Maui Hula Dancers performing on Ovation of the Seas

Review: Royal Caribbean Ovation of the Seas Cruise from Hawaii to Vancouver

It’s been many years since I sailed with Royal Caribbean but the cruise from Hawaii to Vancouver on Ovation of the Seas seemed to be a perfect mix of port and sea days. As I hadn’t visited Hawaii before it was the winning option for vacation.  Traveling from Philadelphia to […]

North Star Observation Pod on Ovation of the Seas

Cruise VIP – Priority Access with The Key on Royal Caribbean

Priority access isn’t new, the “skip the line” access started at theme parks many years ago and now a cruise version – The Key on Royal Caribbean – has entered the market as a pay for access and convenience product.  Over the years, the Disney priority access model has evolved […]

Lahaina Visit and Ways to Help the Community Recovery Efforts

I visited Lahaina in Maui in May on the Royal Caribbean Ovation of the Seas cruise from Hawaii to Vancouver.  This was to be a different post to tell you how to navigate Lahaina – arrive in port, sail the boats, book the tours of the island, shop the stores […]

Amalfi Coast beach view

Vacation Themes – The Year of the Solo Cruise Vacation

I haven’t given much thought to my travels and how some years there tends to be a theme around the trips.  One year I focused on international film festivals (Toronto, Karlovy Vary and Avignon) and the next year my travels brought me to wellness resorts (Miraval and Red Mountain Resort […]

Holland America Cruise to Alaska Eurodam Sunset at Sea

Cruise Changes – Are Cheap Cruises and Free Lobster Tail a Distant Memory?

It’s “wave season” and you are likely seeing a lot of cruise commercials everywhere (that dumb jingle is stuck in your head) so let’s talk about cruises. Cruises lines were hit hard during the pandemic and restarted sailing in July 2021 offering cheap cruises to anyone willing to take a […]

The Wynn Hotel Lobby floral decor

Wynn Rewards – Holland America Cruise Discount and a Free Cruise Offer

I recently visited Las Vegas to celebrate my mom’s 80th birthday and had to treat her to a stay at The Wynn Las Vegas because it’s such a five-star luxury experience.  I am a Wynn Rewards card holder and while I rarely earn enough casino credit or comp dollars to […]

Alaska Nature Mountains Sitka Wildlife Tour and Cruise

5 Things I Hate about Cruising Despite Loving Cruise Vacations

As I search for a cruise vacation for 2023, I’m reminded of a few things I hate about cruising as I compare itineraries, cruise lines and ships. So, this is the rant of someone who surprisingly loves to cruise solo and with friends/family.  I’ve sailed on multiple cruise lines such […]

Wine Mural outside Barcelona boutique hotel Praktik Vinoteca

Review Praktik Vinoteca – Barcelona Wine Focused Boutique Hotel in L’Eixample

I don’t remember how I discovered the Praktik Hotels in Barcelona, however, after my stay at the Praktik Bakery Hotel, I was hooked.  For my recent trip to Barcelona, I considered another stay at the Bakery, however, my family is gluten free and it seemed wrong to revel in the […]

Holland America Cruise to Alaska Eurodam Sunset at Sea

Cruise Deal for Solo Travelers – No Single Supplement on select Celebrity Cruises

Update:  This promotion has ended but it was quite the adventure to see Celebrity even offer this olive branch to solo travelers. Keep your eye out for future opportunities.   You won’t find this cruise deal listed under Promos on Celebrity Cruise website, in fact, I only happened upon it […]

Baltic Cruise sunset offbeat travel

First Time Cruise Tips plus a Realistic Cruise Budget Guide

As folks start to travel again and board cruises, I thought it would be good to revisit first time cruise tips and a realistic budget guide for your first cruise. Finding the right cruise is a bit like dating – there may be a few hits and misses until you […]