Planning your next vacation just got more exciting. In this week’s episode of Inside Travel Talk, Patrick Wiscombe and Mark Faldmo share insider travel deals, cruise news, and destination insights that will help you save big and travel smarter. From a Fiji getaway that saves you $550 per person to Celebrity Cruises’ new river cruise ships selling out in six minutes, this episode is packed with travel wisdom. You’ll also hear about airline route changes, boarding practices, Alaska land and cruise tours, and an exclusive 40% off Princess Cruises deal.

This show is perfect for travelers who want expert advice and timely deals. Get ready to feel inspired, informed, and motivated to plan your next adventure.

On this Week’s Episode

• Saving $550 on Fiji vacation packages including four-star and luxury resorts
• American Airlines launching a new Miami–Bimini route
• United Airlines expanding service and competing with Spirit Airlines
• Frontier Airlines eliminating jet bridges to cut costs
• Celebrity Cruises selling out an entire river cruise ship in just six minutes
• Carnival Cruise Line introducing a zero-proof drink package
• Royal Caribbean charging no-show fees for specialty dining
• Planning Princess Alaska cruise and land tours with Denali and Mount McKinley lodges
• The Travel Deal of the Week: Fiji packages with Fiji Airways
• The Cruise Deal of the Week: 40% off Princess Cruises and free guests

Segment 1: Airline and Vacation News

Save $550 on Your Next Fiji Vacation

The highlight of this week’s travel deals is an incredible offer on Fiji. With airfare from Los Angeles starting at just $749 round-trip on Fiji Airways, you can enjoy packages at four-star hotels starting at $1,099 per person. Even the upscale Sheraton Fiji Golf and Spa Resort comes in at only $1,349 per person.

These deals include flights, luxury accommodations, and the chance to split your time between the main island and outer Mamanuku Islands. Imagine staying in boutique-style island resorts where the beach feels private, or enjoying small-ship cruises around Fiji’s turquoise waters. Fiji offers authentic culture, warm hospitality, and a tropical experience beyond the crowds of Hawaii.

Main Focus: The Travel Deal of the Week
The Fiji promotion is the deal of the week for a reason. With savings of up to $550, travelers can stretch their budget while upgrading their experience. Whether you want a preset package or a customized multi-island escape, now is the time to consider Fiji. Fewer tourists, beautiful resorts, and friendly locals make Fiji one of the best values in luxury travel right now.

American Airlines Launches Miami–Bimini Route

American Airlines is adding a new route from Miami to Bimini, starting February 14. The flight will operate three times weekly and is just 64 miles long, making it the airline’s shortest international route.

Bimini is already popular for its stunning beaches and luxury beach clubs. While ferries have traditionally served the route, direct flights will make the island more accessible than ever.

Main Focus: Accessibility to Hidden Paradises
This new connection positions Bimini as a top weekend escape. Travelers from Miami and beyond can enjoy faster access to a Caribbean paradise, with smooth transfers from the U.S. mainland.

United Expands as Spirit Shrinks

United Airlines is seizing opportunities where Spirit Airlines is retreating. With Spirit pulling out of multiple U.S. cities, United plans to increase service on 16–18 routes starting January.

Main Focus: Competitive Travel Markets
United’s expansion means more options and stability for travelers who might otherwise face reduced service. It also signals the competitive nature of budget air travel, where legacy carriers step in to fill gaps left by ultra-low-cost airlines.

Frontier Eliminates Jet Bridges

Frontier Airlines is cutting costs by eliminating jet bridges. Passengers now board via stairs at both the front and back of aircraft, even in snowy Denver. While this may speed up boarding, it may also test passengers’ patience in bad weather.

Main Focus: Budget Airline Efficiency
Frontier’s decision underscores the trade-offs of low-cost travel. Faster loading, lower costs, but less comfort. For budget-conscious travelers, this might be worth it—but those seeking convenience may prefer other carriers.

Segment 2: Cruise News and Deals

Celebrity Cruises Sells Out River Ship in Six Minutes

Celebrity Cruises shocked the industry by selling out their first-ever river cruise ship in just six minutes. Guests placed $500 deposits without knowing the ship’s name or full itinerary. Later, Celebrity announced two new ships: the Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker, sailing the Rhine and Danube.

The ships will include luxury features like a cantilever dining pod offering 360-degree river views, king-bed staterooms with balconies, and butler service in suites.

Main Focus: Innovation in River Cruising
This launch redefines river cruising by blending Celebrity’s signature Edge-class design with intimate river itineraries. It proves the demand for innovative, luxury cruising experiences is stronger than ever.

Carnival’s Zero-Proof Drink Package

Carnival Cruise Line introduced its Cheers! Zero Proof Package, expanding beyond soda to include alcohol-free cocktails and mocktails. This fills the gap between basic soda packages and full alcoholic drink packages.

Main Focus: Inclusive Cruising Options
This move shows cruise lines are adapting to non-drinkers and wellness travelers. Everyone can enjoy festive drinks and feel part of the onboard fun.

Royal Caribbean No-Show Dining Fees

Royal Caribbean is cracking down on missed specialty dining reservations. Guests who skip a reservation will be charged up to $50 per person, even if they already paid.

Main Focus: Encouraging Guest Commitment
This policy ensures dining venues operate efficiently and discourages last-minute cancellations. Travelers should plan carefully before booking specialty dining on their cruise.

Planning Princess Alaska Cruise and Land Tours

One listener asked about Princess Cruises’ Alaska cruise tours that combine seven-day sailings with land packages. Options include visits to Denali and Mount McKinley lodges, with different tour styles ranging from independent to fully guided.

Princess owns and operates five wilderness lodges in Alaska, including the Denali Princess Lodge and Copper River Lodge. Tours can range from three to ten days and include transportation by rail, bus, or a mix of both.

Main Focus: The Best Way to See Alaska
The recommended Denali Explorer Tour (IA5) combines rail and bus travel, lodge stays, and guided excursions. Ending in Fairbanks allows travelers to enjoy iconic experiences like Denali and paddlewheel river tours. With 2026–2027 itineraries already open, now is the time to plan.

See all Alaska Cruise Deals.

Cruise Deal of the Week: 40% Off Princess Cruises

The cruise deal of the week is massive: 40% off Princess Cruises and free third and fourth guests for select sailings. This offer applies worldwide but is especially valuable for Alaska itineraries.

For example, the IA5 Denali Explorer Tour starts at $2,099 per person in 2026 and $2,559 in 2027. Balcony upgrades run around $600–$700 more per person.

Main Focus: Once-in-a-Lifetime Alaska Savings
This is one of the best Alaska offers available. With Princess’ direct-to-wilderness rail service, guided tours, and wilderness lodges, it’s a chance to see Alaska in style while saving big.

Conclusion: Why This Week’s Episode Matters

This episode of Inside Travel Talk shows why working with trusted advisors matters. From a $550 Fiji vacation savings to 40% off Princess Cruises, the deals discussed this week are game-changers. Add to that the latest airline routes, cruise industry innovations, and expert advice on Alaska land tours, and travelers walk away with both inspiration and practical planning tools.

Two themes stand out: value and innovation. Airlines are adjusting to compete, cruise lines are creating new experiences, and destinations like Fiji are offering unbeatable packages. Meanwhile, Princess Cruises continues to set the standard for Alaska adventures.

Whether you dream of sipping a mocktail while cruising Europe’s rivers, relaxing on a private Fijian beach, or gazing at Denali from a Princess lodge, this episode proves that incredible travel is within reach. Deals are time-sensitive, but the memories will last forever.

Now is the time to plan intentionally, live deliberately, and embrace the adventures that await.

Related Links: Cruise Shore Excursions, Discover the Majic of Fiji – Blog Post