If you want to board a cruise in the US right now, and you’re at least 12 years old, you’ve got to be vaccinated. What exactly does it mean, though, to “be vaccinated”? It turns out, the definition varies, and it kept some would-be-cruisers from setting sail, especially Canadians. That is, until now. Because so many things have changed recently, it's easy to get confused, so let's review vaccine requirements for cruisers... read more
When you pack for any trip, it’s important to keep in mind the things that are absolute musts, and at the top of that list should be any prescription medications that you need. Cruising, however, usually involves leaving the country, and countries may have differing rules about prescription medications, especially, though not exclusively, controlled substances. How you should pack your medications, what you should consider before you travel, and medical decisions you make abroad are all important parts of your trip-planning... read more
A cruise ship stateroom, for some, may just be a place to sleep, but you want it to be comfortable and have everything you need. What many cruisers don’t realize is that there are many things you can get in your stateroom to make your stay better, and they won’t cost you a dime... read more
Today was our last day on Odyssey of the Seas, and I had to work during the day, so I was determined to pack the evening with as much enjoyment as I could. I think Larissa and I did a pretty good job of that, with unique meals, experiences, and more time with friends... read more
Odyssey of the Seas was in Cozumel today, and I was in front of a laptop working during the day. What’s it like working when everyone is having fun? Is it silly working from a cruise ship? What does it take to get to the tootsie roll center? read more
Until a few years ago I’d never been to Costa Maya, Mexico. In a short time though, this port has become one of my favorites for one simple reason: Maya Chan Resort... read more
After decades of cruising, I was awake and out of my room earlier than I’ve ever been on a sea day. Today was a work day for me, but I was determined to make it a fun one. Who else gets to work with these views? Well, the crew, but they work WAY harder than I do... read more
Our first full day of our Odyssey of the Seas cruise took us to Coco Cay, Royal Caribbean’s private island. While we were here just a few weeks ago on Mariner, this visit was very different, and we experienced some new things... read more
Today we boarded Odyssey of the Seas in Port Everglades, and this is a cruise I’ve been waiting on for a long time…even though I only booked a few weeks ago. Why? The ship, and so far, it’s just what I hoped… read more
I love trying out different ships on different cruise lines. Variety is the spice of life, and every ship has something special to offer. As cruise lines ease back into operation, one nice thing we’ve been able to do is take some short sailings on ships that may usually only offer longer cruises. This was the case with our recent MSC Meraviglia sailing, as well as the test cruise we took on Mariner of the Seas. It’s a great opportunity...