The Ultimate Alaskan Cruise Packing List: What to Bring for Your Adventure

Alaska is known for its stunning landscapes, towering glaciers, and wondrous wildlife sightings, making it one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world. But with its unpredictable weather and exciting array of activities, it’s important to pack the right items for your Alaskan cruise. Whether you're cruising in the summer or winter, here’s a comprehensive packing list to ensure you’re prepared for everything.

1. Clothing Essentials

Packing layers is key to staying comfortable in Alaska’s ever-changing weather. Here’s what you’ll need:

Outerwear

• Waterproof Rain Jacket: A high-quality, breathable fully waterproof jacket is a must, as rain is frequent in Alaska.

• Foldable Insulated or Puffer Jacket: Even in summer, temperatures can dip, especially during shore excursions or while on the deck. A warm, insulated puffer jacket will keep you cozy. I bought this one on amazon and loved it: https://amzn.to/3XjaY7m

• Zip-up Fleece Jacket: For when you want some extra warmth but don’t need something as heavy as a puffer jacket. I used this a lot when on board the ship.

Tops

• Moisture-Wicking Base Layers: These are great for staying dry and warm. Choose long-sleeve shirts, thermal tops, and lightweight sweaters.

• T-shirts and Tank Tops: For warmer days when you’re inside the ship or off the coast in port. They go great under a nice button up flannel shirt. Here is a link to my favorite flannel shirt: https://amzn.to/41wlMBj

• Fleece or Sweaters: A mid-layer for extra warmth when needed.

Bottoms

• Waterproof Pants: In case of rain or when you're on excursions like kayaking or hiking.

• Comfortable Jeans or Hiking Pants: You’ll likely want comfortable pants for casual days or walking tours.

• Fleece Lined Leggings: These were my most worn items that I packed. They were so comfortable and warm. Here is a link to the ones I bought: https://amzn.to/41wmIFP

Footwear

• Waterproof Shoes/Boots: Essential for excursions like dog sledding, hiking, or rainy days. Here are the ones I ended up choosing: https://amzn.to/3QC3dWs

• Walking Shoes: Comfortable shoes for exploring the ship or strolling through port towns.

• Flip-Flops: For use in the cruise ship’s spa, pool, or showers.

• Dress shoes for formal dinner nights (Most 7 night cruises will have two formal dinner nights)

Accessories

• Hats: A warm beanie for chilly days and a sun hat for sunny days.

• Scarves and Gloves: A warm scarf and gloves are a must when you’re outside, especially in cooler temperatures.

2. Health & Beauty

Staying comfortable and healthy while cruising through Alaska is important. Here’s what you should bring:

Personal Care Items

• Sunscreen: Even in cooler temperatures, the sun’s UV rays can still be strong, especially when you’re near glaciers or on the water.

• Lip Balm with SPF: The cold and wind can dry out your lips, so keep a hydrating balm on hand.

• Hand Sanitizer: The cruise ship and port areas can be crowded, so a small bottle of hand sanitizer will come in handy.

• Moisturizer: Alaska’s weather can be harsh on your skin, so bring a good moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.

• Medications: Don’t forget any daily medications, as well as seasickness tablets if you’re prone to motion sickness.

3. Technology & Gadgets

Capture your Alaskan adventure and stay connected with these tech essentials:

• Binoculars: Essential for wildlife spotting from the deck, your balcony or on excursions.

• Camera: A good-quality camera with extra memory cards to capture Alaska’s breathtaking views.

• Smartphone & Charger: A must for photos, checking the weather, and staying connected. Be sure to have a waterproof case for protection.

• Portable Power Bank: A power bank will ensure your devices stay charged throughout the day while at port or on shore excursions.

• Waterproof Phone Case: Keep your phone safe from rain and water spray when out on deck.

4. Travel Essentials

These items are important for the journey and the ports of call:

• Passport/ID: Don’t forget your travel documents! A passport is essential to your Alaskan adventure, especially if you plan to ride the White Pass Railway in Skagway as it does cross over into Canada.

• Cruise Documents: Bring printed copies of your boarding passes, cruise itineraries, shore excursion tickets, and any other necessary information.

• Credit Cards/Cash: While credit cards are widely accepted, it’s always a good idea to have some local currency for smaller purchases.

• Luggage Tags: Attach the cruise line’s luggage tags to your bags before heading to the port.

5. Shore Excursion Gear

Be prepared for the fun activities waiting in Alaska's ports!

• Daypack/Backpack: A small, comfortable bag for shore excursions like hiking or sightseeing tours.

• Water Shoes: If you’re planning any water-based excursions like kayaking, water shoes will keep your feet comfortable and safe.

• Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the sun’s glare while out on excursions or deck. Alaska is known as the land of the midnight sun and sunglasses are crucial during your trip.

• Swimwear: For the ship’s pool, hot tubs, or any excursions that might involve water activities.

• Camera & GoPro: To capture all your unforgettable moments, especially during wildlife tours or glacier hikes.

6. Other Useful Items

These extras might not be essential, but they will definitely make your trip more enjoyable:

• Travel Pillow: A neck pillow for extra comfort during flights or long bus rides.

• Foldable Laundry Hamper: This is so nice to have in your stateroom cabin and helps to store your dirty laundry. I always bring one with me.

• Books, Magazines, and Card Games: For quiet days at sea or when you’re relaxing on the ship.

• Snacks: While the ship provides plenty of food, having a few snacks for your cabin or during excursions can be handy.

• Travel-sized Detergent: If you want to do a quick wash of a few items in your cabin.

Final Tips for Packing:

• Pack Light: Although you may need to pack for varying weather conditions, you don’t need to overpack. Stick to the essentials, and use the laundry services on board if needed.

• Dress in Layers: Layering is the best way to prepare for fluctuating temperatures in Alaska.

• Check the Cruise Line’s Dress Code: Some cruises may have formal nights or specific dress codes for certain activities, so be sure to check with your cruise line ahead of time.

Top 10 Reasons to Vacation at Beaches Resort Turks and Caicos

As a travel agent, I’ve had the privilege of exploring many beautiful destinations, but few can rival the paradise that is Beaches Resort Turks and Caicos. This all-inclusive resort truly stands out as a family-friendly haven, providing unforgettable experiences for guests of all ages. Here are my top ten reasons why you should consider this tropical oasis for your next vacation.

1. All-Inclusive Paradise

At Beaches Turks and Caicos, you can leave your wallet behind. From the moment you arrive, you’ll find that everything is included—from gourmet meals at a variety of restaurants to unlimited drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Enjoy the freedom of indulging without worrying about your budget!

2. Stunning Beaches and Crystal Clear Waters

The resort is situated on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Grace Bay. With powdery white sand and mesmerizing turquoise waters, it’s a dream destination for sunbathers and water sports enthusiasts alike. Whether you prefer lounging on the beach or engaging in snorkeling, kayaking, or paddleboarding, the options to explore this beautiful beach are endless.

3. Exceptional Family Amenities

Beaches Turks and Caicos is designed with families in mind. The resort features a super fun water park with slides, a lazy river, and even a kids only swim up bar serving milkshakes and other tasty treats! The resort also features kids’ clubs, and activities tailored for children of all ages. Parents can relax knowing their children are engaged in fun and supervised activities, allowing for quality family time as well as individual relaxation.

4. Autism-Friendly Services

One of the standout features of Beaches Turks and Caicos is its commitment to inclusivity. Did you know that in 2019 Beaches became the first resort company in the world to attain the Advanced Certified Autism Center (ACAC) accreditation by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This accreditation focuses on the Company’s kids camp, entertainment and watersports operations, as well as staff from other areas of the resort.

Here are just some of the inclusive benefits and offerings included at Beaches Turks and Caicos:

❓A personalized pre-travel questionnaire to identify requests and preferences with a dedicated Special Services team to assist in the vacation planning process

🍔 A Culinary Concierge program to support specific dietary restrictions and special requests

📋Modified check-in options for private, in-room, check-in and the availability of sensory toys for children during check-in

🤫Identification of quiet spaces during noisier times of the day and evening

⭐️Modified design and decoration in Kids Camps and Entertainment areas to create a more sensory-friendly environment

🧑‍🧒 The option to pre-book a ‘One-on-One Beaches Buddy’ offering personalized, private childcare with a ‘buddy’ who is certified by IBCCES, for a nominal fee

🤿 All Beaches Resorts’ watersports teams have completed training with PADI and IBCCES which allows the resorts to offer tailored diving programs for children on the autism spectrum

The resort offers autism training and certifications for its staff, ensuring that children with autism and their families feel welcome and supported. Specialized programs and personalized attention mean that everyone can enjoy a stress-free vacation.

5. Variety of Dining Options

With 21 restaurants serving international cuisine, there’s something for everyone. From casual beachside eateries to fine dining options, you can savor flavors from around the world without ever needing to leave the resort. And don’t forget about the 24-hour room service—midnight snacks anyone?

6. Kids’ Camp and Childcare Services

The resort provides outstanding childcare options, including the XBOX Play Lounge and the Beaches Kids Camp. Parents can take a break knowing their little ones are in safe hands, having fun with activities designed by trained professionals. It’s the perfect opportunity for parents to enjoy some adult time, whether that’s at the spa or by the pool.

7. Water Sports Galore

For the adventurous spirit, Beaches Turks and Caicos offers a wealth of water sports. They are well known for their complimentary scuba diving trips (equipment included) for certified divers. In fact, you can do either two one-tank dives in one outing or a one-tank dive in two outings each day, allowing you to discover the stunning coral reefs and marine life surrounding the resort completely complimentary. Whether you’re an experienced diver or looking to get certified, the expert instructors ensure a safe and thrilling experience in some of the Caribbean’s best dive sites. It’s an unforgettable way to create memories beneath the waves! For those not interested in diving, there are many options you can enjoy such as snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing, or sailing—most of which are included in your stay. The resort's certified instructors ensure a safe and fun experience for all skill levels.

8. Luxurious Accommodations

From opulent suites to beachfront villas, accommodations at Beaches are designed for comfort and relaxation. Many rooms feature stunning ocean views and private balconies, creating the perfect backdrop for your vacation. Families will appreciate the spacious layouts, which can comfortably accommodate everyone. Beaches Turks and Caicos offers a variety of room categories and service levels to ensure that every guest finds the perfect fit for their needs and preferences. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, a family, or a group, you’ll discover luxurious accommodations designed for comfort and convenience.

Luxury Suites

The Luxury Suites provide a beautiful blend of comfort and style. These spacious rooms feature upscale amenities, including private balconies or patios with stunning views. Families will appreciate the generous living space and thoughtful touches, such as mini-fridges stocked with snacks and beverages.

Concierge Service

For those seeking an elevated experience, the Concierge Service provides an added layer of luxury. Guests can enjoy personalized check-in, priority restaurant reservations, and dedicated staff to assist with planning activities and excursions. This service ensures that your stay is seamless and tailored to your needs, allowing you to relax and enjoy every moment.

Butler Service

The ultimate in luxury comes with the Butler Service, available in select suites. Your personal butler will attend to your every need—from unpacking your luggage to arranging private dinners on the beach. This level of service means you can indulge in unparalleled pampering, making your vacation truly unforgettable.

Family Suites

Designed specifically for families, these suites offer extra space and amenities geared towards children. Many feature separate sleeping areas for kids, complete with fun décor and easy access to the resort’s kids’ clubs and activities. With family-oriented features and convenient proximity to pools and play areas, these suites are perfect for those traveling with little ones.

9. Entertainment for All Ages

Evenings at Beaches Turks and Caicos are filled with entertainment options. Enjoy live music, themed parties, and family-friendly shows that will delight guests of all ages. The nightly entertainment creates a vibrant atmosphere, ensuring that there’s never a dull moment.

10. Dedicated Staff and Exceptional Service

Last but certainly not least, the staff at Beaches Turks and Caicos go above and beyond to ensure that your stay is memorable. With their warmth, hospitality, and attention to detail, you’ll feel like family from the moment you arrive. Whether you need assistance with planning activities or dining reservations, they are always ready to help.

Sailing Through the Western Caribbean on the Disney Fantasy…

My Review: Disney Fantasy Western Caribbean Itinerary

As a travel agent, I have sailed on many cruise lines, but the Disney Fantasy’s Western Caribbean itinerary truly stands out as one of my absolute favorites. This seven-night cruise offers a perfect blend of Disney magic and Caribbean beauty, with stops at Cozumel, Mexico, Georgetown, Grand Cayman, Falmouth, Jamaica, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. See just what makes Disney Cruise Line and this specific itinerary so amazing…

Day 1: Departure from Port Canaveral

Boarding the Disney Fantasy at Port Canaveral was simple and easy. Whether you choose to self-park or take transportation to the port, the process is streamlined and easy to navigate. The check-in process was smooth and efficient, and within 15 minutes of our arrival, we were ready to board the ship.From the moment I stepped aboard, Disney’s signature magic was evident. A particularly memorable moment on this cruise (and all our Disney Cruises) is hearing our family’s name announced over the ship’s intercom as we boarded—a magical touch that made us feel like VIPs right from the start. Everything from the initial welcome to the ship’s magnificent layout made me feel like I had come back home. It’s easy to see why the Disney Fantasy is a favorite ship for many—its attention to detail and immersive Disney experiences are second to none. We spent our first sea day exploring the ship, unpacking and enjoying some of the very fun onboard activities like playing trivia games.

Day 2: At Sea

Our second day, and first full day at sea, was a great opportunity to continue exploring the ship. I spent part of the day enjoying the Aquaduck (the thrilling water coaster that wraps around the upper decks and offers exhilarating drops and turns along with fantastic ocean views) with my kids,. We also had a blast playing BINGO as a family—a fun, interactive way to spend time together and try our luck at winning cash prizes. For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, the adult-exclusive Serenity Bay area and the sophisticated Meridian lounge are perfect retreats that allow for a more quiet and relaxing experience. The ship’s dining options were exceptional like always, with rotational dining allowing us to savor a variety of themed restaurants, including our family’s favorite, Animator’s Palate. A highlight of the day was attending the Broadway-level musical Aladdin. The performance was truly spectacular, featuring dazzling sets, stunning costumes, and incredible choreography. It was a fantastic way to kick off our cruise and set the tone for the magical days ahead.

Day 3: Cozumel, Mexico

On our third day, we arrived at our first port stop,Cozumel. It was vibrant and full of life. One of the most memorable excursions our family took was the Sea Trek helmet dive. This unique experience allowed us to walk on the ocean floor while wearing a special helmet that provided a constant flow of air. It was a truly remarkable adventure, offering a close-up view of marine life and underwater landscapes without having to SCUBA. The ease of breathing underwater and the opportunity to interact with the sea creatures made it an unforgettable experience—I would do it again in a heartbeat. The local charm of Cozumel was undeniable, and we enjoyed meeting some of the locals, eating some traditonal Mexican cuisine and shopping at the large two-story mall at the port. It was a great day!

Sea Trek Helmet Excursion

Day 4: Georgetown, Grand Cayman

Starfish Point, Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman was a highlight of the cruise for us. One of the standout excursions was our visit to Starfish Point. Here, we had the unique opportunity to hold starfish and learn about them and their habitat. It is an amazing, hands-on experience for anyone interested in marine life. Being able to hold the starfish (underwater, of course) and feel them actually hold onto you was a really magical experience. We also took a scenic tour of the mangroves, which provided a fascinating glimpse into the island’s natural environment. This excursion combined both adventure and education, making it a truly memorable part of our Grand Cayman visit. Georgetown also had many great shopping and dining options, both at and near the port and we all found some really nice souvenirs.

That evening, we enjoyed the excitement of Pirate Night aboard the ship. Disney Cruise Line’s Pirate Night is a unique and thrilling experience, featuring a lively deck party, themed activities, and an incredible fireworks display at sea. The fireworks show was a spectacular highlight, as Disney is the only cruise line to offer this breathtaking experience. It was a perfect end to an amazing day in Grand Cayman.

Day 5: Falmouth, Jamaica

Beautiful port area in Falmouth Jamaica.  Great shopping, food and entertainment.

Our day in Jamaica was full of diverse and exciting adventures. Some of my family members chose to go tubing at Dunn’s River Falls, where they had a thrilling experience navigating the cascading waters. The guides were also hilarious (especially CJ) and made the trip extra fun. My daughter and I opted for the horseback and swim excursion, which turned out to be absolutely amazing. Riding horses through the Jamaican countryside and then swimming in the ocean on horseback was an unforgettable highlight and truly a bucket list item for us both! The combination of the exhilarating ride and the unique ocean swim made for a perfect day of adventure and natural beauty. We had the best guide, Shane, and he took excellent care of us the entire time, making sure we were safe and comfortable during our ride. Another thing we loved in Falmouth was the beautiful new port area. It is well-developed, with shops and dining that showcase local art and artisans as well as some of the local cuisine. Jamaican hospitality is a real thing and we all fell in love with Jamaica during our day here. We all agreed that Jamaica is a place we want to return to on a future trip.

Day 6: At Sea

Our final at sea day was a bittersweet chance to soak in the ship’s amenities one last time. I enjoyed some relaxation by the pool, participated in a few activities I had missed earlier, and took full advantage of the ship’s offerings. The Aquaduck was a thrilling way to make the most of the sea day, with its exhilarating twists and turns. Another highlight of the day was attending a towel folding class, where we learned to create whimsical towel animals—an entertaining and useful skill I plan to try using at home so I can pretend I am still on a Disney cruise.

We also had a chance to complete a partial ship tour, which offered fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpses of the Disney Fantasy’s design and function. Meeting beloved Disney characters was another highlight of the day. We had delightful encounters with Goofy, Belle, Rapunzel, and Captain Mickey and Minnie, which made for some really cute memories and pictures.

That evening, we were treated to another spectacular Broadway-level musical onboard: Disney’s Frozen: A Musical. The performance was nothing short of extraordinary. The talented cast delivered breathtaking performances, bringing the beloved characters of Elsa, Anna, and their friends to life with stunning visuals, impressive special effects, and powerful music. The show’s vibrant choreography and the sheer skill of the performers made it an unforgettable experience, leaving us all thoroughly enchanted.

Day 7: Castaway Cay, Disney’s Private Island

View of Castaway Cay from the ship

This is one of my family’s favorite places on earth, especially when it comes to enjoying the beach and snorkeling. We love exploring Disney’s underwater world and searching for the various buried treasures, like the submerged Disney character statues, sunken submarine, and other hidden gems scattered throughout the lagoon. This trip, we discovered that they had added a new underwater statue, Boo’s door from Monsters Inc. It was so cool! The island’s crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life make snorkeling here a top-notch experience. It’s also incredibly safe as Disney has lifeguards stationed throughout the snorkeling lagoon. This makes it a great place for kids to try snorkeling for the first time.

If you haven’t to Castaway Cay before, I highly recommend booking a Disney Cruise itinerary that has a stop there. There is truly something for everyone at Castaway Cay. For example, Castaway Cay also offers a wide range of water sports like kayaking and pedal bikes. Further down the beach, at Pelican’s Point, they even have a waterslide built into the ocean called Pelican’s Plunge. For those seeking a little more quiet and relaxation, the adult-only Serenity Bay is a wonderful option. The adult only beach area even has their own lunch spot called Serenity Bay BBQ as well as the Castaway Air Bar serving all the favorite island drinks.

The only bad thing about Castaway Cay is how hard it is to leave. After hours of snorkeling and enjoying the beach, we sadly had to get back to the ship to get ready for our final dinner. After that, we capped off the day by attending another Broadway-level musical—Disney’s Believe, which was a perfect blend of storytelling, music, and Disney magic. We all loved it!

Day 8: Return to Port Canaveral

Disembarking was just as efficient as embarkation was. Leaving the Disney Fantasy was a bit emotional as we all loved our time onboard so much! But, we left with wonderful memories of the cruise and the beautiful Caribbean destinations we visited and we are already planning where our next Disney Cruise will be.

Overall, the Disney Fantasy’s Western Caribbean itinerary is an incredible blend of Disney magic and Caribbean allure. The ship’s luxurious amenities, standout excursions like the Sea Trek helmet dive and the Starfish Point adventure, and the unforgettable snorkeling experience at Castaway Cay made this trip truly unforgettable. The Aquaduck waterslide added an extra thrill to our sea days, and playing BINGO and attending Broadway-level musicals like Aladdin, Frozen, and Believe further enriched our magical experience at sea.

As a travel agent who has sailed on many cruise lines, I can confidently say that Disney Cruise Line is and will always be our family’s favorite. The Disney Fantasy is a beloved ship for many, and it’s easy to see why. If you’re looking for a vacation that combines enchantment and adventure, I wholeheartedly recommend this itinerary and Disney Cruise Line in general.

Sailing with Princess Cruise Lines: The Top 10 Highlights

Embarking on a cruise with Princess Cruise Lines is not just a vacation; it's an experience crafted to delight and exceed expectations. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or setting sail for the first time, here are the top 10 reasons why Princess Cruise Lines stands out as a premier choice for your next adventure:

1. Variety of Destinations

Princess Cruise Lines offers a diverse array of destinations around the globe, catering to every type of traveler. Sail through the sun-soaked Caribbean islands, witness the awe-inspiring glaciers of Alaska, explore the historic cities of Europe, or discover the exotic landscapes of Asia and Australia. With Princess, you can fulfill your travel dreams and explore new horizons in style.

2. Impeccable Service

Service excellence is a hallmark of Princess Cruise Lines. From the moment you step onboard, you'll be greeted by friendly staff dedicated to ensuring your comfort and satisfaction throughout your voyage. Whether it's your cabin steward anticipating your needs or the dining team offering personalized service at every meal, expect attentive care that enhances your cruise experience.

3. Luxurious Accommodations

Indulge in luxurious accommodations designed for relaxation and enjoyment. Princess offers a range of staterooms and suites, each featuring elegant decor, plush bedding, and amenities that cater to your comfort. Wake up to stunning ocean views from your private balcony or unwind in spacious suites that feel like a home away from home.

4. Delicious Dining Options

Dining aboard Princess Cruise Lines is a culinary delight, with a variety of options to please every palate. Enjoy gourmet meals prepared by talented chefs at specialty restaurants offering fine dining experiences. Savor international cuisines, fresh seafood, and mouthwatering desserts. Casual dining venues and room service ensure that you can dine on your own schedule, whether you're craving a quick bite or a leisurely meal under the stars.

5. Enriching Activities and Entertainment

Days at sea are filled with enriching activities and entertainment options for all interests. Participate in art auctions, culinary demonstrations, and educational lectures that provide insights into the destinations you'll visit. Enjoy live music performances, Broadway-style shows, and themed parties that create memorable evenings onboard. From poolside relaxation to lively nightlife, Princess offers activities that cater to every mood.

6. Relaxation and Wellness

Rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit at Princess's onboard spas and fitness centers. Treat yourself to pampering massages, facials, and beauty treatments designed to refresh and revitalize. Stay active with yoga and fitness classes led by certified instructors or take a refreshing dip in the pool overlooking the ocean. Princess ensures that wellness is an integral part of your cruise experience.

7. Family-Friendly Fun

Cruising with family is a breeze with Princess Cruise Lines, offering activities and amenities for travelers of all ages. Kids and teens can enjoy supervised activities at age-appropriate clubs while parents relax knowing their children are in safe hands. Family-friendly shore excursions allow everyone to explore and learn together, creating unforgettable memories that bond generations.

8. Captivating Shore Excursions

Explore each port of call with Princess's expertly curated shore excursions that immerse you in the culture, history, and natural beauty of each destination. Whether you're snorkeling in turquoise waters, touring ancient ruins, or embarking on culinary adventures, Princess ensures you have authentic experiences that showcase the best of every port. Knowledgeable guides enhance your journey with insights and stories that bring each destination to life.

9. Innovative Technology with OceanMedallion

Princess Cruise Lines leads with innovation through OceanMedallion, a wearable device that enhances your cruise experience. This revolutionary technology offers seamless embarkation and disembarkation, keyless cabin access, and personalized service throughout your voyage. Order drinks poolside without ever leaving your lounge chair, locate family members onboard, and enjoy a hassle-free vacation with the power of OceanMedallion at your fingertips.

10. Commitment to Sustainability

Princess Cruise Lines is committed to sustainability and responsible tourism practices that protect the environment and support local communities. Through initiatives like waste reduction, energy efficiency, and partnerships with conservation organizations, Princess strives to minimize its environmental footprint while preserving the destinations it visits. When you cruise with Princess, you can feel good knowing that your travels contribute to the preservation of our planet's natural beauty.

Conclusion

Choosing Princess Cruise Lines means embarking on a journey filled with luxury, adventure, and unforgettable moments. Whether you're drawn to the allure of exotic destinations or seeking relaxation and pampering at sea, Princess delivers a cruise experience that exceeds expectations. Discover why Princess Cruise Lines continues to set the standard for excellence in cruising and create memories that last a lifetime. Your next voyage with Princess awaits, promising a blend of comfort, excitement, and unparalleled service that defines the art of cruising.

Carnival Cruise Line…What’s it Really Like?

This past weekend I did something I swore I would never do…I went on a Carnival Cruise. Was it as bad as I expected it to be? Was the ship and the service as terrible as I had anticipated? Read below and find out.

I have a few clients that regularly sail with Carnival and I finally decided it was time for me to just bite the bullet and give them a try. As a travel agent, I know there are higher quality cruise lines out there and have been on quite a few of them over the last few years. But curiosity got the best of me and I decided to see what kept some of my clients coming back to Carnival. So, this past weekend, my husband and I packed our bags and headed to Long Beach to sail on our first ever Carnival cruise to Mexico. Since we live less than two hours from the Long Beach port, we were fortunate enough to drive to the cruise Terminal and just park our car. Learn from us: don’t just drive right in and park. Make sure you drop off your luggage with a porter in the drop off area otherwise you will end up hauling it a long distance and/or up and down multiple flights of stairs as the terminal parking only has one set of elevator banks. This was my first time taking a cruise that left close to home and I really enjoyed the convenience of just throwing my luggage in the car and driving right into the port. So much easier than packing for a long flight and going through TSA.

TERMINAL AND BOARDING PROCESS

I really liked was the newly renovated Long Beach Cruise Terminal. The scenery inside is stunning and includes a backdrop of the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range and even a replica of the Spruce Goose, the plane the building was originally built to house. It is so nice and open inside and the beautiful surroundings really put you in that vacation mood. One thing that impressed me right off the bat with Carnival, was the ease and speed of check in. We entered the terminal and only waited behind one person before being taken to a desk and officially checked in. After that it was a quick stop through security and we began making our way to the boarding gangway. We had our passports checked a few more times at various places during our walk towards the ship (love the level of security) and unbelievably, less than 10 minutes after entering the building, we were on the ship! That was impressive and I wouldn’t mind if a few other cruise companies could streamline their process to be as quick as Carnival’s was.

CABINS

I had booked our cabin fairly close to the sailing date so the only cabin available at the time was an inside cabin. Even though this isn’t normally what I sail in, I thought it would be fine for a short cruise and it was. The room was ready by the time we entered the ship and we found it to be clean and have plenty of storage. I wish the cabin had a small loveseat or seating area like some other inside cabins I have seen, but all in all I was happy with the accommodations. I was also pleased to find that the surprise Bon Voyage package I had ordered before the cruise for my husband had been installed in the cabin for us as expected (I was nervous it wouldn’t be done to be honest). The only complaint I had was that the bottle of champagne that came with the package was warm and wasn’t even placed in an ice bucket. In fact, there was no ice bucket in the room at all. But maybe that is my travel agent side showing. I am used to sailing on higher end cruise lines that pay attention to those minute details and have come to expect them on all cruise lines now.

When I first saw the small size and lack of defined shower area in our cabin bathroom I was convinced that I would hate it but as it turns out it was just fine. The shower had a handheld shower head that was adequate and the water got plenty hot enough for me which I loved. I am a hot water person and I loved the hot water temperature options in the shower. It was also much roomier than it looked and I didn’t bang elbows into the walls like I thought I would when showering.

I would say the biggest downside to the cabins on Carnival are the lack of soundproofing on their cabin doors. The door doesn’t seal as tight and isn’t as nice of quality as other cruise lines I have been on. While I never heard our neighbors on each side of us during our stay, I did constantly hear hallway noise during the trip. Anytime someone was talking or walking in the hallway, it sounded like they were right in our room. The vents on the doors are a terrible idea and make having a quiet cabin impossible.

The biggest positive with our cabin was our amazing Cabin Steward, Frank. Frank was so kind and attentive and always did an excellent job of cleaning and maintaining our cabin, He even left us towel animals each night which I love. He was amazing and we were so thankful for all he did!

FOOD

One of the things I was most afraid of on a Carnival ship was the food. I had heard and seen such awful reviews of their food and I was convinced that I would starve during our three day cruise. And while the food overall was definitely sub-par compared to other cruise lines I have sailed on, it was still better than expected.

One trick that we learned about early on, was to eat in the Main Dining Room but order off of the steakhouse menu. Doing this, you get the same steak and lobster options as the steakhouse but you only pay $23 dollars a person instead of $49. The steaks are prepared by the same kitchen as the Fahrenheit 555 so you are getting the nice filet mignon and lobster tail for half the price. I highly recommend doing this next time you sail with Carnival. The filet mignons and lobster tail we ordered each time were absolutely amazing and it was nice not to have to try and get Fahrenheit 555 reservations or pay their prices in order to eat them each night. The one night we tried to order off of the regular Main Dining Room menu, we found the menu options lacking and the quality of the salads and meats to be pretty low. Another thing that I found odd was that none of the main entrees are served with sides. This is not standard practice for other cruise line and in fact, Carnival is the first cruise line I have seen do this. We had to ask for mashed potatoes or vegetables to be added with our dinner orders. This was very odd to me!

The first morning for Breakfast, my husband and I tried the Blue Iguana Cantina and the breakfast burrito I had was really good. I chose to put Mexican style eggs, cheese, pico de Gallo and hash browns in mine and I loved it. I also loved being able to go to the salsa bar and pick my own salsa to go with it. My husband however chose to try the meat options for his burrito and said the meat was terrible and he wouldn’t order it again. He did like everything else in his burrito though, so maybe skip the meat if you try Blue Iguana for breakfast.

We were also excited to try the Big Chicken restaurant on the Lido deck but sadly it didn't not live up to expectations either. I had heard that they have a great breakfast so I went expecting a fluffy southern bacon, egg and cheese, biscuit and instead was served a tiny finger sandwich style hard thin “biscuit” with cold unmelted cheese on it. I am originally from the south and was appalled at what Big Chicken was labeling a biscuit. Just wow! I ended up going to the buffet to try and find something to eat. But I was disappointed there too! No bacon! What kind of breakfast buffet doesn’t serve bacon? Carnival is the only cruise line I have ever been on that doesn’t serve bacon in their main breakfast buffet restaurant!

We were also excited to try Guy’s Pig and Anchor Bar-B-Que but were shocked when we saw the very small selection and the quality of the options available. Definitely not on par with some of the other cruise lines we have experienced. The options were few and the food was just ok with the exception of the Molasses baked beans which were delicious and the star of the menu for sure!

Guy’s Burger Joint was another place we were super excited to try and it turned out to be another place that really let us down. Their burger was just ok and I didn’t even finish it because there was just something about the flavor that seemed off to me. The fries however are amazing and both my husband and I loved the seasoning they put on them. In fact, when we got hungry and couldn’t find anything else good to eat, we would go and get a plate of fries to share.

Overall, I felt that Carnival food was lacking and that they cut corners they didn't need to cut. (like not having bacon at breakfast). There was some good food to be found but it was few and far between in my opinion. If it weren’t for the add ons available in the Main Dining Room, we really might have gone hungry for periods of time on our cruise.

ACTIVITIES AND ENTERTAINMENT

One thing that we were really expecitng Carnival to deliver on was activities and entertainment. After all, they are known as the “fun” cruise line! We pictured being busy from sunup to sundown, especially on sea days and having to choose between multiple activities. Sadly, this was not the case. What we found were periods of time where the only things going on were sitting and listening to live music. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE live music but I can only sit and listen to it for so long before I get restless and need to find something more active or engaging to do. We did attend the evening shows like “Rock Revolution” in the Liquid Lounge and a few of the comedy shows on board but often we struggled to find something to do. Another problem we would run into, was that a lot of the best actitiviies were going on at the same time and we had to choose between things we really liked. For example, one afternoon the Harry Potter Trivia and Ice Sculpting were held at the same time. Finally, there were two cool things going on but unfortunately both were at the same time. We wished they had spread some of the more interesting activities out a little more.

On our three day cruise, there is only one real flagship show put on by the Playlist Productions team and that is “Rock Revolution”. The music in the show is from the 1960’s (not my favorite music decade) and the show feels more like something you would see at Six Flags than on a cruise ship stage. Despite this, the performers really do a great job with what they are given to work with and there are a few really standout vocalists and dancers among them. The amazing energy and talented vocals of the performers are what really made the show worthwhile for us. That and the cool drone part of the show. We only wish they could have used the drones more in the show instead of for just one song.

SHIP

The Carnival Radiance was built in 2000 and refurbished in 2020. And while you can tell it has been refurbished there are still a few areas where you can see its age. Some of the metal areas of the ship are discolored and in need of cleaning or maintenance and there are occasional chunks missing from flooring or furniture around different parts of the ship. The bathrooms in the cabins are dated in decor and also need grout replacements and touch ups here and there, But everything functioned just fine and we had no issues. All of our complaints were just aesthetic. That being said, the ship Is kept white glove clean by the detail oriented staff. I never once saw a fingerprint on any of the glass railings, or dirt or dust on any surface. It was kept immaculate by the crew members. My favorite thing design wise on the ship were the amount of elevators. I think I had the shortest wait for an elevator on the Carnival Radiance than I have had on ANY other ship on ANY other cruise line! It was amazing!

One frustrating thing were the very small public bathrooms around the ship. Most had two stalls and one sink inside. Many times it was difficult to get into the bathroom due to a long line and once you were done using the bathroom, you always had to stand in line to wash your hands because there was just one sink. I have never encountered such small bathrooms or a disprorptionate number of sinks and toilets on any other cruise line.

FELLOW SAILORS

Carnival Cruise Line has a reputation for being a wild, over the top booze cruise line but that was not our experience at all. We were pleasantly surprised to find lots of families on our sailing and every sailor we encountered was kind and polite. We really enjoyed our interactions with our fellow passengers on the ship. While I heard tales of those who got too drunk or passed out in the hallways, I never personally saw any of this. All in all, I was pleasantly surprised and felt that, at least on our sailing, Carnivals’s booze cruise reputation was ill deserved. I have seen way more drunk and obnoxious people on other cruise lines I have traveled on.

STAFF

The absolute best part of Carnival Cruise Line is their staff! I truly cannot say enough good things about them! Each and every staff member we encountered was kind and helpful and went out of their way to make sure we had a good time. From our cabin steward to the bartenders, each crew member truly went above and beyond to make sure we were having a wonderful vacation.

Where we really got to know a lot of the staff was on the “Behind the Fun” tour. It is one of the sea day excursions offered by Carnival and it was AMAZING to say the least! My absolute favorite part of the cruise was going behind the scenes and meeting some of the dedicated crew members who make the magic happen for all of us sailors. And Carnival truly gives you unprecedented access to many private areas during this tour including the engine control room and even the bridge where you get to meet and talk with the Captain.

DISEMBARKATION

Getting off of the Carnival Radiance, turned out to be just as seamless as getting on it. We had signed up for express disembarkation which meant that we had selected to just walk off with our luggage. We had also opted not to eat breakfast on the ship before leaving and right at 7 am on the dot, the announcement was made that any express disembarkation passengers were free to exit at anytime. Even though we had been assigned a group, they released all groups to disembark at one time which was nice for us. Everything was well signed and it was a very quick process. We were off the ship in less than 5 minutes and back to the car parked in the cruise terminal in less than 15 minutes, Well done Carnival!

FINAL OPINION

My final opinion of Carnival Cruise line is this…it doesn’t deserve its negative reputation for being a booze and party cruise line. The sailors we encountered were kind and thoughtful and a pleasure to be around. There are some things that give Carnival away as a budget cruise line, like older ships that are maintained to a lower standard than some other cruise lines and lower quality food options but overall cruising on Carnival is a positive experience. Much more positive than I expected it to be. Even though I won’t actively be seeking out another trip on a Carnival Cruise Line ship, I would be open to booking one if the timing and price were just right. The dedicated and passionate staff more than make-up for the negatives.

Atlantis Bahamas Resort

As part of our cruise on the Disney Wish earlier this year, we decided to book the Atlantis Bahamas Resort Aquaventure Waterpark Day Pass for our Nassau, Bahamas port day. And boy am I glad we did! Come along with me for a glimpse into this beautiful property and all there is to do!

We met our group at the scheduled meeting place on board the Disney Wish and then when everyone had arrived we followed our tour guide through the Nassau Port Terminal and into a waiting bus. On our way to the resort, our driver pointed out sites of interest and historical sites as we passed them. It was a nice little bonus and we appreciated learning some of Nassau’s history.

As soon as you crest the bridge to Paradise Island you can see the magnificent Atlantis Bahamas Resort in all its glory! It is such an iconic property that almost everyone has heard of it. We were thrilled to have a chance to see and experience so many of things we had heard about. The bus couldn’t arrive fast enough!

We were dropped off near the back of the resort where the Marina Village is located. We waited in line for our waterpark wristbands and then headed inside where we caught our first real glimpse of this stunning resort. The first area you walk into is called Crystal Court and is inside The Coral building. Crystal Court is lined with high end shops like Cartier and Rolex and the shops are every bit as opulent as you would expect them to be. As you make your way through the shops the next area you encounter is the casino. The casino is massive and has slot machines and game tables as far as the eye can see. After you walk through the casino, you eventually come to the main lobby of Atlantis Bahamas Resort. It is stunning and definitely worth taking pictures of. If you continue walking straight, you will pass the main Atlantis gift shop and as well as a convenience type store (great for sunscreen, medicine, and various other sundries you might need during your visit there). Right after the Sundries Shop, you will find the exit to outside and get your first real glimpse of the outside recreation area. Follow the signs to Aquaventure and you will soon see the iconic Mayan Temple looming in the distance. It really is as magnificent in person as it is in all of the resort advertisements.

The Aquaventure waterpark is divided into two main sections: The Mayan Temple and the Power Tower.. The Mayan Temple area is home to the infamous clear acrylic body and tube slides that send you directly through the shark and marine lagoon. It is home to four of the eight slides Atlantis has to offer: Serpent Slide, Leap of Faith, Challenger Slide, and the Jungle Slide. The Power Tower section of the waterpark, houses the final four slides at Aquaventure waterpark: The Surge, The Falls, The Drop and The Abyss. Surrounding the Power Tower is the Rapids River, a mile long loop that includes wave surges, elevations, and drops of up to 7 feet, including a section with powerful white-water rapids. There are so many things to do and experience that it is nearly impossible to do it all in one day.

Upon arrival at the waterpark, we couldn’t wait to grab towels (they are included with your day pass) and find some chairs to use as our home base. First on everyone’s list was the iconic tube slide that carries you right through the shark tank, the Serpent Slide. It did not disappoint! After a 10 minute wait in line (not bad at all), we climbed into our double inter tube and set off to experience the slide we had seen and read so much about. The five-story corkscrew Serpent Slide propelled us through the darkness of the Mayan Temple's core. It was filled with twists and turns and finally culminated with the iconic leisurely pass through the clear acrylic tunnel fully submerged in the shark lagoon. It was amazing! Not only was the slide itself super fun, but when you finally enter into that clear tube and can see all the sharks and marine life swimming right next to you, separated only by acrylic, it takes your breath away! We could have ridden it all day!

In the Mayan Temple, besides the Serpent Slide, there is a body slide called the Leap of Faith. which is the 60-foot body slide version of Serpent Slide that propels you into a clear acrylic tunnel that runs through the shark lagoon. In fact, that tube runs parallel to the one you enter into for Serpent Slide. Leap of Faith can be seen on the outside of the Mayan Temple as it runs right down the front of this iconic structure. Jungle Slide. also in the Mayan Temple, is a great slide for kids because it is an open air body slide that doesn’t have any unexpected drops. All in total, there are 8 slides at Atlantis Bahamas Aquaventure Waterpark. Each one unique and fun in it’s own way.

I have to say though, my family really enjoyed the Rapids River the most! We loved floating along the mile long loop. Each section of the river is different, some have your inter tube riding waves created by a big wave machine and in other sections you float through caves that give you a jungle tubing experience. There are also fast moving rapid sections that really get you moving and even a cool conveyer belt you can ride while still sitting in your tube. It was the coolest river experience we have ever had at a waterpark and we all went around many times during our day there.

The food at Atlantis Bahamas Resort Aquaventure is pretty decent for waterpark food. They had a good selection of salads, burgers, chicken etc. And there are eating places (including a Starbucks) spread throughout the different waterpark areas. No-one in our group had any issue finding anything to eat or drink during our time there. One thing to note, the menu was exactly the same at all of the waterpark venues (except for the Starbucks of course) so there is no need to walk to all of the eating places in an effort to see if they have a different food selection at each one. Learn from our mistake and just eat at the one that is most convenient to where you are since the menu will be the exact same throughout.

After only about 4.5 hours at the waterpark, it was time to head back to the bus stop and catch our ride back to the port. Time went by way too fast and 4.5 hours truly isn’t enough to see and do all that Atlantis Bahamas Resort and Aquaventure waterpark had to offer. We are definitely planning a return trip next time we have a cruise that stops in Nassau and we are even entertaining the idea of just going to Atlantis Bahamas Resort for a vacation. I haven’t even mentioned the many animals and animal encounters that they have to offer at the resort. There just isn’t time to do and see everything there in a day.

Bottom line: If you are looking for a fun day while in port in Nassau, Bahamas, Atlantis Bahamas Resort Aquaventure Day Pass is a great choice and one that my family (and many of my clients) have enjoyed.

My 10 Favorite Things About Cruising With Virgin Voyages

I just returned from a 4 night Fire and Sunset Soirées cruise to Key West and the Beach Club at Bimini Island in the Caribbean on Virgin Voyages original ship, the Scarlet Lady. If you are like me, you might have heard the name Virgin Voyages and automatically pictured a huge party boat full of drunken people sailing  around.  Perhaps it is because it’ s an adults only cruise line or perhaps it’s because we associate the Virgin brand with wild fun.  And while there is a lot of partying and fun on board, cruising with Virgin Voyages is about so much more.

Embarkation Process

As soon as we arrived at Terminal V, (Virgin Voyages very own cruise terminal building at PortMiami) the luggage was tagged and set aside and we were sent inside to begin the check in and boarding process.  Now Virgin, like many other cruise lines offers and strongly encourages you to check in online before the start of your cruise.  This means going on the Virgin Voyages app and uploading your passport, selfie photo, credit card info for on board charging and emergency contact information.  I found it super easy to check in online and highly recommend doing it.  It will save you so much time and hassle when you arrive at the terminal.  The check in line was a little long but Virgin had many crew members helping and it moved quite fast. It was much quicker than some other cruise brands I have experienced.

The Band

As part of the check in process, each sailor receives The Band, Virgin Voyages answer to the do it all card/pass you get on other cruise lines. This was one of my absolute favorite features that Virgin offers.  The Band is worn on your wrist for the duration of the cruise and acts as your cabin key, payment method for cabin charges, and source of ID for all things related to the cruise (like getting off the ship at any ports during the cruise).  It also allows you access to any shows or experiences you have booked while onboard. This was so much better than having to carry around a card and lanyard all day everyday. I am a HUGE fan of The Band.  

Virgin Voyages App

The app is your key to all things Virgin while you are on board.  In it, you can view the daily events and offerings, reserve a spot for popular shows and entertainment, make dining reservations, book shore excursions and even choose your disembarkation time at the end of the cruise.  You can also make spa reservations and join exercises classes.  It also allows you to message Sailor Services, Virgin Voyages version of guest services. The app will also send you reminders and notifications while on board and display your agenda for each day of the cruise.  This is super helpful and allows you to keep track of what you’ve booked when and keeps you where you need to be.  I had zero issues or complaints with the app leading up to or during my sailing.

Cabins

The cabins on Virgin Voyages ships are what we have come to expect from the Virgin brand; they are innovative, modern and comfortable. The cabin we had booked was called a Sea Terrace cabin which has a beautiful balcony facing the ocean. The ship is very well signed and it was very easy to locate our cabin.  When we first walked in, we were surprised by how big and welcoming it was.  We ended up with an aft corner Sea Terrace cabin which meant our cabin was at the back of the ship and had an angled side wall.   We went right outside to look for the famous red hammock but were surprised to find that in our suite, it came with a swinging chair instead.  I was both excited and bummed about this as I had heard so much from others about how amazing the hammocks are.  In fact, it is one of the things that sets Virgin apart from its competitors. No other cruise line has done this yet and I have no idea why.  It is innovative and truly adds to the vacation feel. Once I tried out the swinging chair, I discovered it was amazing and I was glad to have it.  However, it does make me want to take another cruise just to experience the hammock.  Well played, Virgin, well played. 

Another thing about Virgin Voyages cabins are the modular bed system.  This allows you or your cabin attendant to put your bed modules into multiple configurations at any time. This is another uniquely Virgin Voyages innovation and makes your cabin flexible throughout your entire stay. The beds are incredibly comfortable and firmer than I expected.  Sleeping on it, you would have no idea it is part of a modular system.  I slept great the entire trip and had no complaints. Our cabin was also very sound proof.  We could occasionally hear people in the halls but never once heard any of our neighbors.

Virgin Voyages adds another amazingly clever feature in their cabins that few cruise lines have: smart controls for everything inside your cabin.  The lights, thermostat, tv/media, and curtains are all controlled via the smart tablet inside your cabin.  It is such a great idea and you can take the smart tablet to bed with you each night, allowing you to control everything without ever leaving your bed. I LOVED this convenience as I tend to get hot during the night and want to turn the temperature down.  I was able to do this every night without leaving my comfortable bed.  The smart tablet also has another very Virgin touch: mood lighting.  You can select different moods and the lighting will adjust to match your selection.  Some examples are: Zen, Let’s Get it On, Hangover, etc.  This is another genius Virgin Voyages touch that shows attention to detail with the playful spin we have come to expect.

Food 

5 Stars! That is in the only way to describe the dining experience on a Virgin Voyage.  It was truly the best dining I have experienced on any cruise line thus far.  Every single place you eat, whether casual or fine dining, has food that has been crafted with the same level of attention and care. From the French fries in The Galley to the filet mignon at The Wake, you won’t be disappointed with any of the amazing food Virgin has to offer. 

The Galley is Virgin’s answer to a buffet type food court. It has a similar feel but with more customized service and freshly prepared made to order selections.  It is not a buffet and the cruise line prides themselves on that fact.  They are very careful to minimize waste as part of their commitment to the environment.  The Galley is filled with a lot of mini-restaurants where you can grab and go freshly prepared food made to order. My favorite meal to eat in The Galley was breakfast where I had a fresh garden omelette and bacon every morning.  There were many other choices as well including yogurt and fresh fruit toppings, cereal, freshly baked pastries and so much more. If you need a delicious meal in a hurry, this is the place to go. Lunch is just as amazing with offerings such as sushi bento boxes, freshly made custom salads, burgers and fries, gourmet tacos and much more.  If you need a meal in a hurry but don’t want to compromise on taste, The Galley is the place to go.  

I also had a chance to experience some of the fine dining restaurants for dinner each night.  The first night, we ate at Test Kitchen which feels like a cross between a food laboratory and cooking school. It is a great place to go if you want to try daring new combinations and really expand your taste palette.  The menu is pre-set with some courses offering you a choice between two things for example, shrimp or lamb as a main course.  Some of the combinations look weird on paper but I encourage you to try them.  You won’t regret it! I personally loved the unique food pairings they came up with and I ended up liking things (like beet purée) that I was sure I would hate just by looking at the menu.  

The second night of our voyage, we ate at The Wake, which is the chophouse style restaurant on board.  I will confess that my absolute favorite meal is filet mignon so I was really looking forward to this one.  It did not disappoint.  From the wedge salad, to the asparagus and twice baked potato and finally the filet that was as a tender as melted butter,  The Wake was everything I had hoped for and more.  It is also stunningly beautiful inside and even has a two-story grand staircase you walk down as you enter it.  Attention to detail is everywhere from the fine decor to the gourmet food.  This is one not to miss!

On the last night, we ate at Pink Agave which is a high energy dining experience inspired by the cuisine and atmosphere of Mexico City. The food is as red hot as the DJ beats and complimentary tequila shots.  The dishes come in three different sizes and are all meant to be shareable.  You are encouraged to order as much as you want.  The guacamole is NOT to be missed as it was the best I have ever had.  There are pomegranates mixed in and while that may sound weird, the taste is out of this world! The pomegranates add a burst of sweetness to the salty lime of the guacamole and it was AMAZING.  Don’t miss it.  At Pink Agave, I also had the best blackened shrimp I have ever tasted.  It was so incredibly flavorful and the texture was perfect.  As if the food wasn’t amazing enough, the DJ lead music was fun without being overwhelmingly loud.  At the stroke of 9, the wait staff came by and delivered complimentary coconut milk tequila shots to everyone for a restaurant wide toast.  Dining at Pink Agave is an experience unlike any other and I highly recommend it.

Besides the amazing taste and quality, almost all of this amazing food is included with your cruise fare.  During my sailing,I didn’t see many food options at all with an extra cost and despite eating some of the best selections offered like filet mignon, my food bill at the end of the trip was a whopping $0.  I almost felt guilty leaving each one of these amazing restaurants without paying anything extra.  

Staff

My absolute favorite part of the cruise was the staff.  There are truly no words for the kindness, attentiveness and genuine concern the crew members have for each sailor. Every single crew member we met, went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed and that all of our expectations were being met.  The staff alone would make me cruise Virginia Voyages again!

From our cabin attendant who set up our cabin and modular beds just how we wanted it and showed us how to control the tv using the smart tablet, to each waiter in all the restaurants we ate at who made sure our drinks were always full and our orders were correct, we were treated like royalty by crew members throughout our cruise.  Every time we walked down the hallway and would encounter a staff member, they would ask us how our voyage was and if they could improve on anything.  The level of service here is truly spectacular and is one of the many things that sets Virgin Voyages apart from some other cruise lines.

All staff gratuities are 100% included in your fare and if you do order a drink or something that costs extra, you aren’t even given a chance to leave a tip.  Your band is scanned and your item given to you.  No bills or receipts.  You can choose on your own to go to Sailor Services at the end of the voyage and add extra gratuity if you  wish, but no staff member will ever ask or hint for a tip and there are no envelopes or slips of paper given at the end of the sailing even mentioning gratuity.  This is a nice change from some other cruise lines and I appreciate having the option to quietly add more if I want without having any pressure to do so. 

Entertainment

Virgin has several entertainment venues on board.  Two that I experienced were The Red Room, which is considered the main theater and The Manor which is a two-story night club type venue with three bars spaced throughout.  In The Red Room,  I saw Duel Reality which is a heart-pounding acrobatic style rendition of Romeo and Juliet.  This kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.  Some of the stunts and acrobatic aerial moves were just unreal.  The level of talent by the performers is breathtaking.  The Red Room was also smaller and had a more intimate environment than I had pictured.  I am used to the mega theaters of other cruise lines.  This venue is smaller and allows you to feel as if you are part of the performance.  I really enjoyed that.  It makes you even more invested in the show.

The other show I saw was “Around the World with the Diva” in The Manor. This is currently the only drag show at sea and stars Kara Kature, Drag Queen extraordinaire.   Kara was hilarious and has a figure to die for.  The show encompasses singing, dancing and lip-synching. It was rowdy, raunchy and had great audience participation.  If you want to be an active participant in the show, make sure you sit at the tables right in front of the stage.  Otherwise you will just be a spectator.  If you are the type of person who has an open mind and likes to have fun, then you will probably really enjoy this show.  Just keep in mind that it is a drag show, so the topics and humor will be raunchy.  There is also some adult language in the show so plan for that as well.  If you want to be part of history, then come and watch the first ever drag show at sea!  It is an unforgettable experience to be sure!

There are also many trivia games and competitions held throughout each sailing so you can have lots of fun getting to know your fellow sailors.  The Scarlet Lady also has many unique entertainment options on board like a free retro arcade filled with games from the 80’s and Virgin Vinyl, a record shop filled with listening stations where you can listen to your favorite tunes from all eras and genres.  They even have a karaoke venue called The Groupie where you can book private rooms and karaoke with your friends. And of course, all Virgin Voyages ships include a casino. No matter what your version of fun is, you are sure to find it aboard a Virgin Voyages ship.

Fitness

No-one does fitness at sea quite like Virgin Voyages. B-Complex is a multi-section workout studio equipped with all the traditional workout equipment you would expect as well as a fitness studio that offers HIT, spin, barre, yoga and even bungee classes. And the best part, group workout classes are included in your cruise fare, so no extra fees! They also have a traditional style running track called The Runway which offers beautiful views as you run or walk around the ship.  There are even mini-boxing rings and punching bags scattered around the outside deck for more intense fitness training.  Whatever form of fitness you are into, Virgin Voyages has you covered and will keep you on track during your voyage!

Beach Club at Bimini 

All Virgin Voyages in the Caribbean have a day planned at Virgin’s own private Beach Club at Bimini.  It is a lovely private beach club open only to Virgin Voyages guests anytime the ship is at port. (When there isn’t a ship at port it becomes open to guests of Resorts World Bimini).  Most major cruise lines have a private island or beach club in the Caribbean and Virgin is no exception. When you exit the ship, you walk to the end of the pier and catch a tram.  There are two stops on the tram.  The first stop on the tram is Fisherman’s Village Marina where you can rent a golf cart to cruise around the island in or do a little shopping.  A word of warning: There are aggressive sales people at this stop that borderline harass you to rent a golf cart.  If you aren’t aware of what is happening, you might think this is the Beach Club and start to exit the tram. We saw a couple of people get confused and do this very thing and we let them know that this wasn’t the right stop for the Beach Club.

The second tram stop is for Virgin’s Beach Club at Bimini.  Here you exit the tram and enter right into the beach club.  You will see two large rectangular pools, several bars, eating areas and facilities, and lastly the beautiful stretch of beach that you get to enjoy for the day.  As I am a beach person, this is where I planned to head for the day. Even though we didn’t get to the beach until around 10:30 am we easily found two chairs under an umbrella. After enjoying the sun for a while we decided to enjoy a swim in the warm ocean water.  The sand here is soft and fine and the water every bit as clear and turquoise as you would imagine.  It is truly a lovely beach and a wonderful relaxing oasis from everyday life. 

If you are looking for more of a party and drinking vibe, fear not.  All you need to do is head to one of the pools where you can take part in live performances, games and enjoy endlessly available tropical drinks and beer.  The pools are shallow and made for lounging with a drink in hand.  The party only stops when the sun goes down and it’s time to head back to the ship.  It’s your day in the sun, enjoy it as you see fit…relaxing at the beach or whooping it up at one of the many pool parties.

The food at Bimini Beach Club is delicious.  The menu isn’t as varied as I would have liked and some of the descriptions didn’t sound appealing but I made myself try one of everything on the menu and I am glad I did. The asado was my favorite entree with a light but delicious flavor and the rum cake for dessert was heavy on the rum (just the way I like it).  

Commitment to the Environment

One thing that has to be mentioned is Virgin Voyages commitment to bettering the environment. Richard Branson explained Virgin Voyages philosophy “There is nothing in this world more important than our oceans and we’re on a mission to protect them and set an example. Success needn’t compromise sustainability.”

This isn’t just lip service.  They truly mean it and their commitment to the environment can be seen everywhere: from The Band (each one of which is made from 2 pounds of plastic removed from our oceans), to the food which eliminates the waste of buffets and focuses on sustainable seafood, to the hammocks which are woven by tribal women in Thailand allowing them to break the cycle of poverty.  No detail is overlooked when it comes to sustainability. This is yet another thing that sets them apart from some of the other cruise lines out there. 

Creating your own experience on Virgin  

Virgin Voyages can be as tame or as wild as you make it.  For example, at Bimini Beach Club, you can hang out at the pool, drink at the bar, enjoy the music and entertainment/games they have or you can go to the beach and just lounge in a chair and swim in the ocean where things are much more calm and quiet.  It was amazing to see that both experiences could co-exist together.

The same is true on board.  What you participate in and where you hang out will shape your experience.  And if you go to bed before 11 pm and skip the late night Scarlet Night or Pajama Night parties, then you will have no clue there is a wild party going on somewhere on the ship.  

My final opinion: Virgin Voyages is a cruise line that can be enjoyed by everyone, no matter what your age (18-99). The all inclusive fare, gourmet food and diverse dining options, incredible and attentive staff and commitment to the environment and sustainability make Virgin Voyages a cruise line not to be missed.  

Flåm, Norway

Our final port in the majestic country of Norway was Flåm. Flåm is a small village in Norway that has about 350 residents and sits at the end of Aurlandsfjord, which is one of the branches of Sognefjord. Flåm is perhaps most famous for it’s Railway, the Flåmsbana Railway Line. This Railway is one of the steepest and most scenic train rides you can take anywhere in the world. Most trains between Oslo and Bergen connect to Flåmsbana at Myrdal station.

Flåm was also an absolute must see for us on our trip to Norway. We had heard and read so much about the beautiful views not only on the railway but also in the beautiful fjord. We had booked the Flåmsbana Railway journey as a shore excursion and after meeting our group we headed right to the trains to wait for boarding. The train station is right where the cruise ship docks so it is the first thing you see when you exit the ship. It was a very cold and rainy day in Flåm and we had learned by now that layering and wearing jackets is a must do in any Scandinavian country! Remember that phrase I shared with you in my Denmark post, “There is no such thing as bad weather only bad clothing” well it is absolutely true! When the trains arrived, we were lucky enough to get a window seat so that we could truly experience the beautiful scenery that we had read so much about.

As the train began to move, we got out first glimpse of the main town part of Flåm with houses and businesses close to town. We saw the Flåm Church which was built in 1670 by master builder Magne Essen. The church seats about 160 people and it a beautiful dark brown, almost black color. It looks so stunning against the green of the surrounding mountains! We soon passed the old town buildings and the grazing sheep and the train began to climb it’s way up the mountain. We began to see waterfall after waterfall , some huge and powerful, others smaller and trickling. It was like something out of a movie. In fact, one of the couples we were sitting near, lives in the mountains of North Carolina and they said they thought the waterfalls were beautiful back home before going on this trip, but now they will never look at them the same. They just couldn’t compare to the majestic beauty we were seeing out of our windows. And I agreed wholeheartedly. No waterfall anywhere could compare to what we were experiencing now.

Soon, the train came to a stop at one of these magnificent waterfalls, the Kjosfossen waterfall. Here we were actually able to disembark on a small viewing platform. Music began to play and soon we saw in the distance, near a little cottage, a woman in a red dress dancing. She was representing the Huldra, an elusive forest siren that, according to legend, would lure Norse men into the woods. The stop here is only about 5 minutes long, but it is one that you will never forget. We then boarded the train and carried on with the rest of our journey. The majestic beauty of Norway was on display at every turn as we climbed our way up the mountain. What an amazing experience it was. The next stop on the railway was Vatnahalsen Station where our tour group exited and began the short walk to the Vatnahalsen Hotell where we would eat the traditional Norwegian waffle with lingonberry jam and whipped cream. The hotel itself is not much to speak of. The meeting rooms and eating areas are nice and open with lots of light but the hotel itself is dark and unappealing. Almost spooky really. The staff however was very friendly and made the whole stop worthwhile. One unique thing about the hotel, is that it is only accessible by the Flåm Railway so if you want to stay there you will have to take the train to get there. The scenery around the hotel is beautiful and you can hear some of the waterfalls while walking the grounds.

After enjoying our snack, we headed out to explore the area before the train returned to pick us up. By now, the weather had gotten even more rainy and cold and it was very unpleasant to be outside but my son and I just couldn’t bring ourselves to go indoors and miss seeing the beauty that was around us. So we just kept on exploring the grounds. Eventually, the train did return for us and we boarded for the return trip to the city of Flåm. This time, we sat on the opposite side of the train and got to see different waterfalls and stunning views as the train wound it’s way down the mountain. Before we knew it, we had reached Flåm station and our journey had come to end. We had about two hours left before the ship was to depart and we spent that time shopping at the stores near the station. My favorite was the Mall of Norway. It was absolutely huge and had some of the best souvenirs we had encountered all trip. We were able to finish all of our shopping and got something for everyone on our list. I highly recommend stopping there if you have the time.

I have to say that the Flåmsbana Railway line and our time in Flåm was everything that we had expected and more.. The surprise stop at Kjosfossen waterfall and the dancing mythological Huldra (who is really a dance student from Oslo) just made the trip even more memorable. If you ever have the chance to stop in Flåm and ride the Flåmsbana Railway do it! You won’t regret it. Just dress warm.

Eidfjord, Norway

Majestic. Mystical. Breathtaking. These are the words I would use to describe Eidfjord. Only about 300 people live in Eidfjord and in fact, there are more goats than people there. The journey itself is something to behold. You enter the Hardangerfjord fjord , the third longest fjord in the world. Eidfjord is the easternmost settlement that exists along this waterway. By car, Eidfjord is 311 km (193 mi) from Oslo and 156 km (97 mi) from Bergen. In fact, just entering Eidfjord, you will pass under the Hardangerfjord Bridge. This impressive suspension bridge opened in 2013 and is Norway’s longest and it has drastically reduced travel time between Oslo and Bergen.

We had booked a shore excursion that included a cruise around the fjord and a bus trip to the Fossli Hotel to see the famous Vøringfossen waterfall. The cruise around the fjord leaves from the same port as the cruise ship so we just walked right off our ship and got on the smaller boat that would take us to view the fjord. What a great scenic cruise it was too. The water is so calm that is looks like glass as you sail around. With every turn of the boat, we saw another waterfall, Some were slow with barely a trickle while others were tall with water rapidly spiling down. The mountains and hills surrounding the fjord are green and thick with stone faces sprinkled in between the peaks. You also get a beautiful view of the Hardangerfjord Bridge as you sail around the fjord.

After the fjord cruise, we hopped on the waiting buses and continued our journey up the mountain to the Fossli Hotel and the Vøringfossen waterfall. The hotel is built right next to the waterfall and it makes a wonderful viewing point. The hotel has restrooms you can use, a wonderful cafe filled with delicious fresh baked treats like cake and waffles and a lovely gift shop where you can buy Norwegian souvenirs. I found a lovely necklace that was actually made in Norway which was something I had been looking for all trip.

The waterfall itself is not to be missed! It is 82-meters-tall (597-foot-tall) and roaring! You can hear it before you see it! There are many overlook points to view the waterfall and they are located right in front of the hotel. I am afraid of heights so after trying to get up the courage to use the large overhanging platform, I decided to find a less scary viewing point and took a side trail that gave me a wonderful view without having to hang off the edge of the cliff. My son, who is way braver than I, ventured onto the platform and also got some great pictures. After the hotel and waterfall viewing, the tour bus brought us down the mountain and back into town. Now we could explore Eidfjord on our own! We hadn’t eaten since breakfast so the first thing on our list, was finding lunch. We found a trendy burger place called Burger go Brus right near the port. They have delicious custom made burgers, french fries and a great selection of beer, soda, and other drinks. We really enjoyed our meal there! We also stopped to do some shopping at the gift store right next door.

Unfortunately, we ran out of time to see some of the other things on our list but this is a town I definitely plan to re-visit on a future trip. For example, we wanted to see the Eidfjord Old Church. This whitewashed stone church was built in 1309 and seats around 100 people. It is only used now on special occasions as a new church built nearby in 1981 now assumes the role of local parish church but it is a rich piece of Eidfjord history and according to many locals we talked with, well worth seeing if you have the chance.

Kristiansand, Norway

The second port in our Norway cruise adventure was Kristiansand, Norway’s southernmost city. Few places get more sunlight in Norway than Kristiansand. In fact, it is home to one of Norway’s beautiful beaches, Bystranda Beach.

We had booked a two-hour walking tour of historic Kristiansand for our shore excursion. Our guide for this trip was another wonderful local, Kristi. She had such a fun and spunky demeanor and such a love for Kristiansand and she just made the tour extra special.

We started our tour at Fiskebrygga harbour which is right at the cruise port. It is a beautiful canal lined with restaurants and even an ice cream shop! The harbour is also home to the Kilden Performing Arts center, which is just a stunning piece of architectural art right on the water. After walking through the harbour, we came to the lovely downtown area of Kristiansand. We started our tour in the area of Kristiansand known as Posebyen. It is filled with charming old, white buildings which are in fact one of the few things that remain original in the town due to a fire that occurred in 1892.

While there, we stopped by to tour a historical building called the John Benstens Hus. John Bensten’s was a lieutenant in the military band and built the house in 1855. In the early history of the house and during war time, up to 40 soldiers lived there at one time. The house is filled with historical period pieces and is neat to walk through as it gives you an accurate picture of what life was like there in the mid-1800’s.

After the house tour, we headed down towards the water to check out the Christiansholm Fortress. This fortress was built in 1672 by Fredrik III to defend the town of Kristiansand. It is built on an inlet about 100 yards from shore. The only time it was used in battle was in 1807 during the Napoleonic Wars. Today it is owned by the municipality and used for cultural events and recreation. It was so amazing to see the original cannons and the building as it was so many years ago. Plus, it gave us a beautiful view of the inlet and part of Kristiansand. This was the last stop on the tour and very close to the Fiskebrygga harbour where our tour began. After saying goodbye to our wonderful guide, Kristi, we headed to Markens Gate which is a pedestrian street lined with shops.

I had done quite a bit of research before our trip, and knew that the McDonalds located on that street is one of the fanciest McDonalds in the world so we knew we wanted to stop there for lunch. In all the pictures we had seen, there were beautiful marble columns adorning the outside and crystal chandeliers inside. Imagine our surprise when we approached it and saw construction barriers and a facade covering the entrance. Thankfully, it was still open but they were in the middle of a major remodel and so none of the inside or outside matched the pictures we had seen. It was now much more modern inside and gone were the beautiful chandeliers and marble accents. The menu was very similar to ours at home but with even better options (like lettuce and tomato on all the burgers) so we were excited about that. Our family has a tradition of eating at a McDonalds’s in every country that we visit so it was fun to keep that tradition going and try out a Norwegian McDonalds’s.

After lunch, we did some shopping on Markens Gate and in the surrounding area. They had a wonderful toy/bookstore that I found some really cute things in and a Norway themed gift shop right across the street from it that we also loved. There is also a shopping mall located in that area as well. One word of advice though if you do plan to do some shopping there: Bring cash (Norwegian Krone). For some reason, I couldn’t get any of my credit cards (Visa, Amex, Mastercard) to work at several of the shops there. It is the only town in Norway that I had this experience in and I am not sure why. There are some ATM’s on the second floor of the mall in that area in case you need one.

Kritiansand is a very walkabale city with many places to shop, eat and explore. You can even visit the beach, rent a kayak or ride the ferris wheel located near the fortress. It is a charming and welcoming town and I recommend visiting it if you are in Norway.

Oslo, My Oslo

The first port on our cruise to Norway was Oslo, the beautiful capital city of Norway. I had chosen an all day tour that highlighted some of the most famous parts of Oslo. Our first stop was Vigeland Park which is the largest park ever created using just one artist’s work. The beautiful sculptures of bronze, granite and wrought iron were all made by artist Gustav Vigeland over a 40 year span and it is truly something to behold. The giant monolith he sculpted depicts 121 different human figures and all the statues surrounding it show humans in varying stages of life. In fact, you will find that theme throughout the park, with the fountain depicting the various stages of life and family from birth until death and the Bridge illustrating moments that exist between members of a family, including the famous Angry Boy statue that many feel depicts a toddler having a fit of anger. The park itself is also quite beautiful with ponds, trees and colorful flowers everywhere. I am so glad we got the chance to experience Vigeland Park and I hope you have a chance to do so as well.

Our next stop was at the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History. This museum is massive and filled with the past and culture of Norway. Think Williamsburg, Virgina. It is just like that. It is an open air museum featuring over 160 buildings from Norway’s past, including the famous Stave Church which was built in the 1200’s. Many of the old buildings have volunteers there who are dressed in clothing from the era of their particular building and some are even performing typical tasks from that time, like cooking reindeer stew. It was such a neat experience and it was truly like turning back the hands of time to see a glimpse of life in Norway’s past.

Our next stop was going to be the Viking Ship Museum but sadly it is closed for renovations until 2026/2027. So we stopped at the Norwegian Maritime Museum instead. While we weren't able to see any of the original Viking Ships we had hoped to (they are all at the other museum) we did watch a film on Viking Ships and get to see a cool ship building demonstration by a grad student from the University of Oslo. The gift shop there also had some very nice wood carvings and art pieces that my son was interested in. It was a great place to stop even if it wasn’t the museum we had been hoping to see.

Another stop on our tour of Oslo was the Holmenkollen Ski Jump. It is truly a piece of artwork in and of itself and has a history that spans over 100 years. The views from the top are truly something to behold The observation area sits about half way up the slope and also has a gift shop as well as a simulator machine that allows you to experience what it is really like to ski off the jump! There is also a zipline that you can ride from the very top of the ski jump to the bottom, a distance of over 1,184 ft! We didn’t have the option to do that due to time constraints but if Im being honest, my fear of heights would probably have stopped me from doing that anyway. I have done some ziplines before but this one was way too high for me!

We saw some truly wonderful and amazing things but I have to say my favorite part of our time in Oslo, was our tour guide, Ingrid. She was born and raised in Oslo and her love for her beautiful city just shone brightly throughout the tour. She was a recent widow and shared with us some of the many places she and her husband would go throughout the city. She would occasionally say “Oslo, My Oslo” with a catch in her voice and it brought tears to my eyes each time. There is truly nothing like seeing and experiencing a place through the eyes of someone who calls it home and having their love and passion rub off on you. I am so thankful for the meaningful day we had in Oslo and for dear Ingrid who forever touched my heart and shared her “Oslo, my Oslo” with me.

Copenhagen, Denmark

The first stop on our amazing Norway trip, was actually not Norway at all, but the wonderful country of Denmark. Our cruise ship to Norway was actually leaving from Copenhagen, Denmark and so that is where our journey began.

We were so excited to have an extra country to visit as part of our trip! Especially one as iconic as Denmark. Like many of you, we had seen the stunning pictures of the Copenhagen canals and the many colorful buildings and restaurants that line it. We couldn’t wait to experience it for ourselves!

We landed in Copenhagen right around lunchtime the day before the cruise so we grabbed a bite to eat at the airport and headed to our hotel to drop our luggage off. We were spending the night at the Comfort Hotel which is directly across the street from the airport. I chose that hotel because of it convenient location and proximity to the Metro station. It turned out to be a lovely hotel with clean and modern rooms.

I had booked a few activities ahead of our arrival and our first stop was the iconic canal tour in downtown Copenhagen. There are no words to describe the beauty of this city as seen from the canals. The tour starts in the most photographed part of Copenhagen and it just gets better from there. We passed by many of the famous sites in Copenhagen like The Little Mermaid Statue, Copenhagen Opera House, Amalienborg Palace and Copenhill (a power plant with a ski hill built on top!) just to name a few. One of our favorite parts of the tour, was going under the many bridges in the canal. For some, you even have to duck or your head will touch the bridge! They are very low and it is quite an experience to go under them in a big boat.

It was during this tour that we got our first taste of Scandinavian weather. If you have been there, you know exactly what I am talking about! It can change FAST! One minute it was sunny and warm and the next moment, the sky opened up and it became windy and rainy. Our canal tour guide shared with us a phrase that the locals use “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes”. And he is right! We learned quietly when visiting any of the stunning Scandinavian countries, to layer and always bring an umbrella.

After the canal tour, we walked to Strøget Street, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets to do some shopping. Strøget Street, is filled with shops of all kinds and we found some wonderful local stores along the way and also stopped at some familiar places like the Lego Store.

After that, it was time to stop at our final destination of the day, Tivoli Gardens. If you haven’t heard of it before, Tivoli Gardens is the second oldest amusement park in the world and is located in the heart of Denmark. It is so much more than just a place with rides so don’t let the name Amusement Park fool you. It it filled with beautiful gardens and buildings, delicious restaurants, yummy treats, cute shops yes, lots of fun rides. It is truly a place that everyone should experience! We walked around and visited many of the cute shops and ate seafood and burgers at one of the restaurants there. And of course we rode many rides! Our favorite part was that all the rides were in Danish. It was just so neat to experience! Our favorite ride was a little boat ride called Minen (The Mine). It had a waterfall that disappeared right before you went under it. The first time we rode it, we were convinced that we would get drenched but then it disappeared just in the nick of time and we laughed so hard! We went on that several times during our visit.

After Tivoli, it was back to the hotel for us. Jet lag had kicked in and we had to get ready for our cruise the next day. Copenhagen was a truly beautiful and historical city filled with funny, warm and kind people and it made an impression on both my son and I. If you ever have a chance to visit Copenhagen or any other part of beautiful Denmark, GO! You won’t regret it!

Majestic Norway

This summer, I had the privilege of traveling with my oldest son to Norway. He has been intrigued by this beautiful country for quite a while and is drawn to their serene way of life. He would like to attend graduate school there one day and this was our first trip there to explore what the country is truly like. And I have to say, Norway was everything he said it was and more!

For this first trip there, we chose to see Norway via cruise ship and the only cruise line that had a sailing that fit our schedule was Holland America. This was our first time ever cruising with Holland America and it was definitely interesting (I will write a more detailed post about that later).

Our sailing itinerary included stops in Oslo, Kristiansand, Eidfjord, and Flam. Oslo and Kristiansand have universities and so we were especially interested in checking out those towns during our trip. Eidfjord and Flam were places we wanted to visit to truly see the natural beauty of Norway. We were especially excited to ride the Flam railway and experience some of the beautiful views we had read so much about!

This trip was truly a dream come true for my son (and for me) and at every stop along the way, we fell more and more in love with this truly majestic country. It is impossible to put into words not only the beauty of the land but also of the people who live there.

Instead of writing one hugely long blog post of the whole trip, I will break it down into each stop along the way so that you can learn more about each town and the highlights you should see if you visit. Come along with me and learn about this beautiful and magical part of the world…

To Travel is to Live

To Travel is to Live.

This is one of my favorite quotes and it is so true! Traveling to new places and experiencing new things is truly what life is about. It is impossible to put into words what it is like to travel to a new country and meet new people in distant lands. What you experience is a human connection that touches your soul and it changes you forever. And what you discover is that no matter where we are from or what cultures or countries we come from, we are all so very similar. We truly are one big human family and we are all just doing our best in life. And we have so much that we can learn from each other. I know that I personally have learned many lessons from the wonderful people I have met from all over the world. Each country, each people, had something valuable to teach me. For example, on my latest trip to Norway, I learned that life can be peaceful and that when you prioritize the things that truly matter like family, and treating the earth and it’s inhabitants with respect, you will have a very full and rich life.

Come along with me, as I travel to new places and explore more of this beautiful world we live in. We can experience it together. Maybe you will find somewhere that touches your heart or calls out to you. I think there are places like that for all of us. Somewhere we are drawn to, someplace we are meant to learn from and experience. Let’s find yours…

Introduction

Hello fellow travelers!  It’s nice to meet you! My name is Tricia and I am a Travel Consultant with Pixie Vacations. I love to travel as much as possible and I have years of travel experience to Disney World, Disneyland, Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii, Disney Cruise Line and Universal Studios Orlando, and Universal Studios Hollywood! I have also sailed on many different cruise lines (Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Virgin Voyages and Holland America to name a few) and traveled to quite a few other countries around the globe.  I have lots of travel experience and am always working to gain more so that I can help my clients travel to more places!

My husband and I have three children (21, 17, and 10).  Two of our amazing children are on the autism spectrum and I specialize in planning trips for special needs families.  I can help you navigate the DAS (Disability Access Service), plan for special food preferences and diets and much more.  No one takes care of special families like Disney and that is one of many reasons our family is a Disney Family.

I would be thrilled to sprinkle some pixie dust your way and plan a magical and stress free vacation customized just for you and your family. Let me take care of all the details like dining reservations and booking shore excursions the second they open up! You can sleep in and rest easy! My concierge level service is at no extra charge to you and is included every time you book a trip with me,