Mossberg: How America’s Last Family Gun Empire Survived

Mossberg: How America’s Last Family Gun Empire Survived video by Fallen Firearms Empires.

Summary: 

Mossberg is one of the last major family-owned firearms manufacturers in the United States. While many American gun companies were sold, merged, or disappeared, Mossberg survived for over a century through innovation, resilience, and family leadership.

In this video, we explore the history of O.F. Mossberg & Sons, the rise of the Mossberg 500 shotgun, and how the company remained independent in an industry dominated by corporate giants.

Topics covered:

• Mossberg history

• American gun industry

• Family-owned businesses

• Firearms manufacturing in the USA

• Mossberg 500 success story

• Business survival strategies

Update On New Mexico's 7-Day Waiting Period

Many New Mexico residents are wondering what's the status of the state's 7-day waiting period for firearm purchases. I also had been wondering, not that I was looking to purchase any guns.

Well, thanks to the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association (NMSSA) we have our answer.

Their email newsletter just arrived and it contains the following: 

Update on New Mexico's 7-Day Waiting Period

I continue to receive questions about the status of New Mexico's 7-day waiting period for firearm purchases.

At this time, the waiting period remains in effect and continues to be enforced against the general public. While the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit ruled that the law is likely unconstitutional under the Second Amendment, the case was sent back to the federal district court for a final decision.

On February 9, 2026, the district court issued a preliminary injunction, but it only applies to the two named plaintiffs in the lawsuit. Unfortunately, that means the waiting period continues to apply to everyone else unless they qualify for one of the exemptions provided by law.

The case is now before Judge James O. Browning. During previous hearings, Judge Browning indicated that he believes the Tenth Circuit's ruling is binding on his court. The parties have completed briefing, and we are awaiting the judge’s final ruling.

Until that ruling is issued, the 7-day waiting period remains in effect for most firearm purchasers in New Mexico.

NMSSA has been closely following this case from the beginning and will continue to keep our members informed as developments occur. We remain hopeful that the court will ultimately strike down this law and restore the rights of law-abiding New Mexicans.

Anthony Segura

Executive Director

New Mexico Shooting Sports Association

Don’t Buy a Lever Action Rifle… Until You Watch This Brutal Truth!

Don’t Buy a Lever Action Rifle… Until You Watch This Brutal Truth! video by The Armory.

Summary:

Thinking about buying a lever action rifle in 2026? You might be making a costly mistake.

In this no-BS breakdown, we rank the top 10 lever action rifles—from budget-friendly workhorses to high-end powerhouses—and expose what actually matters: reliability, real-world performance, recoil, and usability. From classic hunting rifles to modern tactical lever guns, this list cuts through the hype.

Whether you're into self-defense setups, hunting, or just want a dependable rifle that runs when it counts… this guide will save you time and money.

15 Guns That Turned Into Lifetime Keepers Without Trying

Above, the Ruger 10/22, the first gun I ever bought. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The first firearm I ever bought was a Ruger 10/22 .22 caliber semi-auto rifle. I had inherited other guns previously, but this was the first one that I bought after seeing a friend's when we went out plinking.

I had been using my grandfather's Winchester 62A .22 caliber. While I enjoyed shooting it (still do), I decided to buy the Ruger. I have purchased more guns since then. They range from rifles, pistols and shotguns.

The Ruger 10/22 made the list of 15 guns that turned into lifetime keepers without trying by The Avid Outdoorsman. 

They begin their list with:

Some guns become lifetime keepers on purpose. They’re bought as heirlooms, special editions, or once-in-a-lifetime purchases. Owners know from day one that they’ll never sell them. Those are easy to understand.

The more interesting ones are the guns that become keepers almost by accident. They start out as practical buys, range toys, hunting tools, or ordinary carry guns. Then years pass, and the owner realizes the gun has earned a permanent spot. It may not be the fanciest firearm in the safe, but selling it would feel like a mistake.

To read more, go here. 

4 Fascinating Facts About the Winchester Model 94

Above, the pre-1964 Winchester 94 I bought seven years ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Looking at how prices for pre-1964 Winchester 94 rifles have skyrocketed since I bought mine in 2019, I consider myself lucky I bought it when I did.

The Winchester 94 (and lever-action rifles in general) have seen a resurgence in popularity. New ones have been introduced with modern designs. Personally, I prefer the classic ones. 

MSN posted a slideshow article with 4 fascinating facts about the Winchester 94.

They start it with:

The Winchester Model 94, designed by John Moses Browning, was the first American sporting rifle built for smokeless powder cartridges. Over its long history, it has seen millions produced, numerous chamberings, special editions, and design changes that shaped its collectability and performance. Its cultural impact, from being called 'The Gun that Won the West' to becoming a deer hunting staple, has made it an enduring icon among lever-action rifles.

To read more, go here. 

Classic Rock Music Monday

The stuff that now passes as "music", particularly rock 'n roll, leaves me cold. So, to start off the week, here's a video of a classic rock artist.

To kick off the week, we have Aerosmith and their 1973 hit, "Dream On" from their self titled album Aerosmith.

From Wikipedia:

Aerosmith is an American rock band formed in Boston in 1970. The group consists of lead vocalist Steven Tyler, bassist Tom Hamilton, drummer Joey Kramer, and guitarists Joe Perry and Brad Whitford. Their style, which is rooted in blues-based hard rock, has also incorporated elements of pop rock, heavy metal, glam metal, and rhythm and blues, and has inspired many subsequent rock artists. Aerosmith is sometimes referred to as "the Bad Boys from Boston" and "America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band". The primary songwriting team of Tyler and Perry is sometimes referred to as the "Toxic Twins".

Hilton Hawaiian Village Tower Completes Renovation

Above, the Hilton Hawaiian Village Tower in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Hilton Hawaiian Village hotel at Waikiki Beach was one of Elvis Presley's favorite places to stay while in the islands. 

I got to see it back in 2016 while at the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon. I also visited it and bought an ice cream sundae at their ice cream parlor.

Travel Weekly reports that the Hilton Hawaiian Hotel Rainbow Tower's renovation has been completed:

One of Waikiki's most iconic landmarks, the Rainbow Tower at the Hilton Hawaiian Village on Oahu has completed its renovation. The tower's rooms have been refreshed with design touches rooted in Hawaii.

To read more, go here. 

Cody's Giant Winchester

Above, Cody's giant Winchester. Roadside America photo.

Last year, Mitch Geriminsky and I went to Cody, Wyoming to attend the Winchester Arms Collectors Association (WACA) gun show and to visit the Cody Firearms Museum at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.

While in Cody, we also stopped by the Irma Hotel for dinner. Unbeknownst to us, near the Irma Hotel a 30 foot Winchester lever action would be displayed atop a gun store's roof. 

I just found out about this last evening.

According to Cowboy State Daily:

Fifty years ago, the highlight of the Cody Stampede Parade marking America’s bicentennial celebration was a 30-foot-long .30-30 Winchester rifle, dominating a float that also carried legendary Western actor John Wayne.

That rifle has been sitting atop a storefront in downtown Cody since. 

Everyone loves the giant Winchester, so they might have noticed when it recently suddenly disappeared from the roof where it had been prominently displayed since its trip down Sheridan Avenue decades earlier.

Like John Wayne himself, Cody’s giant Winchester rifle is coming back, better than ever, for another 50 years dominating Cody’s historic downtown.

“We're putting it back to what it was in 1976, as best we can,” said Mike Darby, owner of the Irma Hotel and the giant Winchester. “I can’t confirm or deny what we’re going to do with it, but we’re hoping to have it done by July 3.”

Apparently, the Winchester was removed before our arrival. 

To read more, go here. 

To read Roadside America's entry, go here.

Don't Sell These Old Lever-Action Rifles

Don't Sell These Old Lever-Action Rifles Until You Watch This! video by Ballistic Edge.

Summary:

Some lever-action rifles become legends—and some quietly become collector treasures.

In this video, we break down 10 lever-action rifles that could be worth serious money because of their engineering, history, and growing collector demand.

From the Winchester Model 1866 to the Savage 99, discover which vintage rifles collectors are watching closely.

Which lever gun still has the biggest upside? Watch to the end and decide.

Lever-action rifles hold a special place in firearm history, but not every lever gun becomes collectible. In this video, we explore ten lever-action rifles whose historical significance, innovative engineering, and rarity have helped them gain long-term collector interest.

You'll learn why the Winchester Model 88, Winchester Model 71, Marlin Model 1893, Savage Model 99, Winchester Model 1894, Winchester Model 1873, and Winchester Model 1866 continue attracting attention from collectors and enthusiasts.

Whether you're a lever-action collector, hunting rifle enthusiast, or simply love firearm history, this ranking examines what makes certain rifles stand apart from the rest.

The State of James Bond

Above, George Lazenby took over as Bond for only one movie.

Well, we're five years since No Time To Die in which the movie ended with James Bond seemingly blown to smithereens by the Royal Navy.  

Much has happened since then, though.

Amazon now owns the Bond franchise and is still searching for a new James Bond as Daniel Craig has ended his stint as 007. The word is that Amazon plans to reboot the series. This will be the second reboot as the Daniel Craig movies, starting with Casino Royale, was the first reboot. 

Frankly, I think they should hang up the Bond movies unless they come up with an inventive way that Bond survived the missiles (Sir Arthur Conan Doyle killed off Sherlock Holmes but brought him back due to public demand). To me, reboots are cheats. The ending of No Time To Die is too firmly tattooed on people's minds. I will give the new Bond movie a chance, but if it turns out to be a POS, then I am done. 

Esquire posted an interesting article on the state of the Bond series. (By the way, a new Bond novel, King Zero, is set to be released in September.) They look at some contenders for the new Bond. 

They begin their article with:

So, here we are. Still. No Time To Die came and went, Daniel Craig has ducked out of MI6. It is now a number of years since his Bond was – spoiler alert! – terminated with extreme prejudice by Her Majesty’s Royal Navy, we’re still no closer than we were then to knowing who will be the next James Bond.

A director has been appointed in the shape of Oscar-nominated French-Canadian filmmaker Denis Villeneuve. In a statement, the Dune franchise director said was a "die-hard James Bond fan" and intends to "honour the tradition" of the franchise. "I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr No with Sean Connery," he said. "To me, he's sacred territory". Meanwhile, Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight has been enlisted to write the script.

But who will play Bond himself?

Well, we know that the new Bond is very probably going to be in his thirties (the Bond hierarchy has pondered a much younger Bond but ultimately threw it out) because if he's too old, he loses sex appeal; and too young, he loses credibility.

Traditionally, it’s been a role which elevates actors to the A-list rather than being an A-list vehicle. Sean Connery was an undistinguished jobbing actor best known for fighting leprechauns in Disney’s begorrah-and-blimey Irish tale Darby O’Gill and the Little People. George Lazenby was a car salesman turned chocolate advert mascot who bumped into Cubby Broccoli at the barbers. Pierce Brosnan had a perm.

But now that Amazon has wrestled control of the franchise, honestly: who knows?

Good question. Only time will tell.

To read more, go here. 

13 Million Page Views!

Well, overnight, this blog has tallied over 13 million page views. 

It seems like only yesterday (actually, only a month ago) that the blog reached 12 million page views. 

Thanks to all who made this happen! 

Accordingly, I have updated the header. 

"Winchester: 160 Years In the Making" Exhibit

Above, the exhibit. Facebook image by the Cody Firearms Museum.

Last summer, Mitch Geriminsky and I visited the Cody Firearms Museum in Cody, Wyoming. 

Actually, I visited it twice. I visited it a second time two days after the first.

They have a new temporary exhibit in Winchester firearms.

According to their Facebook post:

The Cody Firearms Museum is pleased to present our newest temporary exhibit, "Winchester: 160 Years in the Making." This display is in collaboration with the Ars Mechanica Foundation of the FN Browning Group and features 60 Winchester firearms arranged in chronological order, encompassing 160 years of Winchester's history. 

The Cody Firearms Museum is housed in the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and is well worth a visit.

For more information on the museum, go here. 

SCOTUS Sides With Marijuana Users On Gun Rights

Potheads can retain their Second Amendment rights according to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled yesterday that marijuana users can keep their Second Amendment rights. I always thought that law was stupid. Obviously, the Supreme Court agrees.

According to The Hill:

The Supreme Court unanimously ruled Thursday the government can’t criminally prosecute a man for possessing a firearm simply because he regularly smoked marijuana, rejecting the government’s comparison to the disarmament habitual drunkards in the founding era.

Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote that it violates his right to keep arms under the conservative justices’ expanded Second Amendment test. It requires gun control measures be consistent with the nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation.

To read more, go here. 

Six Mile Canyon Evening Drive

Above, the Jeep at the corral. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last evening after dinner, I got tired of watching television, so I decided to take a little drive in the Jeep.

I headed over to Six Mile Canyon of the Cibola National Forest. It was still warm and there was some sunlight even though it was cloudy out. 

I first stopped at the old corral at the entrance to Six Mile Canyon and took some photos. Then I headed into the canyon. There was one other vehicle in the canyon (it was a side-by-side) but it was heading out.

So far, I haven't seen any cattle in the canyon this year, but they are probably in another section of it. 

After a drive of a few miles, I turned around so that I can head back home. 

I noticed that gasoline at the Flying J went up in price. It was $3.59 the other day for unleaded regular. It it at $3.79 today. I thought prices would be coming down now that the Iran war has ended. I guess the oil companies haven't gotten the memo.

Some photos:

 

The Winchester Gun Factory: The Gun That Won the West

The Winchester Gun Factory: The Gun That Won the West video by Grand Factory.

Summary:

For decades, the Winchester factory produced the rifles that became symbols of the American frontier. From cowboys and buffalo hunters to lawmen, settlers, and soldiers, Winchester firearms helped shape the expansion of the United States.

In this video, we explore the incredible story behind the Winchester factory — how a struggling company transformed into one of the most famous firearms manufacturers in history and created rifles that earned the nickname “The Gun That Won the West.”

Discover the rise of Winchester, the innovations that changed firearm design forever, the legendary lever-action rifles, and the massive industrial complex that supplied America and the world for generations.

This is the story of the factory, the people who built it, and the weapon that became an icon of the American frontier.

15 of the Most Valuable Historic Firearms In Existence

Above, a Colt Python revolver in .357 Magnum. Photo by Coati077.

For many gun collectors, today's polymer firearms doesn't excite them much, if at all. But what does excite them is coming across true classic firearms of yesteryear. 

AOL (of all places) post an article on fifteen of the most valuable historic firearms in existence.

They start it off with:

With firearms playing such a major role in world history, it is not surprising that many older guns have become prized collectibles. Some collectors are drawn to comic books, vintage toys, or rare cars, while others focus on weapons that changed military, sporting, or manufacturing history. The most valuable examples are often more than just working firearms. They are artifacts tied to famous inventors, major conflicts, limited production runs, or turning points in gun design. For collectors, condition, provenance, rarity, and historical importance can turn a pistol or rifle into something worth far more than its original purpose.

To read more, go here. 

Hawaiian Airlines Cuts Free Meals For Economy Passengers July 1

Above, an Ellison Onizuka Kona Airport boarding gate. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There was a time when air travel was a joy. Included were friendly first class service, even in Economy. Free meals (well, they were a part of the flight ticket). 

Since then, airlines treat their passengers like cattle and impose charges for any food items above the crappy crackers, cookies and drinks they hand out.

Hawaiian Airlines has joined the list of airlines doing away with free meals to Economy passengers. 

The Travel reported:

Hawaiian Airlines has announced a complete overhaul of its in-flight dining options, and with it comes the end of free in-flight meal service on most transpacific flights connecting the United States mainland to Hawaii. This is the next step in a series of integrations and changes since the airline was acquired by Alaska Airlines that has included revamping its loyalty program and implementing controversial new dress code rules for employees.

Though the new in-flight meals were designed by a James Beard Award finalist and offer far more options than the previous complimentary menu, many customers only see the change as just another cash grab. Initial reactions online are mixed, though we won’t get the full review of the new menu until after it goes into effect July 1.

To read more, go here. 

U.S. Citizens Warned of Bahamas "Rogue" Jet Ski Vendors

Above, yours truly jet skiing at Great Stirrup Cay in 2024.

Two years ago, a friend and I rode jet skis at Great Stirrup Cay, an island owned and operated by Norwegian Cruise Line.

Our activity on the jet skis went without incident and we had a good time. 

Unfortunately, others haven't had good experiences with jet ski operators as reports of injuries, deaths and sexual assaults. Many of the operators involved are rogue vendors who are unlicensed and uninsured.

According to Fox 11 News:

Americans are being urged to steer clear of jet ski rentals in the Bahamas as U.S. officials warn of sketchy operators linked to deaths, injuries and reported sexual assaults.

In a Monday statement, the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas said that "rogue operators" are soliciting tourists on Nassau's most popular beaches, including Cabbage Beach, Junkanoo Beach and Saunders Beach.

The rogue operators are often "unlicensed, uninsured, and operating unsafe watercraft," the embassy said — and officials noted that law enforcement oversight is "sporadic at best."

 To read more, go here.

8 Reasons The Winchester 94 Stands The Test of Time

Above, some Winchester 94 rifles on display at the Cody Firearms Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Regular readers of this blog know that I am a huge fan of the Winchester 94 (or Winchester 1894) that was invented by John Moses Browning.

To date, over 7.5 million Winchester 94 rifles have been produced and it is still going strong. It is currently made in Japan by the Miroku Company and the word is that they are of high quality.

MSN posted a slideshow article of eight reasons why the Model 94 stands the test of time.

They begin it with:

The Winchester Model 94, designed by John Browning in 1894, was the first commercial American sporting rifle built for smokeless powder cartridges, featuring strong nickel-steel barrels and a robust action. Its light weight, fast handling, and balanced performance made it a favorite for hunters, while its cultural impact, high production numbers, and collectible variations cemented its legacy. From iconic .30-30 chamberings to rare pre-1933 carbines and commemorative editions, the Model 94 remains both a practical field rifle and a valued historical artifact.

To read more, go here. 

RVers In Their 70s Are Changing How They Travel

Above, yours truly in Deadwood, South Dakota last summer. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

Now that I am a septuagenarian (a person who is between the ages of 70 and 79 years old), the following article caught my attention.

It is on RVers who are in their 70s are still traveling (not slowing down), but changing how they travel. I have changed how I travel in my RV in recent years. 

RV Travel posted the article on this subject yesterday and it begins with:

Spend time in RV parks, snowbird destinations, or popular retirement travel areas and you’ll find plenty of RVers in their 70s who are still traveling extensively. For many, the biggest change isn’t whether they travel, but how they travel.

That’s not exactly news. RV travel has long been popular with retirees.

What’s more interesting is how many RVers in their 70s are continuing to travel—and how many are changing the way they do it.

For some, that means fewer 400-mile driving days. For others, it means staying a week or a month instead of moving every few days. Many are choosing comfort over mileage and experiences over trying to check destinations off a list.

They’re still traveling. They’re just doing it differently.

To read the full article, go here. 

John Moses Browning: Father of Modern Firearms

 Above, John Moses Browning (left) inspecting a Browning Automatic
Rifle (BAR) at the Winchester Repeating Arms Company factory, c. 1918.

I stumbled across a biography of gun inventor John Moses Browning. 

He is described as the father of modern firearms. That's a bit of an understatement as he invented many firearms.

The biography by Eugene Nielsen is posted at Spotter Up. 

This year marks the centenary of the passing of Browning.

To read the biography, go here.

Curt Swan Death 30th Anniversary

Curt Swan, the artist who produced the definitive Superman for over 30 years, died on this date in 1996. Today marks 30 years since his passing. He was my favorite comic book artist.

I first discovered his passing while perusing a comic book at a convenience store. In it, a house ad announced his passing.

Above, many faces of Superman artist guide by Curt Swan.

The actual death date is somewhat questionable as he was found dead at home surrounded by comic books. He had been dead for some time. Some placed his death as June 16 (this is interesting as Superman actor George Reeves died on June 16, 1959) while others place it on June 17.

According to a Wikipedia footnore:

 Curt Swan, Social Security Death Index details, FamilySearch gives June 17, 1996, as the date of death, and was verified by a family member; verification date can be the same as the death date, or one or more days afterward.

As Swan's family recognizes June 17, 1996, I will do so as well (although I have it at June 16 in Find a Grave based on information at the time).  

I am lucky to have a page of original Curt Swan Superman art (inked by Murphy Anderson). I bought in the early 2000s at a reasonable price. 

MSN: 9 Signs You Picked the Wrong Cruise Line

Above, the pool deck of a Bahamas-bound cruise ship. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is funny that many cruise lines are adding humongous cruise ships to their fleets what can carry 5,000 people or more. Some have capacities of 7,600. The reason that is funny (not in a good way) is one of the most frequent voiced complaints about cruise lines is overcrowding.

Taking a cruise is not my favorite mode of travel. I've only been on three cruises. The first was to Alaska. The second was to Cuba. The third was to the Bahamas. Each one were taken on ships that were older and had passenger capacities of under 3,000. I did not feel overcrowded in any of them.

Being stuck on a ship with hordes of people in close quarters makes those ships floating petri dishes with germs passed around by passengers. I caught a bug on two of three cruises I took. 

MSN posted a slideshow article on 9 signs you picked the wrong cruise line. 

They begin it with:

Several major cruise lines have faced passenger dissatisfaction due to overcrowding, aging ships, and inconsistent service. Common complaints include safety concerns, added fees for dining and room service, and underwhelming shore excursions. Travelers also report that certain cabin upgrades and cruise-booked activities may not provide good value for the extra cost.

To read more, go here. 

13 Unforgettable RV Road Trips Across America

Above, Lower Yellowstone Falls. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The United States is so diverse in its geography and regions that road trips give travelers a variety of views unmatched. RVers know this fact quite well.

MSN posted a slideshow article on 13 unforgettable RV road trips across America.

They start it with:

From coastal highways and mountain byways to remote deserts and national parks, this set of destinations highlights some of the most scenic and unique RV travel routes in the United States. Stops include iconic drives like the Pacific Coast Highway and Route 66, natural wonders such as Yellowstone, Big Bend, and the Utah Mighty 5, and quirky roadside attractions from giant statues to novelty architecture. Each location offers opportunities for camping, exploration, and experiencing the diverse landscapes and cultures found along America’s roads.

To read more, go here. 

What .30-30 Hunters Were Told Wrong Since the 1960s

What .30-30 Hunters Were Told Wrong Since the 1960s video by Arms Archives.

Summary:

In 1895, Winchester built a cartridge for a specific American landscape. One hundred and thirty years later, it's still in the top ten. This is not a coincidence. This is a terrain argument — and the terrain hasn't moved.

The prosecution gets its say. So does the .30-30.

George Reeves Death 67th Anniversary

Above, the home in Benedict Canyon where George Reeves died. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today is the 67th anniversary of the death of the original television Superman, George Reeves in his bedroom in Benedict Canyon. 

Fans of the 1950s Adventures of Superman are familiar with the different theories of Reeves's death. The theories are suicide, murder and accident. Those theories were presented in the feature film, Hollywoodland (2006). I'll leave it to the viewer on which one to believe.

Above, Hollywoodland screenwriter Paul Bernbaum and yours truly in 2014.

Hollywoodland is a fictionalized account of the last days of George Reeves and the aftermath of his death. It was written by Paul Bernbaum and stars Ben Affleck as George Reeves. It is a film worth viewing. 

Above, George Reeves as Superman.

Justin Root posted two videos on the "Mysterious Life & Death of Superman George Reeves." Root goes through Reeves's life and death in detail. Both parts are presented below.

MSN: 14 Hawaii Tourist Traps To Avoid

Above, resort luaus are seen as commercialized, focusing on
spectacle rather than authentic tradition. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whether one is traveling domestically or internationally, tourist trap abound everywhere one goes. 

This is also true when going to Hawaii. With Hawaiian vacation costs rising insanely, avoiding tourist traps is one way to save some money.

That is the topic of a slideshow article at MSN.

They begin it with:

Many popular Hawaiian destinations are criticized for overcrowding, commercialization, and diminished cultural authenticity. From overdeveloped beaches and staged luaus to costly attractions and safety concerns, these spots often leave visitors underwhelmed or at risk. Understanding these pitfalls can help travelers seek more genuine and sustainable experiences across the islands.

 To read more, go here.

Cruise Tipping Charges Are 'Out of Control'

Above, yours truly enjoying a cocktail on a Bahamas cruise in 2024.

The old term, "nickel and diming people to death" is something that cruise passengers have put up with over the years. This also applies to tipping (gratuities) while on board.

According to a Fox News article, it is getting worse.

They posted an article that tipping "just keeps on growing."

They start it with:

Cruise passengers are getting hit with a familiar vacation surprise: the bill that keeps growing after they book.

Daily gratuities, drink-package service charges, specialty dining fees and other automatic add-ons have become a flashpoint for travelers who say cruise vacations are being advertised one way, yet priced another.

Frustration is said to be mounting as several cruise lines have raised their gratuity or service charges in 2026.

 To read the full article, go here.