The Ghost Princess of Baranof Castle

This week on CruiseTipsTV Unplugged, we're diving into your questions straight from our Facebook community! We're talking best balconies on Sun Princess, the cheapest times of year to cruise, Alaska and Europe cruise tips, and a whole lot more. If you've got a cruise coming up, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you plan smarter and cruise better. Don't miss the latest news and updates at www.cruisetipstv.com and come ask your questions LIVE at amazon.com/shop/cruisetipstv and click on the "livestreams" button! Visit us on AmazonLive! https://www.amazon.com/live/cruisetipstv

In Haines, Alaska, the wilderness doesn't just surround you… it watches. In this episode of CruiseTipsTV Unplugged: Alaska Lore & Legends, we explore the story of the Kushtaka, a shape-shifting presence said to mimic human voices and lure people into the forest. When a routine walk along the Chilkat River takes an unexpected turn, the line between explanation and something more begins to blur. Because in Southeast Alaska… not every voice is meant to be followed. In this episode, we explore how those stories connect to a modern-day experience in Haines, where the environment, the legend, and one unsettling moment begin to overlap. This episode is a narrative exploration of Alaska's history, culture, and folklore, based on publicly available historical records, oral traditions, and multiple secondary sources. Details are presented for educational and storytelling purposes and may reflect differing historical interpretations. Legends and traditional stories are shared respectfully and in context. This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any historical institution, cultural group, or cruise line. Follow and chat with us live on AmazonLive! at https://www.amazon.com/live/cruisetipstv

Haines feels peaceful. Calm. Almost untouched. But spend enough time here, and you'll start to notice something else… A quiet imbalance. A subtle absence. A town that nearly slipped away. Haines, Alaska is still here. But it came closer than you think to becoming a place people only remember. This episode is a narrative exploration of Alaska's history, culture, and folklore, based on publicly available historical records, oral traditions, and multiple secondary sources. Details are presented for educational and storytelling purposes and may reflect differing historical interpretations. Legends and traditional stories are shared respectfully and in context. This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any historical institution, cultural group, or cruise line. Follow and chat with us live on AmazonLive! at https://www.amazon.com/live/cruisetipstv

Thinking about a Disney cruise but not sure which ship to choose? In this episode of CruiseTipsTV Unplugged, we're joined by Sam and Brian from the DCL Duo to break down the different classes of Disney Cruise Line ships—and what makes each one unique. We cover the Magic, Dream, and Wish classes, how the onboard experience has evolved over time, and who each ship is really best for. Plus, we dive into Disney Cruise Line's newest and most unique addition, Disney Adventure, and what it could mean for the future of Disney cruising. Whether you're planning your first Disney cruise or trying to decide which ship to book next, this episode will help you choose with confidence. ✨ In this episode: Differences between Disney ship classes  Which ships are best for families, adults, and first-timers  What makes the Wish class so different • A look at Disney Treasure and what's new  Disney Adventure explained (and why it's unlike anything else)  The future of Disney Cruise Line  Visit us on AmazonLive! https://www.amazon.com/live/cruisetipstv

A fire. A figure in the window. And a legend that refused to disappear. Long before Sitka became a cruise destination, a castle stood above the harbor. Inside, a tragic love story ended in mystery… but did it truly end?  This episode is a narrative exploration of Alaska's history, culture, and folklore, based on publicly available historical records, oral traditions, and multiple secondary sources. Details are presented for educational and storytelling purposes and may reflect differing historical interpretations. Legends and traditional stories are shared respectfully and in context. This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any historical institution, cultural group, or cruise line. Follow and chat with us live on AmazonLive! at https://www.amazon.com/live/cruisetipstv

In Part 2 of our New Zealand cruise series, we take a deep dive into our experience sailing aboard the beautiful Discovery Princess. We're sharing a full ship review, including our thoughts on the cabins, dining, entertainment, and overall vibe of the ship after spending 8 nights onboard. From buffet favorites to specialty dining highlights, we'll talk about what impressed us—and what didn't. We also tackle a big travel question: Is New Zealand best experienced by cruise ship? While cruising offers incredible scenic sail-ins and the convenience of visiting multiple ports without unpacking, New Zealand is also a destination famous for its inland adventures and road-trip culture. We break down the pros and cons of visiting New Zealand by cruise, including what you'll see from the coast—and what you might miss by not exploring deeper inland. I n this episode we cover: Our full Discovery Princess ship review Cabin comfort and layout Food highlights and dining surprises What the ship does really well The biggest advantages of cruising New Zealand Why some travelers may prefer exploring the country by land If you're considering a New Zealand cruise—or wondering how Discovery Princess stacks up—this episode will help you decide. Visit us on AmazonLive! https://www.amazon.com/live/cruisetipstv

A legendary saloon. A piano that defined the room. And a performer some say never truly left. This is the haunting story of Professor Phineas Poon. This episode is a narrative exploration of Alaska's history, culture, and folklore, based on publicly available historical records, oral traditions, and multiple secondary sources. Details are presented for educational and storytelling purposes and may reflect differing historical interpretations. Legends and traditional stories are shared respectfully and in context. This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any historical institution, cultural group, or cruise line. Follow and chat with us live on AmazonLive! at https://www.amazon.com/live/cruisetipstv

What does it really take to reach Pinnacle — the highest loyalty tier in Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society? In today's episode, I'm joined by Joyce, one of our most dedicated Royal Caribbean cruisers, who just achieved Pinnacle status — a milestone that very few cruisers ever reach. We're breaking down: What Pinnacle status actually includes How many cruise points (and sea days) it takes to get there How long she's been sailing with Royal Caribbean The perks that truly make a difference Whether chasing loyalty status is worth it Smart strategies for cruisers who want to climb the tiers faster If you've ever wondered whether loyalty really pays off — or if Pinnacle feels completely out of reach — this episode will give you clarity, insight, and maybe even a little motivation for your next sailing. Whether you're brand new to Royal Caribbean or already climbing the loyalty ladder, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what the top tier actually looks like. Visit us on AmazonLive! https://www.amazon.com/live/cruisetipstv

This episode is a narrative exploration of Alaska's history, culture, and folklore, based on publicly available historical records, oral traditions, and multiple secondary sources. Details are presented for educational and storytelling purposes and may reflect differing historical interpretations. Legends and traditional stories are shared respectfully and in context. This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any historical institution, cultural group, or cruise line. Follow and chat with us live on AmazonLive! at https://www.amazon.com/live/cruisetipstv

This special episode is a narrative exploration of Alaska's history, culture, and folklore, based on publicly available historical records, oral traditions, and multiple secondary sources. Details are presented for educational and storytelling purposes and may reflect differing historical interpretations. Legends and traditional stories are shared respectfully and in context. This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any historical institution, cultural group, or cruise line. Follow and chat with us live on AmazonLive! at https://www.amazon.com/live/cruisetipstv