This cruise planner's biggest tip? Travel where only ships can go.
Grigsby, who is Holland America Line's vice president of deployment and itinerary planning, grew up boating but he counts a month-long train trip through Mexico as 'first real travel experience.' Shortly after graduating college, he and a friend traveled by rail from Mazatlan to Veracruz in 1987.
'We were able to take advantage of what it was like to travel in the United States back in the '40s and '50s on these old rail cars,' Grigsby told USA TODAY. 'And it was a bit of a madcap adventure because of my lack of Spanish. At one point, there were two of us traveling and we were in a berth for one because I didn't translate very well.'
The trip cemented his interest in travel, especially in its nostalgic forms, which show up in the itineraries he plans these days. Grigsby spoke to USA TODAY about how he got his start, his love of travel books, and his cruise tips.
The interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Question: How did you get into this role? How did you come to itinerary planning?
Paul Grigsby: Well, I've been at Holland America now (for) 25 years, and I've been in the capacity of revenue management. And itinerary planning is within the revenue management function of this brand, and in fact, (at) most of the cruise lines it's arranged that way. And I kind of worked my way through. Started out in revenue management proper, and then evolved to more (of) a planning function, which was with the revenue plans. And then, back in 2019, I was given the leadership role of the itinerary and deployment planning.
Did you grow up loving ships?
Yeah, I did. I mean, I grew up in Seattle, and I used to walk the docks with my father. You know, he loved ships and the sea, and he greatly influenced me. We would visit ships when they were in town, and they had visitation opportunities. Also, he was an avid boater, so I grew up boating throughout the Pacific Northwest, and you know, the Washington State archipelago as well as up in British Columbia.
This may be self-evident given your work, but do you have a preferred way to travel?
Well, I am biased towards travel by ship. I think even if I didn't work for Holland America Line or the cruise industry, I'd still say that. There's no such thing as ship lag, right? There is (such) a thing as jet lag, and it's just a leisurely way to go. And if I had the time, I would definitely travel by sea. I would cross the Atlantic instead of flying across the Atlantic. … I love being at sea. And again, I think it goes back to my roots, growing up on the water. I was a commercial fisherman for a summer, so I feel at home on the water.
Is there a cruise cabin type that you particularly like, or a location on a ship that you prefer?
I like the port side because when I was a kid, my father assigned his two kids to one side. You know, I was assigned port side, my sister was assigned starboard side. So, I always have stuck with port side.
And as far as the type of cabin, I will admit, I do like a veranda cabin. I do enjoy being able to walk outside and enjoy the sights and smells of the sea.
Do you have any travel must-haves, things that you always like to bring with you or have with you?
I like to bring a good book along, especially a travel book. You know, there are always some hiccups that happen with travel, it seems like, and so it's always fun to read about somebody who might have had it worse off than you do.
I like reading travel history. Evelyn Waugh, one of my favorite authors, he wrote a lot about his times of traveling back in the '30s. Also, Candice Millard, that's another book: her book, 'The River of Doubt' … is about Teddy Roosevelt's exploration through the Amazon. Fascinating read.
Great American Vacation: 'Bachelor' star Peter Weber blindsided on 'Destination X' (and loved it)
Do you have any travel pet peeves or any unpopular travel opinions?
I think it's used a lot, this word, but I think it does resonate for me, and that's just authenticity. For instance, if I go to a city, I want to visit the old section, you know, a section that really defined what that city was. And maybe it's my interest in history. And, for instance, I'll find out what the old hotel was that people would stay at back in the day, so I'll visit that. I'm more interested in that than staying at, you know, a hotel or something that is an American name hotel.
For those new to cruising, what are the top things you would recommend they know before booking a cruise?
Yeah, so if you're new to cruising and you're not sure if it's your cup of tea, I would definitely start with a trip that you would not see any other way than on a ship. For instance, Alaska, is often the first of many people's foray into cruise travel. And the reason is that the best way to see Alaska is by ship. You're not going to get to Glacier Bay – I mean, maybe, yeah, you could get an airplane or whatever, fly and buzz around it, but to immerse yourself in Glacier Bay, you've got to be on board a ship. And you know, places that are known for being archipelagos, those are best seen by ship.
So I would pick trades like that first, and hopefully you catch the bug, and then you might go to places like, say, the Mediterranean, where there are other ways of travel around. But then you realize how easy it is to travel by ship, and you'll probably be just as happy there, too.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Technology has fuelled overtourism – now it could also help to stem the tide
Tourism is not always welcomed by the people who actually live in the places so many of us want to visit. Big crowds can bring economic benefits, but they can also price out the locals and cause environmental damage. Some blame Airbnb. Others blame the cruise ship operators, the retired 'boomers' or the growing middle classes across the world, with their disposable incomes and insatiable appetite for selfies. But one element which often gets overlooked is the role of technology. Historically, new transport technology has been a huge driver of the tourism industry. In the UK, for example, 19th-century railway expansion introduced mass tourism to coastal towns including Bournemouth and Blackpool. In the 1960s, cheaper air travel did the same for destinations abroad, with places such as Majorca and the Spanish Costa del Sol becoming accessible to hoards of new visitors. But new modes of transport are no longer the main driver of mass tourism. There are no imminent new ways of travelling by land, air or sea which will fuel change in the industry in the way that trains and planes once did. Now the effects of technology are more subtle, as the online world transforms the way we travel across the real world. The internet has blurred the distinction between residents and tourists. The surge in working from home, itself made possible by the internet, means that some people can live where they like to play, instead of prioritising proximity to the office or commuter trains. Then there are the 'digital nomads' who embrace the idea of remote working to the extent that they are able to live anywhere in the world with a decent internet connection. The rise of social media has also had a big impact on tourism, spreading stories and images about previously little-known attractions. A few viral videos can quickly turn quiet backwaters into travel hotspots. Just ask residents of the once-quiet Italian ski resort of Roccaraso, which was overwhelmed by a surge of visitors in January 2025 thanks to some Tiktok videos by the Italian social media influencer, Rita De Crescenzo. The online world has also closed a gap which previously existed between tourism destinations and their distant customers. Pre-internet, the global tourism industry relied on travel agencies and printed media. Now, every hotel or resort is a click away, with platforms like Airbnb (which hosted 5 million rental properties in 2024) transforming the sector. The effects of artificial intelligence on tourism are less certain. But perhaps it could be part of a solution. Virtual vacations? AI could be used to help create bespoke, personal tourism experiences in locations that really need tourists, thus reducing the harm caused to overcrowded locations or fragile eco-systems. The travel industry could also use it to make more accurate predictions about travel patterns, helping places like Barcelona and Venice to manage their number of visitors. AI-enhanced virtual reality also has the potential to let people have experiences of tourism destinations from afar, with research suggesting 'virtual holidays' could dramatically change the tourism sector. After all, many of us have swapped other real-life experiences like shopping and work meetings to something we do via a screen. There is even evidence of an emerging preference for playing online sports over the real-life versions. But could virtual tourism become so attractive that it significantly reduces the real thing? Will tourists really be content with seeing a virtual version of an artistic or natural wonder, instead of queuing for hours to experience it as part of a crowd? Similar questions were asked when colour television developed in the 1960s. Would, for example, the vivid portrayal of wildlife in African game reserves reduce the need for tourists to travel there? Who would bother with the expense and effort of going to Kenya or Botswana, when they could be seen up close from the comfort of a sofa? The outcome, though, was the exact opposite. There is evidence that wildlife programmes have actually stimulated demand to see the real thing. Similarly, popular films and TV shows set in beautiful locations make people want to visit them, with anticipation and expectation adding value to the final tourist experience. So, while we can be pretty sure AI will affect tourism – as it will every industry – we don't yet know whether its overall impact will be to reduce pressure on the world's most popular places, or further stimulate demand. And it may not be technology that has the final say – concerns about climate change and economic pressures may influence global travel patterns first. But one thing is for sure: overtourism is not over yet. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Adrian Palmer has received funding from British Academy for a study of the role of social media in tourism visits He is an unpaid member of the UK Government''s Department for Culture, Media and Sports College of Experts. This a non-political advisory research body. Sign in to access your portfolio
Associated Press
10 hours ago
- Associated Press
Wine consumption in the world, how global trends are shaping local wine experiences
In recent years, shifting consumer preferences, demographic changes and emerging markets have significantly influenced the way wine is produced, marketed and experienced worldwide. As patterns of wine consumption in the world evolve, wine tourism operators like Wine Tours From Madrid are adapting their offerings to reflect a broader cultural and economic context. Beyond simply visiting wineries, travellers are increasingly looking to understand how global demand shapes local traditions and how regions respond to an international audience with varied tastes and expectations. The global wine landscape is more dynamic than ever. Traditional strongholds like France, Italy and Spain continue to lead in both production and heritage, yet consumption patterns are undergoing transformation. Countries in Asia and North America have seen steady increases in wine interest, driven by younger consumers, rising disposable incomes and changing attitudes toward alcohol. Meanwhile, in long-established wine cultures, sustainability, moderation and experiential value are taking center stage. From global shifts to local narratives Wine Tours From Madrid has observed these trends not as distant market data, but as realities reflected in daily operations. International travellers now bring with them not only curiosity but also familiarity with diverse wine styles. This has prompted wineries in regions such as Ribera del Duero or Rueda to present their wines with a renewed focus on education, storytelling and relevance to current global discussions—whether that be organic production, minimal intervention or climate adaptability. Through curated itineraries, Wine Tours From Madrid connects visitors with producers who are part of this dialogue. Guests are introduced to winemakers who embrace traditional methods while adapting to contemporary demands, from lighter alcohol wines to new blends that respond to international palates. The emphasis is on helping travellers situate the Spanish wine experience within the wider movement of global wine evolution. Tourism as a reflection of broader demand As wine consumption in the world becomes more diverse, wine tourism evolves to meet a wider range of expectations. Some guests seek deep cultural immersion, while others are motivated by food pairing, landscape, or social media-driven inspiration. Wine Tours From Madrid responds by offering flexible experiences that accommodate different levels of wine knowledge and varying motivations for travel. The agency's commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism also aligns with broader shifts in consumption. Increasingly, travellers are not just looking for taste and enjoyment, but also for connection with the land, the producer and the history behind each bottle. These values resonate globally and contribute to shaping new standards in both hospitality and winemaking. Wine is no longer solely the domain of collectors or connoisseurs—it has become a medium through which cultures interact, economies grow and local identities are communicated. As the profile of the wine drinker continues to diversify and the market continues to globalize, the way wine is experienced on the ground reflects these changes. With a firm understanding of how wine consumption in the world is evolving, Wine Tours From Madrid continues to create experiences that are both rooted in tradition and attuned to the world beyond the vineyard. Media Contact Company Name: WINE TOURS FROM MADRID S.L. Contact Person: Press Office Email: Send Email Country: Spain Website: Source: Setroi
Associated Press
10 hours ago
- Associated Press
French and American oak barrels, how wood influences the character of wine
In the world of winemaking, few decisions impact a wine's final expression as significantly as the type of barrel used during ageing. The choice between French and American oak barrels reflects not only regional availability but a deliberate stylistic direction taken by winemakers. Wine Tours From Madrid introduces visitors to this critical aspect of cellar practice by exploring how oak—whether from France or the United States—contributes distinctive aromas, textures and structural elements to the wine. Throughout Spain's most prestigious wine regions, barrels are more than storage vessels. They are active agents in the wine's evolution, shaping its profile as it rests and matures. While both types of oak are used in Spanish cellars, their influence differs subtly but meaningfully, allowing producers to refine their craft according to the desired outcome of each vintage. A question of grain, toast and expression French oak is known for its fine grain and more subtle aromatic contribution. Typically sourced from forests such as Allier, Tronçais or Vosges, this wood is air-dried and lightly toasted, imparting refined notes of vanilla, spice and sweet tannin to the wine. Its influence is slow and gentle, making it especially suited to wines of finesse and structure, such as those made from Tempranillo or Garnacha in regions like Ribera del Duero or Sierra de Gredos. American oak, in contrast, comes from denser, faster-growing trees, particularly from forests in Missouri, Pennsylvania and Minnesota. It often delivers bolder aromatic characteristics—such as coconut, dill or vanilla—more quickly and with greater intensity. Because of this, it is frequently used to enhance fruit-forward expressions or to balance wines with high tannin or acidity. It has been a traditional choice for Cosecha and Crianza wines in Rioja, and continues to play a significant role in defining the identity of certain Spanish red wines. Tradition, experimentation and cellar philosophy Wine Tours From Madrid highlights these distinctions during guided visits to family-owned wineries where winemakers explain the rationale behind their barrel choices. For many, the decision is not strictly binary. Some producers blend the two types of oak or age the same wine in separate barrels to create complexity through later blending. Others alternate between barrels over vintages, allowing the wine to evolve while preserving its regional identity. Visitors are invited to taste wines aged in different oak types, offering a direct comparison of how wood alters mouthfeel, balance and aromatic complexity. The tours also explore how factors such as barrel age, size, and level of toasting interact with the wine, making each ageing decision an extension of the winemaker's vision. Through these experiences, guests gain a nuanced appreciation for the role of oak in winemaking, learning that French or American oak barrels for the wine making are not interchangeable tools but carefully selected instruments of expression. Wine Tours From Madrid connects this aspect of production to broader themes of terroir, tradition and personal craft, revealing how something as seemingly simple as a wooden barrel can become a decisive element in the character and longevity of the wine. Media Contact Company Name: WINE TOURS FROM MADRID Contact Person: Press Office Email: Send Email Country: Spain Website: Source: Setroi
