Cruise and travel tips to help you plan your cruise vacation. You’ll find cruise advice, packing tips, onboard experiences, how to choose a cruise ship shore excursion and much more.
If you are a solo female traveler like me, you’ll find a wide range of solo travel advice. There are articles that cover everything from solo dining on a cruise ship to staying safe in a new cruise port.
I try to review as many cruise ship shore excursions as possible so you can decide what shore excursions to take before you cruise.
For actual cruise reviews, cruise ship profiles and daily cruise reports, head to
Ocean Cruise Reviews.
You’re going for it – you’ve finally booked your seven-night cruise, but you have no idea what you need to pack. Here’s what I suggest to pack for a cruise. What to pack for a seven-night cruise made easy Packing for a vacation can be a time-consuming experience. Unlike me, some people begin several days […] Read more…
Carnival Faster to the Fun program explained in detail. For 2020, there will be a few price changes, including a price drop on two of their ships. Read more…
It’s been a long time since I packed for my first cruise. You’d think I packed for an around-the-world cruise rather than a 7-night Caribbean cruise. Read more…
I’m asked this question quite a bit. How do I take an Amtrak train between Seattle and Vancouver? I’ve crossed the Canadian border with Amtrak four times in the last two months for four different cruises to and from Vancouver. Now would be a good time to explain how to cross the US and Canada […] Read more…
In case you missed last week’s cruise news, maybe out having too much fun over the Fourth of July long weekend, here are the latest happenings in the world of cruising. Carnival Panorama heads out to sea Carnival Panorama left the shipyard in Italy last weekend for a brief trip out to the ocean. In […] Read more…
Holland America bid farewell to Prinsendam, their smallest ship that carried only 835-guests. After 17 years with the fleet, this much-loved ship was sold to Phoenix Reisen, a German cruise line. The name has also been changed to Amera. Though the sale of Prinsendam was finalized nearly this same time last year, the ship was […] Read more…
Regent Seven Seas Cruises, the world’s leading luxury ocean cruise line, will introduce an extensive menu with more than 200 gourmet plant-based dishes across its fleet beginning October 1, 2019. The new plant-based cuisine will be offered at breakfast, lunch and dinner to meet the evolving tastes of luxury travelers who are following vegan or […] Read more…
Easy step by step directions to Paradise island. Cruise ship shore excursions offer pricey packages to Atlantis Resort to use its 141-acre Aquaventure water park complex and beautiful beaches. If you are just a curious cruiser who wants to see Paradise Island and Atlantis Resort, there’s a simple and easy way to get to Paradise […] Read more…
When it comes to travel, nothing seems carved into stone. As least, not the way I travel. But I’ve never missed connections. Til now. Read more…
Cruise with your cat, dog (or ferret!) using Queen Mary 2 kennels. Update May 11, 2019: Information here is from Cunard Customer Service, the department in charge of Queen Mary 2 kennel requirements. What if your employer wants you to relocate to London. Or you’re lucky enough to spend a summer vacation in the pastoral […] Read more…
I’ve been a solo cruiser for a very long time and usually by choice. In the beginning, it was usually because a roommate had to cancel. But if you’re just about ready to commit to your first solo cruise or only have a couple under your belt, here are some things to know before you […] Read more…
How to tip, how much, when and to whom? Your cruise is paid in full. All that’s left to do is pack your bags, head to the pier and board your ship. But keep your wallet handy because there are gratuities to pay even before your cruise begins. How much, to whom and when to […] Read more…