• Updated February, 2018 • On our last cruise, a 25th wedding anniversary getaway on Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas, my husband and I met many people going on a cruise for the first time. When they found out we have cruised before, they asked for first time cruise tips, often related to … [Read more...]
Disney Cruise Line: 6 tips to stretch your vacation budget
You've compared the cruise lines and decided to take the plunge --- Disney Cruise Line it is. Or maybe you're on the fence, and a few more budget savers might just sway you. Either way, we've got you covered. I discovered these 6 budget stretching tips for Disney Cruise Line on our family vacation … [Read more...]
What’s the best cruise line for families?
Since November of 2013, I've had the awesome opportunity to cruise the Bahamas on the three most popular family cruise lines: Royal Caribbean Cruise Line (RCCL), Disney Cruise Line (DCL) and Carnival. All three sailings visited the Bahamas (Nassau), were during the winter months (November-January) … [Read more...]
Ardastra Gardens in Nassau: A tropical treat
Special thanks to Ardastra Gardens for providing free admission to my family for purposes of this review. All opinions are my own. See my disclosure page for more details on this policy. Step through the gate at Ardastra Gardens in Nassau, The Bahamas, and enjoy bright tropical flowers, up close … [Read more...]
The great travel insurance debate continues
One of the top three questions readers ask is, "Should we get travel insurance?" Spending money on insurance when it could be used for the vacation itself makes this expenditure a tough choice. Of course, for people over 65, travel insurance plans make more sense due to chronic illnesses that can … [Read more...]
Cruising 101: 4 tips for final disembarkation
The hardest part about cruising is leaving the ship… not because it's difficult, but because it's hard to leave the fun. But since that final disembarkation is inevitable, knowing what to expect should make it a bit easier. The final night on board, you'll get a detailed list of all charges made … [Read more...]
Cruising 101: Shore excursions
More than any other questions I get, advice about shore excursions is by far the most wanted. Today's post answers those questions. If you don't find the answer to your question here, please leave a comment. We will answer your questions! Shore Excursions Q&A Should we book a shore excursion … [Read more...]
Cruising 101: Beginner’s Guide to Sea Days
Sea Days… long, lazy days onboard ship. What's a cruiser to do? With so many options, it can be overwhelming -- especially for the first time cruiser. Before we jump in, remember that cruise ships are "cashless societies." Everything you do on board costs money. Shopping, drinking fancy umbrella … [Read more...]
Cruising 101: Navigating the cruise terminal
You've booked your cruise and packed your bags. Next up, check-in at the cruise terminal. First-timers who try to smuggle the iron onboard can get tripped up here because cruise lines enforce those safety rules. Plan ahead just a bit, and you'll navigate the cruise terminal like a pro! Arriving at … [Read more...]
Cruising 101: Cruise packing tips
• Updated February, 2018 • When we took our first cruise back in 1993, I knew cabins onboard were small. We went to celebrate my husband’s graduation from medical school, so we had a teeny tiny cabin to fit our teeny tiny budget! I learned that the only way to pack for a cruise is with a cruise … [Read more...]
