This week, we are embarking on a captivating journey through the waves and waterways, comparing two enchanting travel experiences: European river cruising and ocean cruising. Whether you’re a seasoned seafarer or a first-time cruiser, this episode will help you navigate the distinct nuances and unique charms of each option. From picturesque riverbanks to panoramic ocean horizons, we’ll dive into the highs and highlights of these epic voyages. Grab your passports, and let’s set sail on this comparative cruise journey!
Filed under: Cruising, europe, ocean cruising, river cruising
Episode 542: Celebrity NYE with Sandy
Picture this: champagne in hand, dancing under the stars. Cruising during the holidays offers a unique opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the season at home and indulge in the ultimate floating celebration. This week we want to tell you about an unforgettable New Year’s Eve group cruise Sandy has set up on the Celebrity Beyond that promises to be an enchanting blend of festive fun, luxury, and breathtaking destinations.
Filed under: Celebrity Cruise Line, Cruising, New YearsEpisode 541: Making Lemonade out of Lemons
Today, we’re diving into one of the inevitabilities of travel – the mishaps, the unexpected detours, the lemons life sometimes throws at us while we’re on our adventures. This week we want to show you how to make lemonade out of those lemons. Whether it’s a delayed flight or an unexpected cruise itinerary change, we’ve got the tips to keep your travels as delightful as planned.
Filed under: travelEpisode 540: Sailing Oasis of the Seas with Meg
Oasis of the Seas is a groundbreaking cruise ship that marked a new era in the cruise industry when it debuted in 2008, the first of the innovative Oasis Class and designed to redefine what a cruise experience could be. At the time of it’s launch, it was the largest cruise ship in the world, introducing features such as the “neighborhood” concept, with distinct areas like Central Park, Boardwalk, and the Royal Promenade. These innovative design elements set a new standard for luxury and entertainment at sea.
Filed under: Meg, oasis of the seas, Royal CaribbeanEpisode 539: Sailing the Danube on the Ama Magna
Today, we’re diving into the world of Ama Waterways – a leader in luxury river cruising renowned for its immersive experiences and exceptional service. Recently, Sandy had the privilege of sailing on the magnificent Ama Magna, a unique vessel that’s twice the size of traditional river cruise boats, offering unmatched space and luxury. Alongside 30 other travel advisors, they embarked on a 7-night journey down the enchanting Danube River, departing and returning from the vibrant Budapest. This innovative itinerary took us through mesmerizing landscapes and quaint towns, sparking countless memories and stories.
Filed under: ama magna, ama waterways, danube, river cruisingEpisode 538: Go There, Not Here!
Overtourism is defined as “the impact of tourism on a destination, or parts thereof, that excessively influences perceived quality of life of citizens and/or quality of visitor experiences in a negative way”. It occurs when there are too many visitors to a particular destination. The actual number of visitors is subjective to the capacity a given destination can manage without seeing detriment to their environment. Overtourism can negatively impact local residents, visitors, and the surrounding environment of a particular destination.
Several Cities in Europe are trying to curb the influx of too many tourists through the use of fees, quotas on the number of people and removing cruise ships from their ports. So, we are here today to talk about some alternative cities that you can visit that would welcome more tourists.
Filed under: travel
Episode 537: Windstar in the BVI with Aimee
Windstar Cruises offer a uniquely luxurious experience that larger ships simply can’t match. With fewer passengers, you get more space, personalized service, and access to hidden gems that are off the beaten path—away from the usual crowds. You can also go back and listen to Episode 484 to hear more of the background on this cruise line, but this week we wanted to talk to Aimee about her experience on Windstar in the Caribbean.
Filed under: aimee, BVI, caribbean, Cruising, Windstar, Windstar Cruises
Episode 536: Setting a Realistic Budget for your Vacation
One of the hardest parts of planning a vacation is paying for it We know. The struggle is real! So tonight, we wanted to help you with some guidelines about today’s travel costs so that as you begin planning your trip, you know what to expect.
Filed under: travel budget
Episode 535: Kristen’s Family Scavenger Hunt
Every Christmas, Kristen’s family does a scavenger hunt to reveal a family gift or trip. This past year they decided to give the gift early, and we got to follow along on her Facebook page. We loved the idea so much we wanted to bring her on the podcast to tell us all about it.
Filed under: Cruising, Disney cruise line, scavenger hunt
Episode 534: Family Travel with Younger Kids
Let’s face it, traveling with children, especially young children, is complicated. Even the most seasoned travelers can find themselves a bit confused about the best destinations, planning tips, and even activities for the trips they plan with their children or grandchildren. But never fear, we’re here to help! We’ve all traveled with kids of various ages, whether they were our own children or not, and we want to help you make the most of your family vacations.
Filed under: traveling with kids