If you’re ready to snag the best travel deals of the year, this week’s Inside Travel Talk Podcast is packed with insider offers, expert insights, and a few surprising stories from the world of travel. Hosts Patrick Wiscombe and Mark Faldmo of Blue Planet Vacations take listeners through this season’s Black Friday travel and cruise promotions, from Delta Vacations and Avalon Waterways to Globus Tours and Virgin Voyages. Plus, they break down new airline fare options, fresh cruise port news from Jacksonville, and the latest Disney Cruise Line buzz.

Whether you’re planning a sun-soaked beach getaway or dreaming of a European river cruise, this episode shows how to maximize your savings and elevate your travel experience with the right deals and timing.

On This Week’s Episode

• 

  Delta introduces Comfort Basic fares

• Southwest hints at airport lounges and long-haul expansion
• New tour access to Hanauma Bay on Oahu
• Globus and Cosmos launch major Black Friday promotions
• Travel Deal of the Week: Delta Vacations Black Friday package savings
• Cruise Deal of the Week: Black Friday cruise offers across major lines
• Norwegian Cruise Line homeports in Jacksonville, Florida
• Disney’s new ship feature divides travelers
• Margaritaville at Sea adds a Zac Brown Band venue
• Avalon Waterways offers free airfare and prepaid gratuities
• Virgin Voyages, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, and more announce major Black Friday sales

Segment 1: Airfare, Tours, and the Season’s Biggest Travel Deals

Delta Introduces Comfort Basic Fares

Delta Air Lines rolled out its newest cabin class—Comfort Basic, blending extra legroom perks with budget-friendly pricing. Travelers can now choose between Basic Economy, Classic Economy, and Comfort Basic, though restrictions still apply. Seats aren’t assigned until check-in, mileage accrual is limited, and upgrades aren’t available—but the value for additional legroom and priority boarding is hard to ignore.

Mark explains the trade-off: “You’ll still earn Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs) toward status, but you won’t earn redeemable miles.” For frequent flyers chasing Medallion status, this subtle shift could still make sense for shorter trips where comfort matters more than mileage redemption.

Southwest Eyes Lounges and Long-Haul Flights

Southwest Airlines continues evolving. Their leadership has hinted at transatlantic flights and even airport lounges, signaling a move toward premium-service competition. Recent partnerships—like those with Icelandair and Han Air—are helping Southwest build a global network and code-share flexibility that could reshape how leisure travelers connect internationally.

New Tour Access to Hanauma Bay

If Hawaii is on your radar, Honolulu’s Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve now offers Roberts Hawaii guided transportation tours, giving visitors guaranteed access without battling early-morning parking lines. This iconic Oahu snorkeling bay limits daily admissions to protect the reef, so booking the new shuttle service is the easiest way to enjoy the island’s most famous marine reserve stress-free.

For travelers staying in Waikiki, the new shuttle not only solves parking issues but ensures eco-friendly tourism by reducing car congestion near the reef. Tickets cost $65 for adults and $40 for kids, including conservation fees.

Globus & Cosmos Black Friday Tour Deals

The tour world isn’t missing the Black Friday buzz. Globus is offering $1,000 off per couple on select 2026 tours worldwide, while Cosmos travelers can save $500 per couple. Both promotions run through December 10.

Globus focuses on centrally located hotels and immersive itineraries, while Cosmos offers more budget-friendly options just outside city centers. Whether you’re exploring multiple European countries or diving deep into one destination, both companies deliver seamless guided travel with professional tour directors.

Travel Deal of the Week: Delta Vacations Black Friday

The spotlight deal this week comes from Delta Vacations, a subsidiary of Delta Air Lines offering bundled airfare, hotel, and car rental packages. When you book by December 4, SkyMiles members save up to $250 and can earn up to 10,000 bonus miles depending on trip value.

Even better—the entire purchase counts toward Medallion Qualifying Dollars, meaning travelers can advance their elite status faster. Packages include worldwide destinations from Hawaii and Mexico to Europe.

Mark reminds listeners that these savings are stackable with limited-time hotel offers and exclusive airfare discounts, making now the perfect time to plan a 2026 getaway with Delta Vacations Black Friday deals.

Segment 2: Cruise News & Black Friday Promotions

Norwegian Cruise Line Expands to Jacksonville

Cruise lovers in the Southeast have a new home port to celebrate. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) now sails from Jacksonville, Florida, joining its Miami and Port Canaveral operations. The new itineraries range from four- and five-day Bahamas getaways to 11- and 12-day Caribbean adventures, including stops in Nassau, San Juan, and the Dominican Republic.

Patrick notes that Jacksonville’s drive-to convenience and smaller crowds make it ideal for regional travelers looking for shorter, stress-free cruises.

Disney’s New Ship Feature Splits Opinions

Disney’s upcoming ship, the Disney Adventure, launching in March 2026, has fans buzzing—and some scratching their heads. Its new Groot Galaxy Spin attraction, inspired by Guardians of the Galaxy, is drawing skepticism from travelers who question the wisdom of putting a “spinning ride” on open seas.

Still, Disney’s creativity shines through with themed zones like Marvel Landing and Imagination Garden, blending immersive storytelling with ocean travel. The ship will feature seven themed areas when fully revealed.

Margaritaville at Sea Partners with Zac Brown Band

Music meets cruising in the most fitting way possible. The Zac Brown Band is designing a new live concert venue aboard Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber, the line’s upcoming ship sailing from Miami.

The space—named The Same Boat after the band’s 2021 collaboration with Jimmy Buffett—will feature exclusive performances and guest artist residencies. It’s a tribute to Buffett’s laid-back spirit and a new wave of live entertainment at sea.

Cruise Deal of the Week: Black Friday Cruise Promotions

This week’s Cruise Deal of the Week is a global celebration of savings. Nearly every major line is rolling out unprecedented discounts:

• Azamara: Up to $4,000 off select sailings plus $500 onboard credit.
• Celebrity Cruises: Up to 75% off the second guest + $700 extra savings (through Dec. 8).
• Margaritaville at Sea: Free Wi-Fi and Ultimate Beverage Package during Black Friday sale.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: 50% off all cruises (sale may update post-Nov. 18).
• Royal Caribbean: $1,000 off cruise fares + kids sail free.
• Virgin Voyages: Buy one, get second guest 80% off + $400 bar tab, with select cruises from just $99 per night.

Patrick sums it up perfectly: “It’s almost cheaper to cruise than to stay home.”

Avalon Waterways: Free Airfare & Gratuities

River cruise enthusiasts should take note—Avalon Waterways is offering free international airfare and prepaid gratuities on all 2026 European departures booked by December 10.

Mark praises Avalon’s innovative Panorama Suites, where beds face floor-to-ceiling windows for postcard-perfect views of Europe’s rivers. These sailings blend small-ship luxury with deep cultural exploration, stopping at hidden villages and world-famous capitals alike.

Conclusion: Your Passport to Smart Travel and Big Savings

This Inside Travel Talk episode captures exactly what makes the show so valuable—real insights from trusted travel experts who live and breathe this industry every day. Whether you’re curious about Delta’s evolving airfare strategy, planning a Black Friday getaway, or craving cruise inspiration from Avalon or Virgin Voyages, this episode delivers it all.

Blue Planet Vacations continues to prove why it’s known as America’s Best Travel Advisors, combining industry knowledge with genuine enthusiasm for helping travelers experience the world.

Before these limited-time offers disappear call 888-718-7717 to lock in your dream trip. From Globus tours through Europe to Delta Vacations in the Caribbean, and from Norwegian’s new Jacksonville sailings to Virgin’s adults-only escapes, there’s never been a better moment to plan your next adventure.

Life’s too short to wait for someday—travel now, travel smart, and travel inspired.