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Welcome to my blog

Hi, I’m Owen - a traveling designer and content creator redefining what it means to work from home.

You can usually find me on a cruise ship, somewhere in Europe, or sneaking a beach day. I share beautiful photos, travel tips, and the occasional ‘why did I book this?’ moment.

Photo of Owen Places stood in the British Museum in London
Mykonos, Greece | Owen Places @owenplaces
Photo of Owen Places stood on Oasis of the Seas

My Middle East Cruise on Costa Smeralda: A Full, Honest Review

I just disembarked from a 7-night Middle Eastern cruise aboard the Costa Smeralda. One Cruise Critic reviewer described it as their 'worst vacation ever,' but was it really that bad? Let’s take a closer look.
Photo of cruise ship with weed leaf

Cruising with Weed: Everything you need to know

Thinking about cruising with weed? Well, erm, you might want to think again. This blog covers everything you need to know about that special green leaf.
Baggage Taxi

Just Announced: Baggage Taxi Has Landed in the UK

Tired of dragging your suitcase around after checkout? Baggage Taxi - Dubai’s popular on-demand luggage service - has officially launched in the UK.

European Expansion for Margaritaville Cruise Line – Here’s What We Know

Margaritaville at Sea is making waves in Florida — but could this tropical-themed cruise line sail to Europe? Here’s what European cruisers need to know.
Posts by Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean logo @owenplaces Owen Places
NCL logo @owenplaces Owen Places
MSC Cruises logo @owenplaces Owen Places
Costa Cruises logo @owenplaces Owen Places

Costa Cruises Have No New Ships Planned – The Truth

While other cruise lines announce new ships, Costa Cruises has stayed silent. With no new builds on the horizon, is this a sign of trouble – or a smart shift in strategy? Here's the truth behind Costa’s current course.
Photo of two cruise ships with a pineapple overlaid

Cruising Secrets: Upside Down Pineapples

You’re strolling down the corridor of your cruise ship, tipsy on sunshine and sangria, when you spot it: a pineapple. Maybe it’s on a beach bag. Maybe it’s stuck to someone’s cabin door. Maybe... it’s upside-down.

Keto on a Cruise: A Low-Carb Survival Guide

Thinking keto means saying goodbye to cruising fun? Think again! From buffets to specialty dining, here’s how you can enjoy your cruise without breaking your low-carb lifestyle. Insider tips, tricks, and what to pack for a successful keto cruise experience.
Posts by Destination

Alaska

Caribbean

Greek Isles

Med

My Stay at Mama Shelter Paris (with Dis-Loyalty Discount)

Heading to Paris and looking for a hotel recommendation? I stayed at Mama Shelter Paris La Défense for two nights in June 2025, and here are my thoughts...
Carnival Sunrise | As Seen on Netflix

The Poop Cruise: What Really Happened, and Should You Be Worried?

In 2013, a Carnival cruise ship became infamous for all the wrong reasons - broken toilets, overflowing sewage, and desperate passengers stranded at sea. Now, over a decade later, Netflix’s new documentary Trainwreck: Poop Cruise revisits the chaos that turned a dream vacation into a viral nightmare. But how bad was it really? Does this kind of thing happen often? And should it put you off cruising for good? Let’s dive into the truth behind one of the most bizarre chapters in cruise history.
Text overlayed a scooter saying "Best editing apps for travel content creators"

The Best Editing Apps For Travel Content Creators

Are you looking to begin your journey as a travel content creator? Or maybe you're just a budding photography and interested in the best editing apps? I got you.

Mein Schiff Relax: A Daring Choice for an English-Only Cruiser?

Ignoring my tragic Duolingo streak (day 3 of 365… again), I only speak English. So why did I book a week aboard Mein Schiff Relax, a cruise where German is the main language, and English barely gets a look in? No, I haven’t lost a bet. And no, this isn’t part of some extreme language immersion challenge. I booked it on purpose. Here’s why.
Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas in Labadee, Haiti

Royal Caribbean Cruise Excursions – Everything you need to know for 2025/2026

So you've just booked your Royal Caribbean cruise for 2025/2026 and now you're considering an excursion? This is your one-stop guide for all things Royal Caribbean Cruise Excursions.
Photo of Owen Places for the blog title: How to become a travel content creator

How to become a travel content creator in 2025 – A complete guide

Looking to kick start your next career as a travel content creator? Maybe want to develop it as a new hobby? Ready this guide for all the details!
Independence of the Seas | Royal Caribbean | Owen Places @owenplaces

Should you book Independence of the Seas in 2025?

Independence of the Seas was the first ship I ever sailed on! All the way back in 2019. But 6 years later, should you still consider her for your 2025 holiday?
Paradisus la Perla

Should You Consider Paradisus La Perla for Your 2025/2026 Luxury Holiday?

It's been over a year since I stayed at Paradisus La Perla resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. And every day I find myself wishing I was back there! But is it right for you? Well, read on to find out.

Is Virgin Voyages the Right Cruise Line for you?

If you're like me and you've yet to try Virgin Voyages, but you keep seeing them all over your Instagram. You might be wondering: Is Virgin Voyages right for me? Well, let's figure this out together.
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