Miami Vibes, Cruise Hacks, & Italy Dreams
Travel Podcasts
Audio By Carbonatix
Linda returns with the kind of travel assignment we all “volunteer” for: a pre-cruise stay in Miami and a spin on Norwegian Cruise Line’s shiny-new Norwegian Luna. Her first hot take? Go the night before—because modern travel loves chaos, and cushions save vacations.
In Miami, she raves about the InterContinental (near the cruise port): spotless, beautifully decorated, and—plot twist—staffed by people who actually like humans. Club-level breakfast and snacks earn a thumbs-up, and she argues you’ll “pay one way or another,” so you might as well enjoy it.
Getting from the airport is a mini-adventure too: with a crew, kids, and six pieces of luggage, taxis win—lined up, simpler, and cheaper than Uber hassle (especially when rideshare pickup is basically a scavenger hunt).
Onboard the Norwegian Luna, the star is The Haven—a private suite enclave with its own pool, restaurant, and concierge vibe that slices through crowds like a warm knife through cruise-buffet butter. But Linda’s not shy: she’s irritated by constant upcharges, confusing “inclusive” rules (hello, Starbucks fine print), and systems like pending charges that tie up credit. She also notes the concierge service felt more middleman than magician.
Beyond cruising, Kevin plugs their Italy group trip (Rome + Amalfi Coast) timed for late Sept/early Oct—aka shoulder season glory with fewer crowds and comfy weather. Then they hop into the “Revolutionary Destinations” series with Saratoga, NY, framing it as a pivotal historic stop you can still explore today—parks, monuments, charming stays, and a steakhouse worth loosening your belt for. Linda closes with Perillo’s Pointers: know before you go, prep luggage tags properly, prepay bags, and bring essentials so you’re not buying overpriced ship supplies.
