As I plan and prepare for four cruises this year, I want to share my past port experiences by region, in this case the Western Caribbean. I’ve been on nearly a dozen cruises worldwide, most of which cruised out of Galveston, Texas (living in Houston, this is extremely convenient for me). Every single cruise out […]
cruise tips
Cruise Packing Lists: Backpack & Rolling Suitcase Packing Checklists
I cruise about twice a year (this year it’ll be four cruises!). I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people pull into the port and unload carts full of bags for cruises. That’s too much stuff! I don’t even check bags. Ever. Yep, I can travel to Europe for two weeks with just a […]
My Cruise Kit: The Practical & the Ridiculous
I travel a lot, and I cruise as much as vacation days will allow. Even though I pack light and efficiently, there are a few items I have to make room for when I cruise. Some items are considered common sense necessities, some are considered cruise/stateroom hacks, and some are just plain ridiculous (but so […]
Carnival Cruise Line’s Warm Chocolate Melting Cake Recipe
Carnival Cruise Line’s Warm Chocolate Melting Cake is the most famous culinary item that Carnival cruisers rave about. I cannot adequately describe the taste, other than if “death by chocolate” is the way you want to go, this is it. This dessert needs to be ordered before you finish your main dish because the preparation […]
A Cruise Must: Chef’s Table on Carnival Cruises
Cruising Carnival soon? During your planning and packing (read about my recommendations here), consider adding Chef’s Table to your planned events. IF you can get in. I’ve been trying to attend Chef’s Table for years and finally got the opportunity in February on Carnival Valor. So what’s the big deal, anyway? Chef’s Table […]
First 24 Hours on a Cruise Ship: Do’s and Don’ts
Cruises can be overwhelming for first timers and long-timer cruisers. There’s so much to see, do, buy, eat, drink…so how do you decide what to do first and how long until you feel like you’re on vacation? For me, I get my sea legs within about four hours of embarkation. From years of cruising everywhere […]
Cruise Tips: Planning and Packing
So you booked a cruise! YAY!! Now what? Whether it’s your first cruise or you’re twentieth, I’m sharing a few tips that I’ve learned through the years of cruising everywhere from Alaska to the Caribbean & Bahamas to the British Isles & Mediterranean. I’ve sailed on Carnival, Norwegian, and Princess many many many times and […]
Move Over Cruise Lanyards, Bracelets are the New Chic
Cruise tip: if lanyards aren’t your thing, maybe a beaded bracelet could be. The bracelet option is convenient for getting on and off the cruise ship, stylish for handing to the bartender after ordering a sidecar, and compact enough to throw in a small clutch when not wearing. I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel […]