Welcome to this week’s exciting episode of the Inside Travel Talk travel podcast, your go-to source for the latest in travel news, tips, and irresistible vacation deals. This episode dives into Southwest Airlines’ groundbreaking new seat selection policy, important updates on the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, and top-ranked domestic airlines for 2025. We also spotlight unique travel experiences in Rome, prime fishing and whale watching in Cabo San Lucas, and share two incredible Panama Canal cruise deals for fall. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your next getaway, this episode is packed with valuable insights that will inspire you to explore the world with confidence and excitement.

Panama Canal Cruise

On this week’s episode:

• Southwest Airlines’ new advance seat reservation system starting January 27, 2025
• Suspension of advanced reservations for USS Arizona Memorial visits in Pearl Harbor
• Top domestic airlines of 2025 ranked by reliability, experience, cost, and loyalty
• Unique private tours in Rome including Underground Ancient Rome experiences
• Best times and travel deals for fishing and whale watching in Cabo San Lucas
• Margaritaville’s upcoming flagship cruise ship, Margaritaville Beachcomber
• Camping and kayaking expeditions in Antarctica on Hurtigruten Expeditions (HX)
• Travel + Leisure’s top five cruise lines for 2025, featuring Virgin Voyages at #1
• Panama Canal cruise deals for fall 2024 accessible from Seattle and Los Angeles

Southwest Airlines Introduces Seat Selection for the First Time

In a significant shift from its traditional open seating model, Southwest Airlines will begin offering pre-reserved seats for flights departing January 27, 2025, booked starting July 29, 2024. This update brings four fare types: Basic (no complimentary seat until check-in), Choice, Preferred (front seats), and Choice Extra (extra legroom). Travelers will no longer have to rush the gate to snag a preferred spot, easing congestion and offering peace of mind when booking. This change aligns Southwest with other major airlines and marks a new era for loyal Southwest flyers.

USS Arizona Memorial Visits: Advanced Reservations Suspended

The historic USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor has temporarily suspended advanced ticket reservations due to ongoing renovation and maintenance needs. While the memorial remains open, visitors can no longer book tickets far in advance but may check availability 24 hours prior or take standby reservations on site. This adjustment ensures visitor safety while preserving access to this iconic and solemn World War II site. Pearl Harbor itself remains open for exploration and reflection.

Ranking the Best Domestic Airlines for 2025

The Point Sky’s annual rankings highlight Delta Airlines as the top domestic carrier for the seventh consecutive year, praised for its reliability and extensive network, especially beneficial for Salt Lake City travelers. United Airlines climbs to second place, Southwest rises impressively to third, Alaska Airlines sees a slight drop to fourth, and Hawaiian Airlines rounds out the top five. Evaluated on reliability, passenger experience, cost, network reach, and loyalty programs, these rankings help travelers book with confidence for their next domestic adventure.

Unforgettable Private Tours in Rome

Looking for a unique Roman experience? The episode highlights exclusive private tours like the “Ancient Rome Underground Experience,” which includes hidden catacombs and off-the-beaten-path archeological sites beyond the typical Colosseum and Roman Forum tours. Priced thoughtfully for small groups (up to six people around $600 total), these private guides ensure personalized, immersive storytelling with no lines. Additionally, personalized experiences such as private cooking classes upon arrival can make your Roman holiday truly special.

Cabo San Lucas: Prime Fishing and Whale Watching Seasons

Cabo is showcased as a top destination for both fishing and whale watching, with peak fishing from September through November and prime whale sightings from December to April. This week’s hot travel deal for Cabo offers a five-night stay starting at $999 per person, including airfare on United Airlines, hotel accommodation, and transfers. Options range from four-star hotels to luxurious cliffside resorts like the Grand Fiesta Americana, famous for breathtaking whale views directly from the room terraces. Whether you’re casting a line or spotting majestic whales, Cabo promises unforgettable natural encounters.

Margaritaville Beachcomber and Antarctic Adventures on the Horizon

Margaritaville at Sea is launching a new flagship ship, Margaritaville Beachcomber, a refurbished 2,700-passenger vessel featuring iconic venues like “Five O’Clock Somewhere” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” Although itinerary details are still pending, the ship promises a vibrant Margaritaville atmosphere on the high seas.

Meanwhile, HX Expeditions introduces adventure seekers to unparalleled experiences such as camping overnight in Antarctica and kayaking excursions. Their expanded camping capacity ensures more travelers can enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience with all necessary equipment provided—just bring your warm clothing. These active excursions add depth and thrill to your Antarctic cruise.

Top Cruise Lines of 2025 and Must-Grab Panama Canal Deals

Travel + Leisure’s cruise line rankings reveal surprising shifts with Virgin Voyages clinching first place, followed by Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean rounding out the top five. Norwegian’s absence from the top five surprises many, showing a changing dynamic in cruising preferences.

The travel podcast also presents two outstanding Panama Canal repositioning cruises ideal for fall 2024. The first is a 16-day Carnival Cruise journey from Seattle to New Orleans, priced from $1,079 per person for an inside cabin. The second, a 16 day Panama Canal Cruise on Princess Cruises is preferred for its rich itinerary, sails from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale, visiting Mexican coastal gems and transiting the Panama Canal, with balcony cabins around $1,949 per person. These cruises provide exceptional value for travelers eager to witness this iconic engineering feat combined with diverse port visits.

Conclusion: Your Next Adventure Awaits with the Inside Travel Talk Podcast

This episode of the Inside Travel Talk podcast is a treasure trove for travel lovers eager to stay ahead of industry trends and uncover exclusive deals. From groundbreaking changes like Southwest’s seat selection to deeply immersive private tours in Rome, and adrenaline-pumping Antarctic expeditions to luxurious cruises through the Panama Canal, the episode ignites wanderlust with timely information and valuable offers.

Listeners gain insider insight into selecting the best flights, understanding evolving travel policies, and booking experiences that create lifelong memories. The emphasis on seasonality—whether whale watching in Cabo or repositioning cruises in the fall—helps travelers optimize their plans for maximum enjoyment.

By weaving expert advice with irresistible travel deals, this travel podcast empowers you to plan your dream getaway affordably and confidently. Tune in, get inspired, and start packing because your next unforgettable journey is just a booking away. Remember to check InsideTravelTalk.com for more episodes and deals, and always live your life intentionally through travel.