Discount If your next trip is on the horizon, now is the perfect time to stock up on travel must-haves for less. The Amazon Big Spring Sale 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 during this sale 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 boat 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! Going 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 during Amazon’s Big Spring Sale. Be sure to visit my curated list of great travel products available during this sale. New items will be added throughout the event! 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.
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Explore the Upgraded Celebrity Solstice: New Suites and Venues
Moored off the cost of Koh Samui, Thailand Solstice – the very first Solstice class ship built by Celebrity – entered dry dock on January 16, 2026. The newly refurbished ship is now getting ready to sail its first scheduled cruise on March 2, 2206, from Singapore. Celebrity has invested $250 million to modernize its Solstice Series ships, starting with Celebrity Solstice. The 2008 vessel has quite a few noticeable changes that enquiring passengers are already catching. New Cabins, No Basketball Court While the ship’s hull was already the signature Celebrity blue, the ship’s silhouette has a slightly different look. Ship-spotters in Singapore have noticed that the two forward round satellite dish housings have been removed. The biggest change is the expansion of the forward upper decks. What used to be an open-air walking track and a netted basketball court on Deck 15 has been entirely replaced by a new block of cabins. This addition includes the debut of Panoramic Infinite Veranda Suites. These suites feature floor-to-ceiling glass, which raises the profile of the ship from the front view. Old deck 15: New deck 15; Camp At Sea (the kid’s club) has been moved to deck 14 next to the Sky Lounge, replacing rarely used conference rooms. New Solstice Deck The Solstice Deck has been transformed into a The Retreat Sundeck. Now, only suite guests have access to this expanded area, which features an oversized hot tub, new cabanas, and a private bar. Old Solstice deck: New Retreat Sundeck: New Venues Inside the ship, the “Celebrity Revolution” has replaced several original venues with brand new concepts. The Parlor (replacing Quasar): This is a high-end sports bar and “barcade,” featuring billiards, darts, and retro board games. Boulevard Lounge (replacing Celebrity Central): A new cabaret-style space for game shows, trivia, and “candlelight concerts.” Trattoria Rossa (replacing Qsine): An upscale Italian specialty restaurant with tableside service and fresh daily pasta. Sunset Park (formerly the Lawn Club): The iconic real-grass lawn is still there but has been altered with a more “park-like” feel, hosting open-air movies and live folk music. Fine Cut Steakhouse (replacing Tuscan Grille) Discover an upscale steak and seafood experience where service is elevated to an art form Staterooms All the cabins are getting an upgrade! Each one will feel brand new for everyone. Plus, with four new stateroom categories, passengers will have more options to call home during their voyage. Final Thoughts Celebrity Solstice is the first of its class to undergo this new transformation. Silhouette, Eclipse and Equinox have received partial refreshes, but they have not gone through this massive renovation with new cabin blocks and structural changes yet. Stay tuned for updates on the other vessels in this class. Celebrity Solstice begins its 12-night voyage to Hong Kong on March 2nd and repositions to Alaska in May. 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. Share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons are below). Thanks so much! Disclaimer: Zest4Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
The €3 Bus Route That Shows You More of the Amalfi Coast Than Any €100 Tour
Traveling or cruising Italy this year? What if I told you that for just €3, you could sit back, relax, and enjoy one of the most scenic rides in the world? The SITA Sud bus is the best-kept secret of budget-savvy travelers. For just a few euros, this bus winds along the famous coastal cliffs, giving you front-row seats to views that people pay hundreds for on private tours. Here’s what you need to know: The most breathtaking route? From Sorrento to Amalfi (or vice versa).Stops include Positano, Praiano, and all those postcard-perfect villages along the way. Ticket cost A single ride costs around €2.80 to €3, depending on the section.A 24-hour unlimited ticket? Just €10—cheaper than a cocktail in Positano. Where to buy tickets Tabacchi shops (Tobacco stores)Bars and cafésSITA offices (in major towns)Buy in advance—you cannot buy them on the bus! Things to know before hopping on. Buses get crowded, especially in summer—get to the stop early! 2. If you’re prone to motion sickness, take a window seat (but be warned, the cliffs are steep 3. Validate your ticket as soon as you board to avoid a fine. 4. Sit on the right side when heading from Sorrento to Amalfi (and left when coming back) for the most jaw-dropping views! Other options for an enjoyable and memorable visit is to use the ferries. More information on that soon! 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!
Introducing Points Choice – WELCOME TO A NEW ERA OF LOYALTY
What to You Need To Know About Celebrity Cruises’ Points Choice Starting January 30, 2026, Captain’s Club members will soon have even more freedom in how they grow their status. With Points Choice, you will earn points on your sailing, and then have the option to apply them to the program you prefer—whether that’s Celebrity’s Captain’s Club, Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor, or Silversea’s Venetian Society. This will be a simple new way to make your loyalty even more rewarding, no matter which brand you sail. How does it work? You can submit a Points Choice request anytime before your sailing or up to 14 days after your cruise. This will allow you to apply your earned points to the loyalty program you choose: Captain’s Club, Crown & Anchor, or the Venetian Society How do I submit my request? Beginning January 30, 2026, for sailings departing on or after that date, you will be able to access a request form through the Celebrity Cruises app or on the website. You must be enrolled in the program you’re applying points to. Status Match Information How are points earned? You will continue earning points the same way you do now—based on your stateroom category and nights sailed. If you want to keep your points with the brand you sailed on, no action is needed. If you choose to move your points to another brand, the exchange rates are shown below. FAQ’s What is Points Choice? Points Choice is a loyalty enhancement for guests who sail with the Royal Caribbean Group. No matter which of our brands you sail with, you can apply your earned points toward the brand loyalty program of your choice. This means you can continue building status with your preferred brand and enjoy Status Match, all while exploring across Royal Caribbean®, Celebrity Cruises® and Silversea®. When will Points Choice be available? You will be able to apply your points your way on any sailings departing on or after January 30, 2026. Will members have the option to apply points earned on sailings prior to January 30, 2026, to a different brand? No. Points Choice is only available for cruises departing on or after January 30, 2026. How do I submit a request to apply points earned to a different brand loyalty program? Points will be rewarded as they are today, once your cruise is complete. Starting January 30, 2026, a Points Choice request form will be available on the app and web, where you can select the brand you want to apply your earned points to. If you prefer to keep your points with the brand you sailed with, no action is required. Do I need to submit a request each time I sail if I wish to transfer points? Yes. A separate request form must be submitted for every sailing when you wish to apply points to another program. Celebrity plans to introduce a preference center later this year that will enable you to make your selection once for all future sailings. When do I need to submit my Points Choice request? At any time prior to your sailing and up to 14 days post cruise you will be able to submit a Points Choice Request Form. Requests made after 14 days of the completion of your cruise will not be processed. Points will be awarded as they are today, once your cruise is complete. Points from the brand you sailed will be added to your loyalty account first. If a Points Choice request is submitted, the original points earned will be deducted and then applied to your desired program. When will I see my points updated after submitting a request? Allow up to 30 days after your cruise is completed and you have submitted your request. If I transfer my points to a different brand, how will I know how many points I will receive? Please refer to the 2026 Points Exchange Rate by brand: Crown & Anchor Exchange Rates Captain’s Club Exchange Rates Venetian Society Exchange Rates Will Points Choice exchange rates change? Yes. Exchange rates will be reviewed and published annually on the branded websites. Can partial points be transferred to Silversea? No. If you sail with Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises and want to apply your earned points to Venetian Society, you must qualify for at least 1 VS Day to be eligible. Partial VS Days will not be awarded. For example: An inside stateroom on a 3-night Royal Caribbean cruise, translates to only 0.75 VS Days and therefore cannot be transferred to Venetian Society. Does Points Choice apply to the Casino Royale and Blue Chip programs? No. Points Choice only applies to the Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor program, Celebrity’s Captain’s Club program and Silversea’s Venetian Society program. Does Points Choice apply to MyCruise® Rewards points through the Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature card? No. Points Choice only applies to the Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor program, Celebrity’s Captain’s Club program and Silversea’s Venetian Society program. Are there any changes to Status Match ? No. Status Match remains the same. Members can still receive one-for-one tier matching across all three Royal Caribbean Group brands: Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea. Do I need to sign up for Points Choice to be able to participate? To take advantage of Points Choice, you need to be enrolled in the loyalty program to which you wish to apply your points. For example, if you are sailing on Royal Caribbean and want to apply your earned Crown & Anchor points to Captain’s Club, you need to be enrolled in Captain’s Club. To enroll, log in to your app and navigate to the Loyalty Match section to complete your enrollment. Status Match Information Can I change my Points Choice request after submission? No. Once submitted, requests cannot be changed, and points can only be transferred once between brands. Can the Celebrity Power Up Points or Go Green points be transferred? No. These points cannot be applied to a different brand program. If a guest sails with Celebrity and then transfers their points to another program, the Go Green points will be forfeited. These points will not be applied to another program and will not remain in Captain’s Club. How are points earned when traveling solo? Those who travel solo in a stateroom will be awarded bonus points based on the rules of the brand you choose to apply points to. Celebrity Cruises awards 2x points to solo travelers and Royal Caribbean awards 1 extra point per night. Silversea does not reward solo travelers with bonus points. For example, if a guest sails with Royal Caribbean as a solo traveler and stays in a Balcony stateroom, they will earn 14 pointsContinueContinue reading “Introducing Points Choice – WELCOME TO A NEW ERA OF LOYALTY”
Power Up Points – A New Season, A New Experience, and the Newest Ship Webinar
Get an inside look at all things Celebrity. In this webinar, Co-Cruise Director Luigi De La Cruz shares behind-the-scenes stories from the Naming Sailing aboard the newest ship, Celebrity Xcel. Plus, see the can’t-miss onboard experience, Poolest Day Ever. Beyond the Podium speaker Cesar Becerra will fill you in on destination highlights from the incredible 2027/2028 Caribbean season, featuring new stops in Turks and Caicos. This is one conversation you won’t want to miss. Power Up Points will be awarded to those who qualify by January 14, 2026 Register by December 11, 2025—and earn 20 Power Up Points.† Register and watch here. 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!
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!
Another Power Up Points Webinar – 2027/2028 Season Is Here!
The 2027/2028 season of sailings brings the world to you like no one else can—from exciting itineraries in Europe to incredible ships in Alaska, Australia, Hawaii, and beyond. In our upcoming webinar, we’ll sit down with a Behind the Podium speaker for an inside look at Europe’s top destinations. This is one webinar you don’t want to miss. Register and watch by October 9, 2025–and earn 20 Power Up Points. o qualify, members must register with their Captain’s Club ID and watch the entire presentation by October 9, 2025. Up to four members can watch the webinar together under one registration. Each member’s Captain’s Club ID must be entered separately on the registration page to earn points. Power Up Points will be awarded to those who qualify by November 14, 2025. Register and watch here: Power Up Points Webinar 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 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!
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”
What to Know About Tropical Storm Erin and Your Cruise
Hurricane season is right on schedule and that means cruisers need to be extra aware of how storm systems may impact their sailings. Waves crash onto rocks ahead of Tropical Storm Karen in Puerto Rico. Photographer: Gabriella N. Baez/Bloomberg UPDATE: Erin is now a hurricane and forecast to become a CAT4 over the weekend into early next week. This storm will stay east of Florida but produce dangerous rip currents and swell next week along the east coast. Tropical Storm Erin has officially formed and is on track to impact the Eastern Caribbean by the end of the week, making it the first hurricane of the season to impact this region. Of course, here is great uncertainty this far out in the forecast, but all cruisers should watch the storm carefully. No cruise line has made any itinerary changes yet, but they will be closely monitoring the storm and will make any adjustments necessary to keep ships safe. The cruise line will contact you if changes are necessary. On Monday morning, August 11, 2025, Tropical Storm Erin officially formed in the eastern Atlantic. The first official advisory for Tropical Storm Erin was issued by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) at 11 a.m. Eastern Time. While several days away, her path will likely bring the storm to the eastern Caribbean. This may impact a number of popular ports of call, as well as cruise ships with itineraries heading east over the next 7-10 days. At of 2pm CVT (Cape Verde Time), the storm had maximum sustained winds of 45 miles per hour and was moving west at 20 mph The minimum threshold for a tropical storm is 39 mph threshold, with a maximum of 73 mph before being classified as a hurricane. The westward track will bring Erin close to the top Eastern Caribbean ports on Friday and Saturday, August 15 and 16, before it is predicted she will turn north. Most models have her missing the Florida coast. (see graph below) Forecast predictions have the storm likely to be a major hurricane of Category 3 or higher by August 15-16. The ports likely to at least feel moderate impact include Barbados, St. Lucia, the US and British Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Depending on when and how Erin turns north, the Turks and Caicos as well as the Bahamas, including private islands, may also feel some impact. Ships departing on Eastern or Southern Caribbean itineraries this coming weekend are most likely to have at least some itinerary changes. Check your emails for any communication from the cruise line. There is no point in calling them – the call centers are not in direct communication with any ship. Shoreside will contact you if necessary. Remember, no cruise line has yet altered any sailings for Tropical Storm Erin. All cruise lines keep safety as their top priority and they will be monitoring the storm as she draws closer. How Strong Will Erin Become? The NHC’s forecast discussion advises caution this early, as it is always hard to predict how a tropical storm or hurricane will act several days in advance. “The intensity forecast in the short-term is a little tricky,” the NHC notes read. “The rate of intensification will likely increase in the second half of the forecast period.” Wind shear, ocean temperature, regional atmospheric conditions, and other factors all interact to determine how the storm may intensify and how she will move. Forecast tracks (the “spaghetti” plots) do show the storm likely to turn north long before impacting larger islands or the Florida eastern coastline, which includes Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral and Miami ports. That turn will not likely happen until the weekend, however, and could be significantly different than predicted so early in the storm’s formation. Though most believe she will remain no more than a Category 2 or 3 intensity, some forecast models show Erin reaching as high as a devastating Category 4 or 5 storm, Just as her path is difficult to predict precisely so many days away, her intensity can also vary tremendously as she gets closer. The overall size of Erin’s wind field will also determine how far away her impact may be felt. Very large storms can often impact ports of call or cruise homeports hundreds of miles from the storm’s eye, as the wind affects waves patterns and heights. The peak of hurricane season, when storms are strongest and most numerous, is typically around September 10. This does not mean that storms before or after this date are any less dangerous or disruptive. Any cruise guests with sailings booked over the next few days should watch Tropical Storm Erin carefully. Anyone with Caribbean sailings booked at this time of year should always stay informed about potential storms in case their cruise is impacted. For accurate and up-to-date information, follow Brian Shields…aka Mr. Weatherman on YouTube. He is a well-known and trusted Florida/Caribbean weatherman. To learn how hurricanes can affect your cruise and what to expect if they do, visit Hurricane Season and Your Cruise: What to Know. If you found the article informative and helpful, please comment below and follow Zest4Travel for cruise news and information. 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 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, stayContinueContinue reading “What to Know About Tropical Storm Erin and Your Cruise”
Plan Ahead: Celebrity Cruises 2027-2028 Deployment Schedule
Celebrity Cruises recently released the deployment schedule for sailings in 2027-2028. 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. Celebrity Cruises Opening Deployment Schedule 2027-2028 Week of August 4, 2025: Canada/New England, Europe, Japan, Spring Transatlantics Week of September 8, 2025: Alaska and Hawaii Week of September 29. 2025: Australia November 2025: Caribbean, Fall Transatlantics December 2025: Winter Asia The first set of sailings to be released on August 5 are for cruises to Canada/England, Europe, Japan and spring Transatlantics. Canada, New England & Bermuda Celebrity Silhouette will sail from Boston, Cape Liberty and Reykjavik, Iceland. These sailings will offer seven- to 13-night cruises that includes stops in Iceland and Greenland. One itinerary will visit Bermuda, three to Iceland Greenland, and four to Maine and Canada. Europe Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Infinity and Celebrity Xcel will all offer cruises in Europe. Celebrity Ascent will homeport in Civitavecchia (Rome) and offer 10-14 night to Greece, Italy, Turkey and Malta. Sailing from Southampton, the Celebrity Apex will cruise on 7 to 14 night cruises to the Norwegian Fjords and Scandinavia. From Barcelona and Italy, Celebrity Constellation will offer cruises that visit Croatia, France, Italy and Spain. Celebrity Eclipse will sail from Amsterdam, Athens, and Ravenna, Italy on 7 to 13 night cruises to Europe. Homeporting in Barcelona, Celebrity Equinox will offer 9, 10, and 11 night cruises around the Mediterranean. Celebrity Infinity will sail from Athens, Greece and 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 night cruises to Greece and Croatia. And the newest vessel in the fleet, Celebrity Xcel will sail from Barcelona and Athens on a variety of sailings to the Italian and French Riviera. Asia Celebrity Millennium will sail from both Tokyo and South Korea offering 12 and 13 night cruises around Japan and South Korea. One 15 night sailing will visit Hong Kong and Vietnam before ending in Singapore. These newly announced itineraries from Celebrity Cruises will open for bookings on August 5, 2025. Call your travel agent or book directly with Celebrity early for the best availability. Remember, you can reprice your cruise if there are better promotions or pricing available prior to final payment, so don’t miss out on your favorite cabin! 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 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!