July 2023: Festive and Fun Holiday Travel
Hello My Cruise Travelers!
I know it has been a minute since I last reached out, but this summer has been INSANE! Did you know that cruise travel is up 30% from Pre-Pandemic cruising in 2019?
While many of you were enjoying weekend barbecues, lazy days at the beach, and games of corn hole, I was busy at work - mailing cruise packages, training and learning to grow my knowledge for you, and experiencing the cruise life myself!
I was able to travel to Galveston and check out the newly built Royal Caribbean Cruise Terminal!
Wow! What a beauty! The process for boarding is seamless and eases the old days of waiting in lines to board the ship!
I attended a Groups Training with CLIA to refresh my knowledge of groups and enhance that knowledge to make your group cruise travel even more special.
While there, I toured the Allure of the Seas, an Oasis Class ship, and fell in love with her so much, my family will be sailing her in May of 2024!
Central Park is my absolute favorite part of the ship! Who new they could have a park in the middle of the ship!!!
MSC Meraviglia from Brooklyn, NYC
For those looking to explore a new cruise line, I did that this summer! With my best cruise buddy, My Mother, we explored MSC from Brooklyn!
The biggest complaint I had heard from others was the food - and that is the most important part of cruising, right?
MSC is a European cruising company trying to break into the North American market. With that said, their food, particularly at the buffet, has European influence. However, their main dining room and specialty dining rooms did not disappoint! Our dining staff was so attentive and the food was delicious. We also had a chance to experience the specialty dining at Butcher's Cut and Kaito Teppanyaki and both were delicious!
The ship itself is BEAUTIFUL! The shopping was abundant with excellent choices and deals and specials on different items every day!
The Promenade offers a variety of entertainment, shopping, dining and lounge options in the middle of this beautiful ship!
The DOME in the Promenade changes themes throughout the cruise, and even has "Dome Shows" throughout the day. The shows only last about 5 minutes, so many people gather and just pause in the Promenade and look up at the dome. They even include the dome as part of their Promenade entertainment as well!
The true show stopper on this ship was the Carousel at Sea Productions in Carousel Lounge. Picture a circus acrobatic act, with high flyers and fire in a carnival style show and you have this amazing production that could be ranked with the best at sea!
We happened to stumble across it the first night, as there is a bit of an upcharge to attend, but we were so glad we did, as we made reservations for the last two nights as well. They had two different theme shows running and we enjoyed them both! Much better than the stage productions that were also presenting.
I would highly recommend this ship, as being on it twice now - one for a ship tour and once for my own experience travels, it is a must! As they are still trying to break in to our market, their pricing is very competitive with other brands we know and love!
Plan Early for Holiday/Winter Cruise Travel
With all the moments of summer vacations, it's easy to forget that winter is just around the corner!
Colder weather and hectic holidays may not be on your mind yet, but there's an important reason to flip a few months ahead on your calendar…now is the best time to plan winter travel!
Early planning is ideal, especially if you'd like to travel over the winter holidays or during school breaks.
Flights and resorts usually fill up quickly for these dates, and with so many people traveling again, the demand is great. For the best rates and availability, book sooner than later.
For cruises, booking in advance provides better stateroom selection and improved chances at reserving a desired dining time.
For all-inclusive resorts, booking in advance provides more room options and a better chance of securing exclusive nonstop flights.
Holiday Cruises Are Magical
The special seasonal touches and festive atmosphere of holiday cruise itineraries provide the perfect backdrop for bringing family and friends together. What better way to reconnect than through the sharing of seasonal cheer on a holiday sailing?
Decorations: Colorful decorations wow passengers when first stepping on board. Lavish Christmas trees, evergreen garlands, poinsettias, twinkling lights, menorahs, and blue, white, and silver flower arrangements adorn the ships.
Entertainment: Special holiday programs abound, so reviewing the day's itinerary is important! Some of the activities you'll see on cruise ships include gingerbread house building, cookie decorating, tree lighting ceremonies, visits with Santa Claus, sing-alongs, and special stage productions. The movie theaters showcase classic Christmas films, and children can gather for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa story times.
Food: During the holiday cruise season, chefs take meals to the next level by preparing a bevy of incredible foods. Offerings might include turkey or roast goose with all the trimmings, large Italian feasts, Caribbean specialties, Yule log, panettone, and platters of cookies. Traditional Hannukah foods like latkes, matzo ball soup, and pre-arranged Kosher meals are offered too.
Destinations: While you might prefer fleeing the cold and snow for the sunny Caribbean, river cruising through Europe to visit the Christmas markets is a magical bucket-list trip for many. Early planning is essential for securing a stateroom on these popular itineraries. Still prefer white sand and turquoise waters? Disney's Castaway Cay touts artificial snow, island Christmas music, and character meet-and-greets to bring some playfulness to your day.
Faith: Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish services are held for passengers, and a Rabbi lights the menorah each day of Hannukah.
Which Winter Escape Appeals to You?
A river cruise to Europe's traditional Christmas Markets
The magic of a Disney Cruise paired with Disney World or a Universal Vacation
A relaxing holiday or post-holiday Caribbean cruise
A celebration of the New Year with a South American Expedition Cruise
