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Mother's Day is around the corner. And let’s face it, whether it’s Mother’s Day, a birthday, or another holiday, while Mom appreciates any gift, what she truly treasures is spending quality time with you. If you're looking for a gift that goes beyond the traditional flowers, a coffee cup, plant, or chocolates, why not consider something truly extraordinary? Picture this: gentle sea breezes, stunning ocean vistas, gourmet dining, and memories you build together. Cruises have long been thought of as one of the most luxurious and stress-free vacation options, and there's no better way to pamper Mom than with a voyage to some of the world's most breathtaking destinations. Not so much a gift for her to go alone, with a friend or spouse. She wants to go with you. 7 reasons why a cruise makes the perfect gift for your mom: 1.      Relaxation: Moms work tirelessly day in and day out, often putting their own needs aside for the sake of their families. A cruise offers the perfect opportunity for Mom to unwind and recharge her batteries. With no cooking, cleaning, or laundry to worry about, she can simply sit back, relax, and enjoy being pampered. 2.      Destinations: Whether Mom dreams of exploring the sunny beaches of the Caribbean, marveling at the natural beauty of Alaska, or immersing herself in the rich culture of Europe, there's a cruise itinerary to suit her every desire. With so many destinations to choose from, you can select the perfect voyage that aligns with Mom's interests and preferences. 3.      All-Inclusive Luxury: From elegant accommodations to world-class dining and entertainment, cruises offer an all-inclusive experience that's second to none. Mom can indulge in gourmet meals prepared by top chefs, relax in luxurious spa facilities, and enjoy Broadway-caliber shows and live music performances – all without ever having to reach for her wallet. 4.      Activities: Whether Mom is an adventure-seeker or prefers leisurely activities, there’s no shortage of activities to keep her entertained on board. From zip-lining and rock climbing to wine tastings and cooking classes, there's something for everyone to enjoy. And for those moments when Mom simply wants to soak up the sun by the pool or curl up with a good book, there's plenty of space to do just that. 5.      Quality Time: One of the greatest gifts you can give Mom is the gift of time spent together as a family. A cruise provides the perfect opportunity to create lasting memories with Mom and strengthen your family bond. Whether you're celebrating a holiday like Mother’s Day or a milestone occasion or simply enjoying each other's company, a cruise offers the ideal backdrop for family togetherness. You have plenty of opportunities to be together, but also lots of time for everyone to do their own thing and come together over meals, some excursions in port, and shipboard activities that appeal to you all. Want to do something super simple? Did your family have a favorite game when you were growing up? Bring it with you to enjoy on a sailing day. There are plenty of spots to enjoy that game on board. 6.      Service:  From the moment Mom steps on board until the moment she disembarks, she'll be treated like royalty by dedicated crew members committed to ensuring her every need is met. From personalized service in the dining room to attentive cabin stewards who anticipate her every desire, Mom will feel truly pampered from start to finish. After years of cooking, cleaning, and laundry, doesn’t she deserve that? 7.      Safety and Peace of Mind: Cruise lines go above and beyond to prioritize the health and safety of their guests to ensure a worry-free experience for all on board. Let Mom take a break from being sure the kids and grandkids are safe and healthy. Allow someone else to ensure the safety and well-being of your family, giving Mom a break from those responsibilities. Over the years, I’ve been blessed to book many cruises booked by Mom or Dad or by their now-adult kids who are doing the planning. I have NEVER spoken to a mom who wasn’t positive about looking forward to the time together and never, not once, sounded like they less than loved the time traveling with their kid(s) on a cruise. As I write this article, I’m reminded of the family I booked that’s currently sailing on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. It’s five cabins with three generations that include five moms and mom figures. This is the second time they’ve cruised together because of the time together, the break, the fun, and the memories they are building. I have over 40 years of experience in the travel industry, booking large and small groups of all kinds of backgrounds and individual vacations. But my favorites are small family groups. There’s a special sweetness to them that reaches back into the past and forward into the future. This Mother's Day, go above and beyond to show Mom just how much she means to you by treating her to the gift of a lifetime – a cruise vacation she'll cherish forever. With unmatched relaxation, stunning destinations, all-inclusive luxury, and quality time with loved ones, a cruise offers everything Mom could ever want and more. And best of all, memories that your entire family, whether two generations, three or four generations, will remember, talk about, and enjoy. Happy Traveling! -Connie

Cruise ship buffets offer convenience and culinary diversity. From familiar comfort foods to exotic delicacies, buffets provide an array of tempting options that cater to every palate. Whether you’re most comfortable sticking with what you know, adventurous about trying new foods, or have food sensitivities, buffets are great opportunities. And they’re free since the cost of the buffets is included in your cruise fare! It's rare to find an ocean cruise ship without a main buffet restaurant, and many riverboat cruises also feature buffet areas. Now, let's jump into my “top six” cruise ship buffets, each deserving of recognition. Each has its reasons for being a standout. They aren’t in any particular order. Top Six Ocean and River Cruise Ship Buffets 1. Royal Caribbean International's Symphony of the Seas Windjammer Cafe, port side. 2. Royal Caribbean International's Harmony of the Seas Windjammer Cafe, hightop counter seating. 3. Royal Caribbean International's Oasis of the Seas Windjammer Cafe, sample lunch. 4. Royal Caribbean International's Oasis of the Seas Windjammer Cafe, seating. Royal Caribbean International's Windjammer Cafe / Windjammer Marketplace Royal Caribbean's buffet, known as both Windjammer Café and Windjammer Marketplace, is a culinary harbor offering a ton of food options ranging from American favorites to exotic options found around the world with examples of cuisines including Indonesian, Tex-Mex, and French. Entrees, salads, vegetables, side dishes, and desserts are arranged on islands or rows within the buffet area. Windjammer's extensive offerings cater to diverse tastes to satisfy picky eaters and food-adventurous guests who want to gastronomically travel the world without stepping foot off the ship. Over the years, Windjammer has introduced me to many new foods that I’ve come to love. The diversity works well for those with specific dietary requirements like vegetarian, allergy, or gluten-free, with attentive staff readily available for guidance or consultations with the chef. During peak hours, the strategic layout of food stations proves invaluable in efficiently managing crowds. While both starboard (right) and port (left) sides as you enter the room offer nearly identical food stations, only one side may operate during off-peak hours. There is mostly sufficient seating, with the exception of the highest peak breakfast times, especially on port days, and the highest peak time of lunch on at-sea days. Seating is along the perimeter Windjammer with a lot of spots along the windows using tables, partial booths, and high-top counters on some ships. Some of Royal Caribbean’s ships have additional outdoor extensions available behind Windjammer. If your ship doesn’t offer that, you can take your food out to the tables or lounges on the deck by the pool. 1. Celebrity Beyond's Oceanview Cafe is a gluten-free food station. 2. Celebrity Cruises' pizza is a hit. 3. Celebrity Cruises' Millennium and Summit Oceanview Cafe. 4. Celebrity Cruises' Edge and Apex outdoor seating of Oceanview Cafe. 5. Celebrity Cruises' Beyond, sample yummy lunch desserts in Oceanview Cafe. 6. Celebrity Cruises' breakfast with Bloody Mary and mimosa. Celebrity Cruises' Oceanview Cafe Celebrity Cruises’ Oceanview Café spans its entire fleet except for its three Galapagos Islands ships. Like the previously listed line, nearly identical food stations are on both sides toward the room’s center while seating is along the outer parts of the room. Some ships offer outdoor extensions to Oceanview Café, but if you prefer eating al fresco and there is none on your ship, feel free to take your meal out to the deck seating around the pool. Depending on the ship, indoor seating consists of tables, some partial booths, and possibly a hightop counter. Celebrity’s cuisine is also globally inspired. Some dishes are consistent day-to-day, and others change, providing plenty of variety for diners who stick with familiar favorites, those who seek new experiences, and those who must adhere to dietary restrictions. The cruise line is known for accommodating guests with dietary needs and preferences. While Celebrity offers plenty of indulgent options, it also has many lighter options. During my most recent Celebrity Cruises voyage aboard Celebrity Beyond with a lifelong school companion, we were especially wowed by the array and quality of breads and desserts. Thank goodness we had some great healthy options, too, to help offset those carbs! 1. Princess Cruises' World Fresh Cafe, staff assists with food concerns. 2. Princess Crusies' World Fresh Cafe on a Royal-Class ship. 3. Princess Cruises' World Fresh Cafe, finishing your meal with some sweets. 4. Princess Cruises' Worldwide Fresh Cafe, fresh meat carving option. Princess Cruises' World Fresh Market The World Fresh Market buffet, specifically on Princess Cruises’ six Royal-Class ships- Discovery Princess, Majestic Princess, Enchanted Princess, Royal Princess, Regal Princess, and Sky Princess is set up differently than on their older ships. These food stations are set up similarly to the islands and rows as the two previous cruise lines and offer a much better traffic flow than what guests experience on Princess’ other older ships. With many more dining options, guests are enjoying expanded menus from the U.S. and around the world. The venue is bright and airy and offers tables and partial booths with ample seating except at the highest of peak times. If you prefer outdoor seating, take your meal out the door to the tables and chairs on deck. World Fresh Market also offers various international food themes and gives you a great opportunity to try items you’d normally not cook or order when dining at home. As mentioned, there’s a lot of variety to suit most tastes and the quality is good. Though I tend to use buffets more for breakfasts and lunches, I did go to it for a dinner on my last Princess cruise for a more low-key meal and was happy with my choice. In fact, I chatted with a few guests who said they preferred the buffet over the main dining room! While I don’t think that’s true for the majority of guests, it does speak to the quality of the buffet at dinner. 1. Oceania Cruises' Oceania Marina, Terrace Care has table umbrellas so you can enjoy the day without too much sun. 2. Oceania Cruises' Oceania Marina, enjoying a romantic al fresco dinner during sunset. 3. Oceania Cruises' Terrace Cafe, upscale buffet on a premium cruise line. 4. Oceania Cruises' Ocean Sirina, indoor seating by the window with great views. Oceania Cruises’ Terrace Café Oceania Cruises’ Terrace Café offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet experiences. The menu features foods similar to those on other lines’ buffets but with upscale options at a higher level. Terrace Café offers both indoor and outdoor seating in the back of the ship. Past the doors of Terrace Café is a true extension of the restaurant, which is beautifully set up for alfresco dining. Part of the area immediately outside the doors is covered to enjoy despite rain or too much sun. Beyond that the edge of the ship is completely open to enjoy the sun and stars above, but has patio-type umbrellas on the tables if you need protection from the elements. It's a beautiful space and offers breathtaking views off the aft of the ship, including the relaxing wake when the ship is sailing. Can you imagine the sunrises and sunsets as you eat breakfast and dinner? Whether you choose to eat inside in a temperature-controlled environment or outside, the ambiance will only enhance your meal. And those meals--- There’s a buffet breakfast plus a Full American / European breakfast menu. Lunch and dinner include a buffet plus a menu with tantalizing options representative of where the ship is sailing. Here are sample lunch and dinner menus. The combination of the food options and venue put this Terrace Café on this list. The first four buffets are dedicated buffet restaurants. These last two spots on my top buffets are not designated venues, but they are no less worthy of being on this "Top 6" list and I'll explain why. 1. Viking River Cruises, friends who travel together every year or two know that lunch out on the deck together means friendships, good food, beer & wine, and incredible views. See that castle at the top of the hill? 2. Viking River Cruises' Aquaviet Terrace, dinner at dusk. 3. Viking River Cruises' Aquavit Terrace includes sofas to enjoy while nibbling on a buffet snack, having a drink, chatting with a friend, or reading. 4. Viking River Cruises, view of sunset off the back of the ship in the Aquavit Terrace. 5. Viking River Cruises, leisurely breakfast from the buffet at breakfast in the Aquavit Terrace. Viking River Cruises longships' Aquavit Terrace Viking River Cruises longships, along with Viking Prestige and Viking Legend, feature the Aquavit Terrace. Pronounced "aqua-VEET,” this is a versatile café offering buffet and off-menu options. This space doubles as a venue for events like port excursion talks or leisurely drinks with stunning views. In fact, in addition to dining tables, the spot also has pillow-covered sofas for reading, sipping your favorite beverage, or chatting with friends. Aquavit Terrace made my list because of the fabulous indoor/outdoor venue at the bow (front) of the ship and its design. Glass windbreakers encircling the outer deck shield guests from wind without obstructing the breathtaking 180-degree views. Retractable glass doors can seamlessly merge indoor and outdoor areas, inviting guests to enjoy al fresco dining on pleasant days. Aquavit Terrace's panoramic views and thoughtful design make it a standout area to hang out for both meals and drinks. So, how about the food? There can be variations in what's offered between the ships and the day’s itinerary on the style, but there is a cold buffet and hot foods menu for breakfast and generally a buffet and menu at lunch. Dinner is often a scaled-down version of the main dining room’s dinner, and salads and appetizers could be on the buffet. 1. MSC Yacht Club Pool Grill offers buffet breakfasts and lunches, rolls and salad bar. 2. MSC Yacht Club Pool Grill lunch, pick your protein to have freshly grilled to your preference. 3. MSC Yacht Club Pool Grill has some already grilled meats, seafoods and veggies ready for a quick pick. MSC's Yacht Club Pool Grill MSC’s Yacht Club has a secret, not a secret buffet. The Yacht Club is an exclusive area at the top front of select MSC Cruises ships. It’s an exclusive experience, a private area for Yacht Club guests. The Yacht Club offers Le Muse, an included specialty restaurant, “light bites” and snacks in Top Sail Lounge. I also enjoy going to some of the optional specialty restaurants and the ship’s main buffet. But there’s another food option for Yacht Club guests. It’s the MSC Yacht Club Grill up at the private pool and sundeck area. I know… “grill.” You’re probably thinking that I’m talking about hotdogs and ‘burgers. But this grill also offers so much more. How about a buffet lunch offering all kinds of salad fixings, breads, desserts, and grilled-to-perfection veggies and proteins like grilled fish, lamb chops, chicken, and shrimp? I haven’t gotten to it, but I hear that the buffet breakfast is also wonderful. What a great chance to not give up sunbathing, the pool or whirlpools when you can have a grilled buffet breakfast or lunch in one of the lounge chairs or at a table.  Or, as we did, just choose to enjoy lunch al fresco with great grilled food?! Don’t knock the buffets on these ships. They’re not all about convenience or, notoriously, gluttony. They can also be about great food, relaxing spaces, wonderful views, options and opportunities, and great spots on the ship. Happy Traveling! -Connie

I was on an overnight train from Moscow to St. Petersburg in the early 1980s, sharing a sleeping car with a roommate on an educational trip. We were the youngest ones in the smallish group of about 20 travel agents. I long ago forgot my roommate’s name, but I can still picture “scenes” in my mind of the ride.  Being young and silly, we decided to wave at people walking by our railcar before we departed from the station. It was a time of transition as the Soviet Union was dissolving. People weren’t unfriendly so much as they didn’t know how to be comfortably friendly. I noticed women often walked arm in arm, making me feel they wanted to safely talk as quietly and closely as possible. I’m not saying that’s true. Just that it was my feeling. So here we were before the train pulled out of Moscow, two crazy American girls standing by our sleeping compartment’s window, waiving at people walking by on the platform. We wanted to see how many would wave back. Some did, but not many. More often, we got a look of curiosity which was very understandable. But we felt like we scored a point for everyone who felt comfortable waiving or, at least, nodding back at us. Our excitement prevented sleep, prompting us to explore the train, much to the displeasure of the elderly female conductor. She didn’t have to know English, nor us to know Russian to be aware we were not making her happy. But there was also a 30-ish male conductor who was friendly, again with us at a language loss.  Unfortunately, his being friendly with us wasn’t scoring points with his more seasoned co-worker. There was no flirting going on. Just friendliness, curiosity, and the sweetness that can come with short times between cultures. At one point, our new friend pulled out an orange and mimed that he wanted to share it with us. There are a few things you need to know. First, fresh fruit was a rarity in the Soviet Union. It would have been hard to come by and expensive. This orange looked like something you’d find months later in the back of your refrigerator, but it would have been a treasure to him. Part of me wanted to turn down his gesture, but we knew it was a gift from the heart. Heck, even if I hated oranges, I would have been honored to eat a section of it. So three of us ate that orange (before the mean female conductor caught us all together and got him into trouble!). This offer and our acceptance crossed cultures and brought us together. Little did I grasp then that this simple act would mark the beginning of a profound realization—how food transcends boundaries, fosters understanding and connection, and teaches history and cultures. It laid the foundation for a passion to enrich others' journeys through immersive experiences, particularly those that are food-related. From TLN Culinary Collection Sailings to my agency's annual "foodie" cruise, each of these culinary-related adventures aims to infuse local cultures with the essence of food and drink, fostering unforgettable experiences and bridging divides— one shared orange at a time. Happy Traveling, -Connie

The advice I give our first-time Virgin Voyages who have sailed with other cruise lines is to “throw out everything you know about cruising because you can’t compare this experience to that of other cruise lines.” Am I making a disparaging statement against this line? Not at all! Virgin Voyages is so different that, if you stay stuck in your head about what cruising is supposed to be, you’ll be disappointed or confused. But if you let yourself go and enjoy this entirely new experience, you may find yourself on one of your favorite vacation experiences! Despite the differences between "VV" and other lines, you'll find Sir Richard Branson's three ships: Scarlett Lady, Valiant Lady, and Resilient Lady to be identical in appearance, personalities, and features. Let's go over 12 of the biggest differences from other lines: 1. Adults Only Virgin Voyages is all about a mature, sophisticated vibe. Whether you prefer an adults-only vacation or you’d just like a week away from kids, this is a plus to the non-kid family cruise vacation. 2. Entertainment & Events This cruise line focuses on unique, immersive entertainment. Rather than the more typical theatre, they have the “Red Room” which be reconfigured for various shows. Virgin Voyages is known for a variety of unique shows, parties and events so you’re sure to get caught up in something you’ll love! "Activities are unlike your standard cruise.  Pop-up performances abound.  Higher occupancy events are exciting, some events have an edge which is super fun."  -Rick P. 3. No Buffets If you’ve cruised on the “mass market” lines, it’s hard to imagine a cruise line without a buffet, right? But there is a nice substitute- The Galley which is open 24/7. It includes a bakery and pastry shop, panini shop, burger grill, taco shack, sushi bar, noodle bar, a soup and salad stand and a 24-hour American diner. So no worries about missing that buffet, right? Use a handy QR code or look at the menu to have your favorites brought to you…. At no extra cost. 4. Truly Flexible Dining Have dinner where you want, when you want. There are no assigned dining times, restaurants, or tables assigned to you. In fact, there are no Main Dining Rooms, but if you enjoy the smaller venues and upscale food of cruise lines’ “specialty dining restaurants,” you’ll love VV’s alternatives.  Which leads me to #5…… 5. Culinary Adventure Virgin Voyages’ ships have over 20 eateries, every one of them complimentary! This includes free restaurants that are more intimate along the lines of other lines “specialty restaurants.” Your culinary adventure on this cruise ranges from steaks and seafood to Mexican, Italian, and even Korean BBQ. And if you are a vegan, you’ll be thrilled to know they even have a restaurant dedicated to your preference! But you don’t have to worry about the possible carnivores in your party--- that restaurant also has a naughty menu so your non-vegan friends can dine with you. By the way, do you love going out (or having someone else at home cook!) for breakfast? Enjoy “breakfast for dinner?”  Or perhaps eggs or another breakfast specialty is your preference for late-night munchies? Virgin even offers American breakfasts 24 hours a day! “The food on Virgin is exceptional, and the adult-only cruise provides for a unique experience.  We had a wonderful time!"   -Mark W. 6. Upscale Resort Vibe Modern and stylish, but not snooty or uncomfortable. I think the fun and casualness of the line keeps people comfortable even if you don’t consider yourself comfortable in “upscale.” 7. Wellness Keep up good habits, start new ones or just have fun trying something out. There are the typical spa and fitness classes, but also a lot of wellness activities to try out. Want to try out or keep your Keto way of life or do your meditation routine with others? 8. Dress Code Leave your formal attire at home because Virgin Voyages embraces a casual sophisticated lifestyle. It's about your comfort, not about packing more or being uncomfortable. 9. Late, Late Nights Whether you are generally a late-night person or only play one on vacation, you’ll love lots of opportunities for drinks and entertainment to keep you busy until the wee hours! In fact, on Virgin Voyages even the hot tubs aren’t closed for cleaning until hours after most lines close theirs for the night. 10. Operate Your Cabin with an Easy Tablet Each cabin has a tablet that enables you to operate your lighting and temperature, open/close your curtains, or even operate your television for TV shows or movies. You can also use it to order items such as ice or extra towels as well as report maintenance issues. Plus, it’s programmed to be easy to use. It’s quite convenient. 11.  Hammocks Have you ever had a hammock on your cruise ship balcony? You will on Virgin Voyages, the masters at relaxation! Did you see the Shark Tank episode with Yellow Leaf Hammocks which are sourced from the Mlabri Tribe in Northern Thailand? That hammock you relax on has a huge impact on the communities that Virgin Voyages has committed to through the company selling them. By the way, the hammocks are just one example of Sir Richard Branson’s commitment to his line being involved with local sourcing to benefit other cultures and in cultural awareness. “The food, entertainment, staff and accommodations on Virgin Voyages were phenomenal. The added bonus of a hammock on our balcony was a fun surprise. We will definitely sail with them again.” -Rich and Charlotte P. 12.  Inclusive! Virgin includes a lot that other lines charge extra for. Some cruisers, depending on the line they book, the package they buy, and their vacation lifestyle, feel they are “nickeled and dimed,” but that’s not a comment made by Virgin’s sailors.  With them, you get to have: Free meals in small restaurants that other lines charge extra to enjoy Free still and sparkling water, non-pressed juices, sodas, sachet teas, and drip coffee Free gratuities Free Wi-Fi Free fitness classes Free (no penalty) voyage date changes up to 45 days before your sailing Free (permitted AND no penalty) name changes up to 48 hours before your sailing “Bar Tab” dollars, which vary in amount depending on the sailing date and promotion. Most of my agency’s bookings land $300 in “Free Bar Tab” to be used toward beer, wine, cocktails and specialty coffees “You don't get nickeled and dimed. On all the VV cruises we have been on, we has disembarked owing nothing. In fact, we still had $20 left over on our bar tab on one cruise.” -Scott I. Differences... and Unique Surprises! For a first-time Virgin Voyages sailor, there are a lot of new and exciting changes from what you’re used to. And thanks to Sir Richard Branson's playful nature, you never know what fun surprises may pop up during your vacation. Like this one that greeted guests on Virgin Voyages' first-ever arrival in Sydney, Australia. I’m looking forward to working with you to plan your best vacation yet. Will it be on Virgin Voyages? Happy Traveling, -Connie

When traveling, what goes into your carry-on bag is as important as your overall trip packing list. These suggestions take the guesswork out of planning your carry-on bag. Any time you will be separated from your main luggage, you need to have a “day bag” carry-on luggage plan. Consider this bag as both your backup plan and your convenience plan. 14 Items that should always be in your carry-on bag Whenever traveling, these are the things that should be in your carry-on bag whether that’s a tote bag, duffle bag, backpack, or small suitcase. Your carry-on packing list should include: 1) Passport or other proof of citizenship – These should always be secured and easily reachable. 2) Travel documents – If you have printed documents, they need to be easily reachable. 3) Medications – All prescriptions should be in your possession, not in a suitcase that could be lost or stolen. Also, take your over-the-counter meds you may need for a day. In my case, I make sure Ibuprofen and (if flying) decongestant in my carry-on. 4) Electronics- phone, charger, battery pack, laptop, tablet 5) Reading materials or other items to do- Put me on a plane and I suddenly have ‘flying ADD" (a term I may have just coined). I take multiple things to read (all or some may be in my Kindle app), listen to (podcasts or Audible books), paper books (yes, some of us still read those), magazines, notepad (never know when I’ll be inspired to journal or work on a blog). Take your knitting, finger puzzles, or whatever keeps you occupied. 6) Jewelry - Any valuable jewelry (why are you bringing it?) or other valued item needs to be on your person physically or in your carry-on. 7) Anything fragile – If it’s breakable, it needs to be WELL-toward the inside of your luggage or in your carry-on. 8) Toiletries – Toiletries for at least your first 24 hours (in case luggage gets waylaid) or that you may need while traveling should be in your carry-on. But remember the “3-1-1” TSA rule. Containers can’t hold more than 3.1 ounces and must all be in one quart-size bag, one bag per flyer. 9) Glasses or spare contacts – If you are dependent on glasses or contacts, it’s wise to travel with a second set. Even better is to have them in your carry-on. 10) Change of clothes – Luggage can get lost or stolen. Always travel with a change of clothing to get you through the first 24 hours in case of delays or to cover you while buying new items. 11) Pen – All I can say is that I’ve regretted when I’ve not had one. It takes up virtually no space so just toss one in. 12) Hand sanitizer – If you’re traveling, you’re likely touching things everyone else has touched and there may not be access to soap and water each time you’d like there to be. 13) Tissues – Whether you’re blowing your nose or regretting there’s no available toilet paper, having some tissues conveniently accessible is worth that minute space in your bag. 14) Luggage tag or card inside with your name and contact information – You could forgetfully leave your bag in an airport restaurant or overhead on your plane. Or, like what happened to me, someone getting off the plane sooner than I did, grabbed my small black tote bag from the overhead instead of theirs. In my case with the erroneously taken black duffle? As I was spending time reporting the bag, the person was fortunately turning it in elsewhere and the airline announced my name since my ID was on it. What About Variations Specific to Circumstances? Add These in Your Carry-On When Flying · Disinfectant wipes – It’s a good idea to clean your seat, seatbelt, and tray table. Light jacket or similar- I don’t fly anywhere without a pashmina (pash MEE nuh) shawl. I consider it an essential item. It’s light and takes very little, but is a very versatile item and, on a plane, can be the perfect replacement for a blanket when I’m chilly. Add These in Your Carry-On When Cruising When cruising, it can take an hour or until dinner time for your luggage to get to your cabin. You want to be properly prepared. Bathing suit – If you feel you’ll want to jump into the pool or sunbathe that afternoon, pack a bathing suit in your carry-on bag. Anything you may need for the first few hours on the ship – It gives you the ability to start having fun even if you don’t have your other bags already. Space for your PJs and last-minute items you’re tossing in before disembarking your cruise – You’ll need to put out your suitcases the night before you get off the ship. Be sure to keep an outfit and toiletries you’ll need and know you’ll have to fit the toiletries, jammies, and other items from overnight into that carry-on. Add These in Your Carry-On When Going to a Resort Bathing suit – In case your luggage gets lost on the way to your destination, you may want your bathing suit to hit the pool or beach while the airline sorts out how to reconnect your luggage with you. To get these and other tips when traveling, we hope you will book your cruise or escorted tour with us. Let’s get planning! Happy Traveling! -Connie

Our “foodie” cruise aboard Celebrity Equinox is crafted by two professionals who want to use food and beverages as ingredients to create exceptional memory-building group vacations. How Sip, Sail & See Adventures started and why we're passionate about it. Announcing our first Sip, Savor & See Adventure How Sip, Savor & See Adventures’ Foodie Cruise Came Together and Why We’re Passionate About this New Group Chef Mike and I created our dream for you--- down-to-earth, fun, foodie additions to enhance your vacation by using food and beverages to connect our group’s participants with the people, cultures, and history of the regions we visit. We want to enhance your already wonderful cruise through sight, smell, taste, touch, and even sound. I became acquainted with Chef Mike as a regular participant and helper on a cruise group I worked with and escorted for over ten years. We participated in and led some hands-on food-related excursions for this group. We’ve often reminisced and laughed over the memories of those excursions and shipboard experiences. Mike is a retired professional chef with over 20 years of work in the food industry and a chef educator still actively conducting in-person and online demonstrations. Before this, he was in the travel industry, working for airlines and travel agencies until he was 35 when he went to culinary school, ultimately receiving degrees in both Culinary and Pastry Arts. A world traveler, Mike has always enjoyed learning about the local culture and cuisine wherever he happens to be. Among his favorite travel activities are visiting a local produce market, winery, or farm. I’ve been a travel consultant for over 40 years, including working on groups from 5 cabins to over 500 guests. I feel that life is about relationships. Sometimes those relationships are only short connections lasting minutes. My favorite travel memories center on experiences involving interactions with locals, many of which involved an aspect of food or beverage, whether it was sharing a sad-looking but cherished orange with a non-English speaking train conductor with a sincere invitation to share it. Or learning about the history and importance of chocolate in ancient Mayan culture. "Eat at a local restaurant tonight. Get the cream sauce. Have a cold pint at 4 o’clock in a mostly empty bar. Go somewhere you’ve never been. Listen to someone you think may have nothing in common with you. Order the steak rare. Eat an oyster. Have a negroni. Have two. Be open to a world where you may not understand or agree with the person next to you but have a drink with them anyways….. Enjoy the ride." -Anthony Bourdain We both felt that many of our most memorable and fun travel activities had us digging deeper into the local food experiences. With a growing friendship and the realization that our values were aligned, we often talked about how we would like to put together cruises and tours highlighting culinary experiences. The more we talked, the more we wanted to start “foodie” groups. However, we’d joke, “Not Michelin Star restaurant foodie groups, but more like Anthony Bourdain-ish foodie groups.” We both appreciated Bourdain’s approach to food, drink, and people in his travel show, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. He was about connecting to people and places and often used food as the catalyst. This is what we wanted to create: those opportunities. We want to allow you plenty of free time to enjoy your vacation in the ways you want, but to have special events included and optional add-ons that elevate your vacation. You’re Invited to our Inaugural Sip, Savor & See Adventure Cruise Aboard Celebrity Equinox We are excited to announce our first group will be on Celebrity Cruises’ ship, Celebrity Equinox. This December 7-14, 2024, cruise will sail roundtrip from Cape Canaveral, Florida to St. Maarten, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. There will be five exclusive private events on the ship consisting of a welcome cocktail party, two demonstrations with tastings held by Equinox’s Executive Chefs, a lunch in the specialty restaurant, Tuscan Grille or similar, and a ship Behind-the-Scenes Tour. There will also be optional excursions in the ports that will be private for our group. Of course, the themes will be culinary and fun! And surprises!  We want to exceed expectations and to treat our first Sip, Savor & See Adventures guests to unexpected extras. Our prices are inclusive. We’re working with Verandah and higher categories. As well as everything mentioned above except those optional excursions, our rates also include all shipboard beverages on the Celebrity’s Classic Beverage Package, 1 Wi-Fi device per person, and prepaid gratuities. All this for a week, starting at only $1523 per person based on double occupancy plus tax for a stateroom with your private verandah. “I’m really excited that Connie has taken our many conversations about travel, food and culture to the next level by offering the inaugural Sip, Savor and See Adventure cruise.” --Chef Mike For More Information and to Join this First Adventure Book early to avoid disappointment. We have to limit participation for this trip and expect it to sell out. Click here to read more details about this special cruise event. Or, if you feel you know all you need to at this point, click here to submit a no-obligation request for a rate quote. We’d love to have you join us! Happy Traveling! -Connie

How far in advance should I book my cruise vacation? When can I get the best prices? Should I wait until close to the sailing date? These are common questions I get asked. For a long time, some of the best prices were for last-minute bookings. It worked out especially well for those who had open schedules, weren’t heart-set on a specific cruise and could book whatever sailings and cabins were available, and lived close enough to the port to not have to worry about higher airfare and hotel costs. But now, those opportunities are more rare. Passenger manifests must be turned in to Homeland Security in advance of the sailing. Cruise lines’ revenue departments have more sophisticated programs that monitor historical numbers and current activity. These programs, while not infallible, are consistently getting better at knowing how to price sailings based on the percentage of the ships filling at any given time. Less experienced travelers are still often mistakenly thinking that cruises and tours aren’t filling up. Experienced travelers know that the pent-up demand exceeded any concern about travel and that most forms of travel are filling up earlier than they did pre-pandemic. My reason for writing this article is to help people know the realities of the cruise industry and make the best choices for you. As always, I feel that educated consumers make for the best consumers. So let’s dig in on eight reasons to consider booking as early as possible. Eight Reasons to Book Your Cruise Early Grab those vacation days Set up your vacation days at work early enough to get the time off you want. It can be frustrating when you decide on a vacation only to find that you can’t get off from work. Or to later find that your dog watcher is no longer available or that family events have been set up. Get your vacation on your calendar. Get the days off and let the rest of your family mark their calendars that you will be away. Cabin and suite location By booking early, you have the most chance of getting among the best and most popular spots on the ship. Mid-ship goes quickly. Areas away from public spots, those with the best views, and areas convenient to some ship features and activities are popular. Whereas, there are areas such as louder public areas above or below, too far forward or aft (the exception being my favorite which are the coveted aft-facing cabins off the back of the ship), on decks that are broken up, or by cabin steward closets are the ones that will remain available the longest. Connecting cabins Unfortunately, there are too few of these on most ships, and their popularity makes them get booked up quickly. Making it more frustrating is that cruise lines are all too willing to sell one of the two connecting pairs. Though I don’t know why anyone would choose to grab one of two connecting cabins when given a choice, too often I’ve been hunting for connecting pairs only to find one of a pair still available. If you’re looking for connecting cabins for your family or party, book early to have options. General availability Suites usually sell out the fastest. Next are the inside cabins. Yes, it’s the most expensive and least expensive which go the quickest. Next are the lower priced balcony cabin categories. Have plenty of time before the payment Depending on the line and timing, you’ll have up to seven days to pay your deposit. Final payment, with few exceptions, is due 90-120 days prior to sailing. By booking early, you’ll have more time to save up for your final payment. Make payments For some people, it’s more comfortable to make periodic payments. With booking and your initial deposit having been done and final payment not being due for a while since you booked early, you can make periodic payments toward your balance to help ease the budget commitment. Best pricing option If the sailing is filling as predicted by that pesty revenue department programming, the prices will rise as the sailing gets closer. But if there is a later special promotion that temporarily lowers the cost, most lines will allow the price to be renegotiated for your booking. This gives you the best of all worlds, right?! Unique itinerary Whenever you are looking at a repositioning cruise (a ship doing a sailing between the port of a past itinerary to the port where she is going to start sailing from) or an itinerary that the ship doesn't regularly sail, book early. There's a greater chance of the sailing filling up and you being disappointed since you can't easily opt for another sailing date. Again, you can usually have the rate renegotiated if the sailing doesn't end up filling and the cruise line offers enticing promotions later. How far in advance do our clients book? I’ll break that down into two categories. Individual Clients: Our individual clients- singles, couples, friends who are booking just one or a few cabins tend to book about 6-18 months in advance. Those who regularly cruise 1+ times per year lean more toward the 12-18 months in advance. Newer-to-cruising and those who don’t cruise as often more often lean toward 6-12 months. We’ve always had clients who booked even further in advance, but that occurs even more often since the pandemic. By the end of this past summer 2023, we had quite a few clients already booked and under deposit for 2025 or who are waiting for later 2025 “deployments” (schedules) to be announced. Groups: Our groups are defined as 5 to 100+ cabins. Our group leaders and in-house groups tend to start working on sailings 12-18 months in advance with bookings into the group beginning at 12-16 months. This gives people time to plan their schedules and make their deposits. The exception to this is when there is one family member paying for everyone. For instance, when the family patriarch or matriarch is paying for two or three generations. Or when one person who is financially comfortable is paying for a sibling’s cruise. As you can see, my suggestion is to book as early as you can since you have little to lose and a whole lot to gain. Are you ready to start planning your cruise now? Let’s talk! Happy Traveling, -Connie P.S. Would you like to visit our YouTube channel?

It’s easy to get excited about your dream trip. But we don’t get enthusiastic about protecting our travel investment and finances. Let’s face it. “I love buying insurance,” said no sane person ever, right? And though the investment in any kind of insurance can feel like a waste if you haven’t had to file a claim, we’re oh-so-grateful we have it when the bad stuff happens. That’s how I feel about travel insurance. Knock on wood, I’ve only needed to file a small claim. But I’ve seen clients file claims for all types of reasons and others who wish they’d purchased trip insurance. Having seen so many instances of “life happens” from my side as a travel specialist, there’s no way I’d travel without insurance. Travel insurance isn’t the glamorous side of my industry. It won’t build fond memories or make for beautiful vacation photos. I know these types of informational blog articles on non-exciting subjects will remain among my least viewed articles. But if they mean any of our readers bought insurance that saved them in the long run, they’re worth my time despite the lower views. While I’m using material from Travel Insured’s Worldwide Trip Protector, this can also be a general idea of what other companies’ insurance policies typically cover. Of course, you’ll want to review the specific policy you're considering. 12 Reasons You May Need travel insurance: These are 12 reasons why you may want (need) travel insurance. Do any of these sound like the protection you'd want? 1) Trip Cancellation reimburses your insured trip cost when you cancel for a covered reason. 2) Trip Interruption reimburses your trip cost if you must start your trip late or are unable to complete your trip due to a covered reason. This also reimburses the non-refundable cost of unused travel arrangements as well as transportation costs. 3) Trip Delay compensates you for reasonable trip costs such as hotel and meals when your delay is due to a covered reason. 4) Missed Tour or Cruise Connection reimburses for certain unplanned losses including additional transportation to join your trip when there’s a 3-hour or longer delay due to a covered reason that caused you to miss your trip departure. 5) Medical Evacuation allows you to get to the nearest medical facility capable of providing treatment and to transport you back to your point of origin with a medical escort if required. Emergency medical evacuation or "medevac" can cost tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the area. This article has some price ranges. 6) Repatriation of Remains covers transportation of remains back to the point of origin in case of an unexpected tragedy. 7) Accident and Sickness Medical Expense (“Emergency Medical”) covers treatment costs for an accidental injury or unforeseen illness. 8) Baggage and Personal Effects compensate when your possessions are lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed during your trip. 9) Baggage Delay repays for necessary personal items after a 3-hour or longer delay to your destination. 10) Political, Security and Natural Evacuation covers you for transport to the nearest place of safety or an economy ticket home. 11) Accidental Death and Dismemberment provides a benefit for a traveler suffering from loss of life, limb, or sight resulting from an accident during your trip. 12) Peace of Mind which is all the more important if you lean toward being a worrier. Note that there are various requirements and limits on the above coverages. This article is to explain and educate on the importance of travel insurance. It is not intended to provide details that can be found in the policy you are considering. These are four true story examples to serve as cautionary tales. Client names have been changed: Me: I flew from Philadelphia to Miami to board a cruise. It took until the next day after boarding the ship for the airline to find my suitcase in Mexico. The airline got it to the ship when we sailed into Cozumel a few days later, but by that point, I had to buy toiletries and clothes. I saved receipts and the airline report to submit a successful baggage delay claim with the travel insurance company. Gary: During a group cruise I was escorting, Gary’s grandmother unexpectedly passed away. He and his family wanted him to come home. Despite all planes back home from Cozumel being full the next day, Travel Insured secured a seat. They also reimbursed the costs involved in getting him home and refunded a prorated cost of his cruise that was unused based on the trip interruption coverage. Sandy and Grandmom: Fifteen-year-old Sandy got quite sick on a cruise with her siblings and grandparents. She had to be hospitalized for a kidney infection. Thankfully, the emergency medical coverage covered the bills, and the insurance company reimbursed for the unused cruise days and helped reimburse the hotel and other costs for the grandmom while her granddaughter was in the hospital. (Side note: The granddaughter traveled against our advice with a birth certificate instead of a passport. After getting out of the hospital, they had to prolong their stay to get an emergency passport issued so they could fly home.) Mr. W: A widower, Mr. W. enjoyed travel and confided to me that, when his time came, he hoped his passing would be quick and that he’d be on a trip. He passed on a tour in the UK. He always bought travel insurance for the emergency medical and to have any issue be less of a burden to his children. The emergency medical coverage covered his medical bills. The global assistance feature helped the family get everything coordinated and helped with the government logistics, and the repatriation coverage brought their father’s remains home to them. Susan: Susan was on a group trip with friends when she had a serious moped accident. She had to be medevaced and spent weeks in the hospital getting to the point where she was stabilized enough to get her home to Philadelphia. The trip home entailed her lying across multiple seats on the plane, each one having to be purchased and a nurse to travel with her. Everyone--- friends who were on the trip, family, medical professionals, the tour operator, and my agency were scrambling to do all possible. Unfortunately, Susan didn’t buy insurance. The hospital would not release her until the medical evacuation, ambulance, hospital, doctors, airline tickets, and hiring a nurse were paid for. Her family had to get a second mortgage on their home and the payment was wired to the hospital. Susan and her family’s experience was the trip that convinced me that I would NEVER travel without trip insurance. Travel specialists don’t love selling insurance. We are in this industry to, as corny as it sounds, make dreams come true and build memories. We don’t want to think about the negatives that could cause a need for insurance. But I’d be doing my clients a disservice if I didn’t try to get them to consider protecting themselves. Getting reimbursed if I have to cancel my trip or come home early is a big help. The coverages for delays is also beneficial, but they aren’t catastrophic expenses. For me, the primary reasons I buy insurance are for emergency situations---- emergency medical coverage, medical evacuation, repatriation, and getting home for an emergency. These are financially devastating expenses that I can’t afford nor can my family. Visit Travel Insured to learn more, obtain a quote and or purchase your policy or contact your travel specialist at Connie George Travel Associates Have fun planning your trip. Pick a time to review insurance quotes presented to you so you make the best, informed decision for your family. And then get back to enjoying the planning of the fun stuff. Happy traveling! -Connie

When Sun Princess starts sailing in February, 2024, she’ll be Princess Cruises' largest and most innovative ship, packed with lots of choices for dining, activities and accommodations. Introducing Sun Princess Sun Princess will debut in the Mediterranean as the next generation of ships as the first in Princess' Sphere-Class. She's expected to elevate the culinary excellence at sea with an array of dining options catering to all tastebuds and desires with exciting concepts from world-renowned chef, Rudi Sodamin, and a celebrity chef to be announced soon. Delectable dishes will be found throughout this magnificent new ship, with an astonishing selection of 29 new and signature restaurant and lounge options, offering everything from savory journeys and entertaining eats to sumptuous sips and satisfying snacks. Sun Princess will offer her guests restaurants, bars, and sundecks that reveal stunning views, ocean vistas, sunshine, ice, and wildlife. Our chefs will serve up vibrant flavors, pour perfectly crafted cocktails, and provide personalized service that is second to none,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. Quick overview of Sun Princess' culinary options Guests aboard the latest Love Boat can indulge in an array of tempting new dining experiences, ranging from the theater of Japanese Teppanyaki at Umai Teppanyaki, where world-class cuisine intertwines with captivating performance, and the innovative O'Malley's Irish Pub, reimagining the classic Irish pub concept with a refreshing twist, to a seafood bliss at The Catch by Rudi from award-winning chef Rudi Sodamin. Meanwhile, The Promenade introduces a fresh perspective, serving up delightful slices of Promenade Slice pizza, gourmet burgers, flavorful hot dogs, freshly baked bagels, and a tempting selection of ice cream. While the new additions promise novelty, longtime guests’ favorites aboard the ship remain a staple of the Princess dining experience. From the refined elegance of the Crown Grill and the irresistible charm of Sabatini's, to the delightful authenticity of Alfredo's Pizzeria, the artful creations at Kai Sushi, the classic tunes at Crooners, the warm ambiance of the Wheelhouse Bar, and the engaging performances at Princess Live! – these favorites continue to complement the dining tapestry that Sun Princess so artfully weaves for its guests. The ship's multiple dining decks offer something for everyone beginning with breakfast and continuing through late-night snack time. Ethnic eats range from Mexican to Mongolian, and cruisers can enjoy coffee concoctions, frozen treats, sushi specials, artisanal pizza, tangy barbecue, deluxe burgers, and hot dogs. Vegetarian and plant-based meals give all diners plenty of options. The Horizons Dining Room elevates the traditional main dining experience with stunning wake views and natural light that highlight a decorative sculpture, stretching from deck 6 to deck 8. Horizons will serve guests multicourse meals from friendly waitstaff with each level having its own personality, offering different dining experiences and ranges in levels of formality. Breakfast options include a Smoked Salmon Omelet and Swedish Pancakes; lunch dishes such as Corn Chowder with a Signature Burger, Cobb Salad, or Quinoa Salmon Poke Bowl; and dinner entrées like Lamb Leg Provençale, Sautéed Redfish Caponata, and Cauliflower Steak with tahini, couscous, and asparagus. A new level of suite accommodations, the Signature Collection, includes access to the new Signature Restaurant (Deck 7) and Signature Lounge (Decks 15/16), while guests booked in the Reserve Collection of mini-suites and cabana cabins will have access to the Reserve Collection Restaurant (Deck 7). Both private dining areas offer exclusive menu options that include a Prime Rib Carving Trolley as well as an expanded list of chefs' culinary creations. No matter where guests are aboard Sun Princess, the options are delicious and boundless. Sun Princess' culinary options in more detail Piazza Bellini's Cocktail Bar (Deck 7) – Sparkling like a diamond in the center of the Piazza, Bellini's Cocktail Bar is inspired by the shimmering beauty of the finest gems and geodes. Step inside and be transported to a world of glamour and elegance, where every detail has been crafted to delight and dazzle. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a night out with friends, sip and savor the finest bubblies while enjoying the Piazza entertainment and dazzling panoramic views from the massive Sphere window. Coffee Currents (Deck 7) – Coffee lovers can awaken their senses with a classic espresso or a creamy latte exclusive to Sun Princess. Skilled baristas whip up the perfect drink to suit every taste. Located on the first level of the three-story Piazza, an array of delectable snacks including fresh-from-the-bakery croissants, Danish, and muffins complement that perfect artisan brew along with afternoon tea with scones, sandwiches, and other treats. Guests can grab their caffeine fix to go or linger over a coffee while enjoying Piazza entertainment or the magnificent ocean views from the Sphere window in the comfortable adjacent lounge. Good Spirits At Sea (Deck 7) – Good Spirits takes guests around the globe in search of extraordinary everyday people, sharing stories of spirits and collecting farm-fresh, local ingredients to inspire one-of-a-kind cocktail creations. Immerse yourself in the region as skilled bartenders lead you through an immersive cocktail experience. On Sun Princess this Princess lounge favorite is a distinct venue, and will also offer an immersive Martini experience as well as an immersive royal tea experience. O'Malley's Irish Pub (Deck 7) – A popular new pub now on Enchanted Princess, O'Malley's joins Sun Princess as a traditional Irish pub with live music, interactive entertainment and mouthwatering menu items including the freshly ground ribeye-blend Bushmills Blue Burger and the O'Malley's Burger patties, dressed with Bushmills Whiskey glaze. Located in the heart of the ship adjacent to the Piazza and open for lunch, dinner, and late-night fare, O'Malley's serves up comfort food at its best - pub-style Fish & Chips, Traditional Bangers & Mash, Shepherd's Pie - along with casual and friendly banter and possibly even a wee bit of blarney. ;-) Specialty Dining Crown Grill (Deck 7) – The iconic Crown Grill experience goes to the next level with a modern, sleek design and theater-style kitchen. Featuring premium aged beef and fresh seafood items, this specialty restaurant offers an intimate dining experience in a classically elegant setting, offering a guests'-eye-view into the show galley buzzing with top chefs on a mission to serve top-quality cuts of beef, chops and seafood. Aboard Sun Princess, guests will find this favorite go-to restaurant adjacent to Princes Live! and the Princess Arena. Kai Sushi (Deck 8) – A modern sushi bar adjacent to the heart of the Piazza, Kai Sushi offers spectacular views from the Sphere window with a vast array of sushi and sashimi specialties, plus signature rolls like Crispy Lobster Tempura, Wagyu Tataki, and Asparagus and Salmon. Guests can enjoy mouthwatering bites from intimate tables or watch sushi crafting at its best from expert chefs at the traditional sushi bar. Sabatini's (Deck 8) – Watch pasta being made fresh every day in an all-new pasta room with sweeping circular windows. This Princess favorite features an inspired interior design with intimate bistro-style nooks and a dramatic circular dining room. Families and friends share stories over unique, handmade pasta courses made with the finest ingredients in a trattoria-style dining experience. Irresistible Sicilian fried mozzarella rice balls scented with black truffle, creamy Burrata Caprese, and Classic Beef Carpaccio are just the beginning. Seafood dishes and primavera pasta round out a menu peppered with savory meat dishes featuring lamb chops, veal tenderloin, and strip loin steak. Il Dolce caps the experience with an Italian classic, Tiramisu, as well as a selection of pastries, tortes, and a Ricotta Cheesecake. Umai Teppanyaki (Deck 8) – Exclusive to Sun Princess, Umai Teppanyaki is a feast for the senses, offering a fusion of top cuisine and showmanship. Here, highly skilled masters of teppanyaki take center stage, using their fiery skills and flair to create a dazzling display on a sizzling hot grill. Masters of slicing and dicing, chefs mesmerize guests while juggling meats, poultry, fish, and vegetables on the iron "Teppan" grill that serves as their stage. Guests have front-row seats at the table to witness the fun while sipping signature drinks like the Wasabi Cocktail and Japanese Martini. This three-act show begins with a selection of starters like Pork Belly Yakitori or Spicy Tuna on the Rocks; progresses to entrées like Black Cod in soy reduction and Filet Mignon with Champagne Cognac flambé; then takes a bow with a charming Chocolate Bento Box dessert with green tea ice cream. Adjacent to World Fresh is The Catch by Rudi (Deck 9), a pop-up dinner concept from renowned Chef Rudi Sodamin showcasing treasures from the sea like Oysters on the Half Shell with red-and-pink peppercorn Mignonette; Calamari with seasoned panko coating and lemon aioli; Mussels Provençale with crusty bread for dipping; and a Catch of the Day lineup sure to make pescatarians and omnivores smile. Casual/Outdoor Dining World Fresh Marketplace (Deck 9) – World Fresh Marketplace has undergone a remarkable transformation, inviting guests on a tantalizing journey of flavors and experiences from around the world. Here at this all-day gastronomy experience conveniently located adjacent to the Piazza with expansive windows overlooking the Promenade and designed for enhanced traffic flow, chefs serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner at nine food stations ranging from Mongolian barbeque and Tapas stations to Asian stir fry and Panini stations. There's something for every guest at stops that features carving boards of roasted meats, bread and salad selections, fruits, hot dishes, and desserts for every sweet tooth. International Cafe (Deck 9) – This Princess favorite serves up convenient eats around the clock from savory breakfast sandwiches to focaccia and flatbreads, along with delightful desserts. The Promenade (Deck 9) – Boasting a fresh, beachy California vibe, The Promenade features al fresco dining, adjacent to World Fresh Marketplace, with great views close to the waterline. The Promenade Grill and Bar outdoor food counters serve up quick and tasty favorites. Guests can sit at a mix of covered tables and lounge seating open to the sky or an aft view, covered deck. Lido (Deck 17) – With a laid-back resort vibe and collection of good eats, the reimagined dining venues on the Lido Deck quite literally have something for everyone, from sizzling burgers and bright salads to spicy tacos, and fresh and fruity colorful cocktails and mocktails. Savor these delectable bites poolside or overlooking the beautiful and breezy ocean views, then head for a treat to Coffee & Cones, where gourmet ice cream sandwiches, free ice cream cones, and specialty coffees and teas delight. To top it all off, hit the lively MIX, a top-deck bar, to enjoy a favorite libation. Previously revealed as a first for Princess, the Horizons Dining Room introduces a stunning, three-story main dining venue with a total capacity of 1,931 guests. This open and flexible space elevates the traditional main dining experience with stunning wake views and natural light that highlight a decorative sculpture, stretching from deck 6 to deck 8. The three dining levels will serve guests multicourse meals from friendly wait staff and each has its own personality, offers different dining experiences, and ranges in levels of formality, including the Horizons Diner on Deck 8 offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner favorites all day long. Princess still has more tricks up its sleeves. They have not yet unveiled details about two additional venues – a new high-end specialty restaurant located on deck 17 overlooking the scenic wake of the ship and a mysterious, extraordinary experience that's been hinted at behind an unmarked black door midship on Deck 8. I wonder what's coming next? Hmmm! Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through Connie George Travel Associates. We have booked thousands of guests through individual reservations as well as mid-size and large groups (up to 500+ participants. Let us help you plan your next cruise adventure. Reach us by calling 610-532-0989 or email us. Happy Traveling! -Connie

Passport delays are a big issue this year. There are many horror stories of people having to cancel trips, experiencing disappointment, and losing money. How can you avoid this? I loved watching Lost in Space as a kid. Did you watch it or catch the newer Netflix version of the series? If you will be traveling outside of the U.S. and don't have a valid passport in hand yet, this article was written for you. As I was reading the latest about passport delays, I had "danger, danger" going off in my head. It made me think about how the robot in the series would say, "Danger, Will Robinson, danger!" So what IS the danger? It's that you may miss your trip. That may result in a lot of lost money as well as disappointment. Excluding mailing time, passport processing times have now been reduced to 7-10 weeks*. If you pay $60 to expedite them, the Passport Agency says 3-5 weeks*. Getting an in-person appointment can be difficult. Most are for life-or-death situations. For an emergency passport, they push that you can't get an appointment until you are within two weeks of a trip. At that point, many people are forced to fly to another state to get an appointment. Meanwhile, people are missing trips they're forced to cancel. And I’ve had clients who are unable to book shorter notice trips. *Timeframes updated on 11/7/23 It's a mess. We came out of the pandemic with travelers anxious to travel. We're hitting records on passport applications. I recently read that the government is now increasing overtime, hiring specialists, and adding a satellite office. Rhonda and Dan: A Cautionary Tale This is one of MANY sad but true stories. "Rhonda and Dan" booked their trip months in advance. Rhonda couldn't find her birth certificate to get her passport. She no longer lives in the state in which she was born. It took over a month to get that birth certificate. The post office gave her a timeframe that was outdated. Only weeks before, the advisory had changed to a longer timeframe. She did pay for the expedited processing. She tracked her passport’s status online. The passport office received her application and birth certificate on April 16. Rhonda kept checking online, but nothing changed about her status. She kept calling. One agent advised she could try for an in-person emergency appointment two weeks prior to her trip. She contacted her Congressional office. They replied with a form for her to complete. She never heard back from them. Two weeks prior to her trip departure, a Passport Agency representative told her she had to wait until one week prior to their trip to book an appointment. One week prior, they told her the ONE appointment still available was in San Juan. They live in the Midwest. Three days prior to the trip, we had to cancel their dream trip. Eleven weeks from the time her passport was sent. She received it a day or two later. But too late for the trip. >> Recommended Reading: 11 Essential Passport Facts << 10 Steps you should take to have your passport in hand and protect your trip: Check the expiration date. Some destinations may require a passport to be valid for as long as six months past the date you are expecting to leave their country. I suggest applying for your passport or your renewal at least four months in advance I also suggest that you bite the bullet and pay the $60 expedited fee if you have four months or less until you will be traveling. Whether you are applying for your first passport or a renewal, thoroughly review the U.S. Department of State’s passport information. Sit with some time and a cup of coffee (or any other favorite beverage) and your favorite note-taking method whether that’s a blank Word document, blank email or an old-fashioned pen and tablet. Take notes and download the applicable application. There are over 7,000 U.S. Passport Acceptance Facilities where you can go in person. These include some post offices and courthouses. First-time passports must be applied for in person. This won’t be a popular statement, but I’ve had a lot of clients over the years who have gotten misinformation from post office employees about passports. Not to say there haven’t been many thoroughly trained and continually updated employees, but you’re the one paying the price for misinformation. It’s your responsibility to read what’s on the passport site and go by that information that may not agree with what you’re being told. People (me included) tend to want to believe the advice that best fits what we want to hear. If there’s a conflict with what you’re being told (especially about timing) versus what’s the most recent on the website, go by the website. Keep checking your application status online or by email. If you are traveling within two weeks, contact your congressional representative to see if they can expedite the process. If you are short on time, consider hiring a a passport expediter service such as Its Easy Passport & Visa, Expedited Passports and Visas Services, or Rush My Passport. It can be especially tricky if you have multiple trips in one year. You’ll need time to send off your new or renewal passport application between trips, trusting that you’ll have your new passport back in time for your upcoming trips. Get out your calendar, look at your trip dates, check your passport expiration date, and make a good plan. You may need to have your application and photo done and ready to mail off everything (overnight mail and with expedited processing) the day after you return from a trip. Since you have to mail back your current passport, you’ll be limited on where you can go until that new passport comes back. If your travel dates are too tight, I’d suggest contacting one of the above-mentioned passport expediting companies. Rhonda and Dan: Part Two So what happened with Rhonda and Dan? They thankfully had a “Cancel for Any Reason” (“CFAR”) coverage on their plan. Trip insurance doesn’t normally cover if you have to cancel because of missing documentation such as passports. We had to wait until their claim was turned down so they could then take advantage of having “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage. But by then, rebooking their trip for later this summer was much more expensive. The “good news” is that they got 90% of their value back to reuse. And I was able to get them one of the very last spots of the season on this trip. But the cruise and airfare were both much higher than the original price. But they are finally about to leave on their dream trip and I hope it’s even more exceptional than the original plan had been. "Danger, dear traveler, danger!" Don’t risk your vacation or your hard-earned money. Consider the realities of getting a passport. Follow the above advice to protect your trip. When you are ready to plan your cruise or tour vacation, contact my agency. I’d love to talk to you to see if we can assist you in planning your next vacation adventure! Happy Traveling! -Connie

AmaWaterways’ AmaMagna offers a luxurious but unpretentious European river cruising experience. Thanks to AmaMagna’s size and the special attention that went into designing her, this ship has been redefining the European river cruise experience for her guests since her 2019 inaugural. This luxury ship is not only the largest ship owned by AmaWaterways but is also the largest of any ship sailing on the Danube River. Yet, AmaMagna offers small spaces that maintain the intimate atmosphere of the more traditionally sized river ships. Her 443-foot length may be the only “average” thing about her. It’s her 72-foot width that’s double that of traditional European riverboats which makes her exceptional. Benefits of AmaMagna's size? Where does AmaMagna sail? Is AmaMagna the right ship for you? What's included? Special Offer! Benefits of AmaMagna's size- Double the width, double the fun! That extra space allows for more cabins, more activities, and more public areas offering an extraordinary riverboat experience. Let’s look at what AmaMagna has to offer for you as her guest: Four unique dining venues offering culinary variety to enjoy at no extra cost: The Main Restaurant- The only restaurant not requiring dinner reservations. This restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch (buffet) and for dinner which has a daily changing menu. The Al Fresco Restaurant- Also open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This new restaurant offers a great ambiance and views with its floor-to-ceiling windows. If the weather’s good and AmaMagna’s not sailing, they open the windows. The Chef’s Table- Open for dinner with a set tasting menu that’s popular among AmaWaterways’ fans. This meal is an experience. With the open-kitchen concept, you can watch the chef prepare your meals. The multi-course food is renowned for being both very tasty and extremely well-plated. Jimmy’s Wine Bar & Restaurant- This is a new family-style meal with you seated at long wooden tables. The bowls and platters of food to pass around will be from the Main Restaurant’s menu. Think “Thanksgiving family meal” minus the Thanksgiving foods. The expansive Zen Wellness Studio, a gym much larger than most found on riverboats. With workout machines, weights, and a resistance trainer indoors along with exercise bikes out on deck for some “breeze in your hair” cycling on the ship. Full-size pickleball court to keep practicing your sport or take the opportunity to learn the game. Heated pool with whirlpool to relax between fun-filled days in port. Five bars including the Sky Bar by the pool on Sun Deck give you multiple places to relax with or without a drink with your traveling companions or to get to know other guests. The Cinema is a cozy movie theater where you can view a film or play video games with companions. 98 staterooms, more than any other ship sailing European rivers. These include a greater variety of accommodation options: 205 sq. ft. oceanview cabins, 252 sq. ft. balcony cabins, and suites ranging from 355 sq. ft. to 710 sq. ft. There are 19 staterooms able to hold triple or quad occupancy and 16 connecting cabins. Occupancy of 196 passengers. That’s comparable to some of our most intimate, luxury ocean cruise ships such as Silversea Cruises’ Silver Endeavor which can hold 200 or a little smaller than Scenic Eclipse’s 220 guests. Tour AmaMagna with her godmother, Samantha Brown. Where does AmaMagna Sail? AmaWaterways is known for its themed river cruises and immersive experiences for guests, and AmaMagna is no exception. AmaMagna operates five and seven-day itineraries on the Danube River with sailings year-round visiting Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. Sailings include the very popular Christmas Market itineraries which are especially attractive to our clients. Is AmaMagna the Right Fit for You? She’s a beautiful ship with a lot to offer. Anyone looking for an Ama cruise should enjoy time on her. But for these six types of people, AmaMagna could be a perfect match: 1) Past guests on ocean cruises. You have enjoyed ocean cruises, but are concerned that a river boat won’t offer enough for you to do. Because of her large size, you’ll enjoy space and activities. 2) People who are active. You don’t have to be physically active to enjoy sailing with AmaWaterways, but if you are active, it’s likely the best European riverboat option. They offer shore excursions for people of various activity levels including guided biking and hiking tours. Due to AmaMagna’s larger size, she offers more exercise equipment in the larger fitness center than is available on Ama’s other riverboats. Wellness classes aboard AmaMagna include Pilates, Yoga, Stretch, Spinning, Circuit Training. 3) Families. AmaMagna offers 16 connecting cabins and cabins for up to four sharing together. 4) Groups. AmaMagna can easily accommodate groups as small as five cabins up to a full ship charter of 196 guests. With more intimate lounges and dining venues, the space can be perfect for groups to enjoy each other’s company or to break down into smaller gatherings depending on the group’s needs. 5) People who need options. River cruise ships normally have 1-2 restaurants and 1-2 bars. As mentioned above, AmaMagna has four restaurants plus five bars. You’ll enjoy the variety. She also has more accommodation types than many of her fellow ships so you can choose what’s best for your preferences. 6) Past Ama Guests. Ama has a loyal following. Sometimes it’s nice to change things up a bit. How about a switch from a traditional riverboat cruise to AmaMagna? Some of the inclusions in your AmaMagna European river experience are: Unlimited fine wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks Complimentary meals in the Main Dining Room and all specialty restaurants Bottled water replenished daily Wellness Classes At least one complimentary shore excursion in each port And so much more! Special Offer Are you ready to plan your river cruise? You can click here to view itineraries and ships. I’d like to help you or your group’s next cruise. Let’s talk about making it special. Mention this offer when booking your AmaMagna cruise with Connie George Travel Associates: “I read your article about AmaMagna. I’d like to book with you and receive your free offer of paying for our gratuities to the staff.” By the way, that’s a savings of $165 per person! Happy Traveling! -Connie

Experience festive traditions of fascinating destinations and feel the magic of the holidays in cities illuminated with millions of twinkling lights. Sail between ports in elegantly decorated ships whisking you between holiday customs, traditions, and excitement that awaits you each day. I’d like to share with you: What is a Christmas Market? Why go on a Christmas Markets riverboat cruise? Seven Most Popular European Christmas Markets River Cruises with AmaWaterways What’s included on an AmaWaterways’ European riverboat cruise? What extras are included in AmaWaterways’ Christmas Markets cruises? Who sails on a Christmas Markets river cruise? Three tips for your upcoming Christmas Markets river cruise How to book your Christmas Markets river cruise What is a Christmas Market? Why go on a Christmas Markets riverboat cruise? Christmas Markets are outdoor, pop-up stall markets that take place during Advent. They offer fantastic street food, drinks, local crafts, holiday items, and tons of Christmastime fun. You’ll experience the excitement for all of your senses, pick up wonderful items to enjoy each holiday (or year-round!), and do your Christmas shopping! Seven Most Popular European Christmas Markets River Cruises with AmaWaterways AmaWaterways is one of the most popular riverboat companies in Europe, offering 11 Christmas Markets themed cruises this year. When asked, I learned these are the seven most popular cruises offered on the Danube, Rhine, and Rhône Rivers for this year including some markets-themed that are new for 2023. Iconic Christmas Markets 7-night Budapest to Nuremberg, Germany cruise Optional add-ons: 3 nights Prague, Czech Republic; 2 nights Budapest, Hungary Marvel at the giant sparkling tree dominating Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace, taste Nuremberg’s famous bratwurst and lebkuchen (gingerbread) and experience the magic of Bavaria’s most romantic Christmas Market at Regensburg’s Thurn and Taxis Palace. AmaLea, AmaSonata, AmaVerde Christmas Markets on the Danube 7-night Budapest to Vilshofen, Germany cruise Optional add-ons: 3 nights Prague, Czech Republic; 2 nights Budapest, Hungary Witness the majesty of Melk’s Benedictine Abbey, savor Wachau Valley Grüner Veltliner and Riesling wines as well as Vienna’s famous apple strudel and be awed by the more than 700 illuminated trees that line Salzburg’s Hellbrunn Palace. AmaBella, AmaLea, AmaSonata, AmaViola Christmas Markets on the Rhine 7-night Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland cruise Optional add-ons: 2 nights Lucerne + 2 nights Zurich; 2 nights Amsterdam, Netherlands Gaze up at Cologne’s impressive Gothic cathedral from its colorful Christmas Market, try pan-fried reibekuchen (potato pancakes) and Rüdesheimer coffee, and witness the whimsical lighting of Gengenbach, Germany’s artistic town hall Advent calendar. AmaCerto, AmaLucia, AmaPrima, AmaSiena Magna on the Danube Christmas 7-night Budapest to Vilshofen, Germany cruise Optional add-ons: 3 nights Prague, Czech Republic; 2 nights Budapest, Hungary Delight your palate with a wine evening in Spitz - exclusive with AmaWaterways aboard the AmaMagna. Wander the stalls of Europe’s most traditional and enchanting Christmas Markets, including the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market, shopping for handcrafted toys and gifts, sipping hot mulled wine and inhaling the fragrance of gingerbread and roasted chestnuts. AmaMagna Colors of Provence Christmas 7-night Lyon to Avignon cruise Optional add-ons: 3 nights Barcelona, Spain; 3 nights Paris, France Celebrate the festive holiday season while sailing through the South of France. Discover the Christmas crèches in Oignt, browse a colorful array of local handicrafts at Christmas Markets throughout the region, and delight in nostalgic traditions that are fun for the whole family on board. AmaKristina Gems of Southeast Europe Christmas Markets 7-night Budapest, Hungary to Giurgiu, Romania cruise Add-ons: 2 nights Brasov, 2 nights Bucharest OR 3 nights Istanbul, Turkey; 2 nights Vienna, Austria Discover the Winter Markets along the Lower Danube region. Experience firsthand the unique traditions of Orthodox Christmas in Serbia. Feel the magic of the holidays and Christmas Markets in Bulgaria and Romania. AmaBella, AmaVerde Grand Danube Christmas Markets 14-night Vilshofen, Germany to Giurgiu, Romania cruise Add-ons: 2 nights Brasov, 2 nights Bucharest OR 3 nights Istanbul, Turkey; 3 nights Prague, Czech Republic Browse the colorful stalls of the enchanting and magical Christmas Markets of Passau and Salzburg. Embrace the romance of the holidays while cruising through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary and experience unique Christmas traditions and Winter Markets of the Lower Danube region. AmaBella What’s included in AmaWaterways’ European riverboat cruise package? Accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with balconies) Entertainment-on-Demand system featuring, movies, TV shows, news and music Mini-fridge, desk, and sitting area Bottled water replenished daily Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host Wi-Fi Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track on some ships Fitness room, massage services, and hair salon Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar Daily entertainment including cultural performances All onboard dining in a variety of venues Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, Captain’s Cocktail and Gala Dinner in addition to all other meals Unlimited fine wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks Tapas, sandwiches, snacks, and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge Immersive tours in every destination Gentle, regular, active, and late-riser tour options Bike tours and hikes Special Interest Tours Personal headset for easy exploration Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways What extras are included in AmaWaterways’ Christmas Markets river cruises? Don’t miss the extra fun with traditions like Santa Claus, hiding the holiday pickle, and caroling as well as special holiday drinks and a gourmet holiday meal. Who sails on a Christmas Markets river cruise? Anyone who is interested in European cultures. It’s a great way to delve into learning about other cultures. People who especially love Christmas traditions. There are many traditions we don’t learn about that are interesting. You may even find something you want to introduce into your own family’s traditions! Couples. What’s more romantic than downtime just having fun in between being pampered on the cruise? Laughs and fun with people you may not get to spend enough time with throughout the year. Multi-generation families (Kids must be 4+ years old, though it’s suggested that 6+ years old is more age appropriate. AmaWaterways is one of the few Europe river cruise lines that have some newer ships with staterooms that hold more than two and also have some connecting cabins. What a great way for families to grow closer, share experiences and build memories! People who have done a Christmas Markets river cruise in the past. You may be surprised at how many people, because of how much fun they had, book another Christmas Markets tour on a different itinerary. Small groups. Groups of 5 – 30 cabins made up of community, family, organizations or friends can have fun on the cruise and have stories to share at get-togethers for years. Three big tips to know for your upcoming river cruise. 1) Glühwein is a warm, mulled (spiced) wine. It’s pronounced “glue-vine.” Each market has Glühwein served in a special cup made for their market. The Glühwein is about 3 euro and the cup is 3 euro which you get back if you return the cup. Many people, instead, forgo the return of their 3 euro and keep the cup as a souvenir. Don't drink alcohol? Try a cup of hot cider or hot chocolate. 2) Pack bubble wrap and shipping or duct tape along with a collapsible extra bag for souvenirs and holiday gifts for those at home. 3) Carry cash in the local currency in small denominations for purchases at the markets. ATMs are pretty handy. How to book your Christmas Markets river cruise If you'd like to look at all of the options, visit our AmaWaterways' website to get the detailed scoop on all of the sailings. Booking is easy. Email us or call 610-532-0989 to discuss options to determine the itinerary that best fits you, your party, or your group’s interests. We’ll book your cruise, be your advocate, and work with you on your trip components, needed documents, and other details. A deposit of $400 per person holds your spot and the balance has to be paid to AmaWaterways by 90 days prior to your trip. When you book with Connie George Travel Associates, you'll get all of the promotions being offered by AmaWaterways PLUS you may qualify for your CHRISTMAS IN THE SUMMER promotion! CHRISTMAS IN THE SUMMER We've extended our "Christmas in the Summer" celebration! Book your new 2023 - 2024 Christmas Markets or New Year's cruise through Connie George Travel Associates between by 9/30/23, and receive complimentary gratuities. We will pick up the cost of your gratuities ($167 per person for AmaMagna sailings, $144 per person for all other sailings). Mention this blog to receive promotion. We're looking forward to helping you plan a very special Christmas Markets cruise adventure! Happy Traveling! -Connie P.S. Would you like to hear the audio recording of this article? You can find it at https://youtu.be/gvmMilsM1gM.