Dream it. Book it. Repeat.– The Blog

One of the best parts of cruising is how carefree it can be. You do not have to rush from attraction to attraction, figure out where to eat, or map out complicated transportation. Even so, some extra costs can still show up during your sailing and catch you off guard. A little planning can make a big difference. These five simple tips can help you enjoy your cruise to the fullest without overspending. 1. Set a Daily Spending Limit Before you board, decide how much you want to spend each day on extras. This can include drinks, specialty restaurants, snacks, and souvenirs. Most cruise lines offer an app that lets you check your onboard balance in real time. Some travelers even bring a prepaid card just for purchases on the ship to make tracking easier. 2. Take Advantage of Happy Hours Many ships offer discounted drinks during certain times of day. If you enjoy a cocktail, choosing to order it during these times can save you a few dollars without reducing any of the fun. 3. Choos...

There’s a special kind of magic in travel, the kind that shows up when things don’t go exactly as planned. If you’ve ever taken a road trip, hopped on a plane, or boarded a cruise ship, you know that the best stories often come from the unexpected twists along the way. One of my favorite childhood memories happened long before GPS, cell phones, or the luxury of tracking each other’s locations from an app. I must’ve been around seven or eight, riding with my sisters in the back of my grandpa’s truck camper on a trip to Arkansas. Seatbelts were optional, we played games to pass the time, and if you were tired, you simply stretched out for a nap. On this trip, Grandma joined us in the back for a rest, which was a rare treat. Later, we stopped for gas, piled out for a restroom break, and then loaded back up as usual. Grandpa got back on the road, we settled in, and everything was perfectly normal, until someone said, “Where’s Grandma?” Grandpa thought she was still in the camper. She ...