

Perception is not always reality, and you can be better prepared by considering all of the pros and cons of a cruise in advance. Talk with people on either side to get answers to your questions.

Not every type of travel is for everyone, but the ever-expanding cruise industry keeps adding amenities, perks and destinations. That alone speaks for itself.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:

Source: nerdwallet.com

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What is the best Alaska cruise for couples? If I could only do one Alaska voyage with my spouse, I know which one I would pick: A seven-night sailing out of Juneau on one of UnCruise Adventures’ small ships.

I love the adventure focus of these tiny, no-frills ships, which hold fewer than 100 people and focus on getting travelers into remote parts of Southeast Alaska for hiking, kayaking, whale watching and other outdoorsy pursuits.

That said, an Alaska cruise with UnCruise (so named because its cruises are designed to not be like a typical cruise) isn’t for everyone.

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If your idea of the perfect couples cruise to Alaska is being pampered at every turn (and you’re not worried about your budget), you might want to sign up instead for a sailing with an ultra-luxury line such as Silversea Cruises, Seabourn or Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

If you’re looking for an Alaska cruise for couples that won’t break the bank, I’d probably steer you to one of the Holland America ships sailing north to Alaska out of Seattle.

In short, there’s no one answer to the question of what’s the best Alaska cruise for couples. Many cruise ships and itineraries could fit the bill, depending on your vacation preferences.

Here we list our top picks for the best Alaska cruises for couples.

An off-the-beaten-path Alaska adventure with UnCruise

UnCruise Adventures operates active trips in Alaska on small vessels, such as Wilderness Adventurer. UNCRUISE ADVENTURES

You’ve probably never heard of UnCruise Adventures. It’s such a tiny brand that all the customers who sail the line in a year probably wouldn’t fill a single giant Royal Caribbean ship. But if you’re a couple looking to get off the beaten path in Alaska for adventure, it’s the ship-based travel company you want to get to know.

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Specializing in Alaska trips, UnCruise operates a fleet of super-tiny vessels — the biggest carries just 86 people — that are so small they can go to remote, outdoorsy parts of Southeast Alaska that no big ship could visit. We’re talking tiny bays surrounded by miles of forests where you’ll be the only ones around. Or a tiny native settlement that is home to just hundreds of people.

The main focus of UnCruise sailings in Alaska is the Great Outdoors. The company is known for trips into wilderness areas of Southeast Alaska, where passengers can enjoy hiking, kayaking and wildlife-watching. You’ll go days without seeing anyone else but the handful of people on your vessel.

On an UnCruise Adventures trip, the vessel serves as a floating adventure platform that can get you into the most remote areas in a small-group setting. The vessels carry skiffs for exploring and landings, kayaks, paddleboards and other adventure toys.

Related: The 18 best small cruise vessels sailing the world

Just don’t expect anything too fancy. UnCruise vessels are comfortable but no-frills. Many were built decades ago when cruise vessels were more spartan. On most of the vessels, you’ll find a single casual dining area, a lounge that doubles as a bar and basic cabins. That’s it. What you’re paying for is where the ship can get you and the adventure of it all.

By their very nature, these are trips that mostly cater to couples. In fact, because of the adventure focus of the daily activities, the line restricts children on board to those at least 8 years old. The small vessels also do not have any family-focused attractions on board like you’d find on bigger cruise ships.

Note that UnCruise Adventures’ nine small vessels break down roughly into two categories. Ships with Wilderness in their names are more no-frills and described as expedition vessels; those with Safari in their names are higher-end and touted as boutique yachts. My favorites are the Wilderness vessels, which are less pricey, on average. But to each his own.

A luxury Alaska trip with Silversea Cruises

An artist’s rendering of Silver Nova, which will sail to Alaska in 2024. SILVERSEA CRUISES

Couples who want the ultimate in pampering when exploring The Last Frontier — and for whom money is no object — might want to look at an Alaska cruise on one of several ultra-luxury ships that sail regularly to Alaska. They cater mostly to older couples and solo travelers and draw relatively few families, though you do sometimes find some children on board.

Silversea Cruises is the leader in this market, with two ships sailing to Alaska in any given year. For the 2023 season, the line is sending one of its newer ships, the 596-passenger Silver Muse and the older, 382-passenger Silver Whisper to Alaska. But in 2024, it’ll swap in its newest, snazziest vessel, the 728-passenger Silver Nova, for Silver Whisper. That’ll give it the most modern fleet of luxury ships in the state.

Other ultra-luxury lines that operate in Alaska are Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn and Scenic Luxury Cruises, each of which sends one vessel to the state for all or at least part of the summer season.

Related: The 8 best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

What all three of the Silversea ships that will sail in Alaska over the next two years have in common is that they offer large, elegant and supremely comfortable suites (and every cabin is a suite on these ships); pampering service (that fancy suite comes with its very own butler); and gourmet cuisine of the sort you find at the finer restaurants in big cities.

Among the standout dining options on board is the modern French eatery La Dame, which offers a Michelin star-style evening that showcases ingredients like France’s sublime Limousin beef, presented with a flourish. The Atlantide restaurant offers such delicacies as caviar and lobster presented beautifully and at no extra cost.

Or if you want to have caviar in bed, your butler will only be too happy to arrange it — and will deliver it with white gloves and in full tuxedo tails.

In short, think of these ships as floating Four Seasons or Ritz-Carlton hotels. They offer those sorts of lodging experiences with the pricing to match.

A low-cost sailing from Seattle with Holland America

Holland America’s 2,104-passenger Eurodam sails to Alaska. HOLLAND AMERICA

Looking for the best cruises to Alaska for couples on a budget? My picks are the seven-night sailings to the state that Holland America offers out of Seattle.

Often, the lowest starting prices for any cruise to Alaska are these sailings, both on an absolute and per-day basis.

For the 2023 season, for instance, many Holland America sailings to Alaska from Seattle are available for under $750 per person for seven nights, as of this guide’s posting. I even found some as low as $429 per person for a weeklong cruise.

That’s even lower than the typical starting prices for Alaska voyages offered by Carnival Cruise Line, which is the low-cost leader for sailings out of most U.S. ports. When I was pricing voyages for this story, I found few Carnival sailings available for under $750 per person, with most Carnival sailings starting around $800 per person or more for seven nights.

Related: The ultimate Alaska cruise guide

With a history in Alaska that goes back more than 70 years, Holland America is one of the longtime leaders in cruises to the state (along with its sister brand, Princess Cruises), and its target market is couples (skewing to the older side, with lots of retirees) rather than families.

Holland America bases two ships in Seattle for cruises to Alaska: the 2,104-passenger Eurodam and 1,964-passenger Westerdam.

A land-and-sea hybrid trip with Princess Cruises

Majestic Princess in Glacier Bay. PRINCESS CRUISES

If you’re a couple looking to see more of Alaska than its coastal areas, a hybrid trip combining a cruise with a multi-day land tour to inland areas is your best bet. These “cruisetours” are a specialty of Princess Cruises, as well as its sister company Holland America.

Princess has particularly robust offerings when it comes to such trips because it operates five wilderness resorts in Alaska that it incorporates into its itineraries. The resorts are spread across such iconic inland destinations as Denali National Park and the Kenai Peninsula.

Princess also has its own fleet of buses and rail cars to take you from its ships to its resorts, with all such transportation included in its packages.

The line sells 24 cruisetour itineraries that add three to 10 nights of land touring to a seven-night cruise. The options include Denali National Park-focused “Denali Explorer” routings that include a seven-night cruise; a scenic train ride to Denali National Park; two to four nights at a Princess lodge at Denali National Park; and an additional one or two nights in Anchorage or Fairbanks, Alaska, or both. These trips range from 10 to 13 nights in total.

In addition, Princess offers longer and more far-ranging “Off the Beaten Path” routings that add nights at the remote Copper River Princess Lodge in eastern Alaska near Wrangell-St. Elias National Park or the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge on the Kenai Peninsula. These trips range from 13 to 15 nights in total.

Even longer “Connoisseur” cruisetours combine stays at up to five Princess lodges in multiple locations around the state and last up to 17 nights.

Related: The coolest things to do on an Alaska cruise

All cruisetours are offered in conjunction with one-way voyages between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Alaska — something that Princess offers in abundance each summer during the short Alaska cruise season.

Many of the ships that sail on such itineraries have permission to visit Glacier Bay National Park, a highlight of any Alaska trip. Princess takes more guests to Glacier Bay National Park than any other cruise line, as 74% of all its itineraries include a visit to the park.

A more in-depth Alaska escape with Viking

Viking Star will sail in Alaska starting in 2025. VIKING

For couples looking for a more in-depth exploration of Alaska’s coastal areas than most lines offer, Viking may be the perfect choice. A relative newcomer to Alaska sailings, the upscale cruise brand operates longer Alaska sailings than is the norm, with every one of its Alaska departures lasting at least 10 nights.

The longer sailings allow for calls in a broader mix of coastal Alaska towns than you’ll find on the seven-night itineraries that are more typical for cruises to Alaska. In addition to stops at classic Southeast Alaska cruise destinations such as Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, Viking’s 10-night Alaska itineraries include a visit to Valdez, Alaska — a less touristy coastal town known for its fishing boat fleet that’s home to fewer than 4,000 people — and a cruise into little-visited Yakutat Bay.

Most Viking sailings to Alaska also begin or end with an overnight call in Anchorage, which is too far north for ships on seven-night Alaska itineraries from Seattle and Vancouver to reach. Passengers can visit attractions in and around the city that they couldn’t see on the sailings offered by almost every other line.

Viking, notably, offers included-in-the-fare tours in every one of these ports, allowing every passenger on board to get a guided experience during stops without paying extra. (Generally, Viking voyages are highly inclusive, keeping with its “no nickel-and-diming” philosophy.)

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking cruise

On board, Viking’s programming revolves heavily around what the line calls “cultural enrichment” — lectures by experts on topics related to the places its ships visit (in this case, Alaska), as well as cultural and culinary offerings that often have a local tie-in.

Indeed, Viking is known for catering specifically to a certain type of thoughtful, inquisitive, generally older traveler who is as interested in learning while on vacation as being pampered. Agewise, its sweet spot is travelers (mostly couples) who range from 55 to 75 years in age. So, if you’re on the younger side, this might not be the perfect couples cruise for you.

What Viking ships don’t offer is a lot of onboard amusements aimed at families and younger travelers. In fact, the line doesn’t even allow children under the age of 18 on its ships. It’s one of the only major cruise brands in the world with such a rule. That makes it by definition a cruise line for couples as well as some solo travelers.

For 2023 and 2024, Viking will base one ship in Alaska during the summer (the 930-passenger Viking Orion), but it’ll expand in 2025 with a second vessel (the 930-passenger Viking Sea). In addition to 10-night sailings to Alaska, the ships occasionally offer longer, 22-night sailings that extend beyond Alaska all the way to Japan.

Bottom line

More than a dozen major cruise lines operate Alaska cruises during the spring, summer and fall, giving couples wanting to explore the state on a cruise a wide range of choices.

What is the best Alaska cruise for couples? There is no one right answer. It’s defined by your personal interests and travel style, with the best Alaska cruise for you and your companion depending on how much adventure you prefer on a vacation, how much luxury you require, your budget and more.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

Source: thepointsguy.com

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What is the newest Holland America cruise ship? It’s something you want to know if you’re in the market for a Holland America cruise.

The newest Holland America ship is typically also the Holland America ship with the most up-to-date venues, including restaurants and bars, as well as the most up-to-date cabins and suites. It’s what you want if you desire the very latest and greatest in a vessel for your Holland America cruise vacation.

The newest Holland America cruise ship currently is the 2,650-passenger Rotterdam, which also is the Holland America flagship. It debuted in October 2021.

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Other relatively new Holland America ships include the 2,650-passenger Nieuw Statendam and the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam, which are sister ships to Rotterdam. They both began sailing in the last seven years.

In all, Holland America operates 11 cruise vessels. On average, the line comes out with one new ship every two to three years, but the pace of its ship rollouts is lumpy. Between 2002 and 2004, it added a ship every year, but it also went six years without a new ship between 2010 and 2016.

Holland America also recently shrunk its fleet considerably with the retirement of four older vessels.

In general, Holland America’s newest ships are bigger and more amenity-packed than the oldest Holland America ships. But they’re not as big as the biggest ships operated by such competitors as Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises. Among the seven big cruise lines that account for the majority of cruises taken by North Americans, Holland America is known for smaller and more intimate vessels.

Related: The 4 types of Holland America ships, explained

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In some cases, Holland America’s oldest cruise ships — those built in the late 1990s and early 2000s — are as much as 39% smaller than the line’s newest vessels and have fewer venues on board.

Here, every Holland America cruise ship currently in operation is ranked from newest to oldest:

1. Rotterdam

MICHEL VERDURE/HOLLAND AMERICA LINE/FACEBOOK

Maiden voyage: 2021.
Size: 99,863 gross tons.
Passenger capacity: 2,650.

2. Nieuw Statendam

FILIPPO VINARDI/HOLLAND AMERICA LINE

Maiden voyage: 2018.
Size: 99,863 gross tons.
Passenger capacity: 2,650.

3. Koningsdam

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE

Maiden voyage: 2016.
Size: 99,863 gross tons.
Passenger capacity: 2,650.

4. Nieuw Amsterdam

MICHEL VERDURE/HOLLAND AMERICA LINE/FACEBOOK

Maiden voyage: 2010.
Size: 86,700 gross tons.
Passenger capacity: 2,106.

5. Eurodam

MICHEL VERDURE/HOLLAND AMERICA LINE/FACEBOOK

Maiden voyage: 2008.
Size: 86,273 gross tons.
Passenger capacity: 2,104.

6. Noordam

KRAUSE AND JOHANSEN/HOLLAND AMERICA LINE

Maiden voyage: 2006.
Size: 82,318 gross tons.
Passenger capacity: 1,924.

7. Westerdam

CSABA DESVARI/HOLLAND AMERICA LINE

Maiden voyage: 2004.
Size: 82,305 gross tons.
Passenger capacity: 1,916.

8. Oosterdam

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE

Maiden voyage: 2003.
Size: 82,305 gross tons.
Passenger capacity: 1,916.

9. Zuiderdam

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE/FACEBOOK

Maiden voyage: 2002.
Size: 82,305 gross tons.
Passenger capacity: 1,916.

10. Zaandam

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE

Maiden voyage: 2000.
Size: 61,396 gross tons.
Passenger capacity: 1,432.

11. Volendam

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE

Maiden voyage: 1999.
Size: 61,214 gross tons.
Passenger capacity: 1,432.

What is the newest Holland America cruise ship?

The newest Holland America cruise ship is the 2,650-passenger Rotterdam. As noted above, it debuted in October 2021, making it less than two years old.

Measuring 99,863 gross tons, Rotterdam is tied with two slightly older sister ships (Nieuw Statendam and Koningsdam) as the biggest ship in the Holland America fleet. In addition to being the newest ships in the Holland America fleet, the three vessels, collectively known as the Pinnacle class of ships, have the most amenities of the ships in the Holland America fleet.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Holland America cruise

Notably, in addition to a main restaurant and casual buffet, the three Pinnacle Class ships have five separate specialty dining venues — everything from a pan-Asian eatery and an Italian restaurant to a steakhouse. That’s more than you’ll find on other Holland America ships.

Pinnacle Class ships also have all of Holland America’s signature entertainment venues — something that can’t be said for the line’s older vessels.

What is the oldest Holland America cruise ship?

The oldest Holland America cruise ship is the 1,432-passenger Volendam. Unveiled in 1999, it’s not just the oldest Holland America ship but the smallest Holland America ship. Measuring just 61,214 gross tons, it’s 39% smaller than Rotterdam and the two other Pinnacle-class vessels mentioned above.

Because of its smaller size, Volendam has fewer features and amenities than most other Holland America ships, particularly the ships of the newest Pinnacle Class and another recent group of vessels called the Signature Class.

In general, Volendam appeals to cruisers looking for a more intimate cruise experience. It also draws cruisers who care more about the destinations they visit on a cruise than onboard attractions.

What new Holland America cruise ships are coming?

Holland America currently does not have a single ship on order. The brand is owned by Carnival Corporation, which has not ordered new ships for the nine lines that it owns for several years as it focuses on paying down debt. Carnival Corporation took on an enormous about of debt during the COVID-19 pandemic to stay in business.

What is the newest class of Holland America cruise ships?

The Pinnacle Class is the newest class of Holland America ships. It’s made up of three vessels: Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam and Koningsdam.

Each of the three ships measures 99,863 gross tons and carries 2,650 passengers at double occupancy. The vessels rolled out as a series between 2016 and 2021.

As mentioned above, Pinnacle-class ships have the most venues of any Holland America ship, including all of the line’s signature entertainment venues.

Specifically, on Pinnacle-class ships, you’ll find one of the line’s signature Music Walk live entertainment areas with a B.B. King’s Blues Club (for Memphis-style rhythm and blues), Billboard Onboard (for chart-topping hits played by a live pianist) and Rolling Stone Rock Room (for a live band playing classic rock).

Related: Holland America makes entertainment changes on some ships

The Pinnacle-class ships also have spectacular state-of-the-art main theaters with push-out stages enveloped by two-story, 270-degree wraparound LED screens. The theaters are home to all sorts of additional music, dance and comedy performances.

The top decks of the Pinnacle-class ships have main pool areas that can be covered by a retractable glass magrodome during inclement weather. This makes these ships a good choice when booking a cruise in a destination where the weather can be iffy.

What’s the difference between newer and older Holland America ships?

Newer Holland America cruise ships generally are bigger than older Holland America ships — sometimes much bigger. As a result, they have room for more onboard venues and attractions than the line’s older vessels.

Holland America’s older ships are as much as 39% smaller than the biggest Holland America ships and lack some features found on the bigger ships. They have a more intimate feel, and they hold fewer people. While Pinnacle-class ships can hold 2,650 passengers at double occupancy, the line’s two oldest vessels (known as the R Class) are only designed to carry 1,432 passengers at double occupancy.

As a result, the oldest Holland America ships are a good choice for someone who wants to try Holland America but is looking to travel with a smaller crowd. The oldest ships in the Holland America fleet thus appeal to a subset of Holland America fans who prefer more intimacy in a cruise vessel and don’t mind giving up some onboard amenities to get it. They are also often less expensive to sail on, on a per-day basis.

Related: Don’t miss out on these Holland America loyalty perks

Note that all Holland America ships are renovated and upgraded on a regular schedule every few years, so even the oldest Holland America cruise vessels have newer carpeting, updated furniture, modern decor in cabins and other updates. In many cases, they also have had entire eateries and bars renovated over the years with concepts that first debuted on newer vessels.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

Source: thepointsguy.com

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Many airlines, hotels, theme parks and cruise lines pay year-round tribute to those who serve our country with various discounts and benefits. Sometimes these deals are available only to active-duty military personnel, and sometimes the perks extend to U.S. military veterans and their families as well.

Related: The best credit cards for active-duty military members: Get waived annual fees

No matter the form these travel benefits take, they all reflect the gratitude the travel industry feels toward those who have sacrificed so much to protect our country.

Here are the perks that military members can take advantage of on their travels.

Military hotel discounts

GAYLORD OPRYLAND RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER/MARRIOTT.COM

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy and its many brands have discounted federal, state and local government rates available to government and military personnel. To access the discounted rates, choose the “Government & Military” option from the “Special Rates” drop-down menu when searching for a stay. You’ll get a list of all the Marriott Bonvoy properties in your chosen city that offer special rates and their eligibility requirements.

Hilton

Federal and U.S. military employees are eligible for military rates and discounts at participating Hilton properties. When searching for rooms online, check the box labeled “Government/Military Rates” to see the applicable rates. Plus, there’s a discount on leisure stays for active and retired military members and their families at participating hotels and resorts (though the rate is not valid for official government or military travel).

Best Western

Best Western properties across the U.S. offer discounted rates for veterans, military members and government personnel.

Plus, Best Western’s Service Rewards Program — the hotel chain’s award program tailored to members of the military and armed forces — unlocks even more member benefits, including an automatic upgrade to Gold status and bonus points on qualified stays.

Hyatt

Veterans, active-duty members and their immediate family members are eligible for a discount of 10%-15% off Hyatt’s standard rate at participating hotels. To get the discount, use the offer code MILVET while booking.

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Wyndham

Participating Wyndham properties offer discounts of up to 15% off their best available rate to active and retired military personnel, veterans and their families. Plus, qualifying military personnel and their spouses get automatic Gold-level status when they enroll in the Wyndham Rewards program and bonus Wyndham Rewards points for qualified stays.

B Hotels & Resorts

To honor military members, B Hotels & Resorts is offering an exclusive “B Saluted” discount of 15% off regular rates and two welcome drinks per stay to military members, veterans and their families. B Hotels & Resorts has locations in Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Marathon, Florida.

IHG

The hotel chain behind such brands as InterContinental, Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, Kimpton and others offers a “Military Leisure Rate” at participating locations across the U.S., Canada, and Central and South America. It applies to active-duty military personnel, veterans, retired military personnel and their families.

Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels — which includes brands such as Comfort, Sleep Inn and Quality Inn — extends a discounted rate for official and leisure travel to active-duty and retired military personnel, their dependents and members of several military associations. Plus, active-duty military members, veterans and military spouses are eligible to join the Choice Privileges rewards program at the Lifetime Gold Elite level and receive a bonus 2,500 Choice Privileges rewards points after your first qualifying stay.

Motel 6

Motel 6, along with its sister extended-stay brand Studio 6, offers active and retired military personnel and their families a discount of 10% off standard rates.

Red Roof

Active-duty military personnel and veterans — in addition to government employees — are eligible for a 10% discount on official travel at any U.S. Red Roof location. The hotel chain also has a 10% discount on leisure travel for all government employees and military members, veterans and retirees.

Military airline benefits

BRUCE BENNETT/GETTY IMAGES

Southwest Airlines

There are special fares for military and government travelers, but you must call the airline to book them. Additionally, military members traveling on active duty (in or out of uniform) can board between the A and B groups and are exempt from the limit of two pieces of checked baggage.

American Airlines

American Airlines offers government or military fares in some markets, while veterans and their families can access reduced fares by enrolling in the VetRewards program.

Active-duty military personnel are also allowed Group 1 boarding privileges; they can bring up to five free checked bags when traveling on orders and up to three free checked bags for leisure travel (weight restrictions apply).

U.S. military personnel traveling in uniform on a same-day American flight can enter Admirals Club lounges with their immediate family — defined as a spouse, domestic partner and/or children under 18 — or up to two guests at most Admirals Club locations except for Airspace Lounge at San Diego International Airport (SAN) and JAL Sakura Lounge at Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL).

Delta Air Lines

Active-duty U.S. service members can call Delta Reservations at 800-221-1212 for discounted fares unavailable to the general public. Delta also offers priority boarding and free checked baggage to active-duty military members. How many bags you are allowed is based on the type of travel and fare type, and you must adhere to the specified size and weight restrictions for baggage.

United Airlines

United offers an additional checked baggage allowance and United Club access to active-duty military members traveling on official orders (immediate family may access the lounge, too). U.S. military veterans, active-duty military, National Guard and Reserve members and their families are also eligible for a 5% discount on United-operated flights through the Veterans Advantage program.

Alaska Airlines

In some markets, Alaska Airlines offers military fares to active-duty military personnel and their dependents when you call Alaska Airlines at 800-252-7522 to purchase your tickets. Active-duty U.S. military personnel can board early, check up to five bags for free, receive 15% off inflight food purchases and receive complimentary day passes to visit an Alaska Lounge when traveling in uniform. All other active-duty military personnel can purchase a discounted day pass for $30. Flight discounts are also available through Veterans Advantage.

JetBlue

Active-duty military personnel not traveling on orders get a 5% discount off the base fare by calling 800-JETBLUE. In a separate offer, JetBlue offers a 5% discount to U.S. active-duty military members, retired military members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members and their families who are enrolled in Veterans Advantage. Those who enroll in Veterans Advantage also get two free checked bags for leisure trips and up to five when traveling on duty.

Frontier Airlines

Frontier typically charges for carry-on bags and checked baggage. However, active-duty armed forces, National Guard and Reserve members receive a free carry-on bag, two free checked bags and one free personal item. Note: These baggage waivers apply only to active-duty military personnel. Families or traveling companions are not eligible.

Allegiant Air

U.S. active-duty and reserve military members, military veterans, members of the National Guard and their dependents get up to two pieces of checked baggage for free through the Allegiant Honors program. Also, the airline waives its typical fees for oversized checked baggage, a carry-on bag, getting a boarding pass printed at the airport and seat assignments. Qualifying service members can also board their flights early.

Spirit Airlines

Active-duty U.S. military members can check two bags for free and bring a carry-on item on board their flight for free, in addition to the already free personal item.

Military train travel discounts

Amtrak

Active-duty U.S. military personnel, their spouses and their dependents are eligible for a 10% discount on the lowest available fare in select fare classes. During your ticket search on Fare Finder, select “Military” for each eligible passenger. Amtrak also welcomes uniformed military personnel to the front of the ticket line.

Brightline

Active-duty military members traveling in uniform can ride Brightline for free with a reservation. Visit a guest services counter at any Brightline station to receive the discount. Additionally, active-duty military members not traveling in uniform and veterans can receive a 10% discount on fares. Both discounts are for the Smart fare class and cannot be used for Premium fares.

Military theme park ticket discounts

DAVID ROARK/WALT DISNEY WORLD

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando is currently offering a Military Freedom Pass promotional ticket to all active-duty and retired service members. Ticket prices start at $199.99 for unlimited admission between now and Dec. 24, though blackout dates apply. Each eligible service member can purchase up to six promotional tickets, and they must buy them through a participating authorized military ticket and travel office.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood offers discounted tickets to active-duty and retired military personnel, 100% disabled veterans, Medal of Honor recipients, active Guard and Reserve members, and the spouses and dependents of the people in these categories. Ticket prices vary based on date, and tickets must be purchased at participating military ticket offices.

Walt Disney World

Active and retired U.S. military personnel are eligible for discounted hotel rates and specially priced theme park tickets at Walt Disney World. Blackout dates apply. Hotel stays can be booked by calling 407-939-7830. Tickets must be purchased at a participating U.S. military base ticket office.

Disneyland

Disneyland honors active and retired U.S. military personnel with discounted three- and four-day Park Hopper tickets. The Disney Military Promotional Park Hopper Ticket includes access to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure each day of your ticket, excluding blackout dates. Pricing starts at $245, and you must purchase tickets at a participating U.S. military base ticket office. Hotel discounts are also available by calling 844-776-0015.

Silver Dollar City

Silver Dollar City offers a 30% ticket discount to U.S. active or retired military, veterans and military reservists, along with their spouses and dependent children (ages 4-17) living in their household. In addition to discounted tickets, Silver Dollar City invites all military members and veterans to help raise the American Flag during the park’s daily opening ceremony. Service members are also given a red, white and blue ribbon to wear during their time in the park, allowing employees and guests to thank them for their service.

Busch Gardens and SeaWorld parks

Through the Waves of Honor program, all U.S. SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Aquatica and Sesame Place parks offer discounted tickets to active-duty military members and veterans.

Dollywood

Dollywood offers discounted tickets stand annual passes to U.S. active or retired military, veterans, military reservists, spouses and dependents. The savings amounts to about 30% off the regular ticket price.

Military cruise benefits

DANNY LEHMAN/NORWEGIAN

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line shows its appreciation for active and retired armed forces members with discounted cruise rates, onboard credits and reduced deposits. Additionally, every Carnival sailing has a Heroes Tribute Lounge and holds a military appreciation gathering for service members and their families.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Military Appreciation Program extends exclusive benefits to military members, veterans and their spouses. Members of the program receive a 10% discount on all cruise fares.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line offers special rates to all military members, active and retired, as well as their spouses. Discounted rates are only available on select sailings, and prices start at $185 per person, based on double occupancy.

Margaritaville at Sea

Margaritaville at Sea honors active and veteran military members with a free two-night cruise through the Heroes Sail Free program. The offer is valid only for ocean-view and interior cabins, and you must be sailing with at least one paying guest in the same cabin. Taxes and fees still apply.

Celebrity Cruises

Active and retired military members can save $25 on inside and ocean-view cabins and $100 on veranda cabins and above on select sailings. This discount applies to the first and second guest in the cabin.

Princess Cruises

Veterans and active, retired and disabled military personnel can receive up to $250 free onboard spending money on select Princess sailings. You can use this onboard credit for specialty dining, onboard boutiques, shore excursions, spa treatments and more.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean offers military rates to active and retired personnel, veterans and their spouses. The discounted rates also apply to friends and family members staying in the same cabin as the eligible service member. The best way to access the discounted rate is by booking through a travel agent or booking directly with Royal Caribbean over the phone.

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises offers discounted fares to all active and retired U.S. military personnel, plus family members traveling with them. You can receive a discount of 5% on interior and ocean-view cabins, 10% on balcony and suite cabins and a “kids sail free” promotion on select sailings.

AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways offers active and retired service members a special military discount of $100 off a river cruise when you use the code MIL100 at the time of booking.

Bottom line

A host of benefits await travelers who serve or have served in the U.S. military.

Because these benefits, their requirements and the eligibility of family, spouses and dependents vary, carefully research each military discount offer to avoid any surprises. Many airlines, hotels and other businesses might ask for proof of eligibility, so don’t leave home without the military ID, veteran ID, dependent ID, orders and/or other documentation you’ll need to take advantage of the many travel offers.

Related reading:

Source: thepointsguy.com

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Calling all Civil War buffs and travel bucket-listers: If you’ve ever wanted to explore the war between the North and the South in great detail or check a bunch of states off your list in one trip, American Cruise Lines has a cruise for you. It’s a monthlong sailing to nearly all the major battlefields across 12 states and the District of Columbia.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter.

On May 4, 2024, passengers will set sail from New Orleans on the line’s Civil War Battlefields Cruise, a 34-day sailing that winds along the Mississippi, Tennessee and Potomac rivers; the Intracoastal Waterway; and the Chesapeake Bay.

Along the way, the itinerary includes calls on destinations in Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C., before ending on June 6, 2024, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Stops offer a chance to visit key locations such as Fort Sumter, Antietam National Battlefield and Bull Run.

The itinerary for American Cruise Lines’ 34-day Civil War cruise. AMERICAN CRUISE LINES

Cruisers will begin their journey on American Melody and transfer to two other ships — American Symphony and American Eagle — throughout the trip, allowing them to access additional locations that were key to the war. Transportation between ships and waterways is provided for free.

The onboard experience on each ship will be equally themed, featuring expert speakers who will discuss both sides of the war. Led by Bertram Hayes-Davis, the great-great-grandson of Jefferson Davis, who served as the president of the Confederacy, the sailing will offer a rare perspective.

“This cruise is one of the most wholistic views of the Civil War ever offered,” Hayes-Davis said in a statement from American Cruise Lines. “Guests will experience the people, places and events of the war as they visit the battlefields and stand where history was made. This is a unique opportunity to see the entire scope of the battles of the Civil War and put them in context to each other and the entire conflict.”

The voyage is currently open for booking, with fares starting from $24,700 per person. Prices include accommodations, onboard entertainment and lectures, all meals, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, a daily cocktail hour, Wi-Fi, daily shore excursions, a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay (stretching the trip to 35 days), transportation and any necessary hotels when transferring to other ships, crew gratuities, and taxes and fees.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

Source: thepointsguy.com

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Save more, spend smarter, and make your money go further

If you haven’t taken a cruise lately, you might be surprised by the variety of offerings now available. No longer are cruises the sole province of greasy buffets, cheesy dance contests and screaming kids – some of the newer ships are downright luxurious, offering five star dining created by celebrity chefs and onboard activities to rival the fanciest resort. But don’t take my word for it. Here are some down and dirty tips on how to score a cruise vacation so cheap, you’ll almost feel like you took advantage of the cruise company.

Don’t Book in Advance

No, that’s not a typo. I said don’t book in advance. Unlike the airlines, the best cruise deals are usually available at the very last minute. That’s because also unlike the airlines, most people don’t take last minute cruises. (Last minute business trips or hurried flights to see a sick relative mean airlines can afford to jack up prices for people who need to travel immediately.)

But cruises are vacations. People don’t need to scurry last minute, and in fact, they usually have to plan time off work pretty far in advance. That means cruise ships with unsold capacity a few days prior to sailing need to dump it pronto, because they’re unlikely to get a last-minute rush of passengers.

So when is the ideal time to buy? As close to departure as you can. Cruise lines will usually start lowering prices 4-8 weeks prior to sailing, but it’s during the last week or two that you’ll really see prices plummet by over 50%. The cruise companies offer unsold inventory to their employees a week before the cruise. That means anything that does not sell after that goes on an absolute fire sale. The craziest deals are available 2-7 days before departure. We recently scored a 5-night Western Caribbean cruise for $149 by purchasing 4 days out. The original price was $329.

Long Cruises – and Trans-Atlantics

The best deals are often on longer cruises, because most people can’t afford to take off a week or more at a time. In fact, you’ll sometimes find 7+ night cruises selling for the same (or just a bit more) than shorter ones.

But the most screaming deals are on Trans-Atlantic trips. True, these sailings mean a lot of time at sea, but they can sometimes sell for less than 3-night cruises. We recently booked a 13-night trip from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona for just $369. An 11 night from Miami to Southampton, England was on sale a few weeks ago for about $400.

Heck, you’d probably spend that much money on food, alone. You’re basically getting the transportation, lodging, and entertainment for free. And how many people get to say they crossed the Atlantic by sea, stopping in unusual ports like the Azores or Tenerife?

Senior, State Resident, Military and Police Discounts

Most cruises will offer hefty discounts for senior citizens, members of the military, police officers and state residents of the port of departure. But the best news is that depending on how and where you book, these discounts often apply to everyone traveling in the same room –even if only one person qualifies for the discount. Since some accommodations can fit up to four travelers, that means big savings for your party.

Choose the Big Ships

When people book cruise vacations, they usually look at the dates and itineraries first. But checking out the ship’s capacity can yield even bigger benefits. First, the ship is likelier to be newer or offer more restaurants and amenities. More importantly, the extra capacity means more rooms to sell – and the potential for cheaper prices. When comparison shopping, start with the bigger ships first. They’re the likeliest to offer lower-priced fares when compared to smaller ships on similar itineraries.

Mileage & Point Conversions

Got any unused airline miles or hotel, credit card or Amtrak points? Most of these can be readily converted into cruise credits. Depending upon the program, you can either convert into a cash-equivalent or a voucher specifically for cruise purchases. On many major airline programs, 10,000 miles are usually the equivalent of a $100 cruise credit.

Share your tips of how you saved on your last vacation or cruise below. Bon voyage!

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Are you wondering “How do I get rid of cable and still watch TV?” or “How can I get cable channels without cable?” Are you looking for the best alternatives to cable TV?

More than five years ago, we decided to cut the cord. We have never watched a lot of TV, but we researched some cable TV alternatives anyway. With the best cable alternatives, we knew we could still watch our favorite shows if we wanted to while saving money.

Like many people who are looking for alternatives to cable TV, we decided to go with Netflix. Now that we travel full-time, we often cancel and restart our subscription depending on whether or not we’ll have reliable internet.

Also because we travel full-time, we have met many, many people over the years who go to great lengths to keep their cable/satellite channels. Luckily, in today’s world, there are so many great alternatives to cable TV. 

There are options for people who love sports, people who want lots of movies, people who want to watch current seasons of shows, those who prefer premium channels, and more.

We cut the cord and got rid of cable, and we haven’t missed it one bit. Seriously, we haven’t even thought about it!

If you want to save yourself money and cut the cable TV cord, then I want to let you know that it is definitely possible.

Out of all of the ways you can watch TV shows and movies, cable is definitely the most expensive option out there. And, according to USA Today, the average monthly cable bill in 2017 was $100.98. 

If you have cable right now, then you are likely spending around $1,200 a year on cable alone. 

I know of many people who spend even more on cable TV, many over $150 a month, and I even had someone tell me that they spend over $300 a MONTH on their cable bill. While that may seem crazy to you, I know there are many people who spend that much on cable TV.

If you are paying for cable TV, just think of what else you could do with that money if you found one of the many best cable TV alternatives!

By learning how to cut the cord and get rid of cable, you can learn how to save money (a lot, in fact!) over your lifetime. That money could be better spent on retirement, traveling, family, and more. All you really need is an internet connection.

Even though getting rid of cable seems like an obvious way to save some money, it can still be hard for many people.

But today, I’m going to help you cut the cord and finally get rid of cable so you can start saving money immediately. If you’re wondering “What is the least expensive way to watch TV?” then today you will see many of the different options, such as streaming services, available to you!

Here are 16 alternatives to cable TV.

1. Cutting cable is easy with a digital antenna.

There are many TV options without cable, and one is by using a digital antenna.

When you think about antennas, you probably think about the classic rabbit ears that are big and ugly. You probably also think about how the picture is never perfect and how channels can get blurry and almost completely fade away.

These days, antennas are all digital, and that means they are sleek and allow you to watch your favorite TV shows, even local channels, with crystal clear reception. 

This is one of the least expensive alternatives to cable TV because there is no monthly cost – just a small upfront cost to buy the antenna. You pay for the antenna once and then watch local channels as much as you want.

Before we sold our house and started traveling full-time, we bought a digital antenna, like this one. It’s an indoor one that sat behind our TV, it wasn’t ugly, and we sometimes forgot that it was there (and made it one of the great cord cutting options!). Now, that is an affiliate link, but I didn’t even find out that I could be an affiliate until after we had bought and started using the antenna.  

For around $20 (just a one-time fee!), you can get all of the local channels plus some extras you didn’t know existed, and they all come in with great picture quality. 

We no longer have the antenna, as we now have a smart TV that has an antenna built in and finds local channels for us – at picture perfect quality, for no additional cost. This is probably the cheapest tv service.

So, if you are wondering how to watch TV without cable or internet, it is definitely possible.

With a digital antenna, you may be able to get local channels and airings such as CBS, NBC, ABC, broadcast channels, MLB, and more.

Other options for devices include:

  • Roku – This is quite affordable and there are many different Roku devices, some starting as low as around $30. There are no monthly fees for watching free channels or for using a Roku device. You simply just have to pay for what subscription (such as Netflix) that you are wanting to use.
  • Apple TV – This is similar to a Roku device, but it costs more.
  • Amazon Fire Stick – This is similar to the others. The Amazon fire stick allows you to watch your subscriptions and download apps straight to your TV.

And more! There are many different devices that you can get so that you can watch TV without paying for an expensive cable TV bill.

2. Netflix – The best cord cutting service.

Netflix is probably one of the most popular options to cable TV as you can watch both movies and TV shows. Netflix makes it easy to get rid of cable or satellite as it is also ad free.

Netflix is what we’ve been using to watch TV mostly, and it’s one of my favorite alternatives to cable TV on this list. It’s probably one of the most popular and best tv service. That’s because Netflix has some of our favorite TV shows that we could watch over and over again. 

Netflix has been putting a lot of money into creating their own content, including popular favorites like Stranger Things, Black Mirror, Orange Is the New Black, House of Cards, Arrested Development, and more.

They constantly adds more titles too, which keeps this alternative feeling fresh. It’s also very good at learning the types of shows you watch and making recommendations.

There are three different Netflix plans:

  • Basic with ads: $6.99 per month
  • Basic $9.99 per month- You can watch unlimited movies and shows on one streaming device only. You receive unlimited movies, TV shows, and mobile games, get to watch in HD, and there are no ads.
  • Standard $15.49 per month- Same as Basic, with HD level picture quality, and you can watch on up to two screens at a time. There are no ads.
  • Premium $19.99 per month- This has HD and Ultra HD and you can watch unlimited Netflix on up to four devices at a time. There are no ads.

They also have a DVD plan which is separate.

Netflix also offers your first month free. The monthly price is quite affordable with Netflix. There is no contract or any other fees, so you can change your Netflix plan whenever you need to.

3. Hulu – The best streaming cable service.

If you want to watch the current season of your favorite network shows, Hulu is one of the best alternatives to cable TV for you. Plus, Hulu has been releasing their own content with Hulu Original series like The Path, The Handmaid’s Tale, and Casual. They also has a growing movie library that they change pretty regularly. Plus, they have HGTV, CNN, MTV, A&E, and other channel lineups.

And, while some of the best streaming services are starting to increase their monthly costs, Hulu has actually lowered the cost of their lowest level of service from $7.99/month to $5.99/month.

Here are Hulu’s plan options and pricing:

  • Hulu $7.99 per month (or $79.99 per year) – You can stream over 85,000 episode of your favorite shows, movies, and Hulu Originals.
  • Hulu (No Ads) $14.99/month- Same as the above, but you get a completely ad-free experience.
  • Hulu + Live TV $69.99/month- You get access to everything in Hulu’s library and streaming live TV.
  • Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV now with Disney+ and ESPN+: $75.99 per month
  • Hulu Premium Networks $8.99-$14.99/month- You can pay for premium cable channels when you want them, including HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, and Starz.
  • If you are a student, you may be able to sign up for Hulu (with ads) for just $1.99 per month.

You can also get premium add-ons, which you can add to any plan, such as HBO Max for $14.99, Cinemax for $9.99 per month, Showtime for $10.99 per month, and Starz for $8.99 per month.

Hulu also lets you customize your plan even more with add-ons like unlimited screens, enhanced cloud DVR, espanol add-on, and more.

Hulu gives new users a 30-day free trial.

 

4. Sling TV for alternative cable TV options.

The way Sling TV works is by giving you access to shows on some of the most popular networks, including live TV. On Sling, you can watch Disney, AMC, TNT, TBS, Comedy Central, and more.

And, I have been hearing more and more people talking about Sling TV as one of the best alternatives to cable TV for sports lovers because Sling TV has ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, NFL Network, and add-ons like SEC Network, NHL Network, and NBA TV. I know that it can be hard to get rid of satellite TV due to sports, but there are options these days!

Sling TV also regularly runs promotions for free streaming devices when you sign up and pay for a couple of months of service. 

Sling TV has three plan levels:

  • Sling Orange $35/month (first month of Sling Orange is $25) comes with channels like Disney, Food Network, Comedy Central, and more.
  • Sling Blue $35/month (first month is $25) comes with channels like Bravo, E!, TLC, and more.
  • Sling Blue and Orange $50/month (first month is $40) comes with all the channels in Blue and Orange.

If you have Sling TV and are looking for Sling TV alternatives, below is a good, low cost option.

5. Philo

Philo offers simple pricing and gives you access to over 60 channels for live and on-demand TV, unlimited recording, and there is a Philo app to watch it on any of your devices. And, it has some of the most popular channels, like AMC, TLC, HGTV, A&E, History Channel, BET, Nickelodeon, Food Network, and more.

Philo is only $25 a month. There is a 7-day free trial, and you don’t have to enter any billing information for the first 48 hours of your free trial.

Also, if you’re a 90 Day Fiance fan, you can watch it on Philo! That’s what we have done in the past. Another great show available on Philo is Yellowstone.

With a Philo subscription, you also get unlimited DVR, so that you can record an unlimited amount of live TV to your DVR for up to one year.

Supported devices for Philo include Roku, Amazon fire tv, Android tv, Apple TV, Samsung, Web, iPhone & iPad, Android phones & tablets, Roku, Fire TV, Samsung TV, Apple TV, Android TV, and Chromecast via Android.

Also, you can stream on up to three devices at the same time.

6. Amazon Prime Video

If you currently have an Amazon Prime subscription, then you already have access to Amazon Prime Video.

This makes watching through Amazon Prime Video a good way to reduce your number of monthly subscriptions, and is one of the great cable tv alternatives as you can watch both movies and TV shows!

Amazon Prime Video has new releases and classics of your favorite movies and shows, and they continue building their own collection of Amazon Original Series.

Some of the channels that you get with an Amazon prime membership include Paramount+, Starz, Showtime, AMC, Discovery channel, Epix, HBOMax, and more.

You also get Thursday Night Football on Prime Video with your Prime membership.

Amazon Prime Video is included with an Amazon Prime Subscription, which is $139 per year or $14.99 per month. There are also premium channel add-ons like HBO, Showtime, and more. Or, you can get Prime Video membership for $8.99 per month.

7. HBO Now

HBO Now is available through many other streaming services, like Hulu and Amazon Prime, but HBO Now is available on its own if you only want to pay for HBO shows and movies.

The cost is the same whether you purchase it as an add-on or on it’s own, and there is a student discount available:

  • HBO Now is $14.99 per month.
  • Comes with a 7-day free trial.
  • You can cancel and restart whenever you want.
  • HBO Now can be streamed on multiple devices.

8. YouTube 

One of the ways Wes and I watch TV is by going to YouTube and watching sailing or traveling videos. We always end up watching funny, random ones too. And even though you may have to watch ads now and then, those ads keep YouTube free and support the creators who are making entertaining videos.

Due to this, YouTube is one of the best cutting the cord options. It is a great way to cut the cable and watch tv for free!

YouTube has a wide variety of content, and you can find things from your favorite YouTubers, web only content from your favorite TV channels, and clips from comedy series (like SNL) and interviews.

9. YouTube TV for cable alternatives

YouTube now has their own live YouTube TV service, and you can watch shows from 70+ different networks – including ESPN, Bravo, Animal Planet, TLC, National Geographic, FX, and more.

You can watch over 100 live channels, sports (MLB, NFL, and NBA Networks), and many different shows and movies. 

YouTube TV costs $64.99 a month, and there are some add-ons available, like:

  • Showtime $7 month
  • Fox Soccer Plus $15 month
  • AMC $5 a month
  • Starz $9 a month
  • NBA League Pass $40 a month

While YouTube TV alone is nearly half the cost of the average cable bill, adding too many extras on YouTube TV can easily make this alternative cost almost the same as cable.

Plus, you get unlimited DVR space and it includes 3 streams.

10. The library for best cable TV alternatives

Your local library is my favorite on this list of alternatives to cable TV because it’s completely free!

Libraries have a huge selection of movies (even new releases, blu-ray, and more), complete series of TV shows, and more. Many libraries have partnerships with other libraries in the area, so if you can’t find what you want to watch at one library, it’s probably available at another.

Many libraries now give you digital access with your library card to TV and movies through free services like:

  • Kanopy
  • Hoopla

There may be some restrictions on how many shows and movies you can watch a month, but free is a great thing if you’re cutting the cord to save money.

11. ESPN+

Here is another alternative for sports lovers – ESPN+ is one of the lowest cost alternatives to cable TV.

It’s $9.99 per month and you can watch live sporting events, sports networks, live streams, and ESPN+ Originals.

You can watch football, basketball, hockey, soccer, cricket, boxing, and so many other sports. There are also series, shows, and replays that you can enjoy too.

12. fuboTV

fuboTV looks very similar to traditional cable with a heavy focus on sports. You get access to live sports and top TV channels, cloud DVR, and can share your account across multiple devices. 

There are also shows you can watch such as Yellowstone, The Voice, The Walking Dead, and more.

fuboTV has four different plans that allows you to watch sports:

  • fubo Pro $69.99/month. 100+ channels, 100 hours of cloud DVR, sharing on ten devices.
  • fubo Elite $79.99/month. 200+ channels, 1000 hours of cloud DVR, sharing on ten devices.
  • fubo Ultimate $99.99/month. 200+ channels, 35 more entertainment channels, Showtime, 1000 hours of cloud DVR, sharing on ten devices, and more
  • fubo Latino $24.99/month. 46 channels, 250 hours of cloud DVR, and sharing on two devices.

13. Disney+

Disney+ is a new streaming service that is one of the favorite cable TV alternatives. It offers classic Disney movies, original series, short-form content, and documentaries. Because Disney owns a number of franchises and networks, you’ll be able to watch the following things on Disney Plus:

  • Pixar
  • Marvel
  • Star Wars
  • National Geographic
  • Fox classics like the Sound of Music and 30 seasons of the Simpsons

This is a great option for families and the cost is relatively low – Disney+ with ads is $7.99 per month and includes unlimited downloads, access across devices, and more. 

There is also Disney+ Premium with no ads which is $10.99 per month or $109.99 per year.

14. Go straight to the source for tv options.

For some cable and network channels, you can go straight to their website online and watch their TV shows right there for free.

So, all you need is internet in order to do this! Depending on the channel, you might only be able to watch the most recent episodes or ones that are a little older. 

15. Watch Vudu for movies.

Vudu is owned by Fandango, and is a great website to watch movies. This is what we use when we want to watch movies.

They have free movies that come with commercials, but for the most part, you would most likely be paying to watch a movie. Think of it like Blockbuster Video, but you are able to choose exactly what movie you want to watch right from your TV, and you will pay to rent each movie.

According to Vudu, they have over 24,000 titles in their catalog and over 8,000 TV shows that you can watch. That means that there are a ton of options, and probably anything you want to watch can be found on Vudu.

Movie rentals for one time are typically around $0.99 to $5.99. TV show episodes are around $1.99 to $2.99 (for each episode). A season of a TV show is usually around $16.99 to $43.99.

16. Peacock 

Peacock TV offers live sports, news, TV shows, movies, and more. If you want to save money and get by with no cable TV, this is a great option.

The price for a Peacock TV plan starts at free and comes with ads. Or, you can pay $4.99 for a limited ads package or $9.99 for the advertising free plan.

Some of the things you can watch include Yellowstone, Below Deck, Parks and Recreation. The Office, and Modern Family. They have 40,000 hours of movies, TV shows, and more on their platform. Plus, you can watch live sports and events, such as the Olympics, Super Bowl, WWE, and more.

17. Paramount+/ Showtime

The Paramount+/Showtime bundle starts at $11.99 per month and you can cancel at anytime.

This is one of the best cable alternatives!

You can stream live TV, sports, and news. You can also watch shows and movies such as Top Gun Maverick, 1923, Everything Everywhere All At Once, Dexter, and more

You can sign up for Paramount+/ Showtime by clicking here.

 

18. Do anything else for cable TV alternatives!

This might be the best alternative to cable TV, but that’s just my opinion.

And here’s why, the average person watches over 30 hours of TV a week. If you used just half of those hours finding things to do instead of watching TV, you could probably accomplish something great!

Now, I’m not completely hating on TV.

I have my favorite TV shows and can sit in front of a TV for hours on end.

However, for the most part, the average person probably spends way too much time just flipping through channels or watching something that they probably don’t even like.

If you feel like you aren’t accomplishing your goals in life or that you are always pressed for time, then you should first analyze how much time you’re wasting each day, especially when it comes to how much TV you watch.

You may not even realize how much time you spend in front of the TV!

Once you realize how much time you are probably wasting in front of the TV, I want you to start taking back some of that time, stop watching as much TV, and put your time to better use by finding things to do instead of watching TV!

Other things you could do with your time that are alternatives to cable TV include:

  • Read a book, blog, etc.
  • Get a book from the library.
  • Go to a museum.
  • Do yoga.
  • Go for a bike ride.
  • Go for a walk.
  • Play with your pet.
  • Go for a swim.
  • Look at the stars.
  • Go fishing.
  • Go camping.
  • Find free attractions in your city.
  • Train for a marathon.
  • Start a garden. Fresh food is the best!
  • Find a way to make extra money.

Read further at 59 Things To Do Instead of Watching TV So That You Can Take Your Life Back.

 

How much money are we saving by cutting cable TV?

Like many people, when we had cable, we weren’t watching enough TV enough to get our money’s worth. So, that money was just being wasted on cheap cable tv. It was actually rare for us to watch something that wasn’t on a local channel or Netflix. This was the main reason for why we decided to cut the cord and learn how to watch TV without cable or satellite, and I can’t imagine that we will ever pay for cable again.

The other thing about paying for cable and streaming cable is that our cable company seemed to have a $10 to $20 increase multiple times throughout the year – that’s just insane! I used to have to talk to our cable company once every six months so that I could negotiate our cable bill down. If we would have never negotiated, I’m sure our monthly cable bill would have been well over $100 and near the $200 range.

Now that we have cut the cord and only have Netflix, we are saving over $1,200 per year.

All we pay for now is $15.49 to Netflix each month, and we often turn that off when we feel like there’s nothing good to watch (which is often, haha!).

I can’t believe we ever paid that much for TV when there are so many good cable TV alternatives that exist. Plus, it just keeps getting better and better as more services are being created all the time.

Related: Get Paid To Watch Movies

What is the best alternative to cable? How do I get rid of cable and still watch TV? What is the best streaming service?

The best alternative to cable TV will depend on what you like to watch best. For us, we simply like having Netflix when there is something on there that we like to watch.

We’ll also occasionally pay for Philo and Starz as well when there is a TV show that we want to watch, such as 90 Day Fiance, Outlander, or want live TV streaming services.

There’s no right or wrong answer – simply choose what has the shows and movies that you want to watch. There are many, many different options for cable TV alternatives, as you probably have noticed in the list above. Not everything will fit everyone, so it is all about finding what suits you the best.

What are the worst cable TV alternatives?

The worst cable TV alternatives are simply what you will not use. No need to waste your money even further!

Signing up for each and every single streaming service and option above will end up costing you a lot of money, which will make you go backwards. I know some people who spend hundreds of dollars a month on monthly streaming services because they thought it would be better than cable.

However, that’s a lot of money to spend, and there’s probably some overlap on the various streaming options anyways. You may want to start with just one or two in order to find what is best for you and your family.

Do I need an internet connection for cable TV alternatives?

For many of the options above, you will need an internet connection in order to watch your favorite TV shows and movies.

With a digital antenna, you do not need an internet connection.

But, for streaming services, you will need to have internet.

What is the least expensive way to watch TV? What is the cheapest way to watch TV without cable?

The least expensive way to watch TV is to probably by visiting your library and seeing what services that they offer. Other options may include:

  • If you already pay for and use Amazon Prime for other reasons (such as quicker shipping), then watching TV through Amazon may be an affordable option for you because it is a service that you are already using.
  • Netflix is a very popular option due to its low cost and wide selection of movies, documentaries, TV shows, and more. If you are going to go with just one option, then Netflix may be a low cost and easy choice for you.
  • If you’re looking to spend nearly no money over the years, then finding a digital antenna may be a good option for you. This is because you can spend money by simply buying a digital antenna upfront, and then having to spend no additional money in future months to watch TV.

There are many other great options to save the most money and watch TV without cable or satellite as well.

What equipment do I need to get rid of cable TV?

The equipment that you need will vary depending on what TV service you want to use.

If you just want to use a digital antenna, then that is all that you will need. This is how you can cut the cable and watch TV for free.

For some subscription services, you may need some sort of device. For example, an Amazon FIRE stick, Google Chromecast, a Roku box, a Smart TV, or something else.

For us, we have a Smart TV, so we are able to watch Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and so on, right from our TV with no issues and no additional devices needed. If you do not have a Smart TV, then simply getting something such as a Roku box or Apple TV can help you get what you need at an affordable price without having to upgrade your TV (because that can be expensive, especially if you do not need one).

Why getting rid of cable and finding cord cutting options will change your life.

As you can see, there are tons of tv options other than cable so that you can find cheap tv service! There are options like going to the library and watching series straight from the source that are completely free. You can also find less expensive options like Hulu, Netflix, and Disney+ and still have on-demand access to the shows you want.

Finding ways to replace cable is easy!

That means that if you want to get rid of cable to save money, it’s very easy to do. No more excuses! There are dozens of channels and hundreds of movies you can save money on.

Paying for one year of cable can easily cost $1,200 or more – this is so much money!

You can find an alternative and use your savings to put towards debt, invest it for retirement, or it can be used to pursue your passions. Putting your money towards these things can cause less stress, and that’s something we all need to reduce.

Or, if you really want to change your life, what if you got rid of TV and cable streaming services altogether?

You can spend more time outside, visit more with friends and family, get more sleep at night, and live healthier both mind and body.

Now, you can still rent a movie or pay for a month of Hulu here and there, but living without TV for longer periods is something you can try if you want to find a way to change your life.

What is best option to replace cable TV?

I hope you enjoyed today’s article on the best alternatives to cable TV and best cable replacement service. As you have learned, there are many, many different options depending on what you are looking for. If you want to learn how to get rid of cable and still watch tv, then it is definitely possible!

There are alternatives to cable TV for sports, ways to watch TV without cable or satellite, and more. Now, there are worst cable TV alternatives, but this just depends on who you are and what you like to typically watch.

Your different options may include things such as Netflix, YouTube TV, Philo, Roku, Sling TV, Hulu, fuboTV, HBO, DirecTV Stream (used to be called AT&T TV), Paramount+, Disney+, HBO Max, Discovery, channels for sports fans, DVDs, and so much more.

Luckily, in today’s world, there are many, many different options for getting rid of cable or satellite and saving money.

Are you thinking about getting rid of cable? What alternatives to cable TV do you have?

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Apache is functioning normally

Are you wanting to learn how to be productive?

Are you feeling like you aren’t as productive as you usually are? Or, perhaps life is really busy right now and you want to be able to manage it all better.

Many people struggle with how to be productive. We all have lots of things to do and sometimes we can accomplish them all, and other times it is very difficult.

I go through productivity spurts.

At times, I feel like I can accomplish anything and everything, and other days I don’t even know what (if anything) I did all day. 

This is an area that I am constantly working on, and perhaps you are too.

Sometimes I am distracted by so many different things that it has caused me to waste a huge amount of time. Therefore, I have not been able to live in the moment like I would really like to.

Currently, though, I am trying to be as productive as I can, and trying to get ahead on as much work as possible. We are about to sail away from Florida after a very busy summer traveling in the van, and being more productive now means I’ll have a better time when we are sailing.

That is one of the best benefits of learning how to be productive – you will have more time to focus on what you really love doing. You won’t be stressed out by things you still need to do, and you can just live in the moment without any distractions.

However, learning how to be productive can be very difficult for some people. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by a long to-do list. Negative thoughts can hold you back from believing you can accomplish your goals or tasks. And, social media can be a huge distraction.

While those things can prevent you from being productive, they are also a huge waste of time. 

And, the thing about wasting time is that it can hold you back from reaching your goals.

By learning how to be productive, you may be able to:

  • Begin a side hustle.
  • Eliminate your debt.
  • Spend more time with your those that you love.
  • Learn a new skill.
  • Enjoy life more.
  • Travel more.
  • Increase your income.
  • Reach your dreams, and more!

If you start today with just one of the ideas for how to be more productive, you will be that much closer to reaching your goals. So, when you read through this article, pick one idea you’d like to try today. You can try more once you see how well just one of them works.

Related reads:

Hopefully the productivity tips in today’s article will help you find hours in your week, no matter how you lose them.

How to be productive – 17 tips for success

 

1. Realize how much time you have to work with.

The first step is to be realistic with yourself.

Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day, but others may be more limited with their time. I understand that different situations can make a person quite busy, so you need to be honest with yourself about much available time you have.

You don’t want to run yourself ragged, forget about the things that truly matter in life, hurt your work performance, and more.

However, many people do have extra time in their days but just don’t realize it. For one week, I recommend keeping track of the time you spend on various tasks and see how much time you waste and how you can improve.

You’ll most likely be very surprised!

 

2. Leave your negative outlook behind and find positivity.

I know what you’re thinking – How is this related to learning how to be productive?!

According to the National Science Foundation, the average person has about 12,000 to 60,000 thoughts per day. Of those, 80% are negative and 95% are repetitive thoughts. (statistic found on Medium)

That is a lot of time wasted on negative thoughts!

Lately, though, I’ve been realizing that I waste a lot of time with negative and repetitive thoughts. It’s been crazy to realize how easy it is to turn something so little and simple into something negative.

This is one of the productivity tips that may be hard to adapt to, but learning to be positive will really help you in the long run.

Instead of focusing on negatives like regret, guilt, comparisons, and more, you can be more productive by using this time for things that actually matter.

When you find that you are thinking in a negative way, take a moment to think of something that makes you happy. Is it your family? Do you love what you do? Did someone do something nice for you today?

A positive outlook can be life changing.

Related articles that will help you learn how to have a productive and positive day:

 

3. Check your email less. Way less.

This is one area that I have always struggled with. Even though I am guilty of checking my email numerous times throughout the day, I am starting to take my own advice and checking it less often.

I think the problem for me is that I feel obligated to keep checking my email in case something pops up with my business or if a reader has a question. I want to be as available as much possible, but that means I am constantly checking my email. 

While it may not feel like you are spending that much time checking your email, the time and focus it takes to switch back and forth can really add up. It can also cause you to lose your train of thought when you should actually be doing something else.

If this is an issue for you and you want to learn how to be productive, I recommend setting time aside throughout the day to check your email. You can even set a rule that you only check after you finish a task. You can also turn off email notifications if they are distracting you.

You may want to work down to only checking your email just a few times a day, or even (EEEK!!!) once a day.

 

4. Unsubscribe from unnecessary emails.

Subscribing to emails is really easy to do. We’ve all done it to get a coupon code, at the cash register to get a receipt (isn’t that annoying?!), and sometimes you just mysteriously land on an email list.

Over the years, I’ve subscribed to plenty of different websites and companies. I got hundreds of unnecessary emails every day, and even though I set up tabs to organize my email, I was still spending so much time filtering through them. 

It was tedious, and they were mostly junk. But, sometimes real emails got lost in the mix as well!

So, I unsubscribed from almost all emails, except for blogs that I enjoy and whatever is absolutely necessary.

Everything else has been removed.

If you find that you are spending too much time everyday checking, reading, and deleting emails that it isn’t allowing you to live in the moment and live your best life, I definitely suggest unsubscribing to the ones that aren’t meaningful to you.

You can find an unsubscribe button on the bottom of most emails, and it just takes a couple of clicks to get off an email list. 

 

5. Wake up earlier.

Some say that they are most productive early in the morning. If this is the case, then use this to your advantage!

When I had my day job, I would usually wake up around one to two hours before I had to start getting ready for work. I would use this time to work on my side hustles, which included replying to emails, brainstorming ideas, managing my blog, finding mystery shop jobs, and more.

Sometimes, waking up early was extremely rough, but it was nice to get everything done before I went to work. This was also one of the ways I learned how to be productive at home, because I could also use this time to straighten things up around the house or clean.

If you’re not a morning person, you can always try to fit in time before you go to bed. Often I would even work on my side hustles for a few hours before I went to bed.

Related: 9 Tips To Wake Up Early & Why It Feels So Good

 

6. Organization is your friend.

Your productivity can be greatly influenced by how organized you are. 

Here are some surprising statistics I found from Simply Orderly about being unorganized:

  • The average person spends 12 days per year looking for things they can’t find.
  • Every day, the average office worker spends 1.5 hours looking for things.
  • In a recent survey, 55% of consumers stated they would save anywhere from 16 to 60 minutes a day if they were organized.
  • 23% of people pay bills late and have to pay late fees because they are unable to find their bills.

Becoming more organized can be hard at first, but it can really help you reclaim time in your day. If you want to learn how to be productive by organizing your life, here are several helpful tips:

  • Put things away when you are finished using them.
  • Make a schedule and stick to it.
  • Write things down in a notebook or planner so you don’t forget anything.
  • Regularly tidy things up.
  • Switch to a minimalist lifestyle.

Like I said, learning good organizational skills can be difficult, and you will have to commit if you really want to take part in this tip. But, being organized will ensure that your living and working spaces are functional, and it will probably even clear some mental clutter.

Posts related to minimalist living:

Also, organize your finances!

This is one of the tips that won’t just help you learn how to be productive with your time, it will help you gain control of your financial situation. Organizing your finances includes things like setting up auto pay on your bills, creating a budget, and using an online platform to show you all of your accounts.

My favorite online tool for keeping track of my finances is Personal Capital. Personal Capital allows you to aggregate your financial accounts so that you can easily see your financial situation. You can connect accounts such as your mortgage, bank accounts, credit card accounts, investment accounts, retirement accounts, and more. And, it is FREE.

 

7. Use short gaps in your day wisely.

Everyone has gaps of time in their day. This could be a gap before you have a meeting, a gap between your day job and night classes, a gap before you have to pick up the kids from school, or something else.

Maybe you have 15 to 30 minutes or an hour. Most people will just plunk down on the couch and watch TV or browse Facebook.

However, if you want to learn how to be productive, find ways to wisely use these gaps in your day. 

Here are some examples of how you can take advantage of short gaps in your day:

  • You can use a gap to write out tomorrow’s to do list. 
  • You can pay a bill or two.
  • If you’re a freelancer, you can use this time to bill your clients. 
  • Use this time to schedule appointments.
  • Make a meal plan and grocery list.

 

8. Watch less TV.

Fun fact: I haven’t watched TV in over a month!

Less fun fact: I’m not perfect and often binge watch TV shows when I happen to find a good one.

TV absolutely kills my productivity level. I know how easily I can get sucked into the world of Netflix, so I haven’t even tried watching anything lately.

I love a good TV show, and I can honestly say that I once wasted a lot of time by watching too much TV. The average person watches TV for over 35 hours per week! I’m not sure if I was watching that much, but I know I was close.

Can you imagine what you could do by reclaiming just half of those hours each week?

Cutting out the amount of TV you watch will really help you if you want to learn how to be more productive. By cutting back on TV, you will have a few more hours everyday to focus on more important things.

Related: 16 Alternatives To Cable TV That WILL Save You Money

 

9. Spend less time getting ready.

Being more productive often involves saving time on littles aspects of your daily life. These things are often overlooked and can add up to a lot of wasted time, like taking forever to get ready. There are lots of people who spend way too much time picking out outfits and trying to get ready, and I was once one of them.

Since we had to downsize to travel full-time, I had to get rid of a lot of my clothes. It was a little hard at first because I had so many! But, by having less clothing options and/or choosing your outfit the night before, you can save valuable minutes each day.

Before we downsized, I couldn’t even remember all of the clothes I had, but now I save time each day because I know what I have and what looks good together.

For more information, I recommend checking out Becoming Minimalist’s blog post, Capsule Wardrobe: Why Some Are Wearing the Same Thing Every Day.

 

10. Have a to do list and use your calendar.

I love my constant to do list and having a full calendar.

Without these two things in my life, I would feel lost, unorganized, and probably even confused about what to do! 

Yes, I rely heavily on my to do list, but putting a to do list together doesn’t have to be hard. I keep my to do list on my phone, and it’s just a simple list of things I need to do throughout the day, week, month, and year. I can even set reminders so I don’t forget when things need to be done. Others find that planners work for well for them too.

This is a tip that will help you learn how to be productive in every aspect of your life, as you can have a to do list for work, home, etc. Your to do list will keep you on track so you don’t forget what needs to be done on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. This will keep you motivated and working towards your goals.

Related: 15 Of My Best Working From Home Tips So You Can Succeed

11. Make sure your to do list is doable.

Even though I have an on-going to do list, many people benefit from having a smaller and more approachable list. 

You can start by asking yourself, “is this something I can really do today?” If the answer is “yes,” then add it to your list. If you are unsure, you might want to break it down into smaller tasks or save it for another day.

By having a smaller list, you may feel a greater sense of accomplishment knowing that you’ve crossed everything off your list for the day, even if it is just a couple of things. This can motivate you to work on bigger tasks and goals over time.

12. Practice self-care.

Yes, self-care is important for your productivity levels!

Self-care is simply doing something to protect your mental or physical health. It can be something like taking a nice long bath, meditating, drinking more water, etc.

It’s spending a little bit of time to put yourself first.

When you are busy or overwhelmed with other aspects of your life, self-care is one of the last things you think you should do. But, when you take a small break to take care of yourself, the effects can ripple out through the rest of your life.

You may find that your stress is reduced, you’re more productive, happier, and more.

This tip is often overlooked when people want to learn how to be productive, but it’s always important to take care of yourself.

 

13. Procrastinating doesn’t help anyone.

Procrastination can waste time and kill your productivity as you may find anything else you can possibly do before completing a certain task.

Then, you might do things that waste even more time, such as just standing around, watching TV, cleaning the same area you’ve already cleaned 10 times that day, and more.

People procrastinate for all sorts of reasons, like anxiety, avoidance, etc. When you figure out why you are procrastinating, you can then create an action plan. By focusing on what you need to do, you will stop wasting time!

 

14. Get off social media.

Okay, you’re probably thinking, “there’s no way that I can cut out social media!” I’m not saying that you need to cut it out entirely, but if you spend a little less time everyday on social media, you will find valuable hours each week.

Social Media Today found that the average person spends nearly two hours a day on social media. When you add all of that time up, it equals to wasting over 5 YEARS of your life on social media. That’s shocking!

If you find that you are spending too much time on social media and that it’s preventing you from being productive, you may want to close the accounts you are spending too much time on. You can even create a time block so you cannot access your accounts during certain periods of the day, and so on.

 

15. Singletask more.

There are some people who say that learning to multitask can help you learn how to be productive, but I don’t 100% agree with that. 

Now, some people can multitask successfully, but many people cannot with the large amount of time it takes to refocus on a new task. So, when you are constantly switching back and forth, you waste time refocusing.

This is one tip that is helpful if you want to learn how to be more productive at work.

It’s best to realize your strengths and weaknesses to know whether or not multitasking actually helps you save time. For myself, I’ve found that focusing on one thing at a time is actually how I save the most time when working.

16. The snooze button is probably hurting you.

Getting an extra five minutes of sleep after your alarm goes off isn’t going to change your life. There are many scientific studies proving that hitting the snooze button does nothing good for you.

I know many people who set their alarms to go off anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour before they actually want to wake up. 

I’m not going to lie. I used to do this as well and thought it was the only way I could get up. It definitely did not work, as I always felt extremely groggy and sometimes even more tired!

If you want to learn how to be productive, wake up when your alarm first goes off to use those minutes valuably. If you are so tired in the morning that you feel you need to hit the snooze button, then you should either start going to sleep earlier in the evening or set your alarm for when you actually need to get out of bed.

17. Know your peak hours.

Each of us has certain hours of the day that we work more efficiently. For some people, it’s in the morning, while others work well late at night. I’ve even read that many people are the most productive right before lunch because they are hungry.

You can learn how to be productive by spending a week paying attention to the times of the day when you are most focused. Those are your peak hours, and most people have two peak hours per day.

Knowing your peak hours will help you learn how to concentrate and complete high-priority tasks. This will help you get the most important or complicated things done.

What are your top tips on how to be productive? Do you think you waste time each day?

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Apache is functioning normally

Transiting the Panama Canal from the Caribbean to the Pacific Ocean is a once-in-a-lifetime trip for many travelers, especially for history and engineering buffs. If you’re considering this bucket-list sailing, you’ll want to find the best time to cruise the Panama Canal, whether that be to find better weather, lower pricing or fewer crowds.

The Panama Canal cruise season peaks between October and April, outside of the rainy season that can start as early as mid-March and extend into the fall. With a tropical climate, this region is home to rainforests, incredible biodiversity, lush landscapes, abundant wildlife and beautiful beaches, but the weather can be wet at certain times of the year.

Panama Canal itineraries come in several flavors. One-way cruises sail between Florida and California, Washington or Canada; these complete a full transit of the canal. Partial-transit itineraries sail round-trip from Florida ports and only go through the locks on the Caribbean side. Some ships depart from or end in Panama or Costa Rica and feature itineraries that focus on the Pacific Coast of Central America or the Caribbean.

In addition to visiting Panama, many itineraries include ports of call in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Colombia or Mexico, which can be the highlight of the trip, especially for outdoor enthusiasts.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter.

It used to be that only smaller Panamax ships could squeeze through the locks of the Panama Canal. However, with the opening of a new set of locks in 2016, larger New-Panamax-sized ships can transit, as well. That means you take a Panama Canal cruise on a small-masted Windstar ship or luxury Silversea cruise or can sail on a megaship as large as the 1,094-foot-long and 136-foot-wide Norwegian Bliss.

Here, we look at Panama’s peak cruise season month by month, so you can consider the weather, pricing and crowds to determine the best time to cruise through the Panama Canal.

October

Pros: October is one of the best months for cooler temperatures, lower fares and fewer crowds.

Cons: October is still the rainy season, and it’s humid. It’s also hurricane season in the Caribbean.

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Ships: Princess, Holland America, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, Oceania, Hurtigruten Expeditions, Lindblad and luxury lines Scenic and Silversea offer sailings during the month.

October is a rainy month, but it’s also one of the coolest months of the year, with high temperatures in the low to mid-80s. The average year-round temperature in Panama is about 86 degrees, so it doesn’t vary much during the year, but it’s more humid in October with the wet weather. It’s also possible to have hurricanes this time of year if you’re cruising in the Caribbean.

For outdoor adventure seekers, it’s too wet for hiking in the rainforests, but other activities benefit from the rainy season, including whitewater rafting. In Quepos, Costa Rica, Windstar Cruises offers rafting trips to the town of Santo Domingo, where you can take a float trip on the Savegre River. Experienced surfers can also check out the big swells on both coasts of the country.

If you have an extended stay in Panama City, consider a trip to the Archipelago de las Perlas (Pearl Islands) in southeastern Panama to view the humpback whales. It’s a short flight to the islands, or you can travel by ferry to see the whales that are still in the waters around the archipelago after coming to breed in August and September. If traveling earlier in the month, you may also see nesting loggerheads and green turtles southeast of Panama City in Isla Canas (Cane Island) or Bocas del Toro.

Related: Best Panama Canal cruises for a bucket-list trip

November

STAR CLIPPERS

Pros: November is one of the best months for lower cruise fares.

Cons: November is still the rainy season and the end of hurricane season. You can also expect some crowds in port with the national holidays.

Ships: Windstar, Star Clippers and Seabourn will also have vessels transiting the Panama Canal in November.

November can be rainy — and even the rainiest month of the wet season — with temperatures starting to warm closer to December. The month brings a mix of low-priced early-season fares but also several public holidays that bring crowds of both tourists and residents to attractions in places like Panama City and Boquete.

For a rainy-day excursion, ride the Panama Canal Railway, one of the world’s great train rides. If you’re in Panama City, plan an indoor excursion with a visit to the world’s first museum dedicated to biodiversity, the Frank Gehry-designed Biomuseo.

You can celebrate Panama’s Separation Day on Nov. 3 or Flag Day on Nov. 4. These holidays, along with a few others in November, feature parades, parties and other displays of national pride, so you can expect it to be busy in towns across the country.

Related: The best time to go on a cruise

December

Pros: December is the beginning of the dry season, so the weather will be drier and less humid.

Cons: The month is one of the busiest times for tourism, so you can expect to pay higher fares and have more crowds in port.

Ships: A few additional cruise lines offer Panama Canal crossings during December, including Celebrity, Carnival, Crystal and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

With drier weather and high temperatures hovering around 88 degrees, it’s less humid in the region in December. However, it’s the holiday season, so cruise fares and other costs, like hotels for pre- and post-cruise stays, will be more expensive if you travel this month. December is one of the peak tourism months in Panama, with Panamanians traveling for the holidays and visitors from North America and Europe escaping the cold weather at home.

December is the best month to plan excursions to places like Panama’s rainforest and Chagres National Park to meet the indigenous Embrera people. You can also take an eco-cruise on Gatun Lake, which concludes with a visit to the Agua Clara Locks Visitor Center, where you’ll learn about this engineering feat that connects two oceans. If you’re comfortable exploring on your own, rent a car or hire a local guide to visit places like Soberania National Park.

Related: Tips for booking the best cruise shore excursion for your money

January

Tauck’s Panama and Costa Rica itinerary. TAUCK/FACEBOOK

Pros: January is regarded as one of the best months to visit Panama with the drier weather and high temperatures around the mid-80s. It’s also less bustling with tourists than it is in December.

Cons: It’s peak season on land and at sea, so hotel and cruise prices are high. Panama City will also be busy with the jazz festival mid-month.

Ships: Cunard, Azamara, Emerald Cruises and Tauck Tours (with a chartered Ponant yacht) enter the market in January.

January’s dry weather makes the month the perfect time to explore Central America’s national parks, jungles and tropical rainforests, including Costa Rica’s Manuel Antonio National Park and Curú Wildlife Refuge and Panama’s Darien National Park. During your visit, be sure to look for monkeys, sloths, iguanas, blue-footed boobies, capybaras, crocodiles and even manatees on a jungle boat tour along the canal and into Gatun Lake.

If you’re a jazz buff, the Panama Jazz Festival is held in Panama City in mid-January, January 16-21. The six-day event features hundreds of renowned jazz musicians from around the world with live performances, a gala evening and concerts. If you’re embarking in Colon, Panama, you can fly into Panama City a few days early for the festivities. The distance between the two cities is less than 50 miles. Alternatively, linger in Panama after your cruise to attend the festival, or look for sailings with full-day stops in Panama City during the jazz festival.

Related: When is the best time to book a cruise?

February

Pros: February is the second-best month to cruise the Panama Canal, with optimal weather during the dry season.

Cons: It’s still peak season with higher cruise fares and prices ashore — but there are fewer cruise lines in the region. Snowbirds are still avoiding the cold weather and snowstorms at home, so you can expect many tourists, especially in Panama City. Carnival typically occurs across the country in February, depending on when Easter falls that year, bringing crowds.

Ships: Ponant is the only new addition in the region, offering one sailing early in the month. The other cruise lines sailing the Panama Canal in February are Holland America, Oceania, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Carnival, Lindblad, Tauck, Emerald and Windstar.

Take advantage of the final weeks of the dry season to book active outdoor adventure excursions like hiking, kayaking and zip lining. Another option is the Rainforest and Aerial Tram tour to the Gamboa Rainforest Resort in the 55,000-acre Soberania National Park. The tram climbs 280 feet through the dense jungle vegetation to reach the tree canopy above. During the ride to the top, keep an eye out for local wildlife, including white-faced capuchin and howler monkeys, sloths, butterflies, iguanas, toucans and frogs.

Carnival is a festival in mid-January in Panama City and other towns around the country. It’s one of the biggest celebrations in Central America — even bigger than the Christmas holidays for most families, so you can expect crowds during that time.

March

Explora Journey’s new vessel, Explora I. EXPLORA JOURNEY

Pros: March is the last month of the dry season, although the rains can start by midmonth during some years. You can expect pleasant weather, although it’s quite warm, with temperatures reaching as high as the low 90s. You can also find late-season low fares on some of the larger ships.

Cons: It’s still one of the busiest months for travel with the moderate weather.

Ships: New luxury line Explora Journeys joins the vessels in the region in March with an extended sailing that includes transiting the Panama Canal.

With the warmer temperatures, March is an ideal month to head to the beaches on one of the San Blas Islands, an archipelago of about 365 islands and cays off the Caribbean coast of Eastern Panama. Some cruise lines that visit the archipelago are Windstar, Star Clippers, Hapag-Lloyd and Ponant.

You can also look for excursions through the cruise line — or make independent arrangements — to go on an adventurous hike under the canopy of the rainforest, take a boat tour to explore the diverse flora and fauna along the canal or go windsurfing or sailboarding on Costa Rica’s Lake Arenal with the Arenal Volcano as the backdrop. March is also the last month for surfing enthusiasts to hit the big waves on the Caribbean and Pacific coasts.

Should Semana Santa (Holy Week, from Palm Sunday through Holy Saturday) fall in March, there will be more crowds nationwide in Panama with religious processions and reenactments, parades and other special events. Many venues and attractions may be closed on some days during the festivities.

April

Pros: April is one of the best months to look for lower late-season fares on the larger ships.

Cons: The weather may not be ideal. The high temperatures in Panama hit just below 90 degrees on most days of the month. Mid-April is also when the wet season typically begins, so you can expect high humidity and rain. It’s also still a busy time with tourists, so the prices are high ashore. If Easter falls in April, you may have to contend with the crowds celebrating Holy Week during the festivities.

Ships: If you’re interested in a sailing on a luxury cruise ship, Silversea is the only luxury line still in the region in April. For a cruise on a large ship, choose among itineraries on Norwegian, Holland America, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Princess.

With the high temperatures and humidity — and the threat of rain — you might want to take tours where you can easily escape from the heat and the showers. If you’re in Panama City, visit the vibrant neighborhood of Casco Antiguo in the city’s historic district.

Dating back to 1673, the UNESCO World Heritage Site features landmarks like the Panama National Theater and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Mary. You’ll also find some of the city’s best restaurants, beautiful squares and plazas and top-rated museums. If you’ve booked a pre- or post-cruise hotel in town, be sure to catch a sunset from one of the city’s many rooftop bars.

Bottom line: The best time to cruise the Panama Canal

When to cruise the Panama Canal will depend on what’s most important to you.

If having the best weather is your top priority, January, February and early March offer the best weather during the dry season with low humidity — but it’s also the most expensive time to travel to the region. You can expect crowds, especially with the festivals during that time.

If you want the best pricing and fewer crowds, October and November are the rainy season, so the pricing will be lower — and you’ll avoid the holiday crowds and high fares in December.

Late March and April also offer lower fares as it’s the beginning of the rainy season, but you can expect crowds during the Holy Week festivities in the country.

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Source: thepointsguy.com