Starting February 2025, all Celebrity Cruises Caribbean sailings will experience The Poolest Day Ever on the last sea day. This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. This isn’t just another day at the pool. There will be an ever-changing vibe from morning to night, with DJs and live bands, exclusive surprises and delights, pool games and competitions, and pop-up performances that turn pool time into showtime. SPLASHY SIPS, BITES, AND DELIGHTS The best pool day of your life means you are going to be spoiled and pampered all day long. There will be Caribbean-inspired cocktails, Poptails (n. päp-tāl: popsicle meets cocktail), the only thing cooler than rosé—Frosé, juicy burgers, boozy ice cream, chilled towels to cool you off, and even some complimentary surprises along the way. Keep an eye open for servers walking around with fun treats! Be sure to visit the Mast Grill and order the special Poolest Day Ever burger...only available on the last sea day. It is delicious! POOLSIDE HAPPENINGS You can be at the center of the action or enjoy the last day onboard relaxing. Join tai chi or a guided meditation or be more active and take a Caribbean dance class, Participate in the Pool Olympix, or be a spectator. You can turn things up or down however you want with a wide variety of poolside happenings. Don't miss the very popular guest versus crew water volleyball game! TROPICAL RHYTHMS Enjoy Caribbean-inspired music from the talented live bands and DJs. Watch pop-up performerances turn the whole pool into a stage....the production cast can show up at any time. Join the Activities Team for a Caribbean dance class or an Aqua Fit Class. Later in the afternoon, enjoy relaxing music and play low-key games on the dance floor. After the high-energy activities earlier in the day, this is a nice way to bring the event to a close. Keep your eyes open for special food and fun drinks available only during this special day-long event! Enjoy the themed decorations, pool toys, beach towels, plastic ducks and other fun extras. Let the crew pamper you this last day onboard! Thank you to Patti Vognild at Candid Cruise & Travel for the great photos of this fun, new deck party! Want to take Poolest Day home with you? You can purchase hats, shirts, a beach bag and tumblers onboard! Final Thoughts: Don't miss out on this fun-filled last day onboard. You can be as active or relaxed as you like....just be sure to enjoy your final day at sea! Let’s connect: Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising, A Celebrity Cruises Forum, A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Reflection Cruise Forum, A Celebrity RETREAT class forum, A Celebrity River Cruises Forum and Alaska Cruise Lover Forum You can also follow me at: YouTube at Travels With Mickey Pinterest at Travels with Mickey Instagram at Travels with Mickey Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more helpful items to make your cruise even more enjoyable! P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons are below). Thanks so much! *Zest4Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Program. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases.
Return of Train Service – Seattle to Vancouver
This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. Amtrak is moving train cars to the Northwest from other parts of the country to swap in for 26 cars abruptly pulled from service in late March due to corrosion problems. The issues with the Horizon-class railcars left Amtrak Cascades with just one working trainset. With the arrival of the additional cars, two trains between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia, — trains No. 516 and No. 519 — resumed service Tuesday, Washington State Department of Transportation rail division spokesperson Janet Matkin said in an email. Amtrak is moving train cars to the Northwest on the Empire Builder line from Chicago. Matkin said more trains will return to service later this week, including trains between Seattle and Portland, Oregon, and a train between Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver. “The goal is to quickly restore all trips, but with a limited number of cars on each train,” Matkin said. This will mean trains with fewer seats available in the near term — less than half as many coach seats as normal in some cases. How long it will take for Amtrak to return to full seating capacity on the line is unclear. In 2024, nearly 1 million passengers rode Amtrak Cascades trains, which run in a north-south corridor between Eugene, Oregon, and Vancouver, British Columbia. The Coast Starlight, a long-distance Amtrak train, makes the same stops as the regional Cascades service on its once-daily departure between Seattle and California. Service on that route has not been affected. Let’s connect: Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising, A Celebrity Cruises Forum, A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Reflection Cruise Forum, A Celebrity RETREAT class forum, A Celebrity River Cruises Forum and Alaska Cruise Lover Forum You can also follow me at: YouTube at Travels With Mickey Pinterest at Travels with Mickey Instagram at Travels with Mickey Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more helpful items to make your cruise even more enjoyable! P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons are below). Thanks so much!
Pregnancy and Cruising: Tips for Expectant Mothers
Thinking of taking a cruise while you’re expecting? It’s a great idea! This is the opportunity to relax and enjoy some time before your life is changed by a new bundle of joy. Be aware however, cruise lines do have pregnancy policies in place, and most do not allow passengers who are farther along than 23-24 weeks. Below, you can find a reference list of cruise line pregnancy policies. Be sure to confirm these with your cruise line at the time of booking, Restrictions are subject to change. This post contains affiliate links, if you click and buy a product, I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. Can you cruise while pregnant? If you have a healthy pregnancy, then going on a cruise vacation is a lovely way to celebrate the upcoming addition to your family. That being said, it’s always safer to talk to your doctor before traveling, especially if you’ve had any issues with your pregnancy in the past. Carnival Cruise Line – Pregnant women are only allowed to sail if pregnant for less than twenty-four completed weeks at time of cruise disembarkation. All pregnant women are required to produce a physician’s letter stating that mother and baby are in good health and fit to travel, and that the pregnancy is not high-risk. The letter must also include the estimated date of delivery (EDD). MSC Cruises – MSC and/or the Carriers do not have on board any of the cruise vessels adequate medical facilities or equipment for childbirth; therefore MSC cannot accept a Booking and the Carrier cannot carry any Passenger who will be 24 weeks pregnant or more by the end of the Cruise. Norwegian Cruise Line – NCL will not accept guests who will have entered their twenty-fourth week of pregnancy by the time their travel with NCL concludes. A statement from the expectant mother’s doctor (letterhead form required), stating her due date and fitness to travel, must be sent to NCL’s Access Desk (accessdesk@ncl.com). Royal Caribbean International – Royal Caribbean International cannot accept guests who will have entered their twenty-fourth week of pregnancy by the beginning of the cruise or cruise tour. All guests are required to sign a health questionnaire at check in to ensure they are aware of Royal Caribbean’s pregnancy policy. A physician’s “Fit to Travel” note is required prior to sailing, stating how far along (in weeks) a guest’s pregnancy will be at the beginning of the cruise and confirming that the guest is in good health and not experiencing a high-risk pregnancy. The “Fit to Travel” note should be faxed to the Access Department at 1-954-628-9622. Contact RCL at 1-866-592-7225 or at special_needs@rccl.com if you have already booked a cruise or cruise tour and do not meet this requirement.Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Cruises cannot accept guests who will have entered their twenty-fourth week of pregnancy by the beginning of the cruise or cruise tour. All guests are required to sign a health questionnaire at check in to ensure they are aware of Celebrity’s pregnancy policy. A physician’s “Fit to Travel” note is required prior to sailing, stating how far along (in weeks) the passenger’s pregnancy will be at the beginning of the cruise and confirming that she is in good health and not experiencing a high-risk pregnancy. The “Fit to Travel” note should be faxed to the Access Department at 1-954-628-9622. Contact Celebrity at 1-866-592-7225 or at special_needs@celebrity.com if you have already booked a cruise or cruise tour and do not meet this requirement. Disney Cruise Line – Women who will enter their twenty-fourth week of pregnancy during the cruise will be refused passage due to safety concerns. Neither a physician’s medical statement nor a waiver of liability will be accepted. In addition, Disney Cruise Line cannot be held responsible or liable for any complications relating to pregnancy at any stage. Holland America Line – Women cannot have begun their twenty-fourth week of pregnancy at any time before or during the cruise. Pregnant guests must provide a physician’s letter stating their expected due date and medical fitness to travel, and asserting that the pregnancy is not high-risk. You must also include your name, booking number, ship, and sailing date. Princess Cruises – Pregnant women are not allowed to sail if they are entering the twenty-fourth week of their pregnancy by the last day of the cruise. All pregnant women are required to produce a physician’s letter stating that mother and baby are in good health and fit to travel, and asserting that the pregnancy is not high-risk. The letter must also include the estimated date of delivery calculated from both last menstrual period and ultrasound (if performed), and may be faxed to the Fleet Medical Department’s confidential fax line at 1-661-753-0121. Azamara Cruises – Azamara Club Cruises cannot accept guests who will have entered their 24th week of pregnancy by the beginning of, or at any time during the cruise. All guests are required to sign a health questionnaire at check-in to ensure they are aware of our pregnancy policy. Once Onboard Be sure to request extra pillows and blankets, scout out exit routes and other walkways in the area around your cabin. Have a look at your bathroom facilities before you really need to use them so you know how things work. You may also want to try on your personal flotation device (PFD) found in your cabin to ensure that it will fit you properly. If you find it is too small, ask your cabin steward for another. You may be more prone to nausea enhanced by the ship's motion. To minimize problems associated with seasickness, try to book a larger ship (more than 1,000 passengers) and a mid-level, mid-ship cabin. These tend to be more stable and do better in rough weather should you encounter it. Ships will normally be staffed with both a doctor and nurse. (Note that ships' medical personnel charge a fee for their services.) Make sure to discuss your cruise and related travel plans with your doctor. Ask about various seasickness medications orContinue reading "Pregnancy and Cruising: Tips for Expectant Mothers"
ETIAS for Cruise Passengers: What You Need to Know
This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. Planning a cruise that stops or begins in Europe? You need to be aware of an important travel update regarding ETIAS for cruise passengers. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is currently expected to launch in late 2026, introducing a new pre-travel requirement for visitors from visa-exempt countries, including those from the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This is not a visa. ETIAS is an entry authorization that must be obtained before travel. If your cruise itinerary includes ports in France, Spain, Italy, Norway, or any other Schengen country, you will need to secure ETIAS approval before you set sail. As of now, this is what we know and what we expect will happen. What is ETIAS and Why Do Cruise Passengers Need It? ETIAS is a digital travel authorisation, which is similar to the US ESTA or UK ETA. It applies to visitors from visa-exempt countries and is designed to enhance border security while maintaining smooth entry into the Schengen Area. If your cruise stops in any Schengen and most EU countries, you must obtain ETIAS approval before arrival. This includes: Cruise passengers disembarking in Schengen ports, even if it is only for a short visit. Travelers flying into a Schengen country before or after their cruise. Tourists, business travelers, and transit passengers planning a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. ETIAS will be valid for three years (or until your passport expires) and allows for multiple entries, but it does not replace a visa. Travelers who require a Schengen visa must still apply for one separately. ETIAS Launch: When Will It Take Effect? The rules of travel to Europe have changed. Starting six months after EES, travelers from 59 visa-exempt countries and territories are required to have a travel authorization to enter most European countries. Late 2026 is the current projected launch date, the introduction of ETIAS has already faced multiple delays. The system was originally planned for 2021, then postponed several times. The latest timeline suggests ETIAS will be implemented after the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully operational, which is expected in late 2025. Given these delays, further postponements remain a possibility. As of now, we expect ETIAS to launch sometime in 2026, but travelers should monitor official EU sources for the most up-to-date information. You can sign up for updates on the official ETIAS website here: ETIAS ETIAS vs. UK ETA – Do You Need Both for Your Cruise? For cruise passengers sailing the British Isles, it is important to understand the different entry requirements based on where your cruise stops: ETIAS covers Schengen and most EU countries (e.g., France, Spain, Norway, Netherlands). The UK ETA is required for non-visa nationals visiting England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The Republic of Ireland is NOT part of either ETIAS or the UK ETA. What Do You Need for Ireland? The Republic of Ireland has its own immigration rules, separate from both the UK and the Schengen Area: US, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand passport holders do NOT need a visa to visit Ireland for tourism. UK ETA does NOT apply to Ireland—it only applies to the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland). ETIAS does NOT apply to Ireland, as Ireland is not in the Schengen Area. If your cruise includes stops in Ireland, the UK, and Schengen countries, you may need: ETIAS (for Schengen stops like France, Spain, or the Netherlands). UK ETA (for UK stops like Scotland, Northern Ireland, or England). No additional authorization for the Republic of Ireland (for visa-exempt travelers). To learn more about the UK ETA and its impact on cruise travel, check out the guide: UK ETA: Essential Guide for Cruise Travelers How to Apply for ETIAS Applying for ETIAS for Schengen travel is expected to be simple and fully online.: Visit the official ETIAS website – ETIAS Official Site Complete the application – Enter passport details, travel plans, and answer security questions. Pay the €20 application fee – (applicants under 18 or over 70 are exempt from the fee but will still need to apply). This has recently increased from the original expected cost of €7. (updated July 21, 2025) Receive approval – Most applications are expected to be processed within minutes, though some may take up to 30 days. Cruise Passengers – What You Need to Know Cruise lines will begin to check for ETIAS approval before boarding when it becomes active– much like airlines verify visas. Apply in advance to avoid issues. While most approvals are expected to be instant, some may take longer. ETIAS is not a visa, but failure to obtain one will result in denied boarding or entry refusal. Avoid ETIAS Scams Scams have already begun to show up online. Fraudulent websites may charge excessive fees, collect personal information, or even issue fake approvals that will not be valid for travel. To avoid falling victim: Only apply through the official ETIAS website. It must end in .eu and have the logo shown above. Be cautious of third-party services claiming to expedite approval. Most applications are expected to be processed quickly, so fast-track services are unnecessary. Our approvals took less than one hour. Never pay more than €20 – If a website charges more, it is probably a scam. Check for official EU branding and website domains. The correct website will always end in .eu ETIAS vs EES The EES is an automated system that replaces physical passport stamps for non-EU visitors to the Schengen Area. ETIAS is an electronic travel authorization for travelers from visa-exempt countries who plan short stays in the Schengen Area. You can learn more about the differences and how they will affect travel here. ETIAS vs EES: Essential Updates for Traveling to Europe Plan Ahead for Smooth Sailing ETIAS for cruise passengers isContinue reading "ETIAS for Cruise Passengers: What You Need to Know"
UK ETA: Essential Guide for Cruise Travelers
Planning a cruise to the UK? Learn everything cruise travelers need to know about the UK ETA, including who needs one, current requirements, cost, how to apply, validity, scam warnings, and important 2026 updates.
How to Enjoy a Cruise with Your Toddler: A Complete Guide
Traveling with a toddler can be overwhelming. After all, toddlers are restless on flights, don’t adjust well to new bedtime routines, and can be very picky eaters. This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. For these reasons, maybe you’re hesitant to book a cruise with a toddler. Truth is, taking a toddler on a cruise is easier and more fun than you might expect. Chances are, after sailing with your little one(s) for the first time, it wouldn’t be surprising if taking a family cruise becomes a yearly tradition. After all, cruises are the perfect opportunity for multigenerational family members to bond. Spend the day together at the pool, sign up for any number of group activities, and enjoy nightly family meals in the dining room or buffet. Let the grandparents play with the kids for a few hours while you get a massage, take a nap or spend some time onshore together. Of course, there are still many factors to consider before booking your next cruise vacation for your family. What is the best kind of stateroom to the which excursions do you want to take, here is everything you need to know about taking a toddler on a cruise. How old should a child be to go on a cruise? Infants must be at least 6 months old in order to be able to travel on most cruises. For transatlantic cruises, transpacific cruises, and some cruises to South America, as well as cruises with three or more consecutive days at sea, children must be at least 12 months old. What are some of the best cruises for toddlers? Cruising with your toddler for the first time? These are some of the best cruises to book. Cruises with departure ports close to your home city Taking a flight before boarding a cruise with a toddler can be taxing on both kids and parents. By picking a departure port close to home, you will be able to decrease travel time before your cruise begins, ensuring a smoother trip once you do take off on your actual vacation. If you don’t live near a departure port, consider arriving a day or two prior to embarkation. This gives you the chance to stock up on some travel essentials like diapers, their favorite snacks, and sunscreen. Another idea is to break the trip into shorter travel days. No one likes long days traveling in a car. Shorter cruises If you’re taking your first cruise with a toddler, why not try a shorter itinerary (3-4 days)? See how your little one adapts to the sea. If your toddler has traveled well on a cruise before, go ahead and book a longer itinerary (7-10 days), but choose one with multiple port stops and few consecutive days at sea in order to avoid seasickness, boredom and to allow more opportunities for activities on land. Cruises with family-friendly destinations Some ports are more family-oriented than others. For example, little ones might not find a European city tour as interesting as a day swimming with dolphins in the Bahamas or going to Tivoli Gardens in Amsterdam. Be sure to explore family friendly excursions and destinations before deciding on which cruise you’ll ultimately embark on. If you have older children, involve them in the planning process too. Are cruises fun with toddlers? Of course they are! Cruises are fun for kids of all ages, and there are plenty of activities to .keep your toddlers entertained. Kids under the age of 3 can enjoy Toddler Time at the ship’s playroom, They will be able to play with educational toys and interact with other kids around their age. Parental supervision is required, but children don’t have to be potty trained in order to participate. Certain toys and books will also be available to check out and bring back to your stateroom. Potty-trained kids over 3 can participate in the ship’s kids club. Open every day, these centers offer activities for kids with all kinds of interests, Xbox tournaments, culinary experiences, and art programs. You can rest easy that they are being taken care of while you get to enjoy some alone time. It’s a win-win situation for everyone. What should I pack for my toddler on a cruise? Preparation is key when traveling with a toddler on a cruise. We recommend packing the following essentials in your suitcase. Essential Packing Tips for Cruising with Young Children What’s the best stateroom for families cruising with a toddler? The type of stateroom you choose depends on your personal preference and budget. While all staterooms are family friendly, there are some advantages if you decide to book a higher category of stateroom on your cruise while traveling with children. Veranda Stateroom Parents traveling with toddlers may want to book a veranda stateroom. This type of cabin gives adults a little more in-room flexibility. Kids tend to go to bed earlier and a veranda stateroom allows parents to sit outside and still keep an eye on the kids. Just because they have an early bedtime doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the view—and maybe even a glass of wine. Oceanview Stateroom For parents of rowdier toddlers who might prefer to book a room without a balcony, an ocean view staterooms offers you peace of mind and large windows to take in the view outside. Suites If you prefer to cruise in a more spacious and exclusive stateroom, a suite is your best bet. Many suites offer private bedrooms, living areas, and outside verandas. They also include concierge service—which might come in handy if you’re having a particularly difficult day with the kids, plus access to VIP areas of the ship, and plenty of space for active toddlers who like to move around. What will my child eat on a cruise? What to feed a toddler on a cruise ship can be worrisome for parents of picky eaters. Luckily, cruises make it easy. In the main diningContinue reading “How to Enjoy a Cruise with Your Toddler: A Complete Guide”
About Me
Hi! I’m Mickey! I live near Orlando, Florida with my husband Frank. We can often be found dreaming about and planning future cruises! I believe in having fun, being kind and that you are never too old, or too young, to live the life of your dreams! Please note that I do not sell cruises on Zest4Travel. This and all other posts are for informational and entertainment purposes only. I share my own opinions, personal experiences and insights with other travelers, which I hope can be helpful. Please contact your travel agent or the cruise line directly for advice and any information specific to your travel. FTC LEGAL DISCLOSURE – Some links found on the site are affiliate links, meaning that I will make a commission on purchases you make through my links, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services that I personally like and trust. *Business inquiries & media: please contact me at zest4travel@yahoo.com or travelswithmickey@yahoo.com. Please note that I am unable to give personal cruise and travel advice. If you leave a comment, I try my best to answer.
Join the Fun: Play Pickleball on Celebrity Cruises
This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. The world’s fastest growing sport is coming to the world’s greatest cruise ships. Celebrity Cruises, the first cruise line to be Forbes Travel Guide star-rated, has added pickleball courts to ten of its ships in the fleet. Whether a first-time player or an avid pro, travelers can enjoy open-air courts and panoramic ocean views while playing the popular sport. Wondering what this new sport is? Pickleball is a hybrid of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. Open to players of all skill levels, pickleball will be offered complimentary to all guests who sail on a participating ship. Guests can enjoy pickleball at their leisure pending court availability, or as part of organized events and tournaments led by the ship’s activities team. Separate times will be scheduled for adult play 18 and over, or family play of six years and older. Guests can bring their own equipment onboard, or use the pickleball net, paddles and balls provided by Celebrity Cruises. “We are so excited to offer this social, fun and trending activity to both new and seasoned cruisers alike, whether traveling solo, as a couple, or as a group,” said Keith Lane, Senior Vice President, Hotel Operations, Celebrity Cruises. “And, imagine playing on the ship’s top deck with views of some of the world’s most amazing places all around you. What an experience!” The ten Celebrity Cruises’ ships now offering pickleball include: Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Ascent; plus Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Solstice (removed during the 2026 renovation) and Celebrity Summit. Court locations vary by ship. On Edge Class ships Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Ascent, pickleball is played at the lush and roomy Rooftop Garden. On Solstice Class ships including Celebrity Eclipse and Celebrity Equinox, pickleball will be offered on the Sports Deck (Deck 15). Meanwhile, on Millennium Class ships Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Millennium and Celebrity Summit, players can head to the Sports Court (Deck 12). Do you have travel insurance for your next cruise? The best day to buy it is the day you book so get it now. Insubuy has policies for all travelers. Have you booked your excursions yet? Check out my recommended provider. Stay up-to-date on all the Cruise News: Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising, A Celebrity Cruises Forum, A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Reflection Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Ascent Cruisers Forum, A Celebrity RETREAT class forum, A Celebrity River Cruises Forum and Alaska Cruise Lover Forum You can also follow me at: YouTube at Travels With Mickey Pinterest at Travels with Mickey Instagram at Travels with Mickey P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons are below). Thanks so much! Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I will earn a commission – at no extra cost to you — if you click on the link and purchase anything from these trusted companies. It helps Zest4Travel, a small business, stay in business. Thanks for your support!
Ultimate Guide to Packing for a British Isles Cruise
Cruising around the United Kingdom and Ireland offers an incredible mix of historic castles, dramatic coastlines, and vibrant cities—along with some of the most unpredictable weather in the world! From sunny afternoons in Dublin to brisk, misty mornings along the Scottish Highlands, preparing for "four seasons in one day" is the key to a comfortable voyage. The secret to mastering your British Isles suitcase isn't overpacking bulky coats; it's smart layering, waterproof outerwear, and reliable walking shoes for cobblestone streets. From essential rain gear and plug adapters to daily shore excursion must-haves, here is your complete 2026 packing checklist for a seamless journey...
Extend Your Stay: Enjoy More Time Onboard Celebrity Cruises
Travels with Mickey Cruises Disney Planning & Packing About Cruises Disney Planning & Packing About More than 2 results are available in the PRO version (This notice is only visible to admin users) Celebrity Cruises Extend Your Stay This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. I only share products I personally use, genuinely recommend, or believe will help make your cruise travel easier and more enjoyable. Thank you for supporting Travels With Mickey! One of the biggest downsides of any cruise vacation is that it has to end.Disembarkation day often means an early breakfast, leaving your stateroom by 8:30 a.m., and then waiting for hours if you have a late flight or can't check into your hotel until the afternoon.But what if you didn't have to rush off the ship?Celebrity Cruises' Extend Your Stay program lets you enjoy your vacation for just a little longer. Instead of heading straight to the airport or sitting in a crowded terminal, you can relax onboard, enjoy lunch, use the pool, stay connected with Premium Wi-Fi, and make the most of your final day.If you're sailing from select European ports, this little-known program could be one of the best upgrades you can book. What Is Celebrity Cruises' Extend Your Stay Program? Extend Your Stay is an optional post-cruise experience available on select European sailings.After checking out of your stateroom on the morning of disembarkation, you'll still be able to remain onboard for several more hours while your luggage is safely stored ashore. Instead of waiting at the airport or wandering the city with your bags, you can continue enjoying many of the ship's facilities until approximately 90 minutes before the ship departs for its next cruise.It's a great option if: Your flight isn't until later in the day. Your hotel check-in isn't until the afternoon. You simply aren't ready for your vacation to end. You'd rather relax by the pool than sit in an airport lounge. Which Ports Offer Extend Your Stay? At the time of writing, Extend Your Stay is available on Celebrity Cruises sailings ending in: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Barcelona, Spain Venice (Ravenna), Italy Athens (Piraeus), Greece Availability may vary by sailing, and Celebrity may add additional ports in the future. What's Included in Extend Your Stay? The standard Extend Your Stay package includes everything you need for a relaxing final day onboard.You'll receive: Secure luggage storage Access to the ship's public areas, including the pool deck Breakfast and lunch in the Oceanview Café Premium Wi-Fi for the duration of your stay The Zero Proof beverage package, including specialty coffees, soft drinks, bottled water, and non-alcoholic beverages Access to the spa if you've pre-booked treatments before disembarkation The opportunity to remain onboard until approximately 90 minutes before the ship departs Because your luggage has already been removed from the ship, you can spend your final hours completely hands-free. Extra Benefits for Retreat Guests Guests staying in The Retreat receive several additional perks with the Retreat version of Extend Your Stay.These include: Access to the Retreat Lounge and Retreat Sun Deck Premium Drink Package Lunch at Le Grand Bistro on Edge Series ships or Sushi on Five on Millennium and Solstice Series ships It's an excellent way to continue enjoying the premium experience right up until it's finally time to leave. How Much Does Extend Your Stay Cost? Prices start from approximately: $69 per person for the standard package $99 per person for Retreat guests Prices can vary by sailing and are always subject to change. How Do You Book Extend Your Stay? Unlike many cruise add-ons, Extend Your Stay is booked onboard rather than before your cruise.You can reserve your place: At the Shore Excursions Desk Through the Celebrity Cruises app At the Retreat Lounge if you're staying in The Retreat Reservations close 48 hours before your cruise ends, so don't leave it until the last minute. Important Things to Know Before Booking There are a few things to keep in mind.You'll still need to vacate your stateroom by 8:30 a.m., just like every other guest. After that, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing in the ship's public spaces.Once you leave the ship, you cannot return, so make sure you're ready to disembark before stepping ashore.Your luggage follows the normal disembarkation process. You'll place it outside your stateroom the evening before, and it'll be waiting for you in the cruise terminal when you're ready to leave.Airport transfers aren't included with Extend Your Stay, although they may be available to purchase separately depending on your port. Is Extend Your Stay Worth It? For many travelers, absolutely.A late afternoon or evening flight can mean several hours with nothing to do after leaving the ship. Rather than sitting in an airport café or dragging your luggage around the city, Extend Your Stay lets you squeeze a little more value out of your vacation.You can enjoy one last leisurely breakfast, spend time by the pool, catch up on emails using Premium Wi-Fi, enjoy lunch onboard, or even book a relaxing spa treatment before heading home.If your schedule allows, it's one of the easiest ways to make the transition from vacation mode to travel day a little less stressful. Frequently Asked Questions Can I leave the ship and come back later? No. Once you've disembarked, you can't reboard. Do I keep my stateroom? No. All guests must vacate their stateroom by 8:30 a.m. Can I use the spa? Yes, but appointments must be booked and paid for before disembarkation day. Is transportation to the airport included? No. Airport transfers aren't included, although they may be available for an additional charge depending on your port. Ravenna is currently the exception, where a designated airport transfer is included. Is Extend Your Stay available on every Celebrity cruise? No. It's currently offered on select European itineraries ending in Rome (Civitavecchia), Barcelona, Venice (Ravenna), and Athens (Piraeus). No.Continue reading "Extend Your Stay: Enjoy More Time Onboard Celebrity Cruises"