We’re MAK’n Waves, (Mike and Susan) – Avid cruisers and life partners of 40 years

At MAK’n Waves — we live and breathe cruising — from knowing when to book your cruise to score the best deals, to sharing key hacks to save you money on your next voyage.

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, this site dives deep into every aspect of cruise travel. We share insider tips, cabin tours, packing guides, dining insights, and real reviews to help you make the most of every voyage. If it floats, sails, or docks, chances are we’ve got something to say about it — all with a focus on sailing smart, living large, and spending less.

But this isn’t just a travel blog, but the continuation of a life spent both in and around the world of travel. My journey began in the early ‘80s, delivering airline tickets for a local travel agency in Los Angeles. That job sparked something in me — a love for logistics, planning, and of course, the thrill of travel. Over the next 12 years, I worked in nearly every corner of the industry: as a travel agent, ticket agent at LAX, supervisor of a 24-hour travel reservations office (where I met my wife), and eventually, as a national sales manager for a global travel company.

Though while I loved the adventure and the perks, I also had a growing family to support — and back then, the travel industry didn’t offer much in the way of financial stability. So in the mid-90s, I pivoted to a new career in education technology, where I went on to build and lead several successful companies helping teachers and students thrive through digital solutions.

Yet the travel bug never left me. For the next 30 years, I traveled extensively throughout the US, visiting 46 states, and was also able to travel throughout Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia – for both business and pleasure. Now, as I transition from corporate America into this next chapter of life, I’ve come full circle: returning to the two things I’ve always loved most (aside from family, of course) — travel and writing.

MAK’n Waves is my outlet for sharing decades of insights — from cruising in style without the luxury price tag to traveling like a pro on a coach-class budget. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a frequent flyer looking for better ways to explore, I hope this blog helps you travel smarter, experience more, and feel empowered every step of the way.