Taking a cruise with your baby or toddler? Are you wondering what to pack? Packing for a cruise with a baby is a challenge for sure! You will want to pack light, but not too light! If you are lucky enough to get to your cruise ship without flying, you will not have any restrictions on the number of bags you can bring. But do you really want to deal with a lot of extra luggage? Of course, that doesn’t mean you shouldn't bring the items you need! Remember though, cruise cabins are typically smaller than hotel rooms. If you bring too much, your stateroom will feel very cramped and crowded. Be selective and only bring what you will absolutely use. Below are our recommendations for the top essential travel baby supplies for your next family vacation at sea. 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. Protect littles one's ears while traveling. Some venues onboard can be load. There are sizes for children, babies and toddlers. Heading to a beach destination? A good beach blanket is essential. This one comes with sand anchors and storage pockets too! A good carry on bag is essential. We love to use this one, it has spinner wheels and is easy to maneuver. When boarding the ship, be sure to pack swimsuits, sunscreen, all medicines, valuables and your boarding document including passports in it! If your are flying to the port, it also fits under the seat! Water shoes are an absolute must have item for the entire! Protect everyones feet from rocks, shells, coral, hot sand, etc. Many cruise lines do not have self-service laundry. Kids are messy! Be prepared to do some laundry in your cabin. You can hang a shower curtain from the ceiling using these hooks to create a privacy curtain or use them to hang hats, jackets, blankets extra. Walls and ceilings in ship cabins are magnetic! They are available in lots of fun colors too. This is genius! A refillable roll-on container for sun screen.....why didn't I think of that? When it comes to strollers, the smaller and lighter the better. If your usual stroller is bulky, you might want to invest in a smaller, more maneuverable umbrella stroller. These take up much less room in your cabin and can also fit under the bed when not in use. Cabin corridors are also narrow and some areas can be crowded. This lightweight stroller weighs just 13 pounds, has four reclining positions, a large seat area and a large storage basket plus anti-shock front wheels and lockable rear wheels Air tags are a must these days. Luggage gets delayed or lost...know where your belongs are! They are also a very good way to find your stroller if it gets moved while traveling....very useful in places like Disney, other amusement parks, malls, etc.! We use a detachable air tag case on the inside of all our luggage. That way we know it won't get removed or lost. Set your kids up for success on your travel to the ship with this awesome travel tray. It pops up and sits right across their lap, giving them plenty of storage space, a place to draw that won’t damage anything and a handy place to store their tablet for easy viewing. Believe me...you want to use a luggage tag holder on your luggage. After many sailings with torn off or destroyed tags and bags going missing, we finally invested on these and use them every cruise. These are for Celebrity and Royal Caribbean: These are for Carnival: And these work with Princess luggage tags: Excursions are easier when you don't have to worry about a stroller. This wrap keeps baby close and comfy. Cruise lines have a limited number of pack & plays onboard for passenger use. Ships do not provide padding or sheets. We recommend adding a travel one to your packing list. This way, you know your child has a safe and comfortable place to sleep. A portable white noise sound machine creates a soothing environment for your little one. Your little one is going to need changing at some point! Be prepared with this portable changing pad. It comes with handy storage pockets and is waterproof. Diaper bags have come a long way! Dad won't mind carrying this leather baby diaper bag backpack and it comes with stroller straps too! Diaper bags can be smelly. These odor eliminators work great....smell really good too. There are several different scents to choose from. Most cruise cabins do not have a bath tub and the sinks are very small. An inflatable tub can be very useful! Can be used pool side for some splash time too! A first aid kit is a 100% necessity! Visits to the ships doctor can be expensive and time consuming. Best to be prepared for the bumps and scrapes that are bound to happen. Of course you will want to buy things in port for your friends, family, little one. Many stores are not providing free bags with purchase in an effort to reduce waste. We take reusable grocery bags. Feeding time can be an adventure. Sippy cups, travel bottles, snack cups and baby spoons are very helpful! Lightweight bottles Portable bottle warmer Insulated water bottles for babies and toddlers. Baby spoons Of course, you will need diapers and clothes! Bring at least two clothing changes per day plus sleeping wear. Baby swimsuits and hats to protect those eyes are also important! For the dress up nights onboard, bring something fun for your little one to wear! Diapers onboard are expensive. If not driving to the port, stop at a store and stock up prior to boarding! Get some swim diapers too but be sure to check with your cruise line to see if they are allowed in the pool. If not, ask if they haveContinue reading "Essential Packing Tips for Cruising with Young Children"
What to Know Before Your Cruise Embarkation
It has finally arrived....Embarkation Day! All the waiting, planning and anticipation is almost over! Before you know it, you will be on board, sipping a tropical drink and waiting for sail away. Woohoo....vacation has begun!! Hold on though...you may be ready to get onboard, but the crew is busy preparing the ship and disembarking the prior passengers. If this is your first cruise, some things may surprise you. Cruises are different from land vacations and hotel stays. You have to go through the a pier-side check-in process, with special requirements. Check out What Cruise Documents Do You Need for the documents you need to board a ship. And remember, there are many passengers waiting to board a floating city at basically the same time. As with any other secured structure, you can’t walk right onto a ship. The best way to start your cruise is to arrive at the pier at your assigned check in time. Keep a level head and look forward to good times once your sailing gets underway. There are a few things you can do to help make embarkation day as easy as possible. Check that you have the necessary paperwork and documentation The cruise line will send reminders about what to expect at check-in, including health and safety procedures. It will outline which documents, IDs, QR codes or other electronic receipts you must have ready. Be sure to do as much as you can online prior to arriving at the pier. It is your responsibility to arrive with the proper documentation. Even though most cruise lines are providing online boarding passes, it might be a good idea to print and bring paper copies of documents as a backup to electronic documents. Or...take a screen shot of them on your phone. Again, visit the link in the section above for what the proper documents are that you need to board, such as passport, birth certificate etc. Arrive at the pier at your scheduled time. Since the restart of cruising post Covid, in an attempt to decrease crowding at the port, most cruise lines are assigning staggered times to arrive at the pier. If you arrive early, you may have to wait to enter the terminal. This may be outside in the hot sun, without access to water, seating or restrooms. It is best to arrive at the pier as close as possible to your scheduled time. No need to worry if you arrive after your scheduled time....you will be welcomed tin o start the check-in process. You will not be turned away. Word of warning though....everyone MUST be onboard 90 minutes prior to sail away. This is a maritime/port requirement, not the cruise line. Give your large luggage to the porters to be loaded onto the ship. When you arrive at the pier, porters will be waiting to take your large suitcases and load them onto the ship. Once they are on the ship, crew members will deliver them to your cabin. Be sure to attach your cruise line proved luggage tags. Don't worry if you forget to print them or are not able to. The porters have some on hand. These tags inform the crew which cabin to deliver them to. I highly recommend using luggage tag holders like this to attach them to your bag. There are different sizes for each cruise line. Be sure to purchase the correct ones...these are for Celebrity/Royal Caribbean Keep your carry-on bag with you! Pack your medications, valuables, documents, passport and anything else you will need until your luggage arrives in your cabin. You may want to pack your bathing suit so that you don’t have to wait for your suitcases to arrive before you hit the pool! MAKE SURE YOUR PASSPORT/ID IS WITH YOU!!! Be prepared to go through security You will go through security after entering the cruise terminal. The process is similar to an airport. Your carry-on luggage will be screened and you will walk through a metal detector. You won’t have to take off your shoes but you do have to remove belts, bulky jewelry and clear your pockets. You don't need to worry about liquid, as there is no size limitation. Keep your boarding pass available. You will need this to board the ship. Since many ships are now leaving your sea pass card at your cabin, you will need to scan the boarding pass document when first entering the ship. Do not try to sneak any banned items onto the ship All of your luggage will be scanned electronically. Many cruise lines allow passengers to bring a pre-determined amount of wine, soda and/or bottled water onboard at embarkation. Check your cruise lines FAQ for the amount allowed for your cruise. It is very rare that hard spirits or beer is allowed to be brought onboard. If found, it will either be removed from your luggage and held until disembarkation or destroyed. They know to look in hiding places, such as solid water bottles, mouthwash containers, etc. Be sure to carry allowed beverages onboard with you, not as checked luggage. Check with your cruise line for any corkage fee if opened in a bar, lounge or restaurant. Cruise lines have very specific rules for other banned items. These items include weapons, fireworks, flammable liquids, candles, clothing irons, steamers, kettles, incense and anything that produces a flame. This includes outlet extenders that have a cord. We use the one below to provide more outlets in the cabin. Royal Caribbean also bans martial arts gear, baby monitors and extension cords. Carnival bans handcuffs. You can read more about banned items here: What NOT to Bring Watch the safety video and check in to your muster station. In the past, everyone on a cruise ship was required to gather on embarkation day at their assigned muster station, listen to a safety briefing and be checked off a list. As a result of COVID-19, most cruise lines have moved to e-muster drills. You are required to watchContinue reading "What to Know Before Your Cruise Embarkation"
Cruise Disembarkation Tips: Smooth Sailings for Your Farewell
No one likes to think about it, but it's going to happen....you have to leave the ship. Disembarkation (or debark) is something cruisers don’t want to think about. It's a lot more fun to think about things like planning excursions and booking future cruises and NOT think about getting off the ship. But all good things must come to an end and it's best to be prepared! What to expect Cruise lines are fairly similar in their disembarkation procedures. The last morning of your cruise, you will have to disembark and leave what has become your very comfortable home away from home and all your new friends, passengers and crew alike. Traditional Disembarkation vs Self-Disembarkation There are two types of disembarkation....regular and self, commonly called self-assist or walk-off. The process is basically the same, with the main difference being that with self-disembarkation, you are responsible for taking your luggage off the ship. You must be able to walk your own bags off the ship and through the terminal. If you choose to walk off your bags, make sure they are easy to maneuver and don't over pack. It's best to not have a lot of luggage to carry off. What are the Benefits of Self-Disembarkation You can be in the first group to get off the ship. If you need to leave the cruise port to catch an early flight, or have a long drive ahead, this can be a great option. You do not need to put luggage out on the last night of your cruise. The only wait will be for the ship to be cleared by port authorities. What are the Disadvantages of Self-Disembarkation You will not receive any help with your luggage. You may need to carry it down several flights of stairs as elevators may be full. You need to be up very early. Debark will begin as soon as the ship is cleared. This could be as early as 7am. This is only a good option if everyone is able to handle their own luggage. If you need help or have a lot of luggage, this isn’t the best option. Remember, it's called self-assist for a reason. We have done both and there is no right or wrong way. The choice is yours and you can decide what works best for you once onboard. When time can you expect to leave the ship? There’s no set time when debark will begin and this will vary by cruise port and by things that are beyond the control of the ship and crew. The scheduled docking time listed on your cruise itinerary will NOT be the time that you can leave the ship. This is the time the ship is expected to arrive in port. The ship will still need to be cleared by customs of the country you have arrived in and given permission for passengers to debark. Usually this is a fairly quick process, but sometimes it can take longer...maybe several hours. As a general rule, most cruise ships will start the disembarkation process around 7:30-8 am. An announcement will be made once the ship is cleared and passengers can disembark. Wait for your luggage tag number to be called though. Otherwise, you will be waiting in the terminal for your luggage to arrive. Avoid booking an early flight home You will need time to leave the ship, get your luggage, clear customs and then time to reach the airport. Some ports, like Fort Lauderdale, as close. ...a quick 15 taxi ride. Most are not! There will be taxis waiting outside the terminal but there may be a line for them. Most cruise lines recommend not booking flights before noon. And if you are taking an International flight, you may need more time at the airport. Be sure to factor in wait times at the airport to drop off luggage and clear security. TSA pre-check can be very helpful! Remember, even if you CAN make it, it’s possible for your ship to arrive late in port due to weather or other reasons. I was on a ship that was late into port due to mechanical issues and many people missed their flights. Ships have also been late arriving due to weather, such as storms or fog. Galveston and Tampa are well known for fog problems. If a morning flight is best for you, consider spending the night at a hotel and fly out the following morning. Why add stress to the end of your wonderful vacation? Disembarkation instructions Your cabin steward will leave printed instructions, along with luggage tags. This will include instructions on what to do with your luggage, as well as some basic customs information. Also included will be a timetable for when luggage numbers will be called the following morning. Luggage tags and debarkation times You will receive luggage tags that are numbered according to when you wish to disembark. If this time does not work for you, you can ask your steward for new luggage tags or go to guest relations. They will be happy to change them and is probably faster and easier than asking your cabin steward. Debarking thousands of passengers within a few hours is quite a process. Cruise lines keep things organized by assigning color coded luggage tags which correspond to certain disembarkation times. As noted above, this timetable will be left in your cabin along with your luggage tags. What do I do with my luggage? (Of course, this only applies to regular disembarkation. If you are doing self-assist/walk off, keep you luggage in your cabin.) On the last night of your cruise, place your luggage outside your cabin door. Generally, bags must be outside by 10pm. The actual time for your sailing will be noted on the instructions. The ship’s crew will be working hard that night placing the luggage in a holding area, so that it can be moved off the ship quickly the next morning. DO NOT miss the deadline! RememberContinue reading "Cruise Disembarkation Tips: Smooth Sailings for Your Farewell"
Sail Smoothly: Must-Have Cruise Documents and Boarding Advice
Cruise documents...what are they and which ones you need? To help you avoid any major mishaps, let's walk through the basics and touch on some additional items you might want to bring along just in case. Boarding a cruise ship is different from boarding a domestic plane flight. Because cruises involve international travel, you won't be allowed to sail if you don't have the proper documents and identification. Therefore, you will want to know EXACTLY what to take with you. And then double and triple check your list to ensure you haven't forgotten anything. The check-in process can be intimidating if you have never done it before. To make it easier, let's explore exactly what cruise documents are, which ones you need and how you obtain them. With this information in hand, you will be all set for a successful and stress-free embarkation day. 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. What are cruise documents? Necessary cruise documents include acceptable official forms of identification and your boarding pass. If you are visiting countries that require visas, you must also have those with you. These items must be presented upon arrival at the port. After port officials check and verify each these documents at the terminal, will you be permitted to board your ship. Many cruise lines are now providing online boarding passes. Take a screen shot or add it to your wallet on your phone for easy access. At a time when eco-friendliness is top of mind and nearly every traveler has a mobile phone, it's easy to rely on apps to keep everything in one spot and avoid wasting paper. But...what would happen if your phone was lost, stolen or broken during your travels? For this reason, I always advise printing hard copies of anything you might need in a pinch. Try to use as little paper as possible. It's better to be safe than sorry. ALWAYS.....pack all necessary travel documents in your carry-on luggage in an easy to access place. Also, be sure to carry on any medications and valuables, such as jewelry, car keys, glasses, etc. Documents needed for cruisers to board a ship Identification For most cruises, you'll need a passport book that's valid for at least six months from the day your sailing ends. In some cases, you can use a passport card instead of a passport book. This will only work if you are re-entering the United States via your ship from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda or the Caribbean. If your cruise is a closed-loop voyage, according to U.S. Customs & Border Protection, you can embark with an Enhanced Driver’s License, which is a state-issued driver’s license that provides proof of identity and U.S. citizenship; a government-issued birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where the person was born) or passport; and if 16 or older, a government-issued driver’s license or picture ID denoting photo, name, and date of birth. To qualify as a closed-loop cruise, the places these itineraries can include must be contiguous territories of the United States. That includes Mexico and Canada, because both share land borders with the U.S., and several of the islands of the Caribbean. The Enhanced Driver’s License allows you to re-enter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean and is valid at land and sea border crossing but not airports. So, if you are boarding in Alaska and flying home from Vancouver, an Enhanced Driver’s License will not work. NEXUS card. If you are a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you may use a NEXUS or FAST Trusted Traveler Card for closed loop cruises to Alaska, the Caribbean and Bahamas, Pacific Coast, Canada, and the Panama Canal. For cruises to Europe and Transatlantic sailings, a passport is still required for travel. Different documentation is acceptable for minors under 16, including an original, notarized, or certified copy of their birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization. Voter registration cards and Social Security cards are not considered proof of citizenship, nor are school ID's. If you do choose to take advantage of this opportunity to travel without a passport, there are a couple of warnings to keep in mind. If something goes wrong and you have to return to the U.S. by air, you will need a passport to board a flight. Also, if you miss the ship in one of the ports, you will have to make your own way home or to catch up with the cruise, which would be difficult without a passport. Additionally, if you are a U.S. permanent resident, you must carry your green card. You can use it instead of a passport on closed-loop sailings, but carrying a passport from your country of citizenship is highly recommended. Also note that if your green card is expired, you likely will not be allowed back into the U.S. You are responsible for contacting the embassies in the places you'll be visiting to make sure there is no additional paperwork required. If you are a US citizen and want to apply for a passport, this is the link. Be sure to apply at least 6 months prior to departure from the USA. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply.html Boarding passes Just like a flight, a cruise boarding pass is the document that shows you've checked in for your sailing, set up an onboard account for purchases and chosen a boarding time. It will also includes important information like your name, booking number, cabin number and any packages you may have booked with or purchased, such as a beverage package. Most cruise lines are now using mobile apps that allow you to check in prior to arriving at the terminal. If you don't plan on using the app, be sure to arrive with a printed copy of your boarding pass....having one will speed up the check-in process on boarding day. If , for some reason you arrive without aContinue reading "Sail Smoothly: Must-Have Cruise Documents and Boarding Advice"
Unlock Celebrity Cruises Captain’s Club Benefits
Updated May 29, 2026 Cruising with Celebrity comes with plenty of rewarding perks. By joining the Captain’s Club, you’ll unlock exclusive benefits designed to make every voyage even more memorable. The more you sail, the more rewards you’ll enjoy, with points earned on every cruise based on the stateroom category you book. Members can take advantage of special offers, discounts, and onboard perks such as spa savings, complimentary laundry service, potential stateroom upgrades, and invitations to exclusive events and member-only sailings around the world. From unique onboard experiences to personalized loyalty rewards, the Captain’s Club adds extra value to every getaway. Simply join the loyalty program, start earning points, and enjoy the benefits that come with sailing more often. Captain’s Club members also qualify for a complimentary one-category stateroom upgrade within the same cabin type, up to Aqua Class, based on availability. This upgrade must be requested by phone at the time of booking. Be sure to join the Captain’s Club before your first sailing using the link below. Guests must be at least 18 years old to participate in the program and begin earning rewards. https://www.celebritycruises.com/captains-club/join-the-club May 28, 2026 Celebrity has announced new Milestone Benefits as part of an enhancement to the Captain’s Club program. These new rewards are designed to give Elite Plus members even more perks, delivered more frequently, as they continue sailing their way toward Zenith status. Below is a breakdown of the exclusive benefits available at each milestone level, beginning at 1,500 Club Points and continuing through 9,000 points. With every milestone reached, members unlock even more rewarding perks designed to elevate the Celebrity Cruises experience. 1,500 Point Milestone 480 minutes of Premium Wi-Fi 20% off specialty dining cover charge One complimentary digital photo Surprise in-room amenity on your milestone sailing 2,250 Point Milestone 720 minutes of Premium Wi-Fi 25% off specialty dining cover charge Surprise in-room amenity on your milestone sailing Extend Your Stay for additional onboard time (not available in all ports) 3,000 Point Milestone 35% off specialty dining cover charge Three complimentary digital photos Surprise in-room amenity on your milestone sailing Double Zenith 6,000 Point Milestone Receive all 3K Benefits PLUS: One specialty lunch on embarkation day of every sailing One specialty dinner on any day of your milestone sailing Champagne delivered on your milestone sailing Triple Zenith 9,000 Point Milestone Receive all 3K Benefits PLUS: One 7-night complimentary Caribbean or Bermuda cruise now in a Sky Suite One specialty lunch on any day of every sailing One specialty dinner on any day of your milestone sailing Champagne delivered on your milestone sailing Milestone FAQ's Can I start redeeming my benefits as soon as I receive the announcement email on May 28, 2026? Not just yet—your benefits will be available on sailings starting June 11, 2026, and onward. Which benefits will I enjoy on every sailing after reaching a milestone?Once you reach a milestone, you’ll enjoy these benefits on every sailing (benefits based on the milestone): At 1500, 2250, 3000, 6000, 9000 Point Milestone o Complimentary digital photo(s) o Specialty dining cover charge discount At 1500, 2250 Points Milestones o Premium Wi-Fi minute At 2250 Point Milestone o Extend Your Stay (where available) At 6000, 9000 Point Milestones o Complimentary specialty lunch Which benefits are only redeemed once? These exclusive benefits are offered one time, on your first sailing after reaching a milestone: At 1500, 2250, 3000, 6000, 9000 Point Milestones o A surprise in-room amenity At 6000, 9000 Point Milestones o Bottle of champagne o Complimentary specialty dinner I just reached a milestone and completed my first sailing at that milestone prior to June 11, 2026. Can I still receive any of the one-time benefits that come with my milestone? No. Milestone benefits take effect on sailings starting June 11, 2026, and onward. We’re unable to make exceptions for any one-time milestone benefits, including the in-room amenity, champagne, or complimentary specialty dinner. However, you’ll still be able to enjoy all ongoing milestone benefits on sailings after June 11. I applied points from Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor, or Silversea’s Venetian Society to Celebrity Cruises. Will those points count toward milestone benefits? Yes—points transferred through Points Choice are included in your overall Club Points balance. They are not separated or excluded, and they will count toward reaching your milestone and unlocking associated benefits. I’m an Elite Plus or Zenith member through Status Match—am I still eligible for Milestone benefits? Benefits are based on Club Points earned, so you’ll only qualify once you’ve reached the required Milestone Club Point threshold. To unlock these benefits, you’ll need to reach the required point thresholds (1,500; 2,250; 3,000; 6,000; or 9,000 Club Points), regardless of your tier status through Status Match. To reach these thresholds, you can sail with Celebrity Cruises and/or transfer points through Points Choice from our sister brands to build toward your milestone and enjoy the associated benefits. I already receive premium Wi-Fi minutes and specialty dining discounts as an Elite Plus or Zenith member. If I reach a milestone, will these benefits stack? No, these benefits do not stack. Once you unlock a milestone, the associated premium Wi-Fi minutes and specialty dining discount will replace the ones you previously received at your tier level. Captain's Club Benefits Captain's Club Tiers Preview 0 Club Points Preview Members receive complimentary access to the Captain's Club Loyalty Desk service center and a Captain's Club newsletter with the latest program news and information. Classic 2-149 Club Points Classic members receive complimentary access to the Welcome Event. You will also received savings on exclusive onboard premium offers. Select 150-299 Club Points Select member enjoy all the benefits of a Classic member, plus discounted spa and laundry service specials. Elite 300-749 Club Points Elite members receive even more rewards, including complimentary laundry services, spa benefits and complimentary Captain's Club cocktail hour each evening from 5pm-7pm (other than embarkation day) at most bars throughout the ship. Elite Plus 750-2999 Club Points Elite Plus members receive with greater benefitsContinue reading "Unlock Celebrity Cruises Captain’s Club Benefits"
Exploring Nassau: Walking Tours, Landmarks, and Distillery Visits
Nassau, Bahamas is a beautiful destination for anyone looking for a tropical paradise and is a popular port for cruise ships. It is known for its dazzling turquoise waters, white sand beaches and year-round sunshine. But what is there to do? Many people are intimidated when they first arrive and depart the ship. The current gateway is under construction and is rather crowded and confusing. There are also tour vendors actively pushing their tours, along with taxi drivers asking if you want a private tour or transfer to one of the many beaches. Don't let them scare you off....walk past them and into the town. Just be careful of the busy road. And be mindful of your belongings....as is common in many tourist locations, there are pickpockets around. Downtown Nassau has the usual shopping opportunities....beach wear, local souvenirs and the typical jewelry stores. It is only a few blocks long, so it doesn't take much time to explore it. Have you ever gone swimming with pigs? You can in Nassau! There are many excursions available, either through the ship or on the pier. Want to do a walking tour? You have many options to choose from. There are culinary tours, rum tasting, bike tours or self-guided walking tours. Be sure to visit the Queen's Staircase, commonly referred to as the 66 steps. This is a major landmark that is located in the Fort Fincastle Historic Complex in Nassau. It was hewn out of solid limestone rock by slaves between 1793 and 1794 and is said to have provided a direct route from Fort Fincastle to Nassau City. These steps were later named in honour of Queen Victoria, who reigned in Britain for 64 years from 1837 to 1901. Visit John Watling's distillery if you like rum! John Watling’s Distillery, home to JOHN WATLING’S rum, offers complimentary tours at its home, the Buena Vista Estate, in Downtown Nassau. The historic Estate was founded in 1789 and overlooks the harbour. At the Estate, John Watling’s features a free production and museum-like tour, shopping and signature Bahamian cocktails at its tavern. It is within walking distance from the cruise ship port in Downtown Nassau. John Watling’s Distillery is located on Delancy Street and is open from 10am-6pm, seven days a week (except for National Holidays). Do you enjoy visiting breweries? Be sure to check out Rip Ty’d Bahamian Craft Beer, located an easy 20 minutes walk from the pier. They are a small batch brewery which allows them to be creative, especially with local produce. All beer styles start with the local Bahamian water. One of the most popular destinations for tourists is Atlantis Paradise Island, an ocean-themed resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. It is built around Aquaventure, a 62-hectare waterscape. You can purchase the excursion through the cruise ship or at the port. You can also just go and walk around the resort, visit the casino, shops and dining options. How do you get to Atlantis? You can either take a taxi or the ferry. Taxis are available at the cruise port - $4 per person. You can also take a ferry from Prince George Wharf to Paradise Island - $4 per person and run every half hour. Be sure to keep your eye on the time, as you don't want to miss the ship! Beginning December 2025, the all new Royal Caribbean's Beach Club opens. The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will offer cruisers an all-inclusive venue to soak up sweeping Caribbean views and powdery white sands. Pricing and details can be found here: Royal Beach Club Paradise Island Enjoy your time in Nassau. Remember to take sunscreen, water and a hat with you! And wear comfortable walking shoes. For more, check out the YouTube of our son and daughter-in-law. Follow Maddie and Ryan for more adventures at sea and on land. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3zFjOr971s 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 Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more helpful items to make your cruise and travel 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! 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: What to Bring on Your Caribbean Cruise
You've booked your dream cruise to the Caribbean. Now the big question...what to pack! While you might think all you need to throw into your suitcase is a couple of swimsuits and a pair of sandals, there are many other things to consider. A Caribbean cruise vacation offers so much more than just pristine beaches...though there are plenty of those too! Different islands offer different types of excursions.... relaxing beach days to zip-lining over treetops, hikes up mountains, diving/snorkeling and catamarans. Important Note: 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. This chart provides a general idea of what temperatures to expect each month. Don't forget to factor in humidity also. Of course, things can change but this will give you a starting point. If you’re planning on participating in any of these activities during your cruise, you’ll want to make sure to bring along the appropriate activewear and shoes. Good walking shoes are a must. Also, beach footwear is essential. Water shoes are highly recommended....many beaches are rocky or have coral. I've been using these and find them very comfortable and easy to wear. Comfortable sandals are a must have item. I have found a pair by Dreampairs that are made for women. The fit is perfect and they have great support. They can also stand up to the occasional rain showers that are so common in the Caribbean. No matter how long your vacation, there are many accessories and items you might not consider important, but that actually go a long way in making your cruise as comfortable as possible. See my curated list in Cruise Packing 101 Here is a quick list of things to not forget: Swim suit! Nothing worse than arriving onboard and realizing you forgot to pack one! Beach cover up....sometimes it's nice to have something more than your bathing suit if you want to get food or sit at the bar. This one comes in several colors too! Shorts and t-shirts are great for daytime. I wear skorts, as I don't like shorts. Capris or leggings are also a good choice. Most important, be comfortable! For evenings onboard, dresses or skirts are a great option or nicer slacks. On formal nights, I love wearing something sparkly....it's the only chance I get to really dress up! A light weight sweater or wrap is a good idea to pack. The ship can be cool at night. This evening wrap is well priced and comes in lots of colors. Don't forget to add a good hat to your packing. This will protect your face from the sun. These are the ones I use: A cooling towel. The Caribbean can be HOT! A cooling towel will help you stay more comfortable. We live in Florida and visit DisneyWorld often....this is a MUST for us! Sunscreen. Please choose one that is Reef Safe. A waterproof case is useful if you are uncomfortable leaving your valuables on the beach while you are in the water. There is also a waterproof case if you want to snorkel with your phone. Want to snorkel? We always bring our own gear...that way we know it is well taken care of and clean. These are the snorkel masks and fins we use. Got a sunburn anyway? This sunburn relief spray will help calm and soothe your skin. If you like going to the pool or the beach, keeping your towel on the chair can be challenging. I found towel band or clips to be really useful and always have them packed and ready to add to the suitcase! We use this lock box at the beach or pool. It easily attaches to any beach chair and provides a secure place for your phone, id and money. Of course, a good beach bag to carry everything is super helpful. I like this one...lots of pockets to keep items organized and it is waterproof too! A good beach blanket is a necessity. We love this one...it comes with stakes to keep it in the sand, four attached zippered pockets and the carry pouch is attached, so it won't fly away. Removing sand from your legs after being at the beach all day is always challenging. I love this sand removal tool. Just wipe it on and the sand disappears, leaving you skin feeling fresh and clean. Protect sensitive areas from the humidity. No one wants to talk about it, but chub rub happens and is very uncomfortable. This Chafing Relief Powder Gel is safe to use under arms, on inner thighs and other sensitive areas. Another good option is Gold Bond Stick Defense. . Cruise Approved Power Bar Ships have limited places to plug in your phone, computer, tablet etc Most cruise ship cabins have only a few electric plugs. You’re going to need additional outlets to charge electronic items like phones, computers, tablets, kindles, etc. USB ports are also useful. VERY IMPORTANT – Cruise lines don’t allow a regular surge-protected power bars from home (they will confiscate them). I recommend using one that plugs directly into the outlet without a cord. Many ports are confiscating those with cords, as they consider them extension cords. This is the one we travel with. If you need plugs, this is a good option too. Many cruise lines are really cracking down on any outlet extender that provides multiple plugs. This is a great option for charging multiple devices at once. Available in others colors. There is no need to pack beach towels, shampoo/conditioner, soap etc. Those will all be provided by the ship in your cabin. DO NOT pack irons or steamers...those are not allowed onboard. To learn what is not allowed to be brought onboard, read What NOT to bring onboard! Downey wrinkle release has worked very well for us in the past. Mosquitos can be a problem in the tropics. Use these patches to keep them away....just place on your clothing! The tropics are known for afternoonContinue reading "Ultimate Guide: What to Bring on Your Caribbean Cruise"
Celebrity Cruises Drink Packages – Are They Worth It?
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 Cruise Drink Packages Explained: Are They Actually Worth It? 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 questions I get asked most often before people sail with Celebrity Cruises is whether the drink packages are actually worth the money.And honestly? The answer really depends on how you like to cruise.Some people barely drink anything beyond coffee and water all day. Others love poolside cocktails, specialty coffees, wine at dinner, sparkling water, and a martini before a show. Celebrity also bundles far more than just alcohol into their packages, which is where many people underestimate the value.After many Celebrity cruises, here’s my honest breakdown of what’s included, who each package makes sense for, and a few things I wish I’d understood before booking my first one.Updated March 2026. Prices can and do change frequently, so always double check your specific sailing in the cruise planner. First Things First: What’s Included? Celebrity currently offers several beverage package options, but the two most popular are the Classic Package and the Premium Package.The important thing to understand is that these are not limited menus. You are not choosing from a tiny “package drinks list.” Instead, the package covers any drink priced up to a certain dollar amount. The Classic Drink Package The Classic Package is the standard alcoholic package most people choose. It currently includes: cocktails, spirits, beer, and wine by the glass up to $12 per drink specialty coffees and teas bottled water soda frozen drinks a 15% discount on bottles of wine For sailings departing from the UK and Australia, the limit increases slightly to $14 per drink.At the time of writing, the package costs around $90 per person, per day before gratuities, although Celebrity runs sales constantly, so very few people actually pay full price. For many cruisers, the Classic Package is more than enough. If you’re someone who enjoys a morning latte from Café al Bacio, bottled water throughout the day, a cocktail by the pool, wine with dinner, maybe another drink during a show…you can get surprisingly close to the daily package cost without even trying very hard.That’s why so many people end up liking the convenience of having everything prepaid before the cruise even starts. The Premium Drink Package This is the package we usually upgrade to.The Premium Package includes everything from the Classic Package, but raises the drink limit significantly and includes more top-shelf liquor, craft cocktails, premium wines, specialty water brands, and upgraded coffee options. At the time of writing, this package costs about $105 per person, per day before gratuities. At the moment, drinks up to $19 are included, or up to $23 on UK and Australia sailings.This matters more than people think because many of the cocktails at venues like the Martini Bar, Eden, and World Class Bar often sit above the Classic Package pricing threshold. If you enjoy nicer wines, premium cocktails, or specialty venues, the upgrade can absolutely make sense.The current upgrade cost from Classic to Premium is usually around $15 per day plus gratuity, and honestly, we’ve personally found it pays for itself pretty quickly.Fresh squeezed juice in the morning, upgraded bottled water, a few nicer cocktails in the evening, and suddenly the math starts mathing very quickly. Stateroom Bar Setups Celebrity also offers pre-stocked liquor setups for your cabin.The Classic setup includes brands like: Dewar’s Captain Morgan Beefeater.The Premium setup upgrades to options like: Hendrick’s Gin Ketel One Johnnie Walker Black Bacardi 8Mixers and ice are included.These setups are more popular with guests who prefer relaxing on their balcony or entertaining in suites rather than ordering drinks around the ship all day. Wine Packages Celebrity also offers wine-by-the-bottle packages, although these are not always available pre-cruise.The nice thing is that your bottle follows you around the ship. If you don’t finish it at dinner, the sommeliers can send it to another venue or even back to your stateroom.It’s a surprisingly elegant little touch. The Options Nobody Talks About Enough Water & Coffee A lot of people hear “drink package” and immediately think alcohol. But on Celebrity, the packages often make just as much sense for the non-alcoholic items.Bottled water alone adds up quickly, especially on warmer itineraries. Then add specialty coffee, smoothies, sparkling water, mocktails, fresh juice…and suddenly even lighter drinkers can find value in a package.This is especially true on port-heavy itineraries where you’re constantly grabbing water before excursions. Water Packages For Your Cabin If you mainly care about bottled water, Celebrity also offers water delivery packages for your stateroom.At the moment Acqua Panna packages start around $43, and San Pellegrino sparkling water packages start around $35.These are one-time deliveries placed in your cabin on embarkation day, not daily restocking packages. And honestly, this can be a good middle-ground option for people who don’t want a full beverage package but still like having water readily available in the cabin. What If You Don’t Drink Alcohol? Celebrity also offers a Non-Alcoholic Package, which is honestly a solid option if you mostly want bottled water, premium coffee, smoothies, soft drinks, mocktails, teas and energy drinks.At the time of writing, it’s around $45 per person per day before gratuities.There’s also a Wi-Fi bundle version available, which combines internet and the non-alcoholic package together for a discounted rate. Is It Better To Buy Before The Cruise? Usually, yes. Celebrity runs frequent flash sales in the cruise planner before sailing, and prices are almost always cheaper online than onboard.If you wait until embarkation day, there may still be promotions availableContinue reading "Celebrity Cruises Drink Packages – Are They Worth It?"
Top Travel and Cruise Products Personally Recommended | Amazon Store
I have a passion for travel and cruising. As such, I have tried MANY products and have chosen my favorites to share with you. I only share items I have personally used and recommend. Let me know if you have any suggestions or comments. Please visit my Amazon travel store You will find all the things I love to use for traveling and cruising. Please check it out! Happy shopping! 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 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! *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 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!
Bonaire Beaches, Salt Pans, and Distillery: Unforgettable Caribbean Experience
Bonaire is one of three islands that make up the catchy nickname: the ABC islands. This colorful Netherlands Antilles archipelago lies 50 miles off the coast of Venezuela and is comfortably outside the Caribbean’s hurricane belt. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4W6ZVTjA6s Bonaire is laid-back by design. Large chain hotels have been kept out and eco-preservation has been enforced since the 1970’s, making this some of the best dive and snorkeling sites in the world. The island’s relaxed and slow pace helps maintain the island’s chief attributes…its national park and pristine wilderness, both above and below the surface. This is the place for adventure sports: diving, caving, sea kayaking, mountain biking, wind surfing, and cliff jumping, to name just a few. Bonaire continues to be recognized as one of the top destinations worldwide for its sustainable tourism. The culture contains layers of Amerindian, Spanish, African, Dutch and British influences. You will hear traces of these languages (plus some French and Portuguese) during any conversation in Papiamento, the creole language spoken. Try using a few key phrases: por fabor, danki, and bon dia—all of which mean exactly what you think they do! Renting a golf cart is a popular activity. This is a fun and easy way to explore the island at your own pace. Be sure to reserve early….they sell out quickly! https://www.bonairecruisers.com Photo courtsey of Bonaire Cruisers Visit the donkey sanctuary, take a trip to the salt flats, view the flamingos or just hit the beach. Be sure to keep an eye out for the donkeys…they were brought to Bonaire by the Spanish in the 17th century for transportation. When modern vehicles (like pushcarts) became available , donkeys were no longer needed and were left to their own fate. Since 1993 injured, sick and orphaned donkeys have been cared for in a shelter, called the Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire. Volunteers take care over 400 donkeys in an enclosed area. The shelter is open to visitors and is located south of the airport on the Kaya Ir.R. Statius van Eps. https://www.donkeysanctuary.org/?lang=en Reduce your speed when you approach a donkey. They may cross the street unexpectedly. The south end of the island is host to the famous salt flats & mounts. As you drive along south road, you will notice the different colors of the water, turning into an intense pink color. Cargill has been operating here since 1997 and produces some of the purest salts in the world. Depending on the grade of salt, it is used for water softeners, the chemical industry or food production. You can learn more about the Bonaire salt on a tour, either through your ship or booked independently The Salt pyramids of Bonaire can be seen when arriving either by sea or by air, each one is roughly 50-feet high and contains approximately 10,000 metric tons of 99.6% pure salt. The Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary is one of only four areas in the world where Flamingos breed. Pekelmeer means “salt lake” in Dutch. The pools appear pink against the white salt flats because of an abundance of tiny rosy brine shrimp that live in the water. This is also how the birds get their pink color…eating the shrimp! The Sanctuary is located on the vast salt pans at the southern end of the island and is home to over ten thousand flamingos. Tourists are not allowed in the sanctuary, but the birds can be watched with binoculars from the road or nearby Pink Beach. Please take care to not frighten them….once they fly away, they will never return. https://www.tourismbonaire.com/sightseeing/pekelmeer-flamingo-sanctuary Bonaire has over 22 beaches. On Bonaire and its sister island Klein Bonaire, the sands of some beaches are soft and blindingly white, while others are coarser and darker due to the high content of crushed shells and coral. Beach condition is intrinsically tied to the health of those reefs. You can help by taking your plastics and trash back with you, leaving the shells where they lie (they might be a home for hermit crabs) and wearing eco-friendly sunscreen. Every little bit helps to keep the sands clean for future generations to enjoy. Be sure to pick up a Bonaire Island Map to find many sandy beaches and coves to explore and enjoy. Watch for the bright yellow stone markers painted with the site name along the coastal roads. They make it easy to find a great beach for sun bathing, strolling or snorkeling and diving. Did you know that Bonaire has a distillery? The Cadushy Distillery was founded on March 7th, 2009 by the Gietman family and grew from a small start-up to a thriving company. They created something you would have never imagined…..excellent liqueur made out of cactus! Cadushy of Bonaire liqueur is based on the traditions of Bonaire. Lime has been used as a thirst satisfier for centuries and cactus has been an ingredient in the traditional kitchen. Be sure to stop and try some. https://www.cadushy.com Enjoy your visit to Bonaire…..an island unlike any other in the Caribbean. And if you didn’t watch the video already….please watch it! 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 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.