A Look Back at the History of Cruising

Even before the invention of the airplane, travelers longed to see the world. Cruising has captured the hearts of vacationers for over 100 years. In fact, several cruise lines, like Cunard, launched in the 1800s. From the beginning, exciting innovations, thrilling journeys, and good times have defined cruising.

1844 — P&O Introduces Leisure Excursions

  • As a precursor to modern cruises, P&O Cruise Line began sailing small ships around the Mediterranean purely for the pleasure of sailing and seeing the sights. This was the first step in changing the sailing industry from its focus on mail and cargo to one about carrying passengers for travel and pleasure.
View From A Cruise Ship Balcony At Sunset

 

1900 — Prinzessin Victoria Luise is built in Germany

  • This was the first ship to be exclusively built for luxury cruising rather than for cargo transport, marking the beginning of cruising as we know it today.

1922 — The first world cruise set sail.

  • The Laconia of the British Cunard Line set sail on the first world cruise. This voyage lasted six months and took guests to the most popular and far-off destinations in the world.

1950 — Cunard held an all-American celebrity cruise.

  • Cruising was popular among the world’s biggest stars and was a social event complete with drinks, dancing music, and more. On one voyage, Cunard hosted special guests that included Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Walt Disney, and Rita Hayworth.

 

Mariner Of The Seas Royal Caribbean 2019

 

1960s and 1970s — Modern cruise lines are founded.

  • Though some cruise lines can trace their history back to 1800s, many of today’s modern cruise lines were founded in the 1960s and 1970s. Princess Cruises launched in 1965, Norwegian Cruise Line in 1966, and Royal Caribbean in 1968. Carnival Cruise Line followed soon after, launching in 1972.

1977 — The Love Boat premieres.

  • Set on a Princess Cruises ship, this television show tells the story of Captain Merrill Stubing, his crew, and passengers, often played by guest stars. The show frequently featured the Pacific cruise ports of Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco. Many credit The Love Boat for the rise in popularity of cruising.

 

1990s & 2000s — Bigger and Better

  • Ships grew bigger and got better. Cruise lines worked to incorporate unique onboard activities, exclusive shows, more dining options, and kid-friendly fun! These advancements paved the way for the technology-packed, incredible cruising experiences!

Cruise lines’ plans for ships in 2024 and beyond will usher a new chapter in cruising history. From even more mega-ships to ultra-luxury sailing ships and expedition cruising, it’s amazing to see how far we’ve come and the options now available. Let’s start planning your next cruise today! 

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Royal Caribbean 2025-2026 Sailings

Cruising in the Caribbean is a favorite for many due to its sunny destinations, diverse cultures, and clear blue waters. The Eastern Caribbean features islands like St. Thomas and St. Maarten, known for their beautiful beaches and history. In the Western Caribbean, you’ll find a mix of landscapes, from the rainforests of Belize to the markets of Cozumel. The Southern Caribbean offers a more secluded experience with gems like Aruba and Curacao, known for their colorful architecture and rich history.

Caribbean cruises make it easy to explore these diverse regions without the hassle of multiple flights, promising new adventures each day, from snorkeling to exploring ancient ruins and enjoying local cuisine. The onboard experience adds to the appeal, with premium amenities, top-notch dining, and entertainment that reflects the lively spirit of the islands. It’s an ideal escape for those looking for relaxation, adventure, or a taste of local culture.

I love selling and sailing with Royal Caribbean. They boast a fleet of innovative ships equipped with state-of-the-art amenities and entertainment. Expect well-appointed cabins, diverse dining options, entertainment for all ages, and activities ranging from rock climbing to Broadway-style shows. From the groundbreaking Oasis-class ships to the modern and feature-rich Quantum-class vessels, there’s always something new and exciting to explore onboard. For those seeking a longer and more adventurous journey, Royal Caribbean offers a 16-day transatlantic cruise, providing a unique opportunity to cross the Atlantic Ocean and explore different ports along the way.

Royal Caribbean plans to sail seven ships for the 2025-2026 season. They will depart from various ports in Florida as well as Galveston, Texas. Cruise itineraries include the Southern, Western, and Eastern Caribbean, along with the Bahamas and Perfect Day at Coco Cay. The duration of cruises range from 2 to 16 nights. 

Below is a chart listing each ship, its departure port, the first date of its itinerary in 2025, the number of days for various voyages, and the itineraries for each.

Ship Departure Port First Sail Date in 2025 Duration Options (# of Nights) Itinerary
Rhapsody of the Seas San Juan May 24 7, 8 Southern Caribbean
Rhapsody of the Seas Tampa November 2 6, 7, 8 Western Caribbean
Oasis of the Seas Ft. Lauderdale April 27  2, 5, 6, 7, 8  Southern, Eastern & Western Caribbean, Perfect Day
Independence of the Seas Miami October 30 3, 7  Eastern & Western Caribbean, Bahamas,  Perfect Day
Icon of the Seas Miami May 3 7 Eastern & Western Caribbean, Perfect Day
Harmony of the Seas Galveston April 27  6, 7, 8, 16  Western Caribbean, Perfect Day, Transatlantic
Grandeur of the Seas Ft. Lauderdale April 18 3 Bahamas
Grandeur of the Seas Tampa April 23 7, 10 Bahamas, Southern & Western Caribbean, Perfect Day
Adventure of the Seas Orlando/Port Canaveral April 26 6, 8 Western, Eastern & Southern Caribbean, Perfect Day

For those looking for unique adventures, including the Pacific Coast, the Panama Canal, and Spain Transatlantic, you can get onboard a one-of-a-kind sailing on a fan-favorite ship. Allure of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, and Serenade of the Seas have various itineraries beginning in February, 2025. 

For more information on any of these voyages, or to start planning for 2025-2026, click here. 

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Virgin Voyages in the Mediterranean – yes please!

My husband and I recently cruised in the Mediterranean for the first time, and it was fantastic! We have cruised with several different cruise lines over the years, but they were all in the Caribbean and Alaska. For this trip, we wanted to venture to some of the ports in Europe. We had never considered cruising in Europe because we thought the port times were too short and we would feel that we didn’t have time to see everything. However, we found an itinerary with Virgin Voyages that we liked and decided to go for it.

The name of the voyage was French Daze and Ibiza Nights, and we sailed on the Valiant Lady. The cruise started and ended in Barcelona, and our ports were Marseille, Cannes, Palma de Malorca and Ibiza. We decided that if we felt short on time in any of the ports, we would make a point to revisit some day. Two of the port stays were overnight – Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza – which was just icing on the cake. On those nights, we ate an early(ish) dinner on the ship and then went into town for the evening. We spent our time wandering the winding cobblestone streets and exploring the beautiful bars and restaurants in the old town. Then, the next day, we still had time to visit the landmarks. 

The sunset in Mallorca from our balcony

Why did we choose Virgin Voyages? We have sailed with them previously, and really like what they have to offer. First and foremost, the food is the best that I have had on a cruise. Instead of packing everyone into the main dining room or specialty restaurants (with an upcharge), Virgin simply has six onboard restaurants. We made dinner reservations before our cruise, and also had brunch in two of the restaurants on our sea days. There are no additional charges for any of the restaurants unless you want a tower of crab legs or a 10-pound steak (something like that).

The entertainment is also very different. There are no Broadway-style productions or ice shows. Instead, they offer magicians, mentalists, comedians, a dance party, a crazy game show and a couple other shows that I really don’t know how to describe. And then there’s Scarlet Night, where the whole ship is transformed with red lighting and decor, and the guests are decked out in red. The party culminates with a pool party at 11pm, which gets a bit crazy, but we enjoyed it from the deck above, watching people jump into the pool, red cocktail dresses and all.

My favorite thing about Virgin Voyages is the laid-back vibe. There are no formal nights, and nobody cares what you wear to dinner, as long as it’s not your swimsuit! With that said, we found that most people still dressed nicely, just because they wanted to. For those who didn’t feel like it, they weren’t turned away at the restaurants or made to feel ashamed of their attire.

When we booked our cruise, it included some “bar tab” money, which is their version of a drink package. We don’t drink a whole lot, and since sodas are included with every cruise, we had a “0” balance due at the end of the week. What a great way to end a cruise!

If you’re still reading, let me give you just a few tidbits about the ports:

Marseille – Honestly, we weren’t overly impressed with it. We took a full-day ebike tour, and got to see some beautiful areas around the Calanques National Park, but it’s kind of a run-down city, especially considering it is the second largest city in France, after Paris.

Cannes – We spent our entire day in Monte Carlo, which is something I’ll never forget. It was an easy train ride to get there, and we enjoyed all the beautiful yachts, expensive sports cars, the Royal Casino (think James Bond Casino Royale), and the streets of Formula One. It was the perfect day, and since our ship didn’t leave until 7pm, we did not feel rushed to get back.

The harbor in Monte Carlo

Palma de Mallorca – This beautiful island of Spain is not to be missed. We spent our time wandering the old town, visiting the iconic La Seu Cathedral, and just taking in the beauty of the port city.

Ibiza – What can I say? Everyone needs to see Ibiza at some time in their life. The young people on the ship thoroughly enjoyed the overnight stay because they were able to go to the clubs and stay out until dawn. (Virgin provides a bus that goes back and forth to the ship the entire time.) That’s not our scene but we still loved wandering the area and enjoying a cocktail (ok, maybe more) as we watched the people living and loving life in Ibiza. 

Ibiza

I could easily write ten more pages about Virgin Voyages and the ports we visited but I know the only people who might read it would be my friends and family. 🙂 I’ll just leave it here – this was the trip of a lifetime and I highly recommend cruising in the Mediterranean with Virgin Voyages.

Book you Virgin Voyage HERE or CLICK HERE if you’d like us to help you plan your sailing!

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5 Reasons to Choose Royal Caribbean for a Family Cruise

Embarking on a remarkable family vacation that captivates both parents and children can often prove to be a challenging endeavor. With the awe-inspiring fleet of Royal Caribbean ships, an extraordinary and unforgettable journey awaits on the horizon!

Royal Caribbean, a renowned and pioneering cruise line, boasts a fleet of splendid ships that redefine the concept of luxury and adventure at sea. Each vessel is a floating paradise, meticulously designed to cater to the diverse interests of families, promising an experience that will create cherished memories for every member.

Setting sail on a Royal Caribbean cruise opens the gateway to a plethora of enticing destinations across the globe. From sun-kissed tropical paradises in the Caribbean to the breathtaking glaciers of Alaska, the choices are boundless. The itineraries are carefully crafted to combine cultural exploration with thrilling excursions, ensuring a perfect blend of enrichment and entertainment for travelers of all ages.

Here are five reasons why Royal Caribbean is perfect for your family cruise.

DELICIOUS DINING

With so many dining venues included in the cruise fare, families can sample food from around the ship without extra costs. Whether it’s satisfying a craving for noodles at the Noodle Bar, ordering a stuffed burrito from El Loco Fresh, or feasting on pizza at Sorrento’s while people-watching on the Promenade, everyone can find food that pleases the palate.

PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN

Children of all ages can enjoy the award-winning Adventure Ocean® youth programs onboard. The Aquanauts (ages 3-5), Explorers (ages 6-8), and Voyagers (ages 9-12) groups have dedicated crew members to engage the children in art projects, science experiments, and games.

Parents can register the youngest passengers for Royal Babies and Tots to attend playtime sessions together. Tweens and teens will appreciate the independence of their own dedicated areas to make new friends, meet for music and dancing, or play video games.

PERFORMANCES THAT WOW

It’s no secret that Royal Caribbean is known throughout the cruise industry for its dazzling live entertainment. Attending Broadway stage productions, ice skating shows, and Aquatheater performances are highlights for many families during their cruise itinerary.

ONBOARD ADVENTURES

Royal Caribbean ships are designed for fun! Waterslides, bumper cars, rock climbing, laser tag, and ziplining are just a few of the adventurous options available onboard. Not a thrill-seeker? How about playing mini-golf, attending a Cupcake Class, singing karaoke, or competing in game shows with other passengers?

Perfect Day at Coco Cay

PERFECT DAY AT COCOCAY

The fun continues off the ship when passengers disembark on Royal Caribbean’s private island. The whole family will be busy swimming in the largest freshwater pool in The Bahamas, splashing down the slides in the waterpark, or taking to the sky in a helium balloon ride or a ziplining adventure. Renting a private floating cabana at the Coco Beach Club is a truly luxurious island experience that offers a peaceful space for relaxing together. Families can make reservations for excursions or spend the day independently exploring and enjoying this island paradise.

Royal Caribbean’s fleet stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of family vacations, offering an unparalleled blend of adventure, relaxation, enrichment, and entertainment. So, whether it’s the captivating destinations, the abundance of family-friendly activities, the diverse dining options, or the commitment to safety, a voyage with Royal Caribbean promises to be an extraordinary and educational journey, leaving both parents and children inspired and fulfilled. Let’s get started planning your next cruise vacation today!

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Cruises Perfect for Foodies

While cruise ship dining was long associated with basic dining room fare and over-the-top midnight buffets, cruise ships of today tout imaginative menus, fun experiences, and a variety of specialty restaurants that cater to every preference. This rise and demand from foodies has also inspired creative dining programs, culinary-inspired itineraries, and gourmet experiences on nearly every commercial cruise line.

Creative restaurants, cuisine, and itineraries make these cruises perfect for foodies:

ROYAL CARIBBEAN: WONDERLAND

Wonderland

Cuisine inspired by the five elements (earth, sea, fire, ice, and sun) reigns supreme at Wonderland, where your dining experience kicks off with dipping a paintbrush in water and painting your menu to reveal the food options. Presentation here is stunning – be sure to have your camera ready as your server places each dish before you.

UNIWORLD: TIMELESS WONDERS OF VIETNAM, CAMBODIA & THE MEKONG

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Travelers intrigued by Asia’s culinary delights will find much to savor on this 15-day journey from vibrant Ho Chi Minh City to historic Hanoi. Traveling through Vietnam and Cambodia on the Mekong Jewel, guests will find themselves absorbed in the spices, seafood, and other local edible favorites that connect cuisine with culture.

From toasting at a treasured local restaurant to exploring the night markets, a cruise on the Mekong Jewel highlights the exotic flavors of the region.

CELEBRITY CRUISES: LE PETIT CHEF

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Le Petit Chef isn’t just dinner…it’s a unique dining experience paired with an enchanting story told through table art. Four animated miniature chefs from Italy, Spain, France, and Japan showcase specialty dishes from their homelands, combining a choreographed tabletop show with the server’s presentation of your meal. It’s a magical display of culinary and art skills that you’ll remember forever.

AMAWATERWAYS: WINE CRUISES

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Is there anything more enticing than a meandering cruise through Europe’s wine regions? AmaWaterway’s themed itineraries showcase the celebrated wine regions along the Danube, Douro, Mosel, Rhine, Rhone, and Seine rivers. Guests will find themselves in the company of award-winning vintners from generations of wine-making families on each cruise.

Passengers visit esteemed wineries like Châteanueuf-du-Pape, Saint-Emilion, Sauternes, Médoc, and Margaux. Onboard wine lectures and tastings are accented by optional excursions to olive and truffle farms, and visits to the Cognac region where passengers can blend their own brandy.

WINDSTAR: JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION (SOUTHEAST CANADIAN EXPLORATION)

Seafood On Ice With White Wine


This collection of itineraries from the luxury line Windstar seeks to bring foodies closer to the cuisine of a region, through the perspective of a James Beard Foundation-selected chef. A wine expert also joins the host chef onboard to educate and entertain guests with daily wine tastings.

Itineraries sail from Montreal to Boston, stopping in ports Québec City, Gaspé, Cap-aux-Meules, Louisbourg, Halifax, Lunenburg, Bar Harbor, and Portland. Along the way, passengers will snack on poutine and Arctic char, sample French-styled lobsters, and try the fabled donair of Halifax…all while sightseeing and enjoying an education in history and culture.

Contact us today to experience one of these amazing cruises for foodies!

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Icon of the Seas: Bigger, Bolder Cruising

Royal Caribbean has earned a reputation in the cruise industry for incredible vacations at sea thanks to a commitment to innovative creative ventures accompanied by a constant reimagining and redefining of the cruise experience. Royal Caribbean has upped the wow factor yet again, bewitching excited cruisers and breaking single-day sales records with the all-new, incredibly dazzling Icon of the Seas ℠. 

 A Royal Caribbean ship has never been bigger or bolder than this towering new addition to the line’s fleet, the massive Icon of the Seas ℠. So, what makes this ship a stand out on the horizon?  

Royal Caribbean Ship Cutaway

WONDERFUL WATER FUN 

Royal Caribbean has always ensured plenty of places to splash on board, but the largest ship in the fleet promises larger-than-life water play for all ages.  

  • Category 6 Waterpark, which features six brightly colored slides, tempts passengers to come play on Deck 20. Thrill-seekers will flock to Frightening Bolt, the tallest waterslide at sea, which launches riders into the abyss when the slide’s floor drops from under waiting feet. Pressure Drop℠ is another heart-pounding option – it’s an open, free-fall water slide that is equally as exhilarating. Families can also splash and shriek together careening down Hurricane Hunter℠, the first group raft ride at sea. 
  • There’s also a pool for every day of the week, including the wow-worthy largest swimming pool at sea, Royal Bay in Chill Island℠. For the adults, secluded Cloud 17℠ allows access to The Lime and Coconut Bar where colorful frozen concoctions await. Splashaway Bay℠ and Baby Bay make water play fun for the smallest sailors. 
  • At the largest swim-up bar at sea, Swim & Tonic℠, bartenders concoct refreshing beverages while guests cool off on the in-water loungers. It’s the perfect combination of ways to beat the Caribbean heat. 

NEW SPACES  

When Royal Caribbean introduced the neighborhood concept on the Oasis Class, passengers loved the unique atmosphere and amenities each area provided. On Icon of the Seas ℠, new neighborhoods and accommodations are making their debut.  

  • A newly imagined neighborhood, Surfside℠, is a paradise for families, complete with colorfully playful décor, an arcade, a carousel, and an array of family-friendly food.  
  • Suite Neighborhood feels exclusive, but never stuffy, with its two-story deck, private pool and hot tub, and upscale dining for suite guests. 
  • The familiar and fun AquaTheater has been reimagined as AquaDome℠, a space dedicated to dazzling water displays, death-defying dive shows, and delicious dining. 
  • The three-level Ultimate Family Townhouse truly takes family accommodations to new heights. A karaoke station, in-suite slide, cinema room, and private patio are just a few of the amenities that might make it hard to leave your stateroom…until you remember how incredible the rest of the ship is too! 

A FRESH (THRILLING!) PERSPECTIVE 

Endless onboard entertainment has always been a hallmark of a Royal Caribbean cruise, but a new activity is sure to send passengers over the edge…literally!  

  • For a heart-pounding experience accompanied by stunning sea views, creeping along the Crown’s Edge sky walk and obstacle course is both a memorable activity and great vacation story! Stay focused and watch your step…the floor could drop out from under you at any moment! 

For a cruise vacation sure to please all members of the family, Icon of the Seas ℠ promises plenty of thrills and chills so you can get your fill of fun. Let’s get you booked on Icon of the Seas today!!!

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Disney Cruise Line Announces Inaugural Sailings to New Island Destination in the Bahamas

Disney Cruise Line has announced the inaugural dates and itineraries for its new island destination in The Bahamas!

In June 2024, Disney Cruise Line will debut its newest Bahamian destination on the island of Eleuthera at Lighthouse Point! Guests will discover a vibrant beach retreat designed with families in mind, infused with the color and energy of Bahamian artistry, and developed with a commitment to conservation at its core.

On June 6, a three-night preview cruise on the Disney Magic from Fort Lauderdale will offer a sneak peek of Lighthouse Point with limited access to some areas. On June 8, the Disney Fantasy will sail the inaugural sailing visiting Lighthouse Point. This itinerary will feature two stops at Lighthouse Point and one day at Castaway Cay.

Following the inaugural voyage, Lighthouse Point will be a port of call on select three-, four- and five-night sailings to The Bahamas and the Caribbean on the Disney Magic out of Fort Lauderdale. These itineraries will vary stops between Lighthouse Point and Castaway Cay, with five special departures including both Disney Cruise Line island destinations.

Contact us today to book your next Disney Cruise where you can visit the incredible new island destination, Lighthouse Point!

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Meet Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Icon of the Seas!

This is more than a vacation upgrade. It’s the best family vacation in the world. Introducing the new Icon of the Seas — a first-of-its-kind Royal Caribbean adventure where you’ll have the time of your life, multiple times a day. Let your adrenaline surge at the largest waterpark at sea. Pick from seven unique pools to satisfy any mood, and fuel bolder bonding at Surfside, the ultimate stay-all-day family-friendly neighborhood right onboard. And delight your appetite with 40 different ways to dine and drink. This is the Icon of Vacations — arriving early 2024.

Royal Caribbean’s turned up the adventure on board the new Icon of the Seas with new thrills and reimagined favorites in Thrill Island, including a new take on its signature rock wall. Everyone in the family is in for the ultimate rock climbing expedition, which features the cruise line’s highest vantage point yet, racing lanes for friendly competition and endless ocean views.

n Surfside on the new Icon of the Seas, the neighborhood dedicated to young families, little ones can set their sights on new twists to favorites like a beach-themed carousel. More in store includes a slideable, climbable Playscape and the Splashaway Bay aquapark. 

The new Desserted will be the cherry on top of a day braving the fastest, tallest and surprising thrills at Thrill Island on the new Icon of the Seas. Vacationers can choose from a lineup of Insta-worthy milkshake concoctions, including spiked options for the adults. 

Surfside Eatery will debut as the dedicated buffet in Surfside, the new neighborhood designed for young families sailing on Icon of the Seas. More Royal Caribbean firsts include a spot for a quick stop between adventures, Surfside Bites, and specialty restaurant Pier 7 for beachside favorites. 

Adults and kids alike can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner – and laidback vibes – at the new Pier 7 on Icon of the Seas. In Surfside, the neighborhood dedicated to young families, the specialty restaurant will serve up beachside bites like mango shrimp tostadas and surf ‘n’ turf. 

At Surfside on the new Icon of the Seas, the neighborhood dedicated to young families, adults and kids alike will find a variety of ways to grab a bite and drinks. The Lemon Post will debut as the bar for the whole family, with a menu of options for grownups and another for kids. 

If you are ready to sail on Icon of the Seas, contact us today!

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Disney Cruise Line’s Marvel Day at Sea

What do you get when you combine Marvel Super Heroes and Villains with a Disney cruise? Marvel Day at Sea! Whether you’re a newcomer to the Marvel universe, a lifelong fan,or traveling with someone who is, you will love this action-packed day aboard the Disney Dream, setting sail from Miami January-March 2023.

More than 30 Marvel Super Heroes and Villains will be featured in new heroic encounters and live entertainment throughout the event.

Which Marvel characters will be there? Captain America Sam Wilson, Mighty Thor, Shang-Chi, Marvel, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Kate Bishop, Spider-Man, Iron Man, Black Panther, Captain Marvel, Thor, Loki, Black Widow and more.

Shows and activities include Heroes Unite (a nighttime spectacular with stunts, special effects and pyrotechnics), shows in the Walt Disney Theatre, an interactive training experience, a costume bash with a high-energy party on the upper decks, an adult-exclusive dance party and so much more.

Guests can experience this epic day at sea on the following Disney Dream itineraries in 2023:

Departing Jan. 7, Jan. 21, Feb. 4, Feb. 18 and March 4, 2023, the Western Caribbean itinerary features Georgetown, Grand Cayman and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.

Departing Jan. 16, Jan. 30, Feb. 13 and Feb. 27, 2023, the Western Caribbean itinerary includes stops at Cozumel, Mexico and Castaway Cay.

These cruises are extremely popular and will sell out. Contact me today if you want more information or you’re ready to book your Marvel-ous cruise.

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What to pack for an Alaskan Cruise

Packing for an Alaskan cruise is VERY different from packing for a warm-weather cruise. The weather in Alaska is unpredictable, it can be warm and sunny one minute and drizzling the next. Remember that even though it is summer, it won’t be warm! 

The key to packing for Alaska is layers!

  • Pants – jeans or khakis (you may want to leave room underneath for long johns)
  • Ladies may opt for leggings; you may even choose a fleece-lined pair
  • Long johns or tights – perfect for those chilly days!
  • T-shirts – cotton is best.
  • Sweater or sweatshirt – don’t bring anything too bulky.
  • Flannel – these are very Alaskan and easy to peel off if it gets warmer.
  • Vest – great to layer! I like this one for women and this one for men because they are easy to pack and water resistant.
  • Lightweight puffer jacket – I like this one because it is water-resistant and has a hood! There is a similar version for men. You may want to size up if you will be layering underneath.
  • Waterproof rain jacket – I like this one and this one because they fold nicely into a little pouch. Here is a good option for men. 
  • Wool or warm socks

Shoes

  • Tennis shoes for walking
  • Nice shoes for dinner
  • Waterproof shoes or hiking boots – this will depend on your planned excursions, but you will need some type of shoe that can get wet. Merrell makes great waterproof hiking boots. XTRATUF boots are very popular with Alaskans. Timberland and Sperry also have great options. 
  • Slippers – I like to wear them in my cabin, but they are not necessary

Accessories

  • Pashmina – great to wear as a scarf or wrap over your shoulders at dinner or while on deck
  • Warm scarf – great while on deck or on excursions
  • Baseball cap
  • Beanie
  • Gloves 
  • Small umbrella

You may also want to bring:

  • At least one pair of shorts – you may have a warm day; the weather in Alaska is unpredictable! 
  • Bathing suit – it may only be warm enough on embarkation day to swim or you may want to hit the hot tub
  • Flip flops – for the pool or hot tub
  • Waterproof rain pants – probably only necessary if you have some type of excursion that you will get wet on like hiking and it rains. Also available for men and kids. 
  • Binoculars – they don’t have to be super fancy; your excursions will likely have a few pairs for everyone to share but it is nice to have your own on the ship

Formal nights in Alaska are WAY less formal than what you generally see on other cruises. There won’t be any tuxedos or formal dresses. Men will wear a suit but you will also see a lot of sports coats with a collared shirt and dress pants. Ladies will wear nice dresses, but it will be chilly so don’t forget tights or nylons and a light sweater.

For dinner on non-formal nights dress; you will see everything; most will wear business casual. Most ladies will be wearing pants and a blouse or sweater and sometimes even dresses. Men will wear dark jeans or khakis with a dress shirt or sweater. You don’t need to get dressed up by any means but should look nice. 

Packing Tips

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

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

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

Cruise cabins are small. Consider bringing Poo-Pourri. That’s all I’m going to say about that!  

The three things you MUST bring are sunglasses, sunscreen, and bug spray. Even though it is cold the sun will reflect off of the ice in the mountains or the water and it is bright! You will regret not bringing sunglasses. I prefer polarized lenses, but any sunglasses will do. Along those same lines, the reflection of the sun will cause you to burn so bring sunscreen. Mosquitos are jokingly known as the Alaska state bird; enough said. 

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

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

You will need a bag to carry your items if you are going on an excursion, shopping or even just wandering around the port.  You will need to bring your stateroom key card, photo ID, phone, credit card and some cash. A small bag is fine (I like a crossbody bag) but a small backpack may be best to store your extra layers in. 

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

If you are ready to book your Alaskan cruise, contact me today!

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