Norwegian Cruise Line is offering a meaningful way to say thank you to those professions that never truly clock out. First responders show up every day—often in the most challenging moments—to protect, serve, and care for their communities.
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Characters show off their costumes!
Disney Cruise Line: Your Guide to Halloween on the High Seas
Planning a Halloween on the High Seas cruise early isn’t just smart, it’s part of the excitement. This fan-favorite celebration from Disney Cruise Line brings together cozy fall vibes, lighthearted Halloween fun, and just the right amount of Disney magic.
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Kids Sail 50% Off with Disney Cruise Line!
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect excuse to plan a family vacation that everyone will actually be excited about… this is it. 🚢
Read MoreYour Dream Beach Day Starts with Royal Caribbean!
f you’re dreaming of a beach day that goes far beyond the ordinary, it may be time to discover Perfect Day at CocoCay
Read MoreA New Era of Alaska Cruising
One of the most unforgettable vacations you can take is an Alaskan cruise—and the next few years are shaping up to be especially exciting.
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TSA is Launching Alternative for Real ID - For a Fee!
Beginning February 1, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will roll out an alternative identity verification program for travelers who arrive at airport checkpoints without an acceptable REAL ID or passport.
To help cover government-incurred costs, travelers who opt to use this program will be required to pay an additional fee. This fee is set by TSA at $45 and completing the process does not guarantee checkpoint clearance.
At the airport, all travelers without an acceptable ID, including those who present a non-REAL ID-compliant state driver’s license or ID, will be referred to the optional TSA Confirm.ID process for identity verification upon TSA check-in and prior to entering the security line. This process will differ airport to airport, and TSA is working with private industry to proactively offer online payment options prior to arrival at the airport.
Those with acceptable forms of ID, including the following, do NOT have to pay this fee or undergo this process; you will simply present your compliant ID as normal and proceed through security:
If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state Department of Motor Vehicles. NOTE: A temporary driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification.
Acceptable forms of ID include:
State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
U.S. passport or US passport card
DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents (military ID)
Permanent resident card
Border crossing card
An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
HSPD-12 PIV card
Foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
For more information, please refer to the official TSA page.
As always, Upon a Star Travel Agents are committed to monitoring important travel news and policy changes like these—so you can travel with confidence and peace of mind.
Ready to book some travel? We are, too! Just reach out to your favorite Upon a Star Travel advisor or visit us at www.uponastartravel.com and fill out our forms!
Back to Back Cruise Experience! Part 2: Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady
We chose this Virgin Voyages sailing because of the amazing ports. We ported in Saint Maarten, Barbados, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts, and Martinique, with only one full day at sea. Virgin tends to get some of the longest times in port, and we took advantage of that by exploring all these beautiful islands have to offer.
Read MoreBack to Back Cruise Experience! Part 1: Celebrity Xcel
The first cruise I had the pleasure of being on was the inaugural sailing of the Celebrity Xcel. This was only a 4-night preview sailing that ported one night in Cozumel and two full days at sea, but this ship is amazing!
Read MoreCruising Smart: Why Your Passport Should Be Your Plus-One
Lost your wallet in port? Missed the ship after a shore excursion? A passport makes it easier to work with local authorities, check into hotels, or arrange last-minute flights. Without it, you’ll be stuck navigating foreign bureaucracy with far fewer options — and a lot more headaches.
Read MoreBeware: Latest Travel Scam Tactics You Need to Know
Travel scam watch: Protect your vacation plans!
Read MoreWhy Using a Trusted Travel Agent Matters More Than Ever
In a world where one-click bookings and flashy online deals are everywhere, it's easier than ever to fall victim to travel fraud.
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know Before Booking a Cruise Guarantee Cabin
Who should consider a "guaranteed cabin or stateroom"? Easygoing travelers looking for value and who don't mind where they are on the ship are good candidates for this category.
Read MoreRiver Cruise Paris & the Heart of Normandy: Viking versus AmaWaterways
European river cruising is very popular right now. Take a look at some the comparisons between Viking Skaga and AmaWaterways AmaDante sailing similar itineraries.
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Great Stirrup' Cay’s Tides Water Park
Island Upgrades: Norwegian Cruise Line's Great Stirrup Cay Like You’ve Never Seen It
The all-new Great Stirrup Cay is more than an island — it’s a whole new beach experience and it’s coming in 2026!
Read MoreWhere Canals Meet Culture: Exploring Amsterdam
We have visited the city a few times and done completely different activities each time. This time we were traveling with a wide variety of ages (19-92 year olds). We opted to explore the city via an evening canal cruise.
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New Disney Cruise Line Itineraries: September 2026-May 2027
The long-awaited Disney Cruise Line itineraries for fall 2026, and winter-spring 2027 have arrived!
Read MoreHoliday Magic Awaits with Disney Cruise Line: Make Your 2025 Holiday Extra Merry
‘Tis the season for a Very Merrytime sailings on Disney Cruise Line!
Read MoreCruising in Alaska: Choosing your Stateroom!
How to choose your stateroom type for an Alaska cruise.
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AmaWaterways Military Discounts
Two Upon a Star Travel Advisors recently had an opportunity to experience first hand a river cruise on AmaWaterways, and it was absolutely magnificent! (More detailed blog coming soon!) River cruising is so vastly different from an ocean cruise, and even better…AmaWaterways recognizes US Military with some tremendous discounts on select cruises.
There are still many sailings listed for 2025, but there are also some listed for early 2026 and more to come.
What does the military discount get you? 2-for-1 discounts.
Yes, TWO people cruise for the cost of one person. Literally half off the cruise.
AmaWaterways has some great themed cruises, too, to includes locations like the visiting the EuropeansChristmas Markets, beer themed cruises, wine themed cruises, and the ever popular Tulip Time sailings which go see all the spring tulip fields in the Netherlands!
So, how do you book one of these? So easy:
Take a look at the current dates available.
Pick your date.
Email your favorite Upon a Star Travel advisor.
Easy, right?
Here’s the link for existing 2025 & 2026 military discounts for AmaWaterways: 2025 & 2026 Military Discounts AmaWaterwaysAmaWaterways
What if you want a date not currently offered with the deep discount? We can still get you a $250 discount in addition to any other AmaWaterways promotions!
If you’re ready to book a river cruise or have more questions about river cruising, reach out to your favorite Upon a Star Travel Agent or contact us here!
A Treasure of a Cruise: Disney Treasure
The treasure of the Disney Treasure!
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