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 Dress Code Explained: What to Wear on Your Cruise 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 most common questions cruisers ask before sailing with Celebrity Cruises is: What exactly should I wear onboard?And honestly, I understand why. Cruise dress codes can sound much more intimidating than they really are, especially if you haven’t cruised before or if it’s been a while since your last sailing.The good news is that Celebrity has one of the more relaxed and modern approaches to cruise attire. The overall atmosphere feels polished and stylish, but not stiff or overly formal. The overall vibe is polished but comfortable, with the word “chic” really guiding the atmosphere onboard.You do not need to pack a suitcase full of formalwear to fit in. Most guests dress stylishly without going over the top, and the key is simply looking neat, put together, and appropriate for the setting.Here’s what to expect onboard, including the difference between Smart Casual and Evening Chic nights. Smart Casual on Celebrity Cruises Most evenings onboard follow what Celebrity calls Smart Casual.This is the standard dinner dress code for the majority of the cruise, and once you’re onboard, you’ll quickly notice that people interpret it in slightly different ways. Some guests enjoy dressing up a bit more, while others keep things simple and relaxed. Both are completely fine.For women, Smart Casual often means a casual dress, a nice blouse with pants, dark jeans with sandals or wedges, or an easy outfit you might wear to a nice dinner at home. For men, it’s usually long pants or dark jeans paired with a polo shirt, button-down, or lightweight sweater.What Celebrity is really trying to avoid is “pool deck clothing” showing up in the dining room at night. Swimwear, beach flip-flops, athletic wear, and ripped clothing are generally discouraged in the evening dining venues.And honestly, that makes sense. Most people naturally end up dressing somewhere in the middle anyway, comfortable but still a little polished.One thing I personally like about Celebrity is that there isn’t pressure to constantly be dressed up. The atmosphere feels elevated without feeling pretentious. You can absolutely enjoy the experience without packing an entirely separate wardrobe just for dinner. Evening Chic Nights On most Celebrity cruises, there will be one or two nights called Evening Chic, depending on the length of the sailing. This is Celebrity’s modern version of formal night, although it feels much more relaxed than the old-school cruise formal nights many people remember.Think elegant restaurant, wedding guest attire, or date night rather than ballgown and tuxedo territory.Some guests absolutely love dressing up for these evenings, and you’ll definitely see cocktail dresses, suits, heels, sparkles, and formalwear around the ship. But you’ll also see many people wearing simpler outfits like elegant slacks with a dressy top, a nice jumpsuit, or dark jeans with a blazer.That flexibility is part of why Celebrity’s dress code works so well. There’s room to participate in the fun of dressing up without feeling like you need to buy a completely new wardrobe just to fit in.I’ve seen women wearing beautiful formal gowns, and I’ve also seen women wearing simple black pants with a sparkly top who looked just as elegant. Both worked perfectly.The same goes for men. Some enjoy wearing suits or jackets, while others stick with dark pants and a crisp button-down shirt. Ties and sport coats are completely optional. What About Jeans? This is another question that comes up a lot. Yes, jeans are generally acceptable onboard, even in the dining room, as long as they’re neat, polished, and free from holes or tears.Celebrity sometimes refers to these as “designer jeans,” which honestly confuses people more than it helps. What they really mean are clean, dressier jeans you could comfortably wear to a nice restaurant.This is not the place for ripped denim, heavily distressed styles, or your “yard work jeans,” regardless of how expensive they were.Dark jeans paired with a nice top or blazer fit in perfectly well on most evenings. If You Don’t Want to Dress Up Not everyone enjoys dressing up on vacation, and that’s completely okay too.If you prefer staying casual in the evenings, the buffet and more casual dining venues are usually much more flexible. You’ll still find plenty of guests enjoying dinner in relaxed clothing there, especially after busy port days or excursion-heavy itineraries.Celebrity does a good job of allowing people to cruise in the style that feels comfortable for them. What I Personally Recommend Packing After many cruises, I’ve found that the easiest approach is simply packing versatile pieces that can work in multiple settings.A couple pairs of dark pants or jeans, a few tops that can be dressed up or down, comfortable shoes, and one or two nicer evening outfits are usually more than enough. Lightweight layers also work really well since temperatures around the ship can vary quite a bit between indoor venues and outdoor decks.And wrinkle-resistant fabrics are always a good idea. Cruise cabins are not exactly known for giant closets or spacious ironing areas.Packing for a Celebrity cruise really doesn’t need to feel stressful. The atmosphere onboard is stylish but approachable, and most people naturally settle somewhere between comfortable vacation wear and elevated evening attire. You do not need to dress formally every night to enjoy the experience, and you certainly don’t need to overpack.At the end of the day, the best cruise wardrobe is simply one that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and ready to enjoy your vacation. JoinContinueContinue reading “Smart Casual and Evening Chic: Cruise Dressing Made Easy”
Category Archives: Packing & Planning
Must-Have Travel Gear
If your next trip is on the horizon, now is the perfect time to stock up on travel must-haves for less. Amazon is packed with deals on everything from carry-on essentials and packing organizers to tech, accessories, and comfort items that make traveling so much easier. Whether you’re planning a cruise, a Disney getaway, or a quick weekend escape, this is your chance to upgrade your travel gear, stay organized, and save money before you even leave home The items below are some of the best travel-friendly finds to grab and have been carefully chosen to make your trips smoother, more organized, and a lot less stressful. From space-saving packing essentials and in-flight comfort must-haves to smart accessories that keep everything charged and within reach, each item is something you’ll actually use—not just toss in your suitcase. This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click and buy, I may make a small commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Packing cubes are a must have item. Keep your clothing organzied while traveling! Most cruise ships provide binoculars in your cabin but they aren’t very good. We like to bring a small, travel size pair. This is jacket is waterproof, lightweight and good for hiking and travel if going somewhere cooler and wet like Alaska, the British Isles or Norway fjords. It keeps you dry and packs down small. A waterproof poncho would also be very useful. This one folds up into a small packet, is lightweight, has a front zipper and pockets and is available in several colors! The glare off ship and water can be very strong. You will be glad you have sunscreen! One of the worst sunburns of my life was from being on our family boat and lying on the white deck without suncreen! Also a must have if heading to the beach! Traveling somewhere that bugs might be a problem? These bracelets keep biting insects away and are DEET free. Traveling with kids or don’t like something on your wrist? Place these stickers on your clothes! Going on a Disney cruise or just a Disney lover? Decorate your cabin door with fun cruise magnets! Heading to the beach and want to keep your phone safe and dry? These waterproof pouches are a game changer. Keep your ID, credit cards and passport safe with this RFID protected wallet. Never Lose Your Essentials Again – Easily track your Rhinokey Smartcard directly in the Apple Find My app. Whether it’s your wallet, passport, laptop, or camera bag, you can view your item’s last known location on a map. Protect your lips from the harsh sun and salt water with an overnight lip mask. Keep your jewelry safe with a travel jewelry box. This convertible 2 in 1 garment bag set has everything you need for any type of travel, from business trips to weekend getaways. Travel makeup mirror. This rechargeable travel makeup mirror has 72 led lights, 3 color lightings, and a dimmable touch screen This is only a small selection of the amazing deals available. Be sure to visit my curated list of great travel products available on my Amazon storefront! 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 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.
Ultimate Packing List for Your Disney Cruise
Planning a Disney Cruise is exciting—but knowing what to pack can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first sailing. After cruising and learning what’s truly useful (and what’s not), this Disney Cruise packing list includes the must‑have essentials that make your cruise easier, more organized, and more magical. These are the exact items I bring every time—and many of them are Amazon finds that make a huge difference in your cabin comfort, organization, and overall experience. This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click and buy, I may make a small commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. PASSPORT! and other important travel documents Keep these items in your carryon…you will need them to check in at the pier. I find a passport holder to be very useful. This is another option….travel wallet RFID blocking card Thieves are everywhere. Simply place your credit/debit cards or any other RFID-enabled contactless Smart Cards near a RFID Blocking Card and you’re safe and ready to go. Suitcase with spinner wheels I have a weakness for new luggage, lol. Make sure it’s lightweight and has 4 spinner wheels. This makes it so that it’s easy to board your cruise ship and disembark….especially if you do self-disembarkation. Plus….who wants to drag a heavy bag around ship terminals or airports. Why not make it Disney themed? Carry on luggage I have been using an airline approved size carry on bag for several year now. There is plenty of room for extra shoes, a change of clothes, medicine, jewelry, electronics….all the things I don’t want to check with baggage handlers AND this one fits under the seat! If you need more storage, I love this tote bag . There is a hidden strap, so you can easily slip it over your luggage handle. Trying to minimize the amount of luggage you are taking? This convertible garment bag holds a TON of items and protects your nicer clothes from wrinkles. Comes in other colors and patters also. Cruise Line Luggage Tag Holders Protect your luggage with reusable holders. Nothing worse than having your luggage go missing! Plastic reusable luggage tags holders are so practical. If you get nothing else, buy luggage tag holders! Not only are they reasonably priced, but they can be reused again and again. After having tags accidentally torn off one time and our bags go missing, I purchased some. I will never cruise without them again! Packing cubes I’m a packing cube convert. I’ve found even more ways to use packing cubes to keep organized on my cruise. My suitcase stays organized and when I unpack onboard, I just move them into the drawers or shelves. I recommend getting at least 2 packs in various sizes and in different colors. This way you can have cubes for each member of the family. Luggage Locks Lock your luggage! We always lock ours when flying or boarding a ship. These luggage locks are designed to keep thieves out but still allow TSA to check bags when they’re going through security. And because the TSA can’t take their key out without relocking, you can be assured your luggage will stay locked . Luggage Tag Many bags look identical. Make yours easy to spot with unique luggage tags. Apple Airtags No one wants to lose their luggage while traveling. Air tags can help you locate your bags if they go missing while flying or traveling. We use one in each bag, including carry ons. The piece of mind is worth the cost. I also use a AirTag holder that can attach to the inside of the bag. There are lots of colors available. Lanyard and Keycard Holder Cruise lanyards are one of the most popular cruise essentials. If you want to stay hands free or keep organized, putting your cruise key card in a plastic water-proof lanyard is super practical both on the cruise and as you get off the ship at a cruise port. Hanging Toiletry Bag I have used a bathroom organizer for years. I keep it packed all the time except for a few items which I need everyday. This way, it is grab and go! Travel Size Toiletries I like to use TSA approved containers. There are many to choose from, I find these useful. Plus….they come in a plastic bag that will protect against any leaks that might happen. (Click on the picture for a direct link to the product.) Waterproof beach bag or tote for pool This waterproof and sand proof beach bag has tons of pockets and space for your towels, swim suits, flip flops, water bottles, glasses, sunblock, toys and any other things you’d like to take with you to the beach or pool, and an interior pocket to place keys, your wallet or phone and other valuables. Disney Ears A Disney cruise is a great place to wear and show off your nautical themed ears. This cruise headband features glitter anchor and flag details on the ears, bringing a touch of magic. Accented with a life ring on the bow, this cruise ears is ready for a day of sailing for you! How do you protect them when traveling? I found this really cute portable mouse ears travel case that kees them safe and easy to find. Bag to use onboard and onshore When going ashore, it is nice to have a good bag. Bring Disney onshore with you by using a fun Steamboat Willy, Donald Duck or Minnie Mouse Loungefly backpack. Prefer a crossbody? This one has lots of storage with easy to use compartments. Or a cute fanny pack? Waterproof case for phone and ID 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. Reusable shopping bags Many stores are eliminating free bags with purchases. I travel with reusable grocery bags…saves money and keeps me from using plastic bags. Refillable Water Bottles Make sure you stay hydrated both onboard and onshore! These Disney themed water bottles make itContinueContinue reading “Ultimate Packing List for Your Disney Cruise”
Top Travel Deals for Black Friday Week and CyberMonday
Don’t miss out on these great deals for travel and cruising! 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. Literine PocketPaks Cool Mint Breath Strips, Portable Pocket-Sized Oral Care Mouth Freshener 43% off BAGSMART Cord Organizer Travel Cable Bag, Compact Tech Electronic Organizer Travel Case, Essentials for Charger, Cable, Phone, Flash drive, Double Layers (Pink) 20% off Travel inspira Luggage Scale, Portable Digital Hanging Baggage Scale for Travel, Suitcase Weight Scale with Rubber Paint, 110 Pounds, Battery Included 40% off BLAVOR Solar Charger Power Bank 10,000mAh, Portable Wireless Charger, 20W Fast Charging External Battery Pack with USB C for Cell Phones 43% off EACHY Travel Makeup Bag,Large Capacity Cosmetic Bags for Women,Waterproof Portable Pouch Open Flat Toiletry Bag Make up Organizer with Divider and Handle 30% off Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder Supplement, Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides Travel Pack, 20 Individual Packets 20% off Coolife Luggage 4 Piece Set Suitcase Spinner Hardshell Lightweight TSA Lock 15% off BAGSMART Underseat Carry On luggage Airline Approved, 16-inch Small Softside Underseater Travel Suitcase with Spinner Wheels Beats Studio Pro – Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones 51% off Large Travel Backpack Carry on Flight Approved Laptop Work Business Backpack 15% off Baggallini The New Classic Collection Uptown Bagg 44% off Multi Plug Outlet Splitter with USB, TESSAN 4 Electrical Outlet Extender Surge Protector with 3 USB Wall Charger Blocks 26% off Clear Makeup Bags, TSA Approved 6Pcs Cosmetic Makeup Bag Set Clear PVC with Zipper Handle Portable Travel Luggage Pouch Airport Airline Vacation. Other colors available. 20% off 10×25 Binoculars for Adults and Kids, Large View Compact Binoculars with Low Light Vision, Easy Focus Small Binocular 30% off 3 Packs Foldable Pail Bucket with Shovels & Mesh Bag, Collapsible Buckets Multi Purpose for Beach, Camping Gear, Beach Party, Fishing, and Fun Summer Activities (Yellow/Blue/Green) 33% off Magnetic Hooks for Cruise Cabins, 60Lbs Swivel Magnetic Hooks Heavy Duty, Cruise Ship Essentials 15% off Small Crossbody Bags for Women Belt Bag Fanny Pack with Adjustable Strap 40% off 16 Pack Silicone Bottle Cover,Travel Essential for Women Men,Cruise Ship Essentials 2025,Beach Vacation Essentials,Travel Size Toiletries,Airplane Travels Accessories Elastic Sleeves for Leak Proofing 33% off Waterproof Bag for Beach, Sandproof Fanny Packs for Women, Waterproof Pouch for Phone Passport Purse, Floating Dry Bags for Cruise Travel Water Park Boating Fishing Diving Surfing Kayaking Accessories 35% off 276PCS First Aid Kit Home Car Camping Hiking Emergency Supplies Small Compact Lovely Bag for School Outdoor, Basic Outdoor Essentials Survival Kit for Travel 20% off AI Neck Fan, 6 Speeds Adjustable Portable Personal Fan Rechargeable, 6000 mAh Battery Faster Cooling Wearable Fan, Ultra Quiet for Home, Office, Travel, Outdoor 38% off BAGAIL 4 Set/6 Set/8 Set Compression Packing Cubes Travel Accessories Expandable Packing Organizers (Half Mesh, 6-Black) Other colors available 32% off Repel Umbrella – Windproof Travel Umbrellas for Rain – Engineered to Withstand 85MPH Winds, <1lb – Lightweight, Durable, Compact, Waterproof, Auto Open Close, Fiberglass Frame Other colors available. 49% off’ 2 Pack Floating Waterproof Phone Pouch Up to 7″, IPX8 Underwater Phone Case Dry Bag for iPhone 16 15 14 13 12 11 Pro Max Xs Max XR X 8 7 Plus SE/Galaxy S24 S23 S22 Other colors avaiable 20% off TESSAN European Travel Plug Adapter USB C 3 Pack, US to Europe Plug Adaptor with 4 AC Outlets 3 USB Charging Ports, Type C Power Adapter for USA to EU Euro Spain France Iceland Italy Germany Greece 20% off Cruise On Royal Caribbean Cruise Luggage Tag Holder (4 Pack) – Fits All Carnival & Royal Caribbean Ships, Durable Travel ID Holders for 2025-2026 Cruises, Clear Waterproof Cruise Essentials 35% off 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! 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!
ETIAS vs EES: Essential Updates for Traveling to Europe
A clear guide to the EU’s new EES and ETIAS travel systems, explaining how border checks will change from 2025–2027 and what cruise and holiday travellers need to know.
Hurricane Season and Your Cruise: What to Know
Hurricanes are devastating, catastrophic storms. These storms affect people living in coastal areas, those living hundreds of miles inland, and also hotels, resorts, theme parks, ports and cruise ships. I live in Florida and have experienced tropical storms and hurricanes firsthand. How can a hurricane affect your cruise and what can you do to protect yourself and your vacation? Waves crash onto rocks ahead of Tropical Storm Karen in Puerto Rico. Photographer: Gabriella N. Baez/Bloomberg 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. When Is Hurricane Season? Even though a tropical storm or hurricane can form at any time of year if oceanic conditions are right, the hurricane season in the North Atlantic Ocean basin and Caribbean runs from June 1 through November 30. The peak season for storm formations and the highest intensities is from mid-August through the end of September. In the eastern Pacific basin and along the Mexican Riviera, hurricane season stretches from May 15 through November 30. The busiest period is in August and September, which is very similar to the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season. Strong storms can and do occur outside the typical peak seasons. In 2024, for example, Hurricane Milton did not form until October 5, and in five days, became one of the most powerful and destructive storms ever recorded in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America), causing devestation well into the United States. Only a very small portion of cruises that sail to the Caribbean during storm season are actually affected by these storms. Though you may encounter slightly rougher water on a cruise during hurricane season, there are many systems in place to detect any hurricane weather along your cruise route, ensuring your ship’s captain and crew will be able to chart a path around any bad weather or make modifications to the itinerary to keep you safe. How Will A Hurricane Affect My Cruise? You may have heard or read that there were some cruises that were canceled in the wake of Hurricane Irma in 2017, but the fact is that it’s actually extremely rare for a cruise to be canceled during Caribbean hurricane season. Typically, it’s still safe for cruise ships to depart the home port while a hurricane is occurring in the Caribbean. As long as the hurricane is not impacting the embarkation (home) port – and if the home port is impacted, a cruise departure may only be delayed by a day or two rather than being canceled. All cruise lines work closely with expert meteorologists and storm forecasters for the latest updates and predictions based on the most accurate data. What happens when you do embark on time, but there’s a hurricane happening in the region? Most likely a hurricane will not impact your cruise, but you might incur an itinerary change if a hurricane is in the path of a port of call on your cruise itinerary. Any sailing region can be impacted by hurricanes. The Bahamas and Puerto Rico are two of the most frequently impacted regions, including private island and beach clubs. Other Caribbean regions are also at risk of hurricanes, such as Jamaica, the Turks and Caicos, the Cayman Islands, Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, Honduras, Puerto Rico, Costa Maya, and Cozumel. Florida is frequently impacted by storms. This means homeports can be affected even if individual Caribbean cruises may be sailing well away from hurricane tracks. Similarly, the Gulf of Texas (Galveston) and the Gulf Coast (New Orleans and Mobile) are also at risk from hurricane impacts and landfalls. Thanks to an incredible arsenal of weather equipment onboard the ship, including weather maps and satellite images and computer-generated storm models from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), your captain and crew are always on top of where a hurricane is headed and have the experience and means to stay out of its path. Itinerary Changes Photo courtesy of CruiseHive The exact changes a cruise line may make to any cruise will depend on a wide range of factors and every storm is different. One of the ways your captain might avoid a hurricane’s path is to make a last-minute schedule change to the itinerary. For example, your cruise itinerary has a scheduled stop in the U.S. Virgin Islands, but the route there is impacted by a hurricane. Your cruise ship will reroute, and you’ll skip that port of call. This may result in an additional day at sea. With an extra sea day, you can treat yourself to a spa visit, spend some quality time with the family, or participate in one of the many onboard classes offered during your cruise. Depending on your ship’s proximity to the storm and its severity, the captain may find it necessary to close the pool for guest and crew safety. Another hurricane cruise scenario might involve a substitution of one port of call for a skipped one. There are a number of factors at play here, including weather patterns and cruising time to the substitute port that captain and bridge officers will be constantly monitoring. You may find yourself completely charmed by the opportunity to visit a different Caribbean port. The captain may choose to alter just one port of call or could shift an entire itinerary. When possible, substitution ports are arranged to give guests safer options to enjoy. This may not always be practical depending on distance or berth availability. Cruise lines may continue to alter itineraries after a storm has passed. If the scheduled ports of call are not considered safe for passengers to visit or if repairs are necessary before ships can safely dock, the captain will adjust the schedule. We saw this happen in 2017 when Hurricane Irma and then Hurricane Maria hit, causing widespread damage in the US Virgin Islands and other nearby islands. Passengers will be refunded for any cruise line shore excursions they have already booked for ports that willContinueContinue reading “Hurricane Season and Your Cruise: What to Know”
Amazon Prime Days Deals
Don’t miss out on these great deals for travel and cruising! Amazon Prime Days are October 7 & 8….don’t miss out on these great discounts! 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. Literine PocketPaks Cool Mint Breath Strips, Portable Pocket-Sized Oral Care Mouth Freshener 43% off BAGSMART Cord Organizer Travel Cable Bag, Compact Tech Electronic Organizer Travel Case, Essentials for Charger, Cable, Phone, Flash drive, Double Layers (Pink) 20% off Travel inspira Luggage Scale, Portable Digital Hanging Baggage Scale for Travel, Suitcase Weight Scale with Rubber Paint, 110 Pounds, Battery Included 40% off BLAVOR Solar Charger Power Bank 10,000mAh, Portable Wireless Charger, 20W Fast Charging External Battery Pack with USB C for Cell Phones 43% off EACHY Travel Makeup Bag,Large Capacity Cosmetic Bags for Women,Waterproof Portable Pouch Open Flat Toiletry Bag Make up Organizer with Divider and Handle 30% off Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder Supplement, Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides Travel Pack, 20 Individual Packets 20% off Coolife Luggage 4 Piece Set Suitcase Spinner Hardshell Lightweight TSA Lock 15% off Beats Studio Pro – Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones 51% off Large Travel Backpack Carry on Flight Approved Laptop Work Business Backpack 15% off Baggallini The New Classic Collection Uptown Bagg 44% off Multi Plug Outlet Splitter with USB, TESSAN 4 Electrical Outlet Extender Surge Protector with 3 USB Wall Charger Blocks 26% off Clear Makeup Bags, TSA Approved 6Pcs Cosmetic Makeup Bag Set Clear PVC with Zipper Handle Portable Travel Luggage Pouch Airport Airline Vacation. Other colors available. 20% off 10×25 Binoculars for Adults and Kids, Large View Compact Binoculars with Low Light Vision, Easy Focus Small Binocular 30% off 3 Packs Foldable Pail Bucket with Shovels & Mesh Bag, Collapsible Buckets Multi Purpose for Beach, Camping Gear, Beach Party, Fishing, and Fun Summer Activities (Yellow/Blue/Green) 33% off Magnetic Hooks for Cruise Cabins, 60Lbs Swivel Magnetic Hooks Heavy Duty, Cruise Ship Essentials 15% off Small Crossbody Bags for Women Belt Bag Fanny Pack with Adjustable Strap 40% off 16 Pack Silicone Bottle Cover,Travel Essential for Women Men,Cruise Ship Essentials 2025,Beach Vacation Essentials,Travel Size Toiletries,Airplane Travels Accessories Elastic Sleeves for Leak Proofing 33% off Waterproof Bag for Beach, Sandproof Fanny Packs for Women, Waterproof Pouch for Phone Passport Purse, Floating Dry Bags for Cruise Travel Water Park Boating Fishing Diving Surfing Kayaking Accessories 35% off 276PCS First Aid Kit Home Car Camping Hiking Emergency Supplies Small Compact Lovely Bag for School Outdoor, Basic Outdoor Essentials Survival Kit for Travel 20% off AI Neck Fan, 6 Speeds Adjustable Portable Personal Fan Rechargeable, 6000 mAh Battery Faster Cooling Wearable Fan, Ultra Quiet for Home, Office, Travel, Outdoor 38% off BAGAIL 4 Set/6 Set/8 Set Compression Packing Cubes Travel Accessories Expandable Packing Organizers (Half Mesh, 6-Black) Other colors available 32% off Repel Umbrella – Windproof Travel Umbrellas for Rain – Engineered to Withstand 85MPH Winds, <1lb – Lightweight, Durable, Compact, Waterproof, Auto Open Close, Fiberglass Frame Other colors available. 49% off 2 Pack Floating Waterproof Phone Pouch Up to 7″, IPX8 Underwater Phone Case Dry Bag for iPhone 16 15 14 13 12 11 Pro Max Xs Max XR X 8 7 Plus SE/Galaxy S24 S23 S22 Other colors avaiable 20% off TESSAN European Travel Plug Adapter USB C 3 Pack, US to Europe Plug Adaptor with 4 AC Outlets 3 USB Charging Ports, Type C Power Adapter for USA to EU Euro Spain France Iceland Italy Germany Greece 20% off Cruise On Royal Caribbean Cruise Luggage Tag Holder (4 Pack) – Fits All Carnival & Royal Caribbean Ships, Durable Travel ID Holders for 2025-2026 Cruises, Clear Waterproof Cruise Essentials 35% off Click this link to find even more Travel Prime Day Deals! 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 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 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 contains 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!
How to Travel from Schiphol to Amsterdam Easily by Train
Flying to Schiphol and want to get into the city quickly? Whether you have gotten off the plane or the train, you can be in the centre of Amsterdam in under 20 minutes. Trains leaves from Schiphol to Amsterdam Central from platform 3 every 7 minutes! The train ticket doesn’t cost much and it’s faster than traveling by taxi. Super convenient! 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. Traveling by public transport to/from the airport is a smart choice: it saves costs, is environmentally friendly, and offers convenience and comfort. In addition, from a safety perspective, it is wise to choose public transport, especially if you are tired after a long flight. Where can I find the train to Amsterdam? Schiphol Airport station is just below the airport. From the arrivals hall, follow the ‘Trains’ signs to Schiphol Plaza, where you take the escalator or elevator down to the platforms. Go to platform 3 for the sprinter train to Amsterdam. You never have to wait long….the train leaves for Amsterdam Central eight times an hour, seven days a week! There are slightly fewer trains after 11:00pm. Get from Schiphol to Amsterdam under 20 minutes The train is your smartest and fastest choice. You can get from the airport to the center of Amsterdam in under 20 minutes. Amsterdam Central station is located at the heart of the city, close to the famous Dam Square and Kalverstraat. The airport sprinter runs between Amsterdam CS, Sloterdijk, Lelylaan, Schiphol Airport and Hoofddorp, and is usually faster (and cheaper) than taxis or cars. If you want to visit Amsterdam, buy an Amsterdam Travel Ticket. It allows you to make unlimited use of the train and bus to and from Schiphol, and all trams, metros and buses in the city centre for up to 24 hours. Where can you buy a train ticket? There are ticket machines close to platform 1 and Starbucks. You can also pay with your bank card, credit card or mobile phone by checking in at the public transport check-in points. At Schiphol these can be found at the top of the stairs/escalators to the platform and near the lift at Schiphol Plaza. A train ticket to Amsterdam Central is not expensive, approximately 5.20€ one way at the time of writing. If you use your bank card or mobile phone, don’t forget to check out once you are in Amsterdam. Are you boarding a ship at the Passenger Terminal? You are an easy 20 minute walk away or 4 minute taxi ride away. You can buy a ticket for public transport at the airport from the blue/gray Public Transport Tickets machines. These are located at the baggage belts of Arrivals 1, 2 and 3 and at Schiphol Plaza. You can buy a ticket for a single trip or various 1, 2 or 3-day travel tickets. Is the train accessible? The airport sprinter between Schiphol and Amsterdam has a level entrance. You can easily get on and off the train, even if you are less mobile or have a lot of baggage with you. No big steps to get onto the train! You also don’t have to worry about waiting long – the train leaves every eight minutes. Final Thoughts Public transportation in Amsterdam is quick and easy to use. Enjoy your visit! Wondering how to best pack your carry-on bag? You might find these packing tips helpful. Essential Travel Items for Your Carry-On Bag 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!
Prepare for REAL ID Requirements: Your Travel Checklist
Starting May 7, 2025, state-issued driver’s licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID compliant are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports for domestic travel. Passengers should either travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, like a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices. Travelers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant at TSA checkpoints and who do not have another acceptable alternative form of ID will be notified of their non-compliance, may be directed to a separate area and may receive additional screening. This includes TSA PreCheck passengers. Acceptable ID The list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. TSA strongly encourages you check this list again before traveling, so you do not arrive at the airport without acceptable ID. REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles. A temporary driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification. State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID) U.S. passport U.S. passport card DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST) U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents Permanent resident card Border crossing card An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs) HSPD-12 PIV card Foreign government-issued passport Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766) U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) Don’t have your acceptable ID? The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening. You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if you choose to not provide acceptable identification, you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, or your identity cannot be confirmed. Expired ID TSA currently accepts expired ID up to two years after expiration, for the above listed forms of identification. Children TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. Contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18. Names with suffixes TSA accepts variations on suffixes on boarding passes and ID. Suffixes are not required on boarding passes. If there is a suffix on the boarding pass, and there is not one on the ID or vice versa, that is considered an acceptable variation. What to do if you don’t have a REAL ID? Don’t panic. The good news is there’s about a two-year “wiggle room period” that gives airports discretion, on a case-by-case basis, to subject travelers to additional screening instead of requiring a REAL ID. You could still be turned away, but systems are expected to allow passage with extra screening. Expect delays if you don’t have the proper form of identification. Do I need real ID for my cruise? For cruises that begin and end in the same U.S. port, you don’t need a REAL ID to board the ship. You can use either a passport, a birth certificate accompanied by a state-issued photo ID, or a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license. However, if your cruise requires you to fly to the cruise port, you will need REAL ID or an accepted form of documentation. 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! Disclaimer: This post contains 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!
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!