Category: aboard your cruise

A Cruise Can Actually Boost Your Health and Wellness

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.

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July 8, 2023
Once In A Lifetime Experience: Whale Watching During Your Cruise

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.
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February 14, 2023
Exciting Shore Excursions in Mazatlan, Mexico

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
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February 13, 2023
Cruise and Sailing Novels

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!

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November 3, 2019
What People REALLY Wear on Formal Night

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!

Photo via Cunard Cruise Line
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July 14, 2018
Smooth Sailing: How You Can Cruise Through Embarkation Day

The day is finally here! Your ship has arrived and it’s time to head for the port. You should be able to cruise through embarkation day, right?

While embarking on your cruise is something people look forward to for months, it can also be a little stressful. Last minute packing, transportation snafus, unexpected issues, and long lines can turn an exciting day into chaos. If you are anything like my husband, all you’ll want to do once you are in your stateroom is take a nap (and yes, I bugged him about shoes on the bed). →

However, there are some things you can do in advance to make your sail-away day more enjoyable and less tiring. It just requires a bit of planning, being prepared, and a good sense of how embarkation day works!

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July 10, 2017
Cruise Formal Night Dresses for Under $100!

I am an unabashed bargain hunter, but I also love a glamorous dress! Consequently, I am excited to share my tips for finding a gorgeous cruise formal night dress for under $100!

There are many places you can find quality on a budget, but it requires work. I’ve scoured discount stores, sale racks of department stores, and even catalogs. I’ve even gone the eBay route which is a little hit and miss. If you go that route, you ideally know the brand, are positive the dress is flawless, and the seller has a solid return policy in case it doesn’t work for you. Also, I want to see photos of the actual dress, not the one they found online from the original retailer.

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June 3, 2017
What to Wear on Formal Night

Planning for formal night aboard your cruise can be both challenging and a little intimidating. You want to feel great, but you also want to fit in. Also in consideration is suitcase space and budget. After attending many cruise formal nights, viewing photos, and reading every major cruise line’s attire guidelines, I’ve come up with three recommendations that should cover what to wear on formal night. There are even options for those on a budget!

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May 10, 2015
Easter at Sea: Crown Princess

Taken Easter 2014 aboard the Crown Princess. Happy Easter and Passover, cruisers!

April 5, 2015
A Full Run-Down: How Much Do Cruises Cost?

What we spent on our last cruise

I remember seeing the final cruise charge statement awaiting our attention the night before debarking from our last cruise. As usual, I snatched the statement out of the mail slot and played the “Guess How Much We Spent” game with my husband Don. Clearly, we aren’t ones for keeping an eye on our expenses during the trip. I knew his guess of $800 seemed low to me, but I was still a bit shocked when I saw that the grand total was about twice that: $1660. The gap between what we thought and how much do cruises cost is an important consideration. Let’s talk!

Over the course of 11 days, all of those little purchases, drinks at the bar, and pulls at the slot machine can add up and become a bit of a blur. Also, it’s sort of easy to lose track when everything is paid for with an innocent-looking little piece of plastic that doesn’t even bear the name Visa or MasterCard. I mean, it’s just a room key, right?

In all seriousness, we had a wonderful time and collected memories and had experiences that we will never forget. For first-time cruises or just the curious, read on to learn how much do cruises cost. We’ll tell you what we spent on our last cruise, our opinions on what was totally worth it, what was just a necessity, and what we regretted.
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February 15, 2015