We're back with Part 2 of the biggest mistakes first-time cruisers make, and this time we're recording from our mobile studio while towing the RV toward Falling Waters State Park in Florida. Because apparently talking cruises while going camping makes perfect sense for PK Adventure Travels.

We get into cruise cabin locations and why the wrong room can make for some sleepless nights, guaranteed cabins, daily planners, hidden areas around the ship, airplane mode, cruise Wi-Fi packages, and several lessons we've learned during more than 20 years of cruising. Then we tackle shore excursions, including when we prefer booking through the cruise line, when we'll use a third party, and why we always give ourselves plenty of time to get back to the ship.

We also talk about cruise loyalty programs and status matching before wrapping things up with a preview of our upcoming conversation about Norwegian Cruise Line. Follow PKAT Chat so you don't miss the next episode—and if you missed Part 1 of our first-time cruiser mistakes, go back and give Season 3, Episode 29 a listen.

Dreaming about an Alaska cruise? In this episode, Ryan and Melinda are joined by Scott from Controversial Cruising to share everything they learned from their Alaska adventures. From choosing the right itinerary and cruise line to the best ports, unforgettable excursions, wildlife encounters, glaciers, and photography tips, this episode is packed with practical advice for first-time and returning Alaska cruisers alike.

The conversation also dives into the differences between roundtrip sailings, one-way cruises, and cruise tours, along with recommendations for White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Glacier viewing, whale watching, and how to capture incredible photos and videos while you're there.

Whether you're planning your first Alaska cruise or simply love hearing cruise stories, this episode will help you get the most out of one of the world's most breathtaking destinations.

Planning your first cruise? In this episode of PKAT Chat, Ryan and Mel share the biggest mistakes they see first-time cruisers make—and several that even experienced cruisers still make.

They discuss when to book your cruise, why flying in the day before is so important, packing mistakes, passports, travel insurance, drink packages, specialty dining reservations, embarkation day tips, ship time versus local time, using the cruise app, and much more. Along the way they also answer viewer questions and share personal stories from their own cruises that prove even seasoned travelers continue learning.

This is Part 1 of the discussion, with Part 2 coming soon!