Luxury Hotel Review: Van der Valk Hotel Amstel in Amsterdam
Looking for a stylish Amsterdam escape? Van der Valk Hotel Amstel offers spa vibes, canal views, and comfort just minutes from the city centre.
Van der Valk Hotel Review
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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...
Enterance | Mama Shelter Paris
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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.
Paradisus la Perla
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Costa Smeralda Dubai Cruise: The Truth About What I Paid
One of the biggest draws of my Costa Smeralda cruise was the price – it seemed incredibly affordable. But once you factor in flights, drinks, and tips… is it still such a bargain?
Costa Smeralda | Costa Cruises | Costa Toscana @owenplaces Owen Places
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My Full & Unbiased Review: Cruising Costa Smeralda in Dubai
I recently did a Middle Eastern cruise aboard the Costa Smeralda. One Cruise Critic reviewer described it as their 'worst vacation ever,' but was it that bad?
Costa Smeralda | Costa Cruises | Costa Toscana @owenplaces Owen Places
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Oasis in the Mediterranean: A Complete Cruise Itinerary Review
I just did a week long Mediterranean cruise onboard Oasis of the Seas that visited La Spezia, Civitavecchia, and Naples. Want to know how I found it? Read my review below.
Oasis of the Seas @owenplaces Owen Places
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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.

More About Me
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

Hot off the press

My Latest Posts

Stock photo of woman working remotely from a cruise ship balcony

How to Work Remotely While Cruising: Wi-Fi, Time Zones & More
Celebrity Constellation Currently Without Power Off Italy - Passengers Face Tough Conditions

Urgent Help Needed? Celebrity Constellation Dead in the water off
Norwegian Epic docked in Santorini, Greece

The Ugliest Cruise Ship in the World: Norwegian Epic
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Quintessential, Owen!

New to the blog? Start with the posts that feel the most ‘Owen’ – personal travel reviews, how much I’ve spent on cruises, and more!

Costa Smeralda | Costa Cruises | Costa Toscana @owenplaces Owen Places

Costa Smeralda Dubai Cruise: The Truth About What I Paid
Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas Price @owenplaces Owen Places

7 Night Oasis of the Seas Cruise: Complete Price Breakdown
Photo of Owen on Oasis of the Seas with the Stay Awhile wristband

Insider Tips: Royal Caribbean Hidden Stay Awhile Perk
Cruise Line Reward Programme - Should you stay loyal to royal?

Are Cruise Reward and Cruise Loyalty Schemes Worth it?
Photo of Kristen Bell and Kelsey Grammar from the movie 'Like Father' as seen on Netflix

Cruise Ships That Made It to the Big Screen (Movies)
My Viral Video on TikTok | OwenPlaces | Jet2Holiday Audio

Another Viral Video on TikTok – Here’s What I Learnt
Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas in Labadee, Haiti

Royal Caribbean Cruise Excursions – Everything you need to know for 2025/2026
Independence of the Seas | Royal Caribbean | Owen Places @owenplaces

Should you book Independence of the Seas in 2025?
Icon of the Seas Royal Caribbean @owenplaces Owen Places

Is Royal Caribbean LGBTQ+ Friendly? A Full Breakdown
Royal Caribbean logo @owenplaces Owen Places

Let's talk Royal!

Discover everything you need to know about the iconic cruise line, Royal Caribbean.

Where to go next?

More of the Good Stuff

MSC Virtuosa | The Good Ship Murder | Shayne Ward

Is The Good Ship Murder Filmed on a Real Cruise Ship? Yes – It’s MSC Virtuosa
Stay Awhile Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity’s Best Kept Secret: Stay Awhile Hidden Perk
Why have Costa Cruises Cancelled Dubai Deployments for 2025/26?

Costa Cruises Cancels 2025/26 Dubai Itineraries: What You Need to Know
Transfer vs Uber for your cruise holiday?

Cruise Line Transfers vs. Uber: What’s Better in Each Port?
Carnival Cruise

Carnival’s New Policies Are Stirring Up Big Conversations
Photo of cruise ship with weed leaf

Cruising with Weed: Everything you need to know
Baggage Taxi

Baggage Taxi Launches in the UK: A New Way to Travel Light
Margaritaville at Sea in Europe

European Expansion for Margaritaville Cruise Line – Here’s What We Know
Costa Cruises New Ships

Costa Cruises Have No New Ships Planned – The Truth
Photo of two cruise ships with a pineapple overlaid

Cruising Secrets: Upside Down Pineapples
Keto food on a cruise | Owen Places

Keto on a Cruise: A Low-Carb Survival Guide
Carnival Sunrise | As Seen on Netflix

Poop Cruise Panic: Is Carnival Safe to Sail With Now?
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