Must-Know Tips for a Perfect Cruise Experience!

Happy Veterans Day, everyone!

Thank you to all who have served in the military and helped protect our nation.

Though I'm all about learning about cultures and getting authentic experiences, cruises have a special place in my heart because I can just disconnect and relax. Honestly, I haven't had the opportunity to do too many cruises lately because I have to use my travel time wisely—there's so much of the world to see!

However, cruises offer a fantastic way to experience multiple destinations in a short time. While planning a trip to three cities can require careful planning, cruises handle all the details for you. Plus, if you're not feeling a particular stop, no worries—you can always relax on the ship!

In this guide, I'm going to cover how to pick the best cruises.

Bigger isn't necessarily better when it comes to cruise ships. Larger ships often mean more people on board, which isn't always a good thing. You might face bigger crowds and less availability for activities you enjoy. The key is to find the right ratio of space to people that you're comfortable with.

Just like anything in business, each cruise line targets a different audience. Some cruise lines are more laid-back, some are family-oriented, while others are party cruises. Make sure you pick the right one, or you're in for a rude awakening.

Also, look at the dining options. Some cruise lines offer private tables, while others require you to sit with a group of people. Personally, I like having my own space, and though I can be social at times, I prefer to meet people organically rather than being forced to meet them.

Get the drink packages. I know they're expensive, but they're worth it. One thing you don't want to do on vacation is pay for every drink. It feels great when the bartender slips you your favorite drink as soon as you finish your current one. And you have the freedom to leave the bar without worrying about the tab. The drink packages are so worth it—you'll get your money's worth.

Don't go too crazy with the food. I'm like a horse when it comes to eating—I won't stop until all the food is gone. But with cruises, I've met my match. Food is always available, and you'll lose if you try to compete. It's not fun being sick for a silly reason like overeating. So, the key is to pace yourself and don't go overboard (pun intended).

Do your math when looking for cruise deals. Cruise lines often offer discounts, but they can be tricky to understand. Don't just look at the perks they offer. Instead, focus on the money value of each discount. Add up all the discounts and compare the total prices between different options. This way, you can find great deals, sometimes even getting luxury cruises for the price of a regular one. Remember, cruise lines use lots of different discounts to make things confusing, so pay close attention to the numbers. By doing this, you'll be able to see exactly what you're getting for your money.

Do the excursions—they can make or break your trip. Look at the excursions beforehand and the types of activities available. I'm not saying you always have to do an excursion when your ship is at a port, just be aware of what's available and be willing to try the ones that interest you. Some of my best cruise experiences came from excursions.

I like cruises because they're really affordable. You can find some great packages that are action-packed. Follow the above tips and your experience will be even better.

Keep Traveling,

Andrew

How do you feel about cruises?

Cocktail of the Week

The Appletini was invented in 1996 at Lola’s, a popular West Hollywood bar in Los Angeles, California. Initially created as a fun, fruity twist on the classic martini, the Appletini quickly gained popularity for its bright, refreshing flavor and has since become a modern classic in bars worldwide.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz vodka

• 1 oz green apple schnapps

• ½ oz Cointreau or triple sec

• Apple slice (for garnish)

Preparation:

• Pour the vodka, apple schnapps, and Cointreau into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

• Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until well-chilled.

• Strain into a chilled martini glass.

• Garnish with an apple slice and serve immediately.
 

Random Travel Thought

Be careful when traveling, a kind gesture ≠ kind intentions

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The Plug

Cheap flights:

• Going.com: This might be the only discounted flights website you need. It’s a paid service that sends you notifications when deals become available, but they expire in a couple of days so Act Fast!! 
• Secret Flying 🤫: This website emails you about free flight opportunities and even better… it doesn’t cost a thing!!
• Skyscanner: An older, but still reliable website that’s also *FREE* so there’s no reason not to use it. Use the "Explore the World" feature and set your departure date to "Whole Month" to find the cheapest deals.

Insurance:

• Safety Wing: I use Safety Wing as my travel insurance because the plans are flexible. You can easily insure a 1-week trip for like $11 dollars which is less than the cost of a cocktail at the bar.

Travel Gear

• Compression socks: Sitting for extended periods of time is not good for the body, so keep yourself healthy enough to go on more trips. Link
• Apple AirTags: Consider getting Apple AirTags for the peace of mind of always knowing where your luggage is. Link
• Smart Phone holder: It's a foldable sheet that can be used as a stand for your iPhone or iPad.Link
• Packing cubes: Having a separate container works wonders for keeping clothes wrinkle-free. It also makes packing/unpacking much easier.Link
• Donut Power Strip: Power outlets are always in demand, but sometimes they're in weird spots. I use this bagel because it's lightweight, and I don't have to think about it. Link
• Travel Case Organizer: Cable organizers can be a pain, but this is what I use to keep my cables organized. Link
• Backup batteries: I like these backup batteries because they have three important components for me: 1. They have enough power to recharge my phone multiple times at once, 2. Are small enough to put in my pocket, and 3. Are sturdy enough to survive a fall. Link
• Yoga Mat: I use this thin mat to get my stretching in even when I'm traveling. Link
• Jump Rope: It's so easy to bring a jump rope with you for exercise because it weighs almost nothing and takes up no space. Link
• Liquid IV: Great for hydration to keep you from dying. When you're traveling, it's time to live it up!  Link
  
  *Above are Affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

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