This week on the Inside Travel Talk, hosts Patrick Wiscombe and Mark Faldmo explore smarter ways to travel, cruise better, and save more. The episode covers Southwest Airlines’ premium shift, cruise updates that affect itineraries, and a deep dive into Norway travel planning and Norway’s legendary fjords. Along the way, listeners learn about crowd control at Rome’s Trevi Fountain and why longer Alaska cruises are trending. Most importantly, the show delivers timely value with the Travel Deal of the Week and Cruise Deal of the Week. If you want inspiration plus expert strategy, this episode delivers.

On This Week’s Episode

• 

  Flam Norway from the Flam Railroad

  Southwest Airlines introduces lounges and expands Hawaii access
• Rome’s Trevi Fountain implements peak-time entry fees
• Norway travel planning: best times, fjords, and iconic experiences
• What to do in Oslo, including museums, waterfronts, and scenic rail
• Travel Deal of the Week: Blue Planet Vacations January Sale
• Cruise industry updates affecting Mediterranean itineraries
• Great Stirrup Cay pier opens for Norwegian Cruise Line
• Cruise Deal of the Week: Long Alaska cruises, including 10–16 nights
• AlaskaCruiseGuru.com launches as a dedicated Alaska resource

Segment 1: Travel News, Norway Travel Planning, and the Travel Deal of the Week

Southwest Airlines Gets “Fancy”

Southwest Airlines is changing, and travelers should pay attention. The airline confirmed assigned seating and announced airport lounges. This marks a strategic shift toward premium travelers. The first lounge opens in Honolulu, signaling stronger Hawaii demand.

Additionally, Southwest will begin flying from Las Vegas to Hilo on the Big Island. This route improves access to eastern Hawaii. Hilo is greener, quieter, and closer to waterfalls and volcanoes. For travelers seeking value and authenticity, this route matters.

Rome’s Trevi Fountain Introduces Crowd Controls

Rome remains one of Europe’s most popular destinations. However, overtourism requires management. Beginning February 1, visitors may pay a two-euro fee during peak hours to access the Trevi Fountain viewing area.

The policy improves crowd flow and visitor experience. Importantly, evening visits may remain free. Savvy travelers can plan timing to avoid fees. This is a reminder that destination management is evolving worldwide.

Why Norway Continues to Top Travel Lists

Norway consistently ranks among the world’s most breathtaking destinations. According to Mark Faldmo, it may be his favorite country to visit. The appeal starts with the fjords. Towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and mirror-like waters define the landscape.

Timing matters in Norway travel planning. June through August offers long daylight and peak fjord cruising. October through March delivers northern lights. Meanwhile, May and September provide fewer crowds and better value. Late May stands out due to snowmelt waterfalls.

Experiencing the Norwegian Fjords

The fjords are Norway’s crown jewel. No other place offers this scale and intimacy. Ships glide so close to waterfalls that mist reaches the decks. Every turn reveals dramatic scenery.

Travelers can explore fjords by cruise, rail, or ferry. Hurtigruten offers coastal voyages from Bergen to northern Norway. Rail journeys like the Bergen Line connect Oslo and Bergen with panoramic views.

The midnight sun adds magic. Above the Arctic Circle, summer nights glow. Swimming at 1 a.m. under sunlight is unforgettable. This phenomenon alone justifies the trip.

What to Do in Oslo

Oslo serves as a gateway for many Norwegian journeys. The city blends modern design with Viking heritage. Highlights include the Opera House, where visitors walk the roof for fjord views.

The Vigeland Sculpture Park features over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. It is open-air and deeply expressive. History lovers should explore Viking heritage. While the Viking Ship Museum is under renovation, the Fram Museum offers polar exploration stories aboard a legendary ship.

The Norwegian Folk Museum showcases traditional buildings and stave churches. For a condensed adventure, “Norway in a Nutshell” combines rail, ferry, and fjord cruising in one seamless experience.

Travel Deal of the Week: Blue Planet Vacations January Sale

Every January brings exceptional value, and Blue Planet Vacations adds even more. This annual January Sale stacks on top of existing supplier promotions.

Travelers receive an additional $50 off cruises of seven nights or longer. Vacation packages of five nights or more also qualify. These savings stack with offers like Delta Vacations discounts.

January remains the best booking month. Inventory is high. Promotions are aggressive. Deposits secure space without full payment. For travelers planning 2026 trips, this timing is ideal.

Segment 2: Cruise News, Great Stirrup Cay, and the Cruise Deal of the Week

Great Stirrup Cay Finally Gets a Pier

Cruise fans celebrate major news from Norwegian Cruise Line. Great Stirrup Cay now has a pier. Previously, tender boats created cancellations during rough seas.

With the pier open, ships dock directly. This improves reliability and guest comfort. Great Stirrup Cay holds historical significance. Norwegian purchased it in 1977, pioneering private island cruising.

Today, nearly every major cruise line follows that model. The pier ensures more consistent access to one of the Caribbean’s most beloved private destinations.

Mediterranean Cruise Changes on the French Riviera

New regulations affect Western Mediterranean itineraries. Ports like Nice, Monaco, and Villefranche-sur-Mer now cap daily cruise passengers. Limits average 2,000 daily with a maximum of 3,000.

Larger ships may skip these ports. Smaller ships gain advantage. While crowd control improves local experience, economic impacts remain uncertain. Travelers should consult advisors to understand itinerary adjustments.

Cruise Deal of the Week: Longer Alaska Cruises

Alaska rewards slow travel. Many guests wish they had more time. This week’s Cruise Deal of the Week answers that request with longer Alaska itineraries.

Ten-day Norwegian sailings from Seattle visit Ketchikan, Sitka, Icy Strait, Hubbard Glacier, Skagway, Juneau, and Victoria. June departures with balcony cabins around $2,099 offer strong value.

An 11-day Cunard sailing on Queen Elizabeth adds Glacier Bay. Inside cabins start near $1,499, which is remarkable for that itinerary.

Virgin Voyages debuts in Alaska with a 12-day sailing aboard the Brilliant Lady. This adults-only option includes Hubbard Glacier and unique ports. Pricing reflects premium positioning.

The standout option is a 16-day Alaska-to-Hawaii cruise on Norwegian Spirit. Guests experience Alaska, then sail south to Kauai, Maui, Honolulu, and Hilo. Starting prices near $1,709 deliver exceptional value per night. See more Alaska Cruise Deals Here.

AlaskaCruiseGuru.com: A New Alaska Resource

Blue Planet Vacations launched Alaska Cruise Guru to serve Alaska-focused travelers. The site curates deals, explains itineraries, and simplifies planning.

For travelers comparing ships, routes, and seasons, this niche authority saves time. Longer cruises, glacier access, and port comparisons receive special focus.

Conclusion

This episode of Inside Travel Talk proves why the show remains a trusted voice in travel planning. It balances inspiration with actionable strategy. Listeners learn where travel is changing and how to adapt.

Norway’s fjords remind us why Norway travel inspires awe. Cruise updates show how infrastructure improves experiences. Meanwhile, January deals highlight the value of expert guidance.

The Travel Deal of the Week and Cruise Deal of the Week reinforce one truth. Planning early with the right advisor saves money and improves trips. Whether you dream of fjords, private islands, or extended Alaska voyages, this episode delivers clarity.