Some vacations stay on the someday list a little too long. This week, Hawaii deserves another look—our special group-rate opportunities end October 31. There are also cruise offers worth comparing and a brand-new ship to unpack.
HAWAII: Four islands. One unpacking. Deadline October 31.
Explore Oʻahu, Maui, Hawaiʻi Island and Kauaʻi on a seven-night Pride of America cruise roundtrip from Honolulu. Our featured 2027 group options include departures in February, March and June, with special group-rate opportunities ending October 31, 2026.
My take: You get the variety of island hopping while keeping the same room. Spend your vacation exploring instead of coordinating another airport, hotel and round of packing.
Watch HAWAII: UNPACKED and explore your options, then ask me to check your dates before October 31.
NORWEGIAN: A balcony view—with daily gratuities covered
Book an eligible new Norwegian cruise by November 2, 2026, in a Balcony cabin or above, and receive free prepaid daily service charges for guests one and two on select sailings.
For two sharing a Balcony or Club Balcony cabin on a seven-night cruise, that is $280 in savings.
My take: This takes a real expense off your vacation budget. Let’s compare the complete price.
Ask me about qualifying Norwegian sailings
Eligible new individual bookings only. Excludes BX/MX guarantees, Studio, Inside and Oceanview. Additional guests and gratuities on other onboard purchases are not covered. Cannot be assumed combinable with Hawaii group rates.
CARNIVAL: A short escape with a smaller deposit
Carnival’s Getaway Sale offers $25-per-person nonrefundable deposits and up to $100 onboard credit per stateroom on select 2–6-day sailings through May 2027. Book by October 26. Reduced deposits apply outside the final-payment window.
My take: A smaller deposit can help get a trip on the calendar. It changes what you pay upfront; the remaining balance still comes due.
CARNIVAL: Bring the family—and price the whole cabin
A separate offer on select sailings through December 2027 includes free third/fourth guest cruise fares, up to $250 onboard credit per stateroom for cabins of three or more, and nonrefundable deposits starting at $49 per person. Book by October 26.
Third and fourth guests still pay applicable taxes, fees and deposits. Deposit amounts vary by ship and itinerary; onboard credit varies by sailing length and occupancy.
My take: Compare the total for everyone traveling. That tells you more than a headline fare for the first two guests.
MSC: Cruise-only or drinks and Wi-Fi included?
MSC has cruise-only and drinks-and-Wi-Fi-included options, with advertised savings of up to 35% on select cruises. Eligible children 17 and under can receive free cruise fares as third/fourth guests on select sailings; government taxes and fees still apply. Yacht Club is excluded from Kids Sail Free.
The package option includes Premium Extra beverages and browse Wi-Fi for messaging and browsing—not video streaming. These supplied offers end October 26 and apply to eligible new individual bookings for U.S. residents.
My take: A package earns its value when it covers things you would otherwise buy. Let’s compare both totals.
CRUISE SMARTER: What does a two-category upgrade mean?
Carnival’s Great Rates offer includes a two-category upgrade, with advertised Mexico lead fares from $269 per person, double occupancy, including required cruise fees and government taxes and fees. Select sailings through January 2027; book by October 26.
The upgrade stays within the same accommodation type: interior to interior, oceanview to oceanview, or balcony to balcony. An interior booking does not automatically become a balcony.
My take: A better room location can be worthwhile. Understand exactly what you receive before booking.
CRUISE NEWS: Meet Norwegian Bella
Norwegian opened bookings October 20 for Norwegian Bella, scheduled to begin seven-day Mediterranean cruises roundtrip from Barcelona in May 2028. The final Prima Class ship is planned to offer expanded outdoor spaces, family attractions and The Haven suite complex.
My take: If Europe in 2028 is on your radar, this gives us another option. Start with the places you want to visit, then choose the ship that fits.
What should we unpack for you?
Send your dates, number of travelers and preferred cabin. I’ll help compare the real options.
Jon Graham
Intermission Travel
Pause with purpose.
Offers are separate, capacity-controlled and subject to change and eligibility. Advertised per-person fares are USD based on double occupancy. Gratuities and optional purchases are additional unless expressly included. Final pricing, availability, inclusions, combinability and payment terms will be confirmed before booking.