Category: Cruising Content
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Symphony of the Seas: What Makes This Ship Different
If you’ve cruised before on a smaller ship, Symphony of the Seas is going to reframe what you think a cruise ship even is. This isn’t a boat with a pool on it, it’s basically a floating city with neighborhoods, and knowing how it’s laid out before you board makes a huge difference in how…
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25 Cruise Items I Pack Every Time (And Actually Use)
I’ve taken enough cruises to know that the best packing lists aren’t the ones with 100 items you’ll never touch. They’re the lists built from experience—the things that solve problems before they become problems. Some of these items I’ve packed for years. Others were purchased after one cruise where I found myself saying, “Never again.”…
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The Vacation Upgrades that Are Actually Worth Paying For – And the Ones I Skip
Travel companies are really good at convincing you that every upgrade is essential. Priority boarding. Better views. Drink packages. Faster lines. Bigger rooms. Premium experiences.Before you know it, your $3,000 vacation has turned into a $5,000 vacation. The truth is that some upgrades genuinely make your trip better. Others simply make your wallet lighter. After…
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My Favorite Cruise Traditions to Start With Kids
One of my favorite things about traveling with children is creating traditions they look forward to year after year. Long after they forget the exact ports we visited or what ship we sailed on, they’ll remember the little rituals that made vacation feel special. Our family cruises aren’t built around checking off every activity on…
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What’s Included in a Disney Cruise – And What Costs Extra
Disney Cruises offer a surprisingly inclusive experience, covering staterooms, meals, entertainment, kids clubs, and private island stops in the fare. However, extras like alcohol, specialty coffees, excursions, spa services, and souvenirs may incur additional charges. Families can enjoy a memorable vacation with minimal unexpected expenses. Budgeting ahead is recommended.
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The Best Cruise Lines (According to a Texas Mom Who Loves Easy Getaways)
Living in Texas has completely changed the way our family vacations. While many people have to book flights, hotels, transfers, and spend an entire day just getting to their cruise ship, we can throw the luggage in the car, drive to Galveston, and be onboard by lunch. That convenience has made us cruise people. I’ve…
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Cruise Cabin Types Explained
If you’ve started looking into cruises, you’ve probably realized very quickly that picking a cabin is way more confusing than it should be. Interior cabins, ocean views, balconies, suites, aft balconies, midship, connecting rooms… and suddenly you’re wondering if you need a degree in cruise ship design just to book a vacation. The truth is,…
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Caribbean vs Alaska Cruise: Which Should Your Family Choose?
If you’re trying to decide between a Caribbean cruise and an Alaska cruise, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions I get as a travel advisor, especially from families who know they want to cruise but aren’t sure what type of experience fits them best. The truth? Neither is “better.” They’re just…
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First Time Cruisers? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
If you’re thinking about taking your first cruise, you’re probably excited… and slightly overwhelmed. What cruise line should you choose?Do you need a passport?What’s included?What should you pack?How do you avoid making expensive mistakes? I’ve been cruising since I was a kid. I’ve cruised as a teenager, a solo traveler, on my honeymoon, while pregnant,…
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Cruise Packing Mistakes First Time Cruisers Make
I’ve been cruising for as long as I can remember. I’ve cruised as a kid, as a solo traveler, on my honeymoon, while pregnant, with a six month old baby, and most recently with two kids under three. Every stage of life comes with different packing challenges, but one thing has remained the same: first…