My 2025 Travel Awards
This year I’ve decided to hand out a few very unofficial travel awards. These are the moments/amenities/features that made my trips memorable.
These aren’t based on surveys, sponsorships, or how trendy something is. They’re based on my own travels, my taste buds, and the little moments that stick with me long after I unpack my suitcase.
Some of these experiences happened a year or so ago, some more recently—but all of them have earned their place on this list. Think of this as travel advice from a friend who pays attention to the details. And since travel is personal, I’d love for you to agree, disagree, or add your own favorites along the way.
Here we go…
🧴 Best Toiletries
Avalon Waterways
One of those little travel details that makes a big difference? The cabins on Avalon Waterways come stocked with L’Occitane toiletries from France, and I genuinely look forward to using them. L’Occitane is a brand inspired by the Provence region, famous for using high-quality, natural ingredients—lavender, shea butter, almond, and more—crafted into luxurious soaps, shampoos, and lotions. Everything smells amazing, feels indulgent, and makes your cabin feel just a little more like a five-star hotel.
I’ve actually gone so far as to purchase these products for home use—my one and only vacation-inspired toiletry splurge—because I enjoyed them so much while traveling. It’s such a small detail, but it’s the kind of experience that sticks with me long after I’ve unpacked my suitcase.
🎶 Best Night Club
B.B. King’s Blues Club – Holland America Line
If you’re sailing Holland America, you might not expect to find a truly hip nightspot—but B.B. King’s Blues Club shatters that assumption. The live music here is consistently fantastic, featuring talented musicians who make every set feel like a private concert.
The drinks are top-notch, the service is friendly and attentive, and the whole vibe is energetic without being overwhelming. It’s the kind of place where you can relax with a perfectly crafted cocktail, tap your toes to the music, and realize that yes, Holland America can be unexpectedly cool. For me, it’s hands-down the best place to spend an evening at sea.
🛏️ Best Cabin Layout
Avalon Waterways
Avalon cabins are thoughtfully designed to feel spacious, bright, and incredibly comfortable—especially their Panorama Suites. The layout makes it easy to relax, move around, and actually enjoy spending time in your cabin, which is something I really appreciate on a river cruise where your cabin is your home base.
One of my favorite little touches is their towels. Each cabin comes with two colors—brown and white—so you always know whose towel is whose. It’s such a simple detail, but it makes daily routines easier and adds a touch of care that feels personal. Pair that with clever storage, well-placed lighting, and a bathroom that’s functional and roomy, and you can see why Avalon wins this category hands down.
Their Panorama Suites completely change how a river cruise cabin feels.
🏛️ Weirdest Museum
Tolbooth Museum – Stonehaven, Scotland
This small, quirky museum is housed in a former jail, and walking through it is equal parts fascinating and a little unsettling. From old cells to historical artifacts that feel oddly personal, it’s not your typical museum experience—and that’s exactly why it sticks in my memory.
After our visit, a group of us ended up at the local pub, enjoying a Pimm’s & lemonade and swapping stories about what we’d just seen. It was one of those moments where the weirdness of a place blends perfectly with the charm of local life—a little offbeat, a little memorable, and completely worth it.
🚻 Best Rest Stop
The Green Welly – Scotland
Not all rest stops are created equal, and The Green Welly is proof. This spot is more than just a place to stretch your legs—it’s a mini destination in itself. The food is tasty, the facilities are clean, and the shop is full of local goodies that make wandering through it almost as fun as the drive to get there.
I loved browsing the selection, picking up treats (Scottish Shortbread–YUM!!!!) and little souvenirs along the way. It’s exactly the kind of stop that turns a simple break into a memorable part of your journey—a place where you want to linger instead of just refuel.
🍽️ Best Overall Dining Experience
Disney Cruise Line – Rotational Dining
Disney Cruise Line’s rotational dining continues to stand out, especially on their newer ships where dinner becomes part of the entertainment. Experiences like Frozen, Marvel, and other themed dining nights blend storytelling, music, and atmosphere right into the meal, making dinner feel like an event rather than just a reservation.
What I appreciate most is how seamless it all feels. You keep the same service team throughout the cruise, the food is consistently good, and the added entertainment enhances the experience without overpowering it. It’s fun, well-paced, and thoughtfully done—one of those dining experiences that people talk about long after the cruise is over.
🍹 Best Tropical Drink
Sandals Resorts – Jamaican Smile
There’s something about sipping a Jamaican Smile at Sandals that instantly puts you in vacation mode. It’s tropical, refreshing, and perfectly balanced—not too sweet, not too strong. Enjoyed poolside or with your toes in the sand, it’s one of those drinks that becomes part of the memory of the trip itself. Every time I think about it, I’m right back in Jamaica.
🍳 Best Eggs Benedict
Avalon Waterways
I love Eggs Benedict, and I don’t say that lightly. I order it whenever I see it on a menu, which makes me pretty picky about a good one. Avalon Waterways consistently gets it right, and I think the secret is in the ingredients. They use fresh, farm-raised eggs, and you can spot the difference immediately in those rich, orange-y yolks.
Perfectly poached eggs, a silky hollandaise, and freshly-baked English muffins all come together to make this one truly sublime. It’s the kind of breakfast that makes you slow down, sip your English Breakfast Tea, and appreciate the moment—exactly what vacation mornings should feel like.
🎢 Best Roller Coaster
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – EPCOT
This ride is pure joy. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is smooth, thrilling, and incredibly fun without being intimidating. The music, the motion, and the storytelling all come together in a way that makes you want to ride it again the moment you step off. It’s one of those attractions where everyone exits smiling—and in my book, that’s the mark of a great coaster.
🌅 Best Sunset
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa (Hawaii)
Sunsets at Aulani are incredibly peaceful, and that’s what makes them so special. As the sun dips toward the ocean, the resort often features live Hawaiian music that gently fills the air, enhancing the moment without ever taking it over. It encourages you to slow down, sit still, and really take it all in.
What I love most about Aulani is how authentic it feels. It truly feels like Hawaii—not a “Disney version” of Hawaii. The culture, the atmosphere, and the respect for the setting all come through, making those sunset moments feel genuine, calming, and deeply memorable. It’s the kind of experience that stays with you long after the sky fades to dark.
🚿 Best Shower at Sea
Pinnacle Class Ships – Holland America Line
A good shower can make or break a cruise day, and the Pinnacle Class ships of Holland America absolutely get it right. The water pressure is excellent, the showers are a good size, and there are glass doors instead of clingy curtains—which instantly earns bonus points in my book.
I also appreciate the simple, easy-to-understand faucets. It sounds minor, but I’ve stayed in hotels where turning on the water felt like solving a puzzle, and that’s never an issue here. Add in quality Elemis toiletries (very good, even if they don’t quite top L’Occitane), and you’ve got a shower that feels comfortable, functional, and genuinely enjoyable—exactly what you want at sea.
🎭 Best Production Shows
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line consistently delivers some of the best production shows at sea, thanks to incredibly talented casts and thoughtfully staged performances. The shows do a wonderful job of retelling classic Disney stories in a way that feels polished, engaging, and enjoyable for adults—not just kids. The vocals, choreography, and production value are genuinely impressive.
One standout is Believe, Disney Cruise Line’s award-winning production that traditionally closes out the cruise on several of their ships. It’s heartfelt, beautifully produced, and the kind of show that leaves the theater buzzing as everyone heads out for the evening. It’s a perfect finale and a reminder of why Disney’s storytelling continues to resonate at every age.
🕯️ Best Dark Ride
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment – Universal Epic Universe
This attraction is a standout for anyone who loves immersive storytelling, and it earns its award for the incredible level of detail throughout the ride. Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment pulls you into the world of Universal’s classic monsters with dramatic sets, eerie lighting, and some of the most impressive animatronics I’ve seen. The characters are fluid, expressive, and surprisingly lifelike, which makes the experience feel intense in the best possible way.
The ride strikes a great balance between atmosphere and thrills—dark, moody, and suspenseful without crossing into over-the-top scary. It’s the kind of attraction that stays with you long after you exit, and a clear example of how Epic Universe raises the bar when it comes to themed attractions.
🍝 Best Specialty Dining
Tie: Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria (Princess Cruises) & Pinnacle Grill (Holland America Line)
Sabatini’s and Pinnacle Grill may offer very different dining experiences, but both consistently deliver meals that feel special—and that’s why this category is a tie. Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria on Princess Cruises is warm, comforting, and familiar in the best way. The menu focuses on classic Italian dishes, generous portions, and flavors that feel homemade rather than fussy. It’s the kind of place where you linger, enjoy good conversation, and leave very satisfied.
Pinnacle Grill, on the other hand, is Holland America’s refined steakhouse experience. From beautifully prepared steaks and seafood to polished service and a more intimate atmosphere, it’s ideal for a celebratory evening on board. Both restaurants excel at what they do, and choosing between them feels impossible—so I won’t.
🍴 Best Food (Overall)
Tie: Virgin Voyages & Holland America Line
This category was an easy tie because Virgin Voyages and Holland America approach food very differently—and both do it exceptionally well. Virgin Voyages doesn’t have a traditional main dining room. Instead, all of their specialty restaurants are included, which gives dining a relaxed, restaurant-hopping feel throughout the cruise. Even their “buffet” breaks the mold—it’s more of an upscale food hall, with made-to-order dishes and fresh options rather than long lines and steam tables. Everything feels intentional and modern.
Holland America shines in a more classic way. The service is attentive without being fussy, and the quality is consistently high across the ship. Their bread and desserts are standouts—warm, comforting, and beautifully done. I also appreciate that in the buffet, much of the food is served by the crew rather than self-serve, which keeps things orderly, fresh, and a bit more refined. Two very different styles, both delivering food experiences that I genuinely look forward to.
🥧 Best Apple Pie
Grand Dutch Café – Holland America Line (Pinnacle Class)
The apple pie at the Grand Dutch Café on Holland America’s Pinnacle Class ships is everything I want in a cruise dessert. It’s a deep-dish pie that’s rich and satisfying without being overly sweet, with apples that are perfectly baked and still have great texture—not mushy or overcooked.
It’s served at room temperature, which somehow makes it even better, letting all the flavors really shine. I don’t say this lightly: I genuinely crave this pie. It’s one of those small, unexpected food moments that ends up being one of the most memorable parts of the entire cruise.
🌽 Best Side Dish
Esquites (Grilled Corn) at Pink Agave – Virgin Voyages
At Pink Agave on Virgin Voyages, the Esquites—a grilled Mexican‑style corn with spicy aioli and lime—is not just a side, it’s a star. This version features smoky, perfectly grilled kernels tossed with a bright, tangy aioli and a squeeze of fresh lime that keeps the flavors lively and vivid.
I’m not exaggerating when I say I’d book a cruise just to eat this dish again. It’s the kind of simple thing done so well—balanced, flavorful, and just the right texture—that it becomes one of the memories you bring home with you long after the trip ends.
🥃 Best Old Fashioned
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages knows how to do cocktails right, and their Old Fashioned is a standout. Perfectly balanced, expertly mixed, and served with an incredible black cherry garnish that adds just the right touch of sweetness and depth. My tip? Don’t be shy—ask for extra cherries!
It’s the kind of drink that makes you slow down, savor the moment, and appreciate the craft behind a cocktail. Smooth, flavorful, and memorable, this Old Fashioned is exactly what you hope for when you order a classic at sea.
🚂 Best Shore Excursion
White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad – Skagway, Alaska
If there’s one shore excursion I always recommend in Skagway—regardless of cruise line—it’s the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. This historic narrow‑gauge railway was built during the Klondike Gold Rush and still climbs up from sea level into the mountains, tracing the route early prospectors used more than a century ago. Along the way you’ll pass waterfalls, gorges, tunnels, and sweeping mountain panoramas that make the beauty of Southeast Alaska feel all the more real.
There are a few different options, but many excursions include a scenic ride up to the summit and into Canada. If your tour crosses the border and allows you to disembark in British Columbia or the Yukon, you’ll need your passport for the brief entry into Canada and return to the U.S.A.
This ride isn’t just transportation—it’s storytelling. You get to relax in vintage‑style passenger coaches while guides share history and point out sights, and the scenery itself tells the story of Alaska’s rugged frontier. It’s scenic, memorable, and one of those excursions that’s worth every minute of your day off the ship.
🍪 Best Cookie
Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums – Disney California Adventure
Hands down, the best cookie I’ve ever had is a Jack-Jack Cookie Num Num from Disney California Adventure. Soft, gooey, loaded with chocolate chips, and just the right balance of sweet and indulgent—it’s impossible not to savor every bite.
I considered tying it with Holland America’s oatmeal raisin, but honestly? There’s no contest. This cookie is the ultimate treat, the kind that makes you smile just thinking about it, and the perfect snack after a day of exploring the park. If you haven’t tried one yet, it’s worth planning your day around it.
🍲 Best Soup
Boma – Butternut Squash Soup (Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge)
If comfort had a flavor, it would be Boma’s butternut squash soup. Served daily at this rich, vibrant buffet inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, it’s creamy, perfectly spiced, and a little bit heart‑warming in every spoonful. The sweetness of the squash balances beautifully with savory notes, and it’s easy to see why this bowl keeps pulling me back.
But Boma is so much more than just one great soup. The buffet offers a rotating selection of other soups—think hearty lentil or cooling chilled cucumber on warm days—that showcase global flavors with thoughtful seasoning and quality ingredients. And the rest of the food? Equally inviting. The African‑inspired dishes, vibrant salads, warm breads, and flavorful entrées all work together to make Boma one of those meals you don’t want to rush through.
What makes Boma special isn’t just one standout dish (though that squash soup might be my favorite ever)—it’s the combination of variety, quality, and welcoming atmosphere that turns every visit into a full‑on dining experience.
Final Thoughts
Travel isn’t just about the destination—it’s about the little details that surprise you, comfort you, or make you smile.
These are the moments I remember. They’re also the things my clients tend to talk about long after they’re home.
Now I’m curious—what would you add to this list? Best meal, best excursion, best view, or even the weirdest place you’ve ever visited. Travel is better when we share the stories.
Cleared For Take-Off! 