Brad On Board
Easygoing Cruise Reviews, Ship Guides, and Cruise Tips
I help thoughtful cruise travelers choose the right ships, itineraries, and upgrades through honest, no-drama reviews backed by over 35 years of cruising experience, so they can spend their vacation time and money with confidence.
Find me on YouTube
A new video is posted almost every week!
I cover ship reviews, cabin reviews, and practical tips for all cruise lines including NCL, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Celebrity, and more.
MY LATEST ARTICLES
My latest information and cruise travel tips.
ALASKA CRUISE TIPS
Check out my latest information before booking your next Alaksa cruise.
I spent $2,700 per person on an Alaska cruise. Here’s what was worth it, what I’d skip, and where I’d save money next time.
Before booking an Alaska cruise, learn what really matters: itinerary, excursions, weather, cabins, port times, and when to sail.
My honest Holland America Koningsdam Alaska cruise review, including Glacier Bay, food, ship spaces, excursions, cost, and final verdict.
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE (NCL)
Check out my latest reviews of NCL, the ships, and the experiences on board.
NCL Free at Sea sounds simple, but what is actually included? Here’s what you pay for, what you get, and when Free at Sea Plus makes sense.
My honest Norwegian Bliss review, including the Observation Lounge, Waterfront, food, crew, activities, pool decks, and what surprised me most.
My 5-night Norwegian Bliss Mexican Riviera review, including the cabin, food, ship, Cabo, Ensenada, costs, and what surprised me.
I stayed in an NCL Bliss Club Balcony Suite on a Mexican Riviera cruise. Here’s what you get now, what matters most, and if it’s worth it.
My honest Norwegian Getaway review, including food, nightlife, the Waterfront, Vibe Beach Club, solo cabins, and who should book it.
My honest solo cruise review of Norwegian Getaway, including the studio cabin, solo lounge, Nassau, Great Stirrup Cay, food, and cost.
I stayed in a 99-square-foot NCL Solo Studio cabin on Norwegian Getaway. Here’s what worked, what felt tight, and if I’d book it again.
I paid $87 for Vibe Shore Club on NCL’s Great Stirrup Cay. Here’s what’s included, what worked, what didn’t, and if I’d book it again.
See what’s new at NCL’s Great Stirrup Cay, including the pier, pool, food, beaches, bars, excursions, and Vibe Shore Club.
Learn how to complete NCL online check-in, choose the best arrival time, print luggage tags, and breeze through embarkation day with this step-by-step guide.
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Check out my latest reviews of Royal Caribbean, the ships, private islands, and the fun to be had on board.
I visited Royal Caribbean’s Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau. Here’s what worked, what didn’t, and who should book it.
I tried Coco Beach Club at Perfect Day at CocoCay. Here’s what’s included, how it compares to free beaches, and if it’s worth the price.
My honest Explorer of the Seas review, including the cabin, food, CocoCay, Nassau, ship condition, entertainment, and who should book it.
My honest Hideaway Beach at CocoCay review, including the beach, pool, party atmosphere, food, drinks, crowds, price, and whether I’d pay extra again.
I paid $55 for Thrill Waterpark at CocoCay. Here’s what’s included, what costs extra, who it’s best for, and when I’d skip it.
Is a Wonder of the Seas ocean view balcony worth it on a 3 or 4 night cruise? My honest cabin 8292 review and value verdict.
Is 3 nights enough on Wonder of the Seas? My honest review of the ship, balcony cabin, dining, CocoCay, crowds, and what surprised me.
My 5-night Norwegian Bliss Mexican Riviera review, including the cabin, food, ship, Cabo, Ensenada, costs, and what surprised me.
My honest Holland America Koningsdam Alaska cruise review, including Glacier Bay, food, ship spaces, excursions, cost, and final verdict.
My honest Explorer of the Seas review, including the cabin, food, CocoCay, Nassau, ship condition, entertainment, and who should book it.
My honest Norwegian Getaway review, including food, nightlife, the Waterfront, Vibe Beach Club, solo cabins, and who should book it.
Is 3 nights enough on Wonder of the Seas? My honest review of the ship, balcony cabin, dining, CocoCay, crowds, and what surprised me.
Who is Brad?
Welcome aboard!
I’ve been cruising since I was a kid, and over the years I’ve sailed on a huge number of cruises to destinations like the Caribbean, Mexico, Iceland, Alaska, and even along the coast of Norway. I’ve always been fascinated by cruise ships, their sheer size, the floating cities they become, and the feeling of waking up in a new place every morning.
These days, I split my travels between solo adventures and trips with friends. Sometimes I’m exploring ports on my own, and other times I’m sharing the ship with good company, either way, I always find something new and exciting to discover.
Brad On Board is my way of sharing that love of cruising, the ships, the cabins, the food, the ports, and the little moments in between. Whether you’re planning your first sailing or you’re a seasoned cruiser, I hope you’ll find something here to inspire your next trip at sea.







