Uncategorized – Travels with Mickey

Explore the Upgraded Celebrity Solstice: New Suites and Venues

Celebrity Solstice has officially completed her massive multi-million dollar makeover, returning to the seas with a fresh, contemporary look! The extensive transformation brings brand-new dining venues like Trattoria Rossa and Fine Cut Steakhouse, a lively game lounge called The Parlor, and a complete redesign of the top-deck Lawn Club into Sunset Park.

From fully refreshed staterooms and an expanded Retreat experience for suite guests to interactive new entertainment hubs, here is your ultimate guide to everything that has changed onboard…

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!

About Me

Hi! I’m Mickey! I live near Orlando, Florida with my husband Frank. We can often be found dreaming about and planning future cruises! I believe in having fun, being kind and that you are never too old, or too young, to live the life of your dreams! Please note that I do not sell cruises on Zest4Travel. This and all other posts are for informational and entertainment purposes only. I share my own opinions, personal experiences and insights with other travelers, which I hope can be helpful. Please contact your travel agent or the cruise line directly for advice and any information specific to your travel. FTC LEGAL DISCLOSURE – Some links found on the site are affiliate links, meaning that I will make a commission on purchases you make through my links, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services that I personally like and trust. *Business inquiries & media: please contact me at zest4travel@yahoo.com or travelswithmickey@yahoo.com. Please note that I am unable to give personal cruise and travel advice. If you leave a comment, I try my best to answer.

Celebrity Cruises – The Retreat

What is the Retreat and what does it include? The Retreat is an exclusive, all-inclusive suite experience. It includes a dedicated Retreat team, a private restaurant Luminae, an exclusive loungenand so much more. All guests of The Retreat are treated to a cruise vacation that begins at a reserved pre-boarding area for expedited, escorted service onto your ship. If the ship is not ready for embarkation, there will be drinks and snacks available for all suite guests. Suite accommodations: The Retreat includes all suites Private restaurant: Luminae at The Retreat Exclusive lounge: The Retreat Lounge (or Michael’s Club, on non-revolutionized ships) Exclusive sundeck: The Retreat Sundeck (on Edge Series and revolutionized ships) Retreat Butler and team All Included: Premium drinks and Premium Wi-Fi (all guests in suite) Room Service: Full in-suite breakfast, lunch, dinner service, and daily delights. Early embarkation and priority disembarkation: Priority departure and embarkation at most destinations, including those that require tendering In room Minibar: Complimentary stocked minibar What is Luminae at The Retreat? At Luminae, you will find cuisine not offered anywhere else onboard. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch (sea days) and dinner. Opening times very based on itinerary. Please check your Celebrity Today for service hours once onboard. All menus have been expertly crafted by Michelin-starred chefs using globally sourced ingredients. You’ll also enjoy complimentary signature dishes created by the Global Culinary Brand Ambassador, renowned chef Daniel Boulud. Can children dine at Luminae? Yes, all guests of The Retreat may dine at Luminae. Can guests of The Retreat invite friends and family to dine in Luminae? Yes, only guests of The Retreat may invite friends and family to dine at Luminae for an additional fee. Reservations are based on availability only. Speak with the Maitre’d for availability and cost. Is Specialty Dining included for guests of The Retreat? Specialty Dining is included for guests of the following Suites: Iconic Suite, Edge Villa, Reflection Suite, Penthouse Suite and Royal Suite. What is The Retreat Lounge*? The Retreat Lounge is an exclusive lounge for guests of The Retreat. Enjoy complimentary beverages, afternoon tea, evening hors-d’œuvre and desserts. This is a nice place to relax and meet other guests. The lounge is available to you 24/7. You will also have the services of a dedicated concierge who can assist with dinner reservations, spa treatments and more. * Michael’s Club on non-revolutionized ships. Can guests of The Retreat invite friends and/or family members to The Retreat Lounge? Only guests of The Retreat may access The Retreat Lounge, guests are not allowed. The Retreat Sundeck* The Retreat Sundeck is a luxurious outdoor space featuring a spacious lounge area and plush, stylish furniture. This outdoor area rivals any high-end resort. *It is only Available on Edge Series and Revolutionized ships When is The Retreat Sundeck open? The Retreat Sundeck is available 24/7. Service (food and beverage) times vary based on itinerary. The area is open and available to all guests of the Retreat, including children What services are available in The Retreat Sundeck? Retreat Attendants will help with towels, beverages, snacks—whatever you need to completely enjoy your time in the Retreat Sundeck.’ Can guests of The Retreat invite friends to The Retreat Sundeck? Only guests of The Retreat may access The Retreat Sundeck. Passengers staying in an adjoining stateroom are not allowed access. What is The Retreat Concierge? The Retreat experience begins the moment you book your cruise. Simply call 1-877-RETREAT and The Retreat Concierge will assist you with your booking and help plan and arrange every moment of your vacation before you even set sail. Once onboard, The Retreat Concierge will help maximize your time on board with dinner reservations, spa treatments and more. They are happy to assist with anything you need or desire. Is the Retreat Accessible? Accessible suites are available. The Retreat Lounge, Luminae and The Retreat Sundeck*† are accessible on most ships. See below for details. *The Retreat Sundeck is only available on Edge Series and Revolutionized ships. †The Retreat Sundeck on Equinox currently is not Accessible. An alternative accessible space will be provided on the Pool Deck. Is smoking allowed at The Retreat? Smoking is not allowed at The Retreat. There are dedicated smoking areas available onboard. The Retreat Concierge and/or Retreat attendants can assist you once onboard. Guest conduct and smoking policy How many Captain’s Club points will I receive when purchasing a Suite on Celebrity Cruises? Captain’s Club members receive points based on type of Suite and length of stay onboard. For Suites, the points are as follows: Sky Suites, Aqua Sky Suites, Magic Carpet Sky and Sunset Sky 8 points per night. Edge Villas, Horizon, Signature, Royal, Sunset Suites and Celebrity Suites 12 points per night Reflection, Penthouse & Edge Villa 18 points per night Iconic Suite 24 points per night What are the Suite staterooms? Click on each link to learn more about each suite. Not all suites are available on all ships. Sky Suite (includes Magic Carpet Sky Suite and Sunset Sky Suites) Aqua Sky Suite Horizon Suite Celebrity Suite Signature Suite Royal Suite Reflection Suite Penthouse Suite Edge Villa Iconic Suite Whichever suite you choose, you will have an experience above and beyond. Enjoy dining in Luminae, relaxing on the private pool deck and meeting new friends in The Retreat. More information on what is included can be found here: The Suite Life on Celebrity Cruises If you are new to cruising, or even a veteran cruiser, you might find this list helpful. 19+ Useful Items for Your Cruise Cabin 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 moreContinueContinue reading “Celebrity Cruises – The Retreat”

20+ Best Travel Stocking Stuffers Every Traveler Will Love

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) 20+ Best Cruise Stocking Stuffers Every Cruiser Will Love 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! If it can fit in a stocking, it can fit in a suitcase or carry-on! 🎄✈️🚢If you have a travel lover or cruise lover on your Christmas list, you don’t have to spend a fortune to find a gift they’ll love. In fact, some of the best travel gifts are the small things that make packing, flying, and cruising just a little easier. Small Gifts That Make a Big Difference One of my favorite things about travel accessories is that they don’t have to be big or expensive to be useful. A small organizer, luggage accessory, or cruise cabin essential can quickly become something a traveler wonders how they ever lived without.And because these gifts are small enough to fit in a stocking, they’re also easy to tuck into a carry-on or suitcase for the next trip.I’ve rounded up 20+ of the best stocking stuffers for cruisers and travelers that are perfect for the holiday season.From clever cruise cabin accessories to travel essentials you’ll use on every trip, there’s something here for just about every traveler on your list. Digital Alarm Clock I have yet to have a cruise cabin with a clock, so we started bringing along a small, no-frills digital alarm clock.It’s battery-operated, takes up almost no space, and is especially handy when the ship changes time zones. Plus, many cabins don’t have an outlet near the bed, so you can’t always rely on your phone.Small, simple, and one of those cruise essentials you’ll be glad you packed! Electronics Organizer Case Keep your chargers, cables, plugs, and phone accessories together with a travel organizer case.It’s big enough to hold all my cords and chargers but compact enough to easily fit in my carry-on.One little case = no more digging through your bag for a charger! Motion Sensor Night Light Cruise cabins can be very dark at night, which is why we love having a motion sensor night light.It provides just enough light to help you find your way without turning on the cabin lights.No more bumping into walls or furniture—and no one needs an injured toe! 😂 Cruise Approved Power Bar Most cruise cabins typically have very few outlets, so keeping your phones, tablets, computers, Kindles, and other electronics charged can be a challenge.I recommend a cruise-approved outlet extender with USB ports that plugs directly into the wall—without a cord.VERY IMPORTANT: Don’t bring a regular surge protector or power strip from home. Cruise lines may confiscate them, and some are also restricting corded extension-style products.A small, plug-in option gives you extra charging space without taking up much room in your luggage.These are the ones I recommend and use: Non Surge Cruise Approved Power Strip Travel Essentials 4in2 Multi Charging Cable for iPhone Watch Charger Universal Travel Adapter Portable Phone Charger A good portable phone charger is a must-have when traveling. There’s nothing worse than having your phone die when you need it most!I use this portable charger with a built-in, foldable USB-C connector. It’s compact, convenient, and perfect for everyday use and travel.This is another great option if you need or want to charge two phones. Smartphone Stand Holder I love this phone holder! It makes watching movies or video chatting so much easier—and honestly, it just makes me laugh. 😂A fun little gift that’s practical and sure to get a smile! RFID Blocking Card Protect your contactless credit and debit cards with an RFID Blocking Card.Simply keep it in your wallet alongside your RFID-enabled cards for an extra layer of protection while traveling.Small, inexpensive, and easy to slip into a stocking! Luggage Locks Lock your luggage! We always lock ours when flying or boarding a ship.These TSA-approved luggage locks help keep your bags secure while still allowing TSA to inspect them when needed.Small, inexpensive, and a smart addition to any traveler’s stocking! Luggage Tags Make your luggage stand out! This bold and durable PVC bag tag makes your suitcase easy to spot and includes 40 conversation starter cards to spark laughter and connection.A practical gift with a fun little twist! Lanyard and Keycard Holder Cruise lanyards are one of the most popular cruise essentials! A waterproof lanyard keeps your cruise key card handy and your hands free. My personal favorite, is a wallet that attaches to my phone.Either one is useful both on the ship and when exploring cruise ports—and makes a great little stocking stuffer for any cruiser.Practical, inexpensive, and something you’ll use every day of your cruise! Travel Pill Case This is another one of those travel essentials you’ll wonder how you ever traveled without!The Travel Pill Case is perfect for keeping medications, vitamins, and supplements organized. It has seven labeled compartments plus a bonus compartment, making it easy to pack everything you need.Small, practical, and perfect for travel! Reusable Shopping Bags Many stores are doing away with free bags, so I always travel with reusable grocery bags.They’re great for carrying purchases, save you from buying bags, and help cut down on plastic waste.Foldable, useful, and another easy thing to tuck into your suitcase! Hand Sanitizer If you have sensitive skin like I do, some of the hand sanitizer available onboard can be a little harsh.I love Touchland’s hand sanitizer because it’s gentle yet effective. I keep one in just about every bag—and they come in so many great scents!A practical stocking stuffer that travelers will actually use. Magnetic Clips Fun fact about cruise ships: most cabin walls areContinueContinue reading “20+ Best Travel Stocking Stuffers Every Traveler Will Love”

Essential Best Gifts for Women: Travel Edition

Looking for a special gift for your favorite cruiser? Here is a quick list of great travel gifts for women! These are some of my favorite things that make traveling more comfortable, cozy and fun. And best of all, most of these are available on Amazon Prime if you are running short on shopping time! These are all tested and approved and are things I actually use and recommend. 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. Sign up for Amazon Prime As mentioned, Amazon Prime is great for last minutes shopping! If you don’t already have Amazon Prime, now is a great time. Amazon Prime gives you access to free 1, 2 or even same day delivery, streaming movies and shows, and unlimited storage of photos (I need this!!). Here a link to sign up for an Amazon Prime Free 30 Day Trial. 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! My favorite brands currently are London Fog and TravelPro. This set from Amazon Basics is a great option also. There are other colors and sizes available too. Pro tip – If you have a neutral or common color suitcase, like black, blue or grey, make sure to add something colorful and unique so that it stands out and you can find it easily at the airport or cruise terminal. Luggage Tags I love these luggage tags by Lily Pulitzer. They are colorful and really stand out, making it easy to identify my bags! There are several designs to choose from too. 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 colored holder that can attach to the inside of the bag. There are lots of colors available. 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. I also use it the final night of the cruise to keep the items and clothing I will need the next morning. Along with this, I like to use another bag that fits over the trolley handle. I use this for all the things I want easy access to while traveling. It has lots of great storage and a padded computer sleeve. Have you always wanted to just use carry-on luggage but didn’t know how to pack? These convertible garment duffel bags are the perfect solution. 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. I’ve recently started using compression packing cubes. Our last trip, my bag only weighed 38 pounds but was packed full because the clothing was bulky. These cubes decrease the bulk and give you more room. RFID Protected Wallet Protect your credit cards while traveling! Equipped with advanced RFID blocking technology, this wallet protects your personal information from electronic pickpockets, giving you peace of mind wherever you go. The wallet blocking all signals from your credit/debit/ID cards when it is closed. Pop Socket Card Wallet No need to carry a bag onboard! This pop socket wallet is a sleek and secure way to carry your seapass card along with your phone. Magnetically attaches to your phone. It has an attached phone grip, so you can avoid phone drops and kickstand your phone. Holds up to 3 cards and is RFID protected. 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! This hanging bag comes in lots of colors and patterns too! 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. There are many other patterns to available to choose from too. Bag to use onboard or onshore A small crossbody bag is very helpful onboard to keep your phone, sea card and any other items you might want while onboard. Fanny packs are becoming very popular again…many people are wearing them as crossbody bags. This one is made by the same company that makes my favorite leggings and is waterproof also! There are several colors available. A smaller and yet roomy backpack is also a nice option for excursions. This bag has become one of my favorites. It is lightweight and made of durable, waterproof fabric, which is perfect for outdoor travel. There are multiple pockets which are perfect for snacks, phones, ID, a water bottle or an umbrella. Refillable Water Bottles and Carrier I love having a reusable water bottle and carrier . It can be hot onshore and purchasing bottled water can be expensive! Lip protection Sun and salt air can be very drying…keep your lips soft, smooth and protected from harsh elements with a lip mask. I love the products from this company….they are long lasting, have a great texture and yummy scents. Good sun protection hat Protect your head and face from the sun.ContinueContinue reading “Essential Best Gifts for Women: Travel Edition”

22 Travel and Cruise Gifts for Men

The holiday gift giving season is here! We’ve gathered 21 cruise and travel gifts for men that are the perfect blend of cool and useful. Is your guy a techie, a sports fan, an adventurer? The list below has something that will make his travels even more fun and exciting. From fun and useful gadgets to stylish gear, these gifts are perfect for his on-the-go lifestyle. Happy scrolling and shopping! 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. Passport Holder with Air Tag Holder Mindfully crafted from genuine leather, this passport holder sports a minimalist bifold design for travelers who want functionality while traveling with peace of mind of never losing their passport. The Holder combines all the benefits of a regular wallet and includes a large slot for travel documents and your passport. Air Tags Keep track of and find your items alongside friends and devices in the Find My app. Simple one-tap setup instantly connects AirTag with your iPhone or iPad . Play a sound on the built-in speaker to help find your things, or just ask Siri for help. Air Tag Holder Spoil your loved one with this premium silicone AirTag case holder keychain. The case comes with a fashionable metal carabiner, so that you can easily hang the air tags everywhere….the enclosure fits tightly around your AirTag to ensure that it stays inside the case. I place mine inside our luggage instead of on the exterior. Pop Socket Card Wallet No need to carry a bag onboard! This pop socket wallet is a sleek and secure way to carry your seapass card along with your phone. Magnetically attaches to your phone. It has an attached phone grip, so you can avoid phone drops and kickstand your phone. Available in lots of other colors and designs. Holds up to 3 cards and is RFID protected. Carry on Bag This carry one bag fits under most airline seats for easy access to belongings en route. There are four spinner wheels which allow rolling in multiple directions for easy mobility. The USB Port lets you charge electronics on the go, along with quick stash exterior pockets for increased packing organization of smaller items. One bag to solve all your guys travel troubles. This large capacity laptop bag has multiple divider pockets, easy for holding laptop, mouse, keyboard, ipads, phone, binder, water bottle, umbrella, pens, wallet and so on. This bag also has a sleeve on the back to fit over the luggage trolley handle. Ipad and Ipad Case it goes without saying that an iPad is great to have while traveling. Watch movies, read or write, the guy in your life will be very happy to receive this! Wireless AirFly Connector Wirelessly transmit audio from in-flight entertainment while traveling. Use your AirPods, earbuds or wireless headphones anywhere with no more cords in the way. AirFly Travel blanket/pillow I like to bring a compact, lightweight, pocket sized blanket when we travel. Airplanes and even cars can get cold. This can also be used as a pillow and is one of my essential trip items. Collapsible Water Bottle Staying hydrated while traveling is SUPER important. I love these space-saving roll-able and collapsible water bottles. While obviously convenient, even more than that, I love how they don’t take room in my luggage when not being used. Portable Phone Charger Make sure that your guys phone does not die while traveling. This portable charger with a build in foldable USB-C connector makes a great gift! Tech cord organizer Help the man in your life keep his cords organized and easy to find. Nothing worse than having your phone or tablet die and no charger! This organizer is two sided and holders a LOT of cords and plugs. Travel wallet (with travel documents and credit cards) A good travel wallet is essential. It is an easy way to make sure you have credit cards, identification and any travel documents close to you at all times. If you’re planning to keep your bag under the seat in front of you, a zip closure RFID wallet is essential in keeping cards and documents organized and safe. If you prefer to put your bag in one of the overhead bins, a travel neck wallet is a great way to keep your cards and documents on your body. Whichever option you choose, you want a wallet that is easy to find during check-in, security screenings, boarding and customs, along with RFID security to avoid having your personal information stolen while traveling. neck wallet Digital Alarm Clock This is such a useful item! Even though hotels provide alarms clocks, I don’t want to mess with trying to set it and hope that it doesn’t go off at the wrong time. This battery operated digital alarm clock is very helpful! Packing cubes Help your guy stay organized while traveling with these packing cubes. My husband has become a quick convert! Adapters I love these adapters by Hero. They have them for several different countries and are made in the US with a 100% money back guarantee and lifetime warranty. Cruise Approved Power Bar 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. It’s very important to have a non-surge protected power bar that is “cruise line approved”. Travel Journal I love having a detailed journal of my cruise. Keep track of every detail: your route, location, weather, plans at sea, plans on the shore, evening shows to see, memories, friends made, and more. 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. Waterproof case for phone and ID Does your guy take his phone and ID to the beach?ContinueContinue reading “22 Travel and Cruise Gifts for Men”

Best Things To Do In Key West, FL

Key West, Florida…..the southernmost city of the United States. Here, you can enjoy the Caribbean vibe without ever leaving the United States Known for its eccentric and laid-back vibe, Key West is a great port of call for most cruise passengers. The island has provided seasonal homes to several notable figures such as the 33rd president and one of the world’s most prolific writers. Rich in history, Key West combines 19th-century history with its vast tropical charms and creates a haven for adventurers and historians alike. Here you will find brightly colored picturesque colonial houses and lush tropical gardens. The narrow streets of downtown are lined with vintage shops, restaurants and watering holes. The coastline is gorgeous and is graced by the azure waters of the Atlantic and Gulf stream that boarder the island on both sides. It’s easy to see why Key West visits by both cruise passengers and vacationers are on the rise and why it is becoming an essential port of call for cruise ships. Here are some of our favorite things to do while in port. Most ships will dock at Mallory Square or the Truman Annex.Both are within easy walking distance of Old Town. Duval Street is only 2 blocks from the pier. Click on the map for a printable link. Transportation Duval Loop This bus service runs from the City’s Park and Ride on Grinnell Street, along Caroline Street, right on Simonton Street, around Front Street, up the length of Whitehead, through Truman Waterfront, then returns down the length of Simonton to Fleming. The Duval Loop is funded partly by parking meter rates and provides easy access to restaurants, galleries, gift shops, and theatres. Times and Days The Duval Loop runs year-round, seven days a week, with service paused only on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. It makes 28 loops each day and stops at 18 designated locations along the route. Fare Fare information for the Duval Loop can be found on the Bus Fares page. Hop On Hop Off Tour The tour begins at Mallory Square, right by the famous Key West Aquarium – one of the main attractions in the city. The Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum is located just opposite the aquarium, so ensure to spend the morning exploring this area before hopping on the trolley! Inclusions Professional live guide on board 13 stops across the city Entry to the Sails to Rails Museum Two free self-guided walking tours Free coupons with up to $50 in discounts Schedule: Start time: 9am – 4:30pmFrequency: every 30 minutesDuration: 1hr 30 minutesDeparture point: Stop #1: Mallory Square, in front of the Sponge Market, next to the Key West AquariumClosed on the last Saturday of October Please note: Vehicles are wheelchair/stroller accessible.Big suitcases and big bags are not allowed on the vehicle. Hand luggage is permitted.Animals are not permitted except for service animals.Free cancellation up to 48 hours before scheduled tour. Cost: $65/day for adults, $26/child (Some days have discounts available. You can pre-purchase tickets online. Key West Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour Duval Street Duval Street is the heart of Key West. Filled with fantastic restaurants, lively bars, art galleries, and shops selling unique gifts, clothes, and hand-rolled cigars, this a great spot to experience the city’s culture and nightlife. In the evening, you sip on a margarita and enjoy an al fresco meal, or join a haunted pub crawl and ghost tour of the area. If you want to visit the most famous bar in Key West, be sure to stop into Sloppy Joe’s Bar. The official beginning of this infamous Key West Saloon, beloved by Ernest Hemingway, was smack in the middle of the Depression, December 5, 1933, the day Prohibition was repealed. The bar was destined to go through two name changes and a sudden change of location before it would become today’s Sloppy Joe’s Bar seen by millions of visitors to Florida’s southernmost outpost. Rent Bikes The best way to get around old town Key West is by bike. Explore Key West beaches, get your photos at Key West landmarks or just bar and restaurant hop! You can rent bikes directly on the pier with Island Bike Rental. Biking in Key West is very easy….the only elevation you need to climb in the cemetery….a total of 20 feet above sea level. Visit the Southernmost Point Be sure to visit the Southernmost Point Monument and take the iconic photo. How else are you going to show everyone you were actually there? This monument is a giant buoy built in the ’80s to represent the southernmost point of the United States and you are only 90 miles from Cuba. This is a very popular tourist destination, so expect to queue if you want to snap a photo…or go very early in the morning for a picture-perfect piece. Conch Train Ride The Conch Train is one of Key West’s most popular attractions and for good reason. Since 1958, the Conch Tour Train has treated guests to a close-up view of the Southernmost City’s most popular places including Mallory Square, Sails to Rails Museum, the Key West Aquarium and more. Key West Cemetery To learn the interesting part of the town’s former times, visit Key West Cemetery. The gravestones of fallen soldiers and townsfolk go into depth about the life and death of the individual. Epitaphs like “I told you I was sick” among others can be traced in this location, making it a twisted but interesting fun thing to explore. The cemetery is centrally located in Old Town. The gates open at 7am and close at 7pm during the summer months. During the winter, the hours for the cemetery are 7am to 6pm. You can pick up a self-guided map that highlights some of the more historic sites and gravestones. If you are lucky enough to be in town overnight, book a haunted tours walk, where you will learn about the most outrageous stories of Key West, Florida. Take a Rum Tour There are several rumContinueContinue reading “Best Things To Do In Key West, FL”

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