Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas, which was launched in 2021, is the fifth ship in their Quantum Class but she has some noticeable offerings not found on the other ships. This is why I have already booked this ship more than ten times this year, making it the most-booked ship of all the cruises I book. It’s easy to see why with all there is to do onboard. The ship is as much of a destination as the ports themselves!

While there are the traditional activities onboard (bingo, trivia, lectures, etc.), there are so many more incredible attractions and activities. These include:

  • The North Star – an observational pod that will take you over 300 feet above sea level to see your ship and everything around you.
  • Ripcord by iFly – get a sense of skydiving as you don a special suit and enter a wind tunnel.
  • Flowrider – 40-foot-long surf simulator.
  • SeaPlex – bumper cars, pickleball, soccer, basketball, dancing and more. You can also enjoy the Playmakers sports bar directly inside the SeaPlex, watching sports on TV while your loved ones enjoy all the activities.
  • Zone Zero – a fully immersive virtual reality experience
  • Splashaway Bay – aqua park for kids
  • Rock Climbing Wall
  • Sky Pad – virtual reality bungee experience

This incredible ship also has 17 different restaurants along with multiple bars and lounges. Not only does this keep down the crowd levels but also ensures that everyone in your group can find something they like. 

In the evening, you’ll find original production shows, outdoor movie nights, live bands and more. 

If you’re traveling with children, they (and you) might enjoy the youth clubs. Adventure Ocean has multiple programs for babies (6-36 months old) and kids up to age 12. Teens (ages 13-17) have an exclusive space that’s all their own. Just beyond the secret speakeasy entrance, there’s a gaming lounge, music, movies, an outdoor patio and plenty of comfortable places to kick back with new friends.

It’s easy to see why people love this ship. With so much to see, do and eat, there truly is something for everyone. It is the perfect cruise for multigenerational trips because you can be as active or as relaxed as you choose. Nobody will ever get bored on this ship!

Princess Cruises has officially debuted their newest ship, the Sun Princess, which is scheduled to sail in early 2024. Its inaugural spring/summer season will be in the Mediterranean followed by Western and Eastern Caribbean voyages out of Port Everglades, Florida in the fall of 2024. 

Sun Princess is the first ship in their fleet to be sustainably powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), which significantly reduces air emissions and marine gasoil to minimize the ship’s environmental footprint. Sun Princess, the fleet’s largest ship ever constructed, will accommodate 4,300 guests in 2,150 cabins. 1,500 of those cabins will have balconies, which is the most of any Princess ship. 

According to Princess, the ship will offer dynamic views of the world and innovative experiences through service, food and entertainment. The 3-story Piazza offers comfortable outward-facing seating with ocean views in every direction. The LED screen in the center will be used to deliver live entertainment programming. Adjacent to the Piazza atrium will be a coffee shop, bars and a pizzeria.

The Dome, inspired by the terraces of Santorini, will be a multi-level covered deck and first-ever true glass-enclosed dome built on a cruise ship. During the day, the comfortable space will offer an indoor/outdoor pool and unique water feature. At night, the Dome will be transformed into an entertainment venue complete with stage, lighting effects and stunning entertainment. 

Sun Princess will debut the Reserve Collection with premium location Mini-Suites and Cabanas, exclusive access to a private restaurant, and additional amenities. The Reserve Collection was previously called Club Class accommodations and will be available on all Princess ships.

The new level of suite accommodations, the Signature Collection, will be exclusive to Sun Princess. They will offer, in addition to premium stateroom amenities, suites with access to the Signature Restaurant, Signature Lounge and private Signature Sun Deck, a private area of the Sanctuary.

The Sun Princess will be a beautiful ship with iconic, elegant lines, world-class technology and modern designs infused with light. She is the third ship to be honored with the Sun Princess name and is sure to deliver a luxurious experience to her guests!

To be one of the first to sail on Sun Princess, contact me today!

At the recent D23 Expo, the biennial exposition for the official Disney Fan Club, it was announced that Disney Cruise Line is bringing the magic of a Disney vacation to Australia and New Zealand beginning in late October 2023. 

The Disney Wonder will offer cruises ranging from 2-6 nights and will depart from four home ports: Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, Australia; and Auckland, New Zealand. The limited-time “Disney Magic at Sea” cruises will immerse guests in Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars stories. 

For those looking for a longer cruise (13 and 15 nights), the transpacific cruises will sail both directions between Honolulu and Sydney. These will be the first South Pacific voyages for Disney Cruise Line, giving guests the chance to experience destinations like Fiji and Samoa. And if you’re looking for even more, you can add a special Adventures by Disney itinerary in Sydney. The Sydney Escape offers a 4-day, 3-night adventure, where you can explore some of the best that this magnificent city has to offer, making it the perfect pre- or post-adventure for your South Pacific Disney Cruise.

I am so excited about this news! Imagine adding a Disney cruise to your trip to Australia, New Zealand or Hawaii! Combine the magic of Disney with the magic of these destinations and you truly have a bucket list vacation that everyone in the family will remember for a lifetime.

To book your Disney Cruise, contact us today!

Probably the most frequently asked question I receive is, “What do I should I pack?” Here is my list. I know it is a lot, and maybe you won’t need everything on this list, but it includes everything that I’ve found useful on our cruises!

Attire

Everyday attire is extremely casual. Most people wear shorts and T-shirts (and definitely don’t forget your swimsuit!). Breakfast and lunch generally don’t have dress guidelines other than common courtesy and decency. Dinner in the main dining room sometimes has regulations; check your cruise line’s specific policy as some do not allow shorts, sleeveless shirts, etc. in the main dining room.

New cruisers are sometimes concerned about “formal night”. For most cruise lines, this is really not the big event it used to be. Once or twice during a cruise the main dining room will require formal wear. If you dislike dressing up, you still have dining options such as the buffet or room service. Check the daily newsletter in your cabin to see what the dress is for each evening. Most cruises have at least one formal night. 

If you love to dress up, have fun with it! If you DO participate, check your cruise line’s exact policy for formal attire. Some people still dress “formal” (such as a tux, suit and tie, floor length or cocktail dress), but most passengers now dress down considerably. Slacks and a polo shirt are very much the norm, and even some wear jeans. Again, this varies drastically between cruise lines. There will be professional photographers available, so take this opportunity to have a nice photo taken.

Do not forget hats, sunglasses and sunscreen – especially for Caribbean cruises. And use the sunscreen. You are much further south, and you will burn before you know it.

Pack a light jacket. Even during the summer, a breeze off the open ocean can have a slight chill. You may also want to take a sweater for the dining room and the theater in the evenings.

It is also a good idea to bring a pair of tennis shoes. Many ships have activities like rock climbing or laser tag that require them.

If you want to pack light (and do laundry), make sure to check — not all ships offer free (or for-fee) laundromats. Otherwise, laundry is a service provided by cruise lines but it can get expensive. There’s always Febreze!

Packing Tips

Power outlets have traditionally been scarce in staterooms, though cruise lines are slowly modifying them to have more. A 3-way plug or extension cord may help if you have many devices to charge – it must be cruise ship approved and not be a surge protector.

Bathroom counter space is also lacking so you may want to bring a hanging toiletry bag. The counter should be fine for 2 people, but a family of 4 will be crowded for space. We also travel with these magnetic hooks to hang bags, hats, etc. The staterooms walls are magnetic and these come in a few different sizes to hold different weights. 

You may want to bring a low-wattage nightlight particularly if you are in an interior stateroom.

You do not need to pack beach towels – they are provided for free, and you will be allowed to take those off the ship to the island beaches. Free towels are also available at the pools.

You will likely have wet clothes/swimsuits so bring a bag for wet items.

Consider a waterproof case for your ID, cruise card, credit card, etc. while swimming or snorkeling in port. We also bring our own snorkel equipment. We have these snorkel masks and love them or you can go the traditional snorkel and goggle route with these or these made for kids. 

Take a wristwatch. Clocks are few and far between onboard. You also need a watch when you are off the ship. The local island may not be on the same time as “ship time”. Set your watch to “ship time” and leave it there. When they say the ship will leave the island at 3PM, that does not always mean 3PM island time, and you may very well (literally) “miss the boat”. And do not use a cell phone as your watch (it may sync to island time).

In your checked luggage, place photocopies of your passport, medicine prescriptions, return airline tickets, and emergency contacts. You may also want to keep the international toll-free number of your credit card company in case you lose your credit cards.

Most cruise lines will allow you to bring a small amount of wine onboard per person (typically one bottle). Some will allow you to bring water or canned sodas, it varies by cruise line. It must be carried on and not in your checked luggage. You may also be able to order bottled water and soda to be delivered ahead of time to your stateroom. If you bring your own wine, don’t forget a small corkscrew. Your cabin steward can provide ice, an ice bucket and wine glasses.

If you are going ashore, you will need a bag to carry your items if you are going on an excursion, shopping or even the beach. You will need to bring your stateroom key card, photo ID, phone, credit card and some cash. You may also need to bring a change of clothes and a beach towel from the ship. I even take my day bag up to the pool on sea days with everything I may need including my kindle and a deck of cards.

Many guests will bring a nice big Tervis or travel coffee mug with a lid. You can fill it up and enjoy a morning walk around the ship with your coffee or with ice water and tea. Great for sitting out by the pool or on the balcony.

If you have a CPAP machine, take it as carry-on. Cruise staff see these every day, and they know what it is. In your CPAP travel case, pack a long extension cord (with the machine). In most cases, your cabin will NOT have an AC outlet next to the bed. The extension cord must be cruise approved and not be a surge protector.

Are you ready to book your next cruise vacation? Contact us today!

Disney Cruise Line’s Fall sailings will once again include Halloween on the High Seas from mid-September through October, and then from mid-November through December Disney’s Very Merrytime sailings.

Disney Dream

After her summer in Europe, the Disney Dream will take a Transatlantic cruise back to New York City where she’ll sail to Bermuda throughout the fall.

Disney Fantasy

The Fantasy will continue sailing from Port Canaveral, with 7-night itineraries to the Caribbean.

Disney Magic

Beginning October 5, 2023 the Magic will sail Eastbound through the Panama Canal to its Fall home port in San Diego. She’ll sail two to seven-night cruises to Baja and the Mexican Riviera throughout the fall before returning through the Panama Canal to Galveston in early December.

Disney Wish

Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Wish, will continue sailing from Port Canaveral, with 3–4-night itineraries to the Bahamas.

Disney Wonder

No information was released on what the Wonder will be doing this Fall.

If you would like to book your Fall 2023 Disney Cruise, contact us today!

Royal Caribbean has made two major announcements regarding new ships! 

Everyone is familiar with ribbon-cutting ceremonies but have you ever seen a steel-cutting ceremony? In Saint-Nazaire, France, Royal Caribbean recently marked the official start of construction by cutting the first piece of steel for what will be Royal Caribbean’s sixth Oasis Class cruise ship. The ceremony took place at the shipyard where it will be built. And the name of this new ship? (Drum roll please) . . . Utopia of the Seas! Delivery of the new ship, which will have approximately 2,800 cabins,  is scheduled for the end of May 2024. Royal Caribbean has not yet announced where the ship will sail from or what itineraries she will visit.

The other big news is that the new Icon of the Seas will be homeported in Miami after she arrives in the United States. This brand new ship is the first in the new Icon Class, which Royal Caribbean has been very quiet about. The Icon of the Seas will make its debut in the UK market this summer and then head across the Atlantic to Miami. The International President and CEO stated that the ship will likely have some stops in New York or Boston during the East Coast transit. The cruise line has spent five years designing the ship, and while they haven’t disclosed many details, they are promising that this will be a game-changer for the cruising industry. 

Icon of the Seas will feature a combination of “tradition, evolution and revolution,” all elements from their iconic ships. Tradition refers to fan favorites of the brand that will always be found across the fleet. Evolution refers to improving elements that cruisers love, such as entertainment venues and waterslides. And finally, revolution elements are industry firsts and promise to “wow” their customers. I can’t wait until the details are made public! The Icon Class is the first class of new vessels since Royal Caribbean launched the first of its Quantum Class ships in 2014. Stay tuned . . .

We all love new things, right? It’s exciting to learn about, see and experience them. What’s new with Princess? So many things! NEW summer sailings, NEW San Diego departures and a NEW homeport for Royal Princess in San Diego. Princess has been sailing the West Coast for more than 50 years, and they just continue to up their game each year.

New summer sailings: For the first time, Princess is offering week-long sailings that visit La Paz, along with more cruises to the California Coast and Hawaii.

New San Diego departures:  You now have more choices for close-to-home cruising with a variety of roundtrip sailings out of San Diego. Choose from an all new 7-day Baja Peninsula & Sea of Cortez cruise visiting Loreto, La Paz and Cabo San Lucas. Or venture further south all the way to Panama as Princess debuts their all new 20-day Central America & Mexican Riviera voyage.

New homeport for Royal Princess in San Francisco: Princess’s largest ship to homeport in San Francisco for the season will sail the California Coast, Hawaii and Mexico, including a new 11-day Mexican Riviera cruise with an overnight in Cabo San Lucas. More time for mariachis and margaritas!

Hawaii: Princess is the only cruise line that sails a full season roundtrip from the mainland, with a choice of roundtrip departures from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver, B.C. You’ll visit Maui, Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island with a More Ashore late-night stay in Honolulu on most sailings. For the ultimate South Pacific cruise, sail on the 28-day Hawaii, Tahiti & Samoa cruise to see the French Polynesian islands like Moorea, Bora Bora and more. 

California Coast: Cruise along the beautiful California coast, with ports in L.A., San Francisco, San Diego and Catalina. Or choose an itinerary that travels farther north to Astoria and Monterey. What a great way to explore California!

Whether you’re feeling the Aloha spirit, yearning for the Mexico experience, or looking to pair the perfect wine with the scenic beauty of California’s coastline, Princess and I are here for you. Let me help you pick the perfect itinerary for your vacation wishes.

What could be more fun than spending a day at sea with all your favorite Pixar toys, monsters and heroes? Disney Cruise Lines is introducing their all-new Pixar Day at Sea aboard special sailings on the Disney Fantasy in early 2023.

Imagine being fully immersed in this day-long celebration with the characters from “Toy Story,” Monsters, Inc.,” “The Incredibles,” “Finding Nemo” and more!

Character Encounters. Pixar characters will be everywhere on the ship from morning until night, dancing, playing and interacting with guests. You’ll get the chance to see Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Bo Peep from “Toy Story”; Mike, Sulley and Boo from “Monsters, Inc.”; Joy and Sadness from “Inside Out”; and Dug and Russell from “Up.” And let’s not forget those incredible characters – Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl and Frozone – all from “The Incredibles!”

Immersive Entertainment. In addition to encounters with the characters, guests will also enjoy immersive entertainment with them. You can help the Incredibles save the day in a new nighttime spectacular, join your favorite characters for a dance party bash or enjoy a first-of-its-kind theatrical experience that will bring to life the beloved story of Miguel and his family from “Coco” through live music and puppetry.

Dining Filled with Character. It wouldn’t be a Disney cruise without magical dining experiences. A new, interactive character dining experience hosted by Sheriff Woody, Jesse and Bullseye will kick-start the day with sing-a-longs, cowboy serenades and all the country breakfast fixins. You can enjoy a Pixar-themed dinner or immerse yourself in undersea magic while dining in Animator’s Palate with visits from some of your favorite “Finding Nemo” friends, including interactive conversations with Crush.

Pixar Day at Sea will be included on nine select Disney Fantasy cruises from January through March 2023, departing from  Port Canaveral, Florida. Itineraries include the eastern and western Caribbean, with every cruise including a visit to Disney’s private island oasis, Castaway Cay.

Contact us today to reserve your sailing and experience Pixar Day at Sea for yourself!

If you have ever been on a cruise, you’re familiar with the day at sea. There are various games and activities offered throughout the day along with that coveted pool time. Disney Cruise Line takes the day at sea one step further with their Marvel Day at Sea.

This is great news for Marvel fans looking for an epic vacation in early 2023, and for the first time ever, the largest assembly of Marvel Super Heroes and Villains on one ship will be sailing out of Miami on the Disney Dream! This day-long celebration on select five-night Caribbean cruises features encounters with some of Guests’ favorite Marvel Super Heroes, action-packed entertainment and Marvel-themed activities designed for the whole family to enjoy. 

Don’t worry if the entire family isn’t interested in Marvel. With Broadway-style shows, themed dining, activities for every member of the family and Disney’s classic service and attention to detail, there truly is something for everyone.

The Marvel Day at Sea itineraries include Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Disney’s own private island, Castaway Cay, in the Bahamas. These special cruises set sail in January, February and March, 2023, and are available for booking now.

To book your Marvel Day at Sea, contact us today!

How long do you think it would take to visit 7 continents, 60+ countries and 11 World Wonders? Two years, five, ten? How about 274 days? What???

Royal Caribbean has just introduced the Ultimate World Cruise, which will debut in December 2023. On this hemisphere-hopping expedition, you can discover diverse cultures and spectacular shores in every corner of the globe as they explore over 150 destinations, from Asia to Antarctica and beyond on the longest world cruise ever

On this world cruise, you’ll see11 World Wonders, including the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, the Colosseum, Machu Picchu, the Great Barrier Reef and the Great Pyramids of Giza. Talk about a bucket list trip! Your 274-night journey around the world begins and ends in Miami, and sails from December 10, 2023 – September 10, 2024.

Perhaps you can’t be away from home for 274 days. Royal Caribbean understands that, and they have broken it down into 4 expeditions. You can choose to sail on one or more of them.

  • Round the Horn: Americas & Antarctica: Departs from Miami. Dec.10, 2023 – Feb. 11, 2024, 64 Nights, 36 destinations. Go from postcard-perfect Caribbean shores —including the ABC islands —to viewing abundant wildlife like sea lions, penguins and whales roaming glacier-studded Antarctica as you round Cape Horn. Along the way, discover World Wonders in South America, including man-made marvels and extraordinary natural phenomena. Take in the largest Art Deco sculpture in the world, Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. Behold the largest waterfall system on the planet, Iguazú Falls near Buenos Aires. And explore Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic symbols of Peru’s ancient Inca heritage. Then sail up to the Yucatàn Peninsula to discover hidden coves and dramatic rock formations along Land’s End in Cabo San Lucas before exploring Ensenada. 
  • Wonders of Asia & the Pacific: Departs from Los Angeles. Feb 11 – May  9, 2024, 87 Nights, 40 destinations. Sail across the Pacific to explore Hawaii and discover the crystal-clear waters of Mo’orea and Tahiti in unspoiled French Polynesia. Then set out to explore Australia’s Great Barrier Reef — the only living thing on the planet that’s visible from space. Trek from pristine natural beauty in Bali to one of the most iconic man-made World Wonders, the Great Wall of China. Explore South Pacific gems, like Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore, for picture-perfect panoramas and distinctive local cuisine. From the unparalleled culture and modern architecture of Tokyo to the natural marvels of the seaside town Kagoshima, endless possibilities await you in Japan. And take in one of the most breathtaking sights in the world — The Taj Mahal.
  • Middle East Treasures & Marvels of the Med: Departs from Dubai. May 9, 2024 – July 10, 2024, 63 Nights, 44 destinations. Discover World Wonders left behind by the civilizations of legendary pharaohs and emperors, like The Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. And countless renowned ruins across the Mediterranean and Aegean seas —from the Acropolis in Athens to the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus and the Colosseum in Rome. Plus lesser-traveled Greek ports like Olympia, which was once the sanctuary site to honor Zeus and the location of the first Olympic games. Then their journey continues to even more destinations known for their storied history — like the fortified walls of Split, Croatia and explorations in Valencia, Cannes and Provence.
  • Capitals of Culture: Departs from Barcelona. July 10, 2024 – September 10, 2024, 63 Nights, 40 destinations. Discover the heart of Barcelona’s brilliant architecture, including Gaudi’s famed Sagrada Família and the whimsical Park Güell. Savor new flavors across continents — like an indulgent lunch in a Parisian bistro and a dinner of tagine and mint tea in Morocco. And roam fascinating museums, theaters and galleries in Saint Petersburg. Next, your clients will get a glimpse into some of the happiest places on the planet in Scandinavia. Go from wandering countless bridges by bicycle in Copenhagen to taking in larger-than-life fjords in Norway. Then get ready to experience another natural marvel — the other-worldly geothermal seawater at The Blue Lagoon in Iceland before stopping in New York on the way back to Miami.

Cruising around the globe is the ultimate travel experience. You spend time bonding with like-minded explorers over global discoveries. You connect with countless distinct cultures, soak up the most spectacular landscapes on Earth, and marvel at World Wonders that showcase mankind’s boundless imagination. These cruises sell out, and with the introduction of this new itinerary, Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise will book quickly. I would love to help you plan your cruise whether it’s for the entire 274-night voyage and for one or more of the expeditions. Contact us today to book your Ultimate World Cruise!