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Celebrate America’s 250th at Sea: A New England Cruise That Feels Truly Special
This is the time of year where I really start dreaming about summer. It’s so close I can almost taste it. And nothing screams “summer fun” louder than the 4th of July. With America’s 250th birthday right around the corner, there’s something pretty incredible about celebrating it not just in one city, but along the East Coast where so much of the country’s story began—and continues to evolve today. From historic harbors to naval strongholds to iconic skylines, this is a journey that connects the past and present in a really unique way. And that’s exactly what a New England cruise with Holland America Line offers. The Ship: Sailing Aboard…
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Chichen Itza Tours: Cruise Excursion
If you book at Mexico or Western Caribbean, there is a decent chance you will also be able to book one of the Chichen Itza tours as a shore excursion. But if you’re like me, sometimes the number of shore excursions can be overwhelming. I’m never sure which to pick or if I even want to book an excursion. When we went to Progreso, Mexico, however, I knew I wanted to take the opportunity to visit Chichen Itza. We had been to a few different popular Mayan ruins sites in the past, but Chichen Itza was one place we still hadn’t visited. Chichen Itza is the most famous, and therefore…
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Dining Your Way Across the Disney Cruise Line: A Guide to Every Ship’s Restaurants
There’s a lot to love about cruising, but I personally think the food is one of my favorite parts. And Disney Cruises are known to have some of the best dining options out of all the cruise lines. Seriously — it’s like stepping into a floating foodie dream where every meal comes with a touch of Disney magic. Whether you’re craving elegant fine dining, fun themed dinners, or late-night comfort food, each Disney cruise ship offers its own lineup of restaurants worth getting excited about. Prior to sailing with Disney, I had never paid extra to do any of the specialty restaurants on any cruise line. But people absolutely raved…
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Dining With Kids on Holland America: What Families Need to Know Before You Cruise
An Overview of the Various Holland America Dining Options If you’ve ever traveled with kids, you know that meals can make or break a vacation. Between picky eaters, short attention spans, and the occasional “I’m not hungry” meltdown (that’s inevitably followed by “I’m starving” 20 minutes later), dining while traveling can be… an adventure. The good news is Holland America makes family dining at sea surprisingly easy. Whether your crew loves trying new foods or prefers sticking to chicken tenders and fries, you’ll find plenty of options that work for everyone. And the best part, there are so many good options that are included with the fare you pay. Here’s…
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Good Cruises for Families: The Best Ships, Cruise Lines, and Ports to Consider
Cruising isn’t for everyone, but I personally love a good family cruise. Especially because my kids love them. They love having the freedom to hang out without parents in the kids club and to eat as much ice cream as they want. And I love the all-inclusiveness that cruises offer. The best part? Many cruise lines now cater specifically to families, making it easy to find options that kids, parents, and even grandparents will love. Let’s dive into some of the top picks when it comes to good cruises for families—including the best cruise lines, ships with standout kid-friendly amenities, and the ports of call that are especially fun for…
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What’s Included on a Disney Cruise: Family-Friendly Features
The number 1 question I get from people about Disney cruises is: are Disney cruises worth it? Obviously that answer is going to vary from person to person, but when it comes to making decisions about whether it’s worth it for you and your family, you should know whats included in a Disney cruise that might not be included on other cruise lines. It’s also important for you to know that you can save money on your cruise by booking early. While it might not be a huge savings, every bit helps, and you can still enjoy all the things Disney cruises offer, at a lower point. Another question I…
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The Ultimate Guide to Cruising Holland America With Kids
If you’ve been wondering whether Holland America is a good fit for your family vacation, the answer is a big yes. While they’re often thought of as a cruise line for adults, Holland America actually offers a lot for kids, teens, and multi-generational travelers. It’s a great option for families who want to relax without the party vibe that some other cruise lines give off. From family-friendly itineraries to kids’ clubs and shore excursions that wow, here’s your go-to guide for planning an unforgettable Holland America cruise with your crew. Why Choose Holland America for Families? Holland America has a more relaxed vibe than the party-focused lines, which can be…
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Disney Magic Western Caribbean Cruise: Honest Review + Itinerary & Tips for Families
If you’re considering a Disney Magic Western Caribbean cruise, this guide will walk you through exactly what to expect—from the itinerary and onboard experience to dining, entertainment, and tips for making the most of your trip. We recently sailed on a 5-night Western Caribbean cruise aboard the Disney Magic, departing from New Orleans with stops in Cozumel and Progreso. In this post, I’m sharing our honest review along with helpful tips for families planning their first Disney Cruise. For instance, if you are planning to book your first Disney Cruise, or if you already have your first one booked, you’ll definitely want to check out 5 Things to Know About…
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Disney Fantasy Eastern Caribbean Cruise
A Disney Cruise is something I always wanted to do with my kids, but it was something that my husband and I agreed would be a “one and done” kind of trip for us. First, like everything Disney, it’s a large financial investment. Second, our kids would be growing up, so by the time we could afford another trip, they’d likely be too old for Disney. Well, that was our initial thought, but before we even disembarked from our Disney Fantasy Eastern Caribbean cruise, we were already talking about our next Disney cruise adventure… Because this was supposed to be our one and only Disney cruise, we wanted to do…
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Best Holland America Ships for Families
The Best Holland America Ships for Families: A Complete Guide I recently wrote a post answering the question: is Holland America Cruise Line good for families? The short answer is yes. While Holland America is known for its elegant ships and relaxed vibe, it’s also made huge strides in offering fantastic amenities and activities for families. Some ships stand out more than others in terms of family-friendliness, though. Here’s a complete look at the best Holland America ships for families — and everything they offer to make your trip unforgettable. 1. Koningsdam Why it’s great for families: Bonus: The ship has a fantastic “Music Walk” area, which, while not specifically…
