Travel has always been about more than simply getting from one place to another. For me, it’s about the experience including the places you discover, the people you meet, the things that surprise you, and occasionally, the things that make you wonder why nobody warned you before you booked.

That’s the reason I created Travels with Captain Jon.

After spending years on the water as a licensed captain and helping people create memorable experiences around Tampa Bay, I’ve developed a pretty simple philosophy: whether you’re spending a few hours on a boat or thousands of dollars on a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, you deserve to know what the experience is actually like.

This site is where I’ll share that perspective as I explore cruise ships, destinations, hotels, resorts, airlines and everything in between.

Why This Site Exists

There is no shortage of travel information online. The problem is figuring out what is genuinely useful, what is marketing, and what actually matters once you arrive.

When I research a trip, I want to know the details: Is the upgraded cabin really worth the extra money? Does the hotel live up to the photos? Is that popular shore excursion actually worth giving up half your day? Which perks are valuable, and which ones just sound good in the brochure?

Those are the questions I want Travels with Captain Jon to answer.

My goal isn’t simply to tell you where I went. I want to share what worked, what didn’t, what I would do differently, and whether I would spend my own money on the experience again.

What You’ll Find Here

Cruise Reviews


Detailed looks at cruise ships, cabins and suites, dining, entertainment, service and the overall experience. I’ll pay particular attention to premium experiences such as MSC Yacht Club, Norwegian’s Haven, Disney Concierge and similar products and whether the upgrade is actually worth the price.

Destinations


Practical destination guides covering ports, cities, beaches, attractions, shore excursions and some of the places you might miss if you only follow the crowds.

Hotels & Resorts


Reviews that go beyond the lobby and promotional photos. I’ll look at rooms, amenities, location, service, value and whether I’d actually stay there again.

Flights & Travel Smarter


Airline experiences, upgrades, loyalty programs, travel gear and strategies I’ve learned along the way to make traveling easier and get more value from the money you’re already spending.

Independent Perspective

One thing that’s important to me is being clear about how something was paid for.

If I pay for a trip, hotel, cruise or product myself, I’ll tell you. If something is provided, discounted or sponsored, I’ll tell you that too.

Either way, the goal remains the same: give you my actual experience, not the version from the brochure.

There will be things I love, things I don’t, and probably a few travel decisions that seemed like a much better idea when I booked them.

That’s part of the adventure.

Where We’re Going Next

Travels with Captain Jon is just getting underway, and there is plenty ahead.

Expect cruise reviews, ship comparisons, destination guides, hotel and resort stays, airline experiences and plenty of practical travel advice along the way.

Some trips will be luxurious. Some will be adventurous. Some will probably provide a good story afterward.

Hopefully, all of them will help you travel a little smarter.

Come Along for the Journey

Whether you’re researching your first cruise, debating an expensive upgrade, planning your next destination or simply looking for inspiration, welcome aboard.

There’s a lot of world left to explore.

Let’s see where this goes.