Glaciers. Mountains. Wildlife. Scenic cruising.An Alaska cruise can feel completely different from almost any other cruise vacation.But it can also get expensive quickly. In Episode 19 of “Is It Worth It?”, Scott Showalter asks whether an Alaska cruise really delivers enough value to justify the cost.And then we take it one step further:Is the balcony upgrade worth it on an Alaska cruise?We’ll talk about excursions, weather, wildlife, scenic cruising, interior versus oceanview versus balcony cabins, cruise-tour extensions, and why Alaska may be one of the strongest arguments for upgrading to a balcony.But not if that balcony means giving up the experiences you came to Alaska to have.

“Is a Cruise Drink Package Worth It?” Unlimited drinks sound great—until you see the total price.In Episode 3 of the “Is It Worth It?” series, Scott Showalter tackles one of cruising’s most debated purchases: the drink package.We’re looking beyond cocktails and breaking down specialty coffee, bottled water, soda, wine, mocktails, port days, package restrictions, gratuities, and the all-important question:How much do you actually need to drink to break even?This episode is about understanding your own habits, doing the math, and avoiding the trap of buying a package simply because everyone else says you should.For some cruisers, the convenience alone makes it worth every penny.For others, paying as you go is the smarter move. Let’s put it through the Worth-It Meter.

“Is a Balcony Cabin Worth It?” Is waking up to an ocean view worth paying more for your cruise cabin? In Episode 2 of the “Is It Worth It?” series, Scott Showalter breaks down one of the biggest cruise-booking debates: balcony cabin versus interior or oceanview.This episode explores how much you’ll actually use the balcony, why itinerary and cabin location matter, which travelers get the most value from private outdoor space, and when that upgrade money might be better spent somewhere else.From morning coffee at sea to scenic sail-ins and quiet escapes from crowded decks, a balcony can completely change the cruise experience.But does that make it worth the extra cost? Let’s put it through the Worth-It Meter and find out.

A new ship, a Mediterranean itinerary, incredible food, entertainment, and plenty to explore—so does Legend of the Seas live up to the hype? In this episode of Show Me Your Trips, Scott Showalter takes you onboard for a full review of the cruise experience while sailing through the Mediterranean.We're talking about THE SHIP—the design, atmosphere, amenities, staterooms, public spaces, and those little details that can make or break a cruise.Then it's showtime. 🎭We'll talk about the entertainment and shows, what stood out, and whether they're worth building into your cruise schedule.And, of course...THE FOOD. 🍽️We're diving into the specialty dining experience, memorable meals, favorites, and whether spending the extra money is worth it.Plus, we'll look at the overall experience while sailing an incredible itinerary featuring: 🇪🇸 Barcelona 🇪🇸 Palma de Mallorca 🇮🇹 Florence/Pisa via La Spezia 🇮🇹 Rome via Civitavecchia 🇫🇷 Marseille 🚢 And some much-needed days at sea!So what's great? What surprised me? What would I do differently? And most importantly...Would I sail Legend of the Seas again? Come aboard and find out.