TheCruiseGenius on News4Jax

Scott Lara, President of MilitaryFares.com Welcome to my website! As you may know, I’ve been cruising for over 40 years, first in the United States Navy, then on cruise ships. I have over 150 days on Holland America Line, over 75 days on Carnival and many days on most of …

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Avoid a high cell phone bill when you cruise

I’m sure you’ve heard of the horror stories when cruisers return home to a cell phone bill in the hundreds, if not thousands of dollars! GigSky is a tech company founded in 2010 and headquartered in Silicon Valley. When you purchase a data plan with GigSky, you use eSIM technology …

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Cruising during hurricane season

Many people are concerned about rough seas and winds during hurricane season. Speaking as a Navy veteran who has sailed in 40 ft seas and 60 mile per hour winds, I’ve seen it first hand! Here are my top tips for cruising during season Pick a larger cruise ship, like …

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What is travel insurance

What is travel insurance? Travel insurance is a plan you purchase that protects you from certain financial risks and losses that can occur while traveling. These losses can be minor, like a delayed suitcase, or significant, like a last-minute trip cancellation or a medical emergency overseas. In addition to financial protection, …

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The best cruise line for you

The number one question I’m asked is, “What’s your favorite cruise line?” That’s a very hard question to answer! The Cruise Genius My wife and I have sailed over 150 days on Holland America Line. The ships, food, and service are amazing. Virgin Voyages I sailed on the Virgin Voyages …

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The truth about cruise loyalty programs

I’ve sailed on Holland America Line, Carnival, Virgin Voyages, NCL, MSC and Royal Caribbean cruise lines. I love each and every one, however, the only way to get “perks” on these cruise lines is to cruise with them frequently! Please keep in mind that all cruise loyalty plans are not …

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Virgin Voyages has a great offer!

The Cruise Genius in Bimini! Virgin Voyages is offering a month-long voyage in the Med. Here’s the details from the Virgin Voyages website: “If you’ve been wondering if your work-life balance could use a little more life, we have the voyage offer for you. Introducing Scarlet Summer Season Pass — a …

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Virgin Voyages deploying improved internet package

CruiseIndustryNews.com is reporting, “Virgin Voyages will deploy a new level of “Pretty Fly for a Wi-Fi” connected experiences for its guests and crew becoming the first cruise line to deploy SES Cruise mPOWERED + Starlink PRO service, according to a press release. Combining Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Low Earth …

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Norwegian Cruise Line to sail from Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (February 6, 2024) – Today, the JAXPORT Board of Directors unanimously approved a four-year agreement for a three-year cruise operation with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) to provide passenger cruise service from Jacksonville, Fla., beginning in November 2025. The 2,394-guest capacity Norwegian Gem will homeport in Jacksonville, Fla. from November to April every …

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Icon of the Seas. A ship unlike any other

My wife and I recently returned from a 3 day pre-inaugural cruise that included travel agents and influencers (content creators) like myself. The ship is absolutely amazing. When you consider over 40 restaurants, over 20 bars, and the amazing venues, bigger is better! If you’re looking for a brand new …

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