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”
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20+ Best Stocking Stuffers for Cruisers
If it can fit in a stocking, it can fit in a suitcase or carry on! These stocking stuffers are the ideal gifts for anyone who loves to travel and cruise. If your loved one is a travel lover like me, big expensive gifts are not needed….unless it’s a cruise or plane ticket of course , lol! Check out these stocking stuffers for travelers this holiday season. Let’s start 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. Digital Alarm Clock I have yet to have a cabin with a clock of any kind. We have started bringing along a small, no frills digital alarm clock. Having a dedicated clock in your cabin can be very useful, especially when cruise ships ask you to move the time forward or backward by an hour. At home I check my phone during the night, but on many ships, there is not a plug by the bed. This battery operated clock is very helpful! Electronics Organizer Case Stay organized by keeping your chargers, cables and plugs, and phone accessories together. To keep my chargers organized, I use this organizer case. It’s big enough to hold all my cords and chargers but small enough to fit in my carryon. Motion Sensor Night Light Cruise cabins can be very dark at night. We find a motion sensor night light to be very useful. No more bumping into furniture or walls….no one needs injured toes. 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. VERY IMPORTANT – Cruise lines don’t allow a regular surge-protected power bars from home (they will confiscate them). I recommend using one that plugs directly into the outlet without a cord. Many ports are confiscating those with cords, as they consider them extension cords. This is the one we travel with. If you need plugs, this is a good option too. Many cruise lines are really cracking down on any outlet extender that provides multiple plugs. This is a great option for charging multiple devices at once. Available in others colors. 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. Portable Phone Charger A good portable phone charger is a must have item. Nothing is worse than having your phone die while traveling. I use this portable charger with a built in foldable USB-C connector for everyday use. This is another great option if you need or want to charge two phones. Smartphone Stand Holder I love this phone holder….makes it so much easier to watch movies or video chat. And it just makes me laugh. 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. 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 Tags Make your luggage stand out! This bold and durable PVC bag tag makes your suitcase easy to spot, while also including 40 conversation starter cards designed to spark laughter, creativity, and connection. 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. Travel Pill Case This is another of those things that you’ll wonder how you ever traveled without. The perfect travel companion for your medications, supplements and vitamins, the Travel Pill Case offers seven labeled compartments (for the days of the week), plus a bonus compartment. 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. Liquid IV Hydration and immune support is super important while traveling. Ocean travel has higher humidity which requires you to drink more. Liquid I.V. packets taste great and provide 2x faster hydration than water alone. It comes in lots of delicious flavors…just mix in your water bottle! Refillable (and collapsible) Water Bottles I love these space-saving roll-able and collapsible water bottles. While obviously convenient on the cruise ship, even more than that, I love how they don’t take room in my luggage or beach bag when not being used. Hand Sanitizer If you are like me and have sensitive skin, the product used onboard may be too harsh for you. I found Bath and Body Works hand sanitizer to be gentle and yet effective. I always carry some with me in every bag. They have lots of great scents too. Magnetic Clips I find these very useful to organize papers in the cabin…nothing worse than losing something! Why bring magnet clips? Fun fact about cruise ships….most cabin walls are magnetic! On a cruise, you’ll have paper cruise planners, shore excursion tickets, and invitations to events on your cruise that tend to clutter up your desk and counter space. Use these magnetic clips to hang these items on the wall. Aloe Vera After-Sun Gel Always be prepared in case you get too much sun. This cooling after sun spray can actually be able to be worn under your clothes, as it won’t be sticky like some gels with fillers. INSTANT COOLING EFFECT – thanks to skin cooling ingredients like Cucumber and Organic Aloe Vera this blend is perfectly formulated to soothe and calm your sun exposed skin. Lip Balm with SPF Don’t forget to bring lip balm with SPF on a cruise. If your lips get dry and chapped or sunburned, you willContinueContinue reading “20+ Best Stocking Stuffers for Cruisers”
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”
19+ Essential Cruise Cabin Items
Discover the essential cruise cabin items that help maximise space, improve comfort, and keep your stateroom organised, including packing hacks, storage solutions, and onboard must-haves.
Everything You Need to Know About Back-to-Back Cruises
Back-to-back cruises are a great way to extend your cruise vacation. They can be a cruise traveler’s dream, but many people wonder what to expect. There are many reasons to consider this type of cruise vacation. The most obvious is to prolong your vacation. Back to back cruises allow you to maximize the value of your airfare if flying into the port. Airfare is expensive and doing a back-to-back means you get more time on the ship to justify the flight cost. In addition, doing a back-to-back cruise can expand the ports you visit. It is not uncommon for a ship to sail one itinerary and then follow it up with a different itinerary. This is very common in the Caribbean….many ships often alternate between Western and Eastern Caribbean itineraries. A back-to-back allows you to do both. There are itineraries where cruise lines do a one-way cruise….you board in one city and disembark in another. By doing a back-to-back, you can avoid having to deal with flying to and from different cities….just disembark back in the original port after sailing the return cruise. How does a back-to-back cruise work? The procedure for a back-to-back cruise is pretty much the same for all cruise lines. It’s a good idea to stop by Guest Relations during the first cruise to confirm you on the consecutive cruiser list. If you aren’t, they will expect you to leave at the end of the first cruise. This is not necessary for back-to-back (B2B) cruisers. A few days prior to the end of the first sailing, B2B passengers will receive a letter in their stateroom with details about the process on turnaround day (disembarkation day for the rest of the passengers). This letter will instruct the passengers to report to a venue onboard at a specific time and give details about what to bring. Your passport or identification papers you used when joining the ship will be required. When you arrive, a crew member will take your name and stateroom number and sign you in. This indicates that you are technically “off the ship”, so you must remain in the venue until the ship has reached a zero passenger count. At this time, guests staying onboard will be escorted by a crew member to the gangway. You will scan your old SeaPass card and will then be given a new SeaPass card which you will scan to begin the next sailing. We recently did a B2B in Alaska. We met in the Sky Lounge at 9am where we showed our old sea pass cards and were given new ones. They had us scan them in the venue….we did not have to leave the ship. This is not always the process. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) of the country you are in dictates the process for consecutive cruisers. It will vary by port. How do you book a back-to-back cruise? If you want to book a B2B cruise, you need to do some leg work….or hire a travel agent to do it for you. You have to book two separate cruises…..one after another. Sometimes you are able to find the same cabin on each cruise, but not always. If not, don’t worry…your cabin steward will help you move your belongings. You do not need to book each cruise at the same time. You can always book another cruise, as long as there is space available. Be sure to ask if there are any discounts available when booking. Cruise lines usually offer a small discount, typically $100-$200/cruise. If changing cabins, what happens to my luggage? If you are staying in the same cabin, you do not need to do anything. If you are changing cabins, you must pack clothing and personal items that were in drawers and the bathroom. Be sure to check the safe for valuables! Hanging garments can remain in the wardrobe and will be moved on a rolling hanger rack by your cabin steward. (There have been reports that some cruise lines are now requiring all items must be packed. Details for your cruise will be in the information letter) Leave your luggage in your cabin. It will be moved to your new cabin for you. DO NOT PLACE THE LUGGAGE TAGS FOR DISEMBARKATION OR PUT THEM OUTSIDE THE CABIN ON THE LAST NIGHT!! If you do, your bags will be removed from the ship and you will need to retrieve them shoreside and go through the normal luggage delivery process. Talk with your cabin steward prior to the last day of the cruise. They will instruct you on the best and easiest way for them to assist in moving your luggage for you. Is muster drill required for the 2nd sailing? YES! Maritime law requires all passengers to conduct the mandatory safety drill on each cruise. It MUST be done prior to the ship sailing for all passengers onboard, including consecutive cruisers. Each cruise is a separate sailing and the Coast Guard makes no distinction between consecutive cruisers and passengers just joining the ship. We like to be among the first to check in as soon as they open, then we are free to enjoy our day. Of course, if you plan to disembark and explore the port, be sure to complete this as soon as you re-board. The ship cannot sail until everyone has completed this task. What can I do on turnaround day? You are welcome to remain onboard and enjoy the quiet of an almost empty ship. The pools will be available but bars and food venues will be closed until embarkation begins. Some cruise lines offer a special lunch for B2B cruisers. Be sure to take advantage of this if offered! You are also free to leave the ship and explore the port until the all aboard time. Be sure to verify this time when leaving the ship. You will not have to go through the embarkation process again at most ports. Ask the port agents where consecutive cruisersContinueContinue reading “Everything You Need to Know About Back-to-Back Cruises”
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”
Zest4Travel
Cruise and Travel Blog Disclaimer Zest4Travel is a cruise travel blog owned by Mickey McDonald. Any information presented on this site is for general information and entertainment purposes. Opinions expressed are mine alone (or those of the author, in the case of occasional guest posts). While every attempt is made to ensure information presented is accurate, it is possible that there are errors, omissions, or changes. Information presented should not be taken as any kind of professional travel advice. Always consult with your travel agent or company.. Disclosure Policy This blog is a source of income, and therefore may be used to promote products and services. Zest4Travel may accept sponsorships, which will be disclosed and clearly identified. We only promote products and services that we use and that we believe can benefit our readers. If a product or service is given to Zest4Travel free of charge or if we have been compensated, this will be disclosed. It will not guarantee a positive review. We will give our honest opinions and the company/sponsor will not have influence on editorial content. Affiliate Disclaimer This blog contains affiliate links for which we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to the reader. This means that if you purchase products or services through these links, we will/may be compensated. As an affiliate, we only recommend products and services that we genuinely enjoy and feel would be of value. Zest4Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Privacy Policy This blog does not share personal information with third parties. Should you comment or sign up for emails, your information is collected for that purpose only, meaning the distribution of this blog’s posts and newsletters. Should you have any questions or concerns about this disclaimer or any other matter regarding this site, please email us at zest4travel@yahoo.com.
Evening Chic…..Dress to Impress Your Way
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. Say goodbye to formal night and hello to Evening Chic. It’s your time to shine….the way you want to. Be glamorous….Be chic….Be sophisticated. It’s time to dress to impress! My husband wore his kilt on our recent cruise and I wore a blue dress with a sparkly skirt. It was fun to dress up! And the crew really appreciated that we made an effort! What is Evening Chic? Evening Chic is dressier than smart casual but less dressy than formal attire. Each itinerary features one to two Evening Chic nights. Evening Chic means you dress to impress….be glamorous and sophisticated in your own way,. Wear a cocktail dress, skirt, slacks, or designer jeans with an elegant dress top or blazer. I’ve seen many women wear nice slacks and a sparkly top or a nice dress that could be worn to a fancy restaurant or wedding….they looked lovely! Women should feel comfortable wearing:A cocktail dress, nice skirt, dressy pants or designer jeans with an elegant top.Men should feel comfortable wearing:Pants or designer jeans with a dress shirt, button-down shirt or sweaterSport coat/blazer and tie are optional Of course, if you want to go all out and wear a formal dress or tux, that is totally up to you. This is your night to dress up as much as you want to! What are designer jeans? Designer jeans are nicer jeans (in the UK, they’d be referred to as “smart jeans”) with no holes, rips or tears. These are not your “let’s go hiking” jeans. You want to wear jeans that you can dress up a bit…..wear a nice top and shoes/heels for women and a dress shirt, button-down shirt, or sweater for men, with or without a jacket. Yes, there are “designers jeans” that have rips and tears, but these will not be allowed in any dining room. The daily program, which is delivered to your stateroom each evening for the next day and is also available at the Guest Relations Desk, will be your guide to the correct attire each evening. The menu posted outside the main dining room will note what the attire is for the evening. If you do not wish to participate in Evening Chic, Smart Casual attire is acceptable for dining in the buffet and theater. Don’t stress over it too much though. Just make an effort to look nice on those evenings. It is easy to dress up an outfit with a sparkly scarf, dressy top or even a pair of shoes. Happy Cruising! 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. Thanks so much! 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. 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.
Essential Travel Items for Your Carry-On Bag
Packing for a trip is exciting….but it can also be overwhelming. With a little planning and a good list of what to pack in a carry-on bag, you can maximize space in your bag of choice and still stay within airline requirements when flying. What’s more, you’ll have all your travel essentials close by and accessible, as well as some extras to make the journey more enjoyable. Utilizing your carry-on bag and personal item capacity can even reduce baggage fees and decrease lost baggage incidents, which is a bonus these days! 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. Travel wallet (with travel documents and credit cards) A good travel wallet is essential. It is a 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 keeps 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 Passport holder If you’re traveling internationally, a passport holder can secure your passport and make it easy to find in your carry-on bag. You’ll need access to your passport when you board your flight and when you’re filling out entry forms, so keep the passport holder and a pen within reach. Many styles include room for credit cards, boarding passes, and customs documents to keep all the necessary items organized for customs and boarding your flight. Once you arrive at your destination, put the passport wallet in your crossbody or travel belt to ensure the essentials are safe while you explore and/or get to your hotel. 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. Phone Holder 360° Versatility Flexible Viewing: This airplane travel essentials phone holder offers 360° rotation and multi-angle adjustment, perfect for in-flight use. Enhance your in-flight experience by effortlessly tailoring the position for movies, reading, or checking flight information.Experience the freedom of capturing high-quality videos and photos effortlessly, wherever your adventures take you This is another great option for both your phone and a tablet. The FLIGHT FLAP mobile phone holder for desk and travel folds and bends to adjust to your device but retains its shape and secures your device at any angle, anywhere. Jet Lag Remedy Magnesium won’t cure jet lag—but it can help you fall asleep faster and feel more relaxed while your body adjusts, which makes a big difference when traveling. The Boiron Jet Lag Relief Kit is a homeopathic travel remedy designed to ease common symptoms of jet lag Travel size toiletries TSA is a real stickler for this. They will search your bag (delaying you getting to your plane) and remove anything that does not meet the requirements. REMEMBER….no liquid over 3oz! 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.) I have just started using this pocket-sized toothbrush with toothpaste in the bristles. It is specifically designed to provide quick and easy oral care on the go. Each toothbrush is individually wrapped, so no need to worry about it getting dirty. Tech cord organizer Keep your charging cords organized and easy to find. Nothing worse than have your phone or tablet die and not charger! This organizer is two sided and holders a LOT of cords and plugs. Portable Phone Charger Nothing is worse than having your phone die while traveling. I use this portable charger with a build in foldable USB-C connector . Pop Socket Card Wallet This pop socket wallet is a sleek and secure way to carry your credit cards and ID 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. 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 Prescription medications Always keep your prescription medicines with you….do not put in checked luggage. I love to use a pill organizer. Traveling for a longer time and need more storage? These color-coded pouches make it easy to organize medication by day, time, or family member. Travel Jewelry Case Along the same lines, DO NOT PACK YOUR JEWELRY IN CHECKED LUGGAGE! I always keep all my jewelry in my carryon bag, so that I know where it is at all times. I have found this jewelry case works really well. Another great option for jewelry is this grain leather jewelry storage box that includes 12 velvet transparent storage bags. It can be carried separately or placed inside the jewelry box to prevent jewelry oxidation affect the use. Sea Pass Card Holder What do you use to carry your sea pass card? Many people use a lanyard to keep it easily accessible. I like to use a smaller crossbody bag to hold my sea pass, phone, chapstick and hand sanitzer. You will want to have something in your carry on, since you will be receiving your card as soon as you board. Sea Sick Patches Do you suffer from motion sickness? These sea sick patches will make your travel experience more enjoyable. AND….they are Capt Kate and crew member approved! These are the exact sameContinueContinue reading “Essential Travel Items for Your Carry-On Bag”