Is cruise insurance worth it? While it’s ultimately up to you and your comfort zone, I wanted to share our recent experience with cruise insurance and provide tips so you can make a more informed decision.
During our recent cruise on the Discovery Princess, I was struck by how fantastic I felt upon returning home. Despite the sadness of our vacation ending, I noticed that some of the shoulder and neck pain I had experienced from sitting at a laptop all day had disappeared. It dawned on me that while I may have returned with an extra pound or two, this cruise could have improved my overall wellness.
Many people think of the endless opportunities to indulge in food and drink on a cruise as being bad for your health. However, I want to counter that there are also some amazing opportunities to come home healthier than when you left and maximize your wellness. From the spa treatments and fitness classes to the healthy food options and weight loss programs, a cruise can be a wonderful way to improve your overall health and well-being.
Cruise ships offer a variety of activities and expeditions to keep passengers entertained and engaged during their trip. Passengers have a unique opportunity to spot some of the world’s most majestic creatures in their natural habitat: whales! During a cruise, you can experience whale watching firsthand and get up close to some of these magnificent creatures. Whether you’re a nature lover, an animal enthusiast, or just looking for something special to do during your cruise, whale watching during your cruise is sure to be a highlight of your trip. Just imagine getting up close and personal with these majestic creatures in their natural habitat! Talk about a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In this blog post, we’ll cover all the basics of whale watching during your cruise, including tips on where to go, and the best times to spot whales.
Mazatlán is located in the Mexican state of Sinaloa on the west coast of Mexico on the Pacific Ocean. Mazatlán is known as the “Pearl of the Pacific.” A beautiful beach town there are loads of exciting excursions in Mazatlan. Whether you are looking for a family day trip, or an adventurous excursion for the thrill seeker, excursions in Mazatlan can offer something for everyone. From swimming with dolphins to watching whales from a boat, the possibilities are endless. At the end, we’ll talk about basic ways of taking safety measures when you explore this great city. Let’s explore some of the most popular excursions in Mazatlan, and why you should consider adding them to your next Mexican getaway.
Image ZonaTuristica.com on the Mazatlán Malecon(more…)
I LOVE a good read when we go on a cruise. Whether I’m on deck soaking up the sun with a good romantic suspense or curled up in the library with a thriller, I will always tie that book to the memory of a great vacation. However, it’s not always easy to find cruise and sailing novels. From romances to thrillers, here is a collection of fiction books we’ve uncovered to help you get ready for your next voyage!
Chances are you have been hearing more and more about the need to use “reef-safe” sunscreen. But what is “reef-safe” sunscreen and how do you find it? I’ll walk you through selecting the best sunscreen for your cruise!
If you’re about to set sail on a cruise, it’s important to make sure you’re prepared for the voyage. From packing your bags to double-checking your passport, there are a lot of factors to consider. To help take some of the stress out of planning, we’ve put together a checklist of what to do 30 days before your cruise. From booking shore excursions to stocking up on sunscreen, this guide covers all the important steps you need to take before you set off on the adventure of a lifetime. Read on to find out what to do before your cruise!
The cruise lines want us to believe that this below image is how everyone dresses on formal night. However, if you have been on at least one cruise on any of the larger commercial lines, you know that formal night is no longer that formal. Let’s examine what people really wear on formal night!
Welcome to part two of our pre-cruise checklist series! This time we are going to look at what to do 60 days before your cruise. We have some new things to check off your list as well as some friendly reminders!
HOME
Arrange for house and/or pet sitting. We book a popular pet sitter when we travel, so I like to get on her calendar as early as possible. And, if you are going to ask a friend, relative, or neighbor to watch your house while you are away, check as early as possible so you can book their time before they make other plans.
Check your home for security issues. The last thing you want to worry about on your cruise is if your house is safe. Unless you have a house sitter, your house will be empty and you will want to give the illusion of someone being home. There are a ton of options now to help give the impression your house is occupied so do your homework.
Before our last trip, we decided to add some inexpensive, easy to install motion-activated outdoor lights. After a recent package theft in the neighborhood, we also added a Ring doorbell system to help give the illusion we are always home. And yes, I installed it myself! The only downside is you do need wifi and a mobile device to answer the door, but you can assign privileges to a trusted friend or neighbor while you are away who is willing to answer on your behalf.
TRAVEL
Book air travel. At 90 days out, I urged you to at least start researching airfare options. Haven’t booked your tickets yet? According to Travel & Leisure, the perfect time to book your flight is 47 days out.
Book your port hotel. Again, at 90 days you want to start looking at your options. If you have yet to book, now might be a great time, especially if you are staying in port during a busy travel season. Again, you do not want to arrive in your port city the day you embark unless your travel time to get to the port is one hour or less. Remember, if your flight is canceled or delayed, the ship will not wait for you.
PORTS AND EXCURSIONS
Book excursions. Again, don’t miss out on an excursion you REALLY want to take by waiting too long to book it! In most cases, if your plans change you can cancel without penalty, but please check with your cruise line to confirm.
Buy gear or clothing for excursions (if needed). Once you book, be sure you have the appropriate attire and gear you will need for your excursion. Again, most excursions will have gear you can use, but some people have or want to supply their own. A quick reminder, gear will add extra weight to your baggage. If you think you will already be close to the airlines 50-pound limit, you may want to reconsider. Which leads me to…
Don’t ignore the need for special excursion attire. On a cruise to Mexico, we decided to add a catamaran and beach excursion to our trip. The only things we were told to bring were a towel, sun protection, swimwear, and “shoes that can get wet”. Little did we realize that “shoes that can get wet” meant we’d be wading through two feet of ocean water to get to the beach from the catamaran. My leather sandals that had previously survived splashing and beach walks were wrecked. If you are unsure about what is needed, call your cruise line.
PACKING
Start your packing list. Why do I do this at 60 days? As I’ve previously mentioned, I am a chronic over-packer. By starting the list early, I give myself time to start big and narrow from there.
Try on your clothing. If it has been a while since you have worn that cocktail dress or your favorite pair of shorts, things may not fit the way they used to. This is also a great time to look for stains and rips. 60 days will give you plenty of time get garments dry cleaned, altered, or mended. And, if you need to replace an item, you will have enough time to shop.
Check airline requirements for baggage. You can bring as much as you want on a cruise ship, however, you cannot fly with as much as you want. When it comes to carry-on, the TSA allows you to travel with one carry-on bag that will fit in the overhead bin and one personal item that will fit under the seat. However, airlines can set their own limits and will also have their own size restrictions for suitcases that can fit in oversize bins. Checked bags typically have a 50-pound limit before you start incurring overweight fees. If you don’t have one, a luggage scale can be a wallet-saver and help you avoid last minute surprises.
Inspect your luggage. Have your suitcases seen better days? Are they too large? Too small? Too heavy? Do the zippers work? Are there mysterious and unpleasant odors emanating from them? If the answer to any of the above is “yes”, it’s time to shop for some new bags! Get thee to your nearest Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, or similar discount store for great luggage deals. My most recent acquisition was a Travelpro soft-sided suitcase from Marshall’s. She’s large but she is LIGHT. Only 8.4 pounds and she rolls like a dream.
I hope this cruise checklist was helpful! Be sure to follow us on Pinterest and Twitter to see our countdown for preparing for your own cruise! And, if you missed it, be sure to take a look at our 90-day pre-cruise checklist!
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