My love affair with cruising began in July 2008 aboard Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas, and I haven't looked back since. What started as a single Mexico voyage out of Los Angeles quickly turned into a passion that has taken me — alongside my partner, Peggy — on 43 cruises across more than 300 nights at sea and counting.

Over the past 17 years, I've sailed with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Voyages, MSC Cruises (including the ultra-luxurious Yacht Club), Norwegian Cruise Line, and Margaritaville at Sea. Whether I'm in a standard cabin or a sprawling suite with the best balcony at sea, I'm happiest when I'm on the water.

The Caribbean is my home away from home. I've explored its ports from nearly every angle — from the turquoise beaches of Aruba and the Dutch charm of Curaçao to Royal Caribbean's private paradise at CoCo Cay and the legendary beach bars of St. Maarten. I have strong opinions on the best beach clubs in Cozumel (Nachi Cocom is a gem), the perfect cabana setup at Labadee, and exactly where to find the most amazing all-inclusive lunch on the Yucatán coast.

But my cruising life extends well beyond the tropics. I've sailed Alaska four times, each time in awe of Hubbard Glacier, the whales off Icy Strait Point, and the breathtaking scenery of the Inside Passage. In 2018, I spent 12 nights exploring the British Isles — from the castles of Edinburgh and the pubs of Dublin to the Channel Islands and the white cliffs of Dover. In 2023, a 14-night European voyage took me through Lisbon, Barcelona, the French Riviera, Rome, Vatican City, Naples, Pompeii, and Gibraltar. I've even cruised to Havana, Cuba, one of the most unforgettable ports I've ever visited.

I approach every port the same way: with curiosity and an appetite — literally. I seek out great local food (the seafood in San Juan, the rum and chocolate in Belize, the tapas in Gibraltar), meaningful cultural experiences (Chichen Itza, the Loch Ness Highlands, the Roman Forum), and outdoor adventures that make each destination come alive. I've snorkeled WWII shipwrecks in Aruba, zip-lined over rainforests in Alaska, watched humpback whales bubble-net feed off Icy Strait, and climbed Dunns River Falls in Jamaica.

I've also learned — sometimes the hard way — what separates a great excursion from a mediocre one, and I'm happy to share that hard-won wisdom with fellow travelers. Before cruising became a lifestyle, I spent nearly 30 years teaching high school mathematics. It was a career built on patience, clear communication, and the genuine joy of helping people understand something new. When COVID fundamentally changed the classroom experience, I made the decision to retire in 2024 — and I haven't slowed down for a moment since.

Peggy and I sold our house and relocated to Kissimmee, Florida, where I am now perfectly positioned to live my best travel life. I hold annual passes to Walt Disney World and visit the parks frequently. Epcot is a particular favorite — I love exploring the World Showcase and immersing myself in every festival the park has to offer throughout the year. Animal Kingdom satisfies the nature lover in me with its remarkable zoo-like experience, Hollywood Studios delivers the magic of Star Wars and spectacular entertainment, and Magic Kingdom? It never gets old. I've also made the trip to Disneyland more than ten times over the decades.

My Kissimmee home also happens to be a cruise traveler's dream location: one hour from the Port of Tampa, one hour from Port Canaveral, just 30 minutes from Orlando International Airport (MCO), and a relaxing 3.5-hour train ride from the Miami and Fort Lauderdale cruise ports. There is no off-season here — just the next departure.

Now I'm channeling a lifetime of teaching into a new calling: helping fellow travelers plan extraordinary trips. Whether you're a first-time cruiser trying to figure out which ship is right for you, or a seasoned sailor looking to explore a new cruise line or itinerary, I bring real experience, honest advice, and a deep love of the journey to every conversation.

Whether you're planning your first cruise or your forty-third, I believe every voyage should leave you with stories worth telling. I'd love to help you find yours.