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Unless we’re going to stay home inside a bubble, we can’t completely avoid all germs. But there’s a lot that’s in our power to control to lower our chances of getting sick while traveling. After all, fond vacation memories aren’t made up of being ill while on vacation. And it’s no fun to come home with an illness as a souvenir. We can drastically reduce our chances of getting sick by being prepared. Being healthy on your trip starts with a bit of research and planning in advance, followed by vigilance during your trip. I’m going to share with you nine tips to remain healthy. All you need to do to keep track of this list is think of the acronym, “GO FISHING.” Are you ready to learn to GO FISHING? Go Online- Visit CDC Travelers' Health to read about any certain health concerns you should be aware of, any health requirements, and how to protect yourself. Also, check with the countries to which you’re traveling, as some destinations may prohibit or have special rules about prescription medications and over-the-counter medications you take. Additional Resources: U.S. Department of State- Bureau of Consular Affairs List of Foreign Consulates Organize Medications- Prescriptions should be in original containers. Always bring an extra supply of at least seven days’ worth of extra medication in case you are delayed at the end of your trip. Carry a list of your medications, including the dosage, and keep that list separate from your medications. Never pack meds to go into luggage being stowed in the plane’s cargo hold. They should be kept with you in your carry-on luggage when flying. Check to be sure your destination permits you to bring in all of your medications and in the volume you need. Many simple medications we take for granted in the U.S. are banned in other countries. First Aid Kit- Pack over-the-counter medications that you keep at home for when you’re unwell. Add in bandages, insect repellent, and sunscreen. Should you become unwell on the trip, you'll appreciate the convenience of having these meds on hand and the savings from not buying tourist-area prices for simple items. Click here to learn more about how to pack your Travel First Aid Kit. Additional Resources: See how you can save money shopping at Dollar Tree for your Travel First Aid Kit and other items. Insurance- If your health insurance covers you where you’re traveling, be sure to have your card with you. If you have purchased trip insurance, have your insurance confirmation and the company’s contact information with you. Also, be familiar with your coverage so you know what types of features for which you can file a claim or get help and what you’ll need in order to file a claim. Additional Resources: How to file a successful trip insurance claim. Get an insurance price and details quote or purchase a policy at Travel Insured. Stretch Your Legs- Protect yourself against Deep Vein Thrombosis, which can occur from sitting for too long a period of time. When flying, you can reduce your risk by getting up and walking down the aisle each hour when possible or, at least, doing leg lifts while sitting. Also, avoid dehydration by not drinking alcohol and coffee. Additional Resources: 10 Exercises to do on a plane. Hydrate- Avoid dehydration by drinking water and eating fresh fruit while traveling, particularly when in warmer climates and on planes. But do be cautious about tap water, particularly in areas where water isn’t safe to drink and on airplanes where it’s been reported that the water storage tanks aren’t kept clean. Best to drink bottled water when in doubt. Immunizations- Check with your destination to see if you are traveling to an area for which immunizations are required or suggested. Also, speak with your physician to get their suggestions. At the least, you’ll want to be up-to-date on your tetanus vaccination. It may also be suggested that you be vaccinated against some hepatitis strains. Nourishment- First, think about what you’re going to eat. Iif you like to push the “spice and heat” boundaries as I do, plan for that in your first aid kit. Watch eating at vendors to be sure that it looks like they are practicing good health standards and food isn’t sitting out. If you are in an area with unsafe drinking water, only eat fruits and vegetables that can be peeled or cooked. Also, avoid ice where water isn’t safe to drink. Wherever the tap water isn’t safe or if you are a person whose body doesn’t adapt well to water outside your home area, it’s best to stick with bottled water. That includes when brushing your teeth. Germs- If there’s one thing that’s been reinforced to us over the past few years is the importance of handwashing and sanitizing.Wash your hands when possible before eating and at other appropriate times. Carry hand sanitizer for when you can’t access soap and water. Carry disinfectant wipes to clean high-touch areas at your airplane’s seat as well as in your cruise ship cabin or hotel room Additional Resources: 31 Germy surfaces to disinfect when traveling. Have fun and be healthy! If you find these tips to be helpful, please click the small red heart below and feel free to share them with your friends. Happy Traveling! -Connie

Sadly, “all good things come to an end,” and that’s especially true when you know your cruise will soon be over. Knowing what you must do before disembarkation day will reduce your stress and enable you to get the most out of your last 24 hours. THAT is “cruising like a pro.” Ten chores may sound like a lot, but some may not apply to you. Knowing these cruise hacks, you can be organized to complete them quickly. My goal with this post is to prepare you so you can squeeze every last bit of fun out of that last day and night, enabling you to get the most of what you want out of your vacation. THAT also is “cruising like a pro.” Detailed 10 Tasks for Your Last Day Showing Appreciation to Your Favorite Crew Members Quick Recap of 10 Tasks for Your Last Day Detailed 10 Tasks for Your Last Day: Read Be better prepared for your disembarkation, luggage service, and other details and opportunities by reviewing materials that your cabin steward or butler previously put into your cabin or suite. Look this morning to see if there are any papers that you may have missed. You may find helpful tips or possibly have overlooked something that you will now have to have corrected. The information available in advance includes where and when you may need to meet to exit the ship the next day. You want to be sure the time fits your needs and that you have the correctly color-coded baggage tags to match your next day’s travel plans. If this needs to be fixed, your chances are better if addressed with Guest Services as early as possible. Airline Check-In If you will be flying home the next day, use your phone or tablet to check in and get your mobile boarding pass. Or use the ship’s Internet Café to check in and print your boarding pass. Not checking in could result in you losing your seat assignments or even the cancellation of your flight reservation. Bags Out Unless you are going to “walk-off” the ship with all of your luggage, you will have a deadline by which you must have your luggage outside the door of your cabin. Before placing your luggage outside your door, be sure to attach the color-coded baggage tags that the cruise line gave to you. That’s vital to your being able to find your luggage after disembarkation. The deadline for putting your bags out is typically 10pm or 11pm though I have had it as late as midnight. Your luggage will be collected, and you’ll catch up with it the next day in the port terminal. Which also means, if you do not keep out an outfit for the morning, you’ll be walking off the ship and into the terminal in your PJs! Keep a carry-on bag with you in the cabin with any toiletries, clothing, and other items you’ll need through the night and in the morning. Cash In If you’ve been enjoying the casino, be sure to cash in any chips or tickets before they close on your last night. The casino will not be open before disembarkation on the following day. Check Your Account It’s much easier to resolve account issues on the ship before your credit card is charged than it is to address them after you are home and your bank card has been charged. Cruise lines have various ways in which you can check your account. They may include checking your account on your cabin TV, on the cruise line’s cell phone app, with the Guest Services Desk, or at a kiosk near that desk. If you see any discrepancy, work with Guest Services today or tonight. The line can be long on the morning of disembarkation. “Cruise pros” check their ship account multiple times during their cruise so they can catch any potential errors more timely. They know that errors don’t happen often, but they can happen. Use Your Onboard Credits Do you have Onboard Credits, also known as Shipboard Credits? Some types of credits can be refunded after a cruise, but most of them tie in with promotional prices and do not carry over. If you have “use it or lose it” credits, be sure to go buy something fun. My “cautionary tale” is that I realized about 10:30pm on the last night of a cruise that I had about $100 in credits that had not been used. I quickly dressed and ran down to the shops, only to find that they had already closed. I lost out on a quick $100 shopping spree. Receive Your Souvenir Liquor If you purchased alcohol onboard or in a port, it was stored for you during your cruise. Staff will deliver it to your cabin, often before 9pm. In the unlikely event it doesn't show up, contact Guest Services. Return Ship’s Stuff If you enjoyed any of the books or games from the library, please return them by your last evening. Likewise, if you still have one of the ship’s beach towels that was supposed to be returned to the pool area, return it by the afternoon. I’ve seen lines list a $20 - $40 fee for their beach towels for unreturned towels. Empty Your Safe Box Empty your safe deposit box. You'd be surprised at the credit cards, cash and jewelry that can get left behind, adding worry and more chores for after you get home. Check All Nooks & Crannies AGAIN, go back over every drawer, shelf, vanity, under the sink, and in the shower. Even if you didn't store anything under the bed, get down on your knees if you are able and check to be sure nothing accidentally got kicked or knocked under it. If you use magnets to hang or hold anything to metal walls, be sure you've taken them down. Also thoroughly check your safe deposit box. At an airport on the way home from a trip, I realized I lost my MasterCard. It's black... the same color as the piece of felt that was on the bottom of my safe deposit box. I now pat that box down as well as looking inside much more mindfully. Recognize Favorite Crew Members Even if you prepaid your gratuities or have them charged to your cabin, you may wish to show appreciation to your favorite crew members. There are three ways to “share the love” with exceptional ship staff on your last day: Extend an extra tip individually and deliver it in person. With very few exceptions in the industry, crew members are permitted to accept additional gratuities and are always appreciated. Write a note to them. I like to pack a few some small note cards with envelopes. I’ll use the card to deliver an additional tip and may include a more personal message I’d like to write to that person. i.e. “I appreciate all you did for me this week, particularly keeping my ice bucket full. I’m glad your contract ends early enough for you to enjoy your son’s graduation while you are on break. I hope to see you again on future cruises.” If the line has “Crew Comment Cards,” fill out the crew member’s name and why they were exceptional. You can check with the Guest Services desk. When completing any post-cruise survey, give credit to outstanding crew members by name and example. I like to take photos of their name badges so I can recall names later. R E C A P Recap: 10 Tasks for Your Last Day Read the literature your cabin steward or butler puts in your cabin. If flying home the next day, complete your airline check-in. Get your bags packed and outside your cabin unless you are walking off. Be sure to keep out what you need for the night and the next morning. Cash in your casino chips. Check your account for accuracy. Use your onboard credits. Receive your purchased bottles of alcohol. Return the ship's stuff such as beach towels and library books/games. Empty your safe. Check every nook and cranny of your cabin. Recognize outstanding crew members. By knowing what you need to do on the last day of your cruise, you’ll be able to take care of these responsibilities, so you can get back to your job---- having fun like a cruise pro! Would you like more tips? One of the many advantages of booking through a good cruise specialist instead of online is sharing our expertise with you. Happy Traveling! -Connie

“Thank you” is one of the earliest etiquette guidelines we teach our children. It’s our way of expressing gratitude, whether we’re responding to receiving a grand gift or even a simple gesture such as a kind word or someone holding the door for us. January 11 is International Thank You Day. It was the impetus for writing this article. What better day to make a commitment to learning how to say thank you and a few other important words to convey our thoughts as we travel? I’m going to share with you: Why Learn How to Say Thank You in Another Language 17 Words and Phrases to Know in the Local Language Language Resources Fun with Thanks Why Learn How to Say Thank You in Another Language I have five good reasons to learn how to say “thank you” and a few other words in the language of the area you’ll be visiting: Knowing how to say “thank you” as well as some other keywords and phrases when you are traveling separates you as a visitor with mindfulness to the people whose home you are visiting from one of those “ugly travelers” who take things for granted or assumes everyone should speak our language. Note that when I refer to “home,” I don’t mean their house or apartment. Instead, I mean the locale and culture of where we’re visiting. Knowing how to say a few important specific words can be instrumental in an emergency. When traveling, you become an ambassador for your home country. Whether or not you want that position, an entire culture may be judged by the only interaction someone may experience -positive or negative- with you about your country. Attempting to speak even a few simple thoughts in a local language can create rapport. They may go more out of their way to assist you. Or maybe it’s just a moment in time connecting with someone. At the very least, it will be greeted with appreciation. You might even make a new friend! There are multiple studies and articles about how learning a new language can help with brain development and also brain health as we get older. Not that I think learning a handful of words is going to help me remember where I set down my keys, but it can’t hurt, right?! 17 Words and Phrases to Know in the Local Language Hello Goodbye Please Thank you You’re welcome Excuse me Do you speak English? Where is ...? Bathroom I don’t understand I’m sorry Help What is the cost? Yes No There are also two medical phrases everyone with a medical condition should know: I am allergic to … I am … or I have … (example: I am diabetic) Additionally, if you will be renting a car, be sure to learn words pertaining to driving instructions and signs. Language Resources With the internet, there are many resources available in print and audio to learn how to say something in a foreign language. How to Say Thank You in 45 Languages How to Say Common Phrases in Multiple Languages How to Say Basic Phrases in 50 Different Languages Busuu offers free and subscription language learning plans including opportunities of speaking with native speakers. Duolingo is fun way to learn a language and likely as addictive as they claim. Babbel has a long-standing reputation and a low monthly cost. YouTube is an incredible resource for all kinds of things, including how to actually learn foreign words. A simple search on your favorite internet browser, iTunes, or Google Play will supply more options. If you prefer to learn in a physical classroom with other students, consider your local high school or community college. Both often offer beginner and intermediate language courses available at inexpensive prices. These are great for people who need structure and accountability as well as an opportunity to socialize. Fun with Thanks CGTA’s Multi-Language Thank You Word Search Puzzle. I’ll warn you- this is challenging with 30 words you mostly won’t be familiar with! Just visit the link, print the puzzle and see if you can find them all. YourDictionary offers many fun and fascinating blog posts about languages around the world. History of the annual International Thank You Day. What better way to close this post than to thank you for taking the time to read it? Danke! And for those of you who are our clients, arigato for your loyalty and patronage. We appreciate you! Happy Traveling, -Connie

A week before Princess Cruises officially announced what “360: An Extraordinary Experience” is about last month, I got a chance to try it. I was escorting a group on Discovery Princess in the Mexican Riviera. I received a call from the Dining Department, inviting me to a new dining experience for dinner later in the week. There was little explanation beyond that it would be an “immersive experience” and to meet in the Piazza at 4:45 pm. I’ve been invited to events a few times over the years when I’ve been escorting a group. But timing usually conflicts with the group’s events and meals. When escorting, the group is my priority so the opportunities have been turned down. But with confirmation of my question, “Can you guarantee I’ll be out in time to greet our group’s guests as they have late dining,” I eagerly agreed. Not knowing what to expect, I dressed “country club casual” and was down by the Salty Dog Gastropub in the Piazza at the designated time. Here’s where I am struggling to know what to share. You are not permitted to take photos or video. Princess Cruises wants to hold onto details as best as possible so that everyone who attends gets the added amazement of not really knowing fully what to expect. I wholly agree. But where does that leave me in this blog? It’s like seeing a fantastic movie with details you want to share with friends, but you hold back so you don’t tell them so much about it that you ruin the surprises and experience. Part of me wants to tell you all about it, but I don’t want to overshare and ruin the full experience for you. Let’s see what I can tell you, starting with facts: 360 became available on Discovery Princess on November 8, 2022. It’s to begin in January aboard Enchanted Princess. There’s no news of it expanding to additional ships at this time. It’s by invitation to suite guests. There are two seatings nightly. Limited to 20 diners sitting in a circle. Dining involves a seven-course set meal paired with wines. 360 is a multi-sensory experience. You’re immersed in an encounter involving your senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell, touch, and kinesthetic. This is accurately referred to as “An Extraordinary Experience.” It’s food, not just eating the food, but all that encompasses what you are about to put in your belly. The experience begins with the greeting in the Piazza with a cocktail only available for guests about to embark on their dining adventure. It continues on your way in to be seated in a small, round room that you unlikely knew was hidden on the ship. Twenty of you will be seated in a circle. You are about to be surrounded by, infused with, and be part of an incredible experience. You’ll be introduced to the Mediterranean, specifically to Santorini, Barcelona, the Amalfi Coast, and Provence. I suspect that the future will hold more world regions. Through storytelling, led by Brooke Shields as her character introduces you to cultures and people who are responsible for some of the food you’ll enjoy, you’ll learn about your meal’s purveyors by explanation, music, and sights delivered on the surrounding screens in 4K cinematography. You’ll feel like you’ve personally met these people and know some local ingredients you take for granted, all giving you an interest in and appreciation for what you are eating and drinking. Not mentioned in the press releases is that you’ll get opportunities to interact with some fun characters. That’s all I can say on that subject. 😉 Throughout all of this, your host will guide you and explain each course and accompanying wine. And you’ll be served by excited, synchronized wait staff. Who shouldn’t do this? That’s tough. They do ask about food issues before you start. If there’s something served that you don’t care for, you won’t starve. If you are an incredibly picky eater or if your strict diet can’t be accommodated, you’ll likely find the experience still amazing and worth the time, even if you don’t eat much. But I do have to say that I and everyone there that I spoke with loved the meal and were wowed by what we’d just been through. I love that travel is evolving to keep offering more of the cultural aspects of food beyond filling our stomachs and fulfilling our tastebuds. I credit Anthony Bourdain with a lot of that movement. And I credit Princess Cruises for their obvious dedication to making this part of some of their guests’ experiences. Read about the great eateries announced for Princess Cruises' newest ship: Sun Princess. Want to book your suite on a Princess Cruise? We can assist you in planning your next great vacation. If you like, we can also look for food and cultural experiences in your ports too. Cruising has changed a lot over the decades. Let us help you enjoy these new waves of cruising! Happy Traveling, -Connie

I was prepping for my Discovery Princess cruise to the Mexican Riviera, specifically trying to decide what to do in Mazatlán. I enjoy this city, but I didn’t feel like doing a tour or the beach this time around. I came across a Mazatlán Post article, “30 Things to Do in Mazatlán." And there it was, “Massage at Athina Spa.” I hadn’t thought of a massage in port. I’ve gotten a spur-of-the-moment chair massage in Costa Maya (a nice few minutes) and an unplanned massage in Key West (not so great), and a nice unscheduled waterfront massage at lunch on a tour of Costa Maya (decent massage in a wonderful setting). But the idea hadn’t been on my radar for Mazatlán. Hmm! The author completely got my attention when comparing it to a cruise ship spa, “Athina should still come at least 50% less in price, but still equal in quality.” The idea of an equal, but lowered price massage by someone less likely to push buying overpriced products like the cruise lines’ spas do was appealing. I visited Athina Spa’s website and may have drooled a bit over my options. That’s when I decided I was going to enjoy Mazatlán by getting a massage and taking in the celebration of the approaching Day of the Dead. Dia de lost Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a respectful, meaningful, and fun observance of loved ones who have passed. I was going to be in Mazatlan on November 1st. Día de Los Muertos celebration in Mexico starts on November 1 and culminates on November 2. I had the beginning of my plan. Athina Spa’s website describes many facial, body, massage, and mani/pedi services. What caught my eye was the 90-minute Deluxe Massage Package which included reflexology, lymphatic, relaxation, and deep massage. They have two locations: Zona Dorado and Centro. I wanted the Centro one because I wanted to be in the old downtown and found a park square nearby that I thought would have Day of the Dead decorations and alters. At the least, it would be a good place for people-watching. I made my 11 am appointment online, printed my confirmation, and the appointment was officially in my phone calendar. The plan- disembark the ship at about 10 am, wander the port area for a short time, and taxi (preferably in an open-air cab known as a “pulmonia”) for the 10-minute ride to my appointment. Have a fantastic massage and then wander toward Plaza Macado, that’s only a few blocks from my appointment, to take in all the happenings before getting a cab back to the ship. It’s only a few blocks walk away. I arrived a half-hour earlier, stopped in, and decided to take a 20-minute walk. I feel safe walking around Mazatlán in the daytime. And the area I was walking in had roads mostly in a grid system with individualized buildings and homes that are not only interesting but help you keep track of where you are going. Therefore, I didn’t have any concerns about wandering the area. I enjoy walking around Mazatlán, but like walking in similar colonial Mexican areas like Puerto Vallarta, you should be wearing comfortable walking shoes or sneakers and be good on your feet. You’ll encounter cobblestones, (very) uneven walkways, ramps that can be extremely steep and curbs that can easily be 10” or more. I got back to Athina Spa a few minutes early. Meanwhile, I’d seen Day of the Dead dolls in front of buildings as well as some old colonial architecture, flowers, and people. And got a photo of the local Masonic Hall to send to my son who is a Mason. It was a fun walk. Speaking of buildings, the Centro-located Athina Spa is in a corner colonial yellow and white plaster building. Inside the modern reception area are a check-in counter, couches, and a pedicure station. I was greeted by my new best friend for the next 90 minutes, Marta, who led me through a doorway into “the old building.” It’s a bit dark, and I had the thought that the area outside of the treatment rooms may not have been updated in a long time. If ever. But I don’t mean that in a bad way. The ceramic-floored treatment rooms are primarily divided by black curtains that are gently lit with a background of soft music. When I rolled onto my back halfway through my massage, I also saw a neat ceiling with beams. Marta was wonderful. She asked beforehand about any issues I had and how deep of a massage I wanted. She connected with me a few times to see if I needed a harder or softer massage. She was a miracle worker from my toes to my scalp. Throughout the 90-minute massage, Marta's skill, the music, the oils, a bonus mini facial massage at the end, and the feel of the energy of this old building that has existed in Mazatlán through generations played into rejuvenating my body and spirit. At the end of 90 minutes, I felt calm and all noodley (my word for when I’m completely relaxed from a massage.) The 90-minute massage was 990 MXN which was about $50 USD, depending on where you exchange money. Since I didn’t have $990 MXN, my options were to pay in U.S. dollars at a rate of 16 MXP to the dollar for about $62 USD (still a bargain!) or include a 3.5% credit card fee for a total cost of 1024 MXP which was about $51 USD. I opted to use my MasterCard. The cruise line can’t come near $51 in American currency plus gratuity for a comparable 90-minute massage. Currency FAQ: Like the U.S., Mexico uses a "$" sign. But our currency code is USD whereas the Mexican Peso is MXN. At the time of this writing, $20 MXN = $1 USD Hating to say goodbye to Marta (I wanted to bring her home with me!), who gifted me with a bottle of water as I left, I set out for Plaza Machado. The square didn’t disappoint. There I could enjoy the colors and sounds of the Day of the Dead excitement. There was a giant (my guess is at least 30 feet tall) Day of the Dead doll, a giant sugar skull, alters with items enjoyed by loved ones who had passed, and what appeared to be a beautiful, colorful display that may have been meant to be stationary or it may have been a float for the next night’s upcoming parade. When I first arrived, there were indigenously dressed drummers beating out an intoxicating beat that drew my attention. There were plenty of taxis by Plaza Machado, both traditional and open-air pulmonia. I opted again for the latter for the 10 or so minute ride back. I regretted not having the time and stamina to wander Mazatlán’s Malecon (boardwalk) for some more Day of the Dead decorations and people-watching. Rounded off, here’s what the day cost me in U.S. dollars: Taxi to Athina Spa - $10 + $2 tip = $12 Massage - $51 + 15 tip = $66 Donation to Mazatlan’s Tres Islas Orphanage Fund = $3 Taxi to Discovery Princess - $10 + 2 tip = $12 Total cost for my independent “Mazatlan excursion” was $93. Although my self-made "day excursion" was over, I wasn't quite ready to end my day in Mazatlan. When I got back to Discovery Princess, I spent a little bit more time wandering by the colorful souvenir stalls at the ship terminal along with enjoying a cold local beer and some chips and salsa before finally saying goodbye to Mazatlan and boarding my ship. What would I have done differently? I would have stopped by the Malecon. Would I do this again? In a heartbeat, but with one change. If I get back to Mazatlan again, I’m going to do one of Athina Spa's 3+ hour spa packages that includes massage plus other treatments. Are you planning a Mexican Riviera cruise? Contact me so we can plan the right cruise line and ship that best fits your personality and interests. And we can discuss what activities you may like best during your visits to Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlan. Happy Traveling! -Connie

Celebrity Summit is a beautiful, timeless cruise ship. There are many reasons why you do want to consider her for your next cruise vacation. In this article, I’m sharing information about her last refurbishment, FAQs with helpful links, and an invitation to a special sailing: Refurbishment FAQs Special Invitation Celebrity Summit Refurbishment Celebrity Summit may have an older birth year, but she should not be dismissed as an “old ship.” If you last sailed on her early in her career, you’ll likely not recognize her now. Celebrity Cruises committed to “The Celebrity Revolution” just before Covid-19 struck. It went far deeper than reconditioning ships with new carpets and other soft goods, updating accommodations and public areas’ decors, and other upgrades normally done with a partial or extensive refurbishment. This was an entire commitment that started when Celebrity Cruises introduced the ocean-cruising Celebrity Edge and the beautiful 100-guest Celebrity Flora that sails to the Galapagos Islands. They seemed to be the inspiration for bringing the entire fleet- whether the ships were new builds or rebuilds of existing ships to a philosophy of “modern luxury.” In fact, she fits beautifully with Celebrity’s newer tagline, “Relaxed Luxury,” which refers to the line’s ships being relaxed luxury resorts at sea. You can expect the premium “Cashmere mattresses,” the addition of AquaClass cabins, and the reimagined Michael’s Club which is now The Retreat Lounge for suite guests, along with a sunbathing area there. There’s so much that’s changed that I think the best way to share the new experiences is what you can see here instead of what I can even describe. Celebrity Summit FAQ Built: 2001 Major Refurbishment: 2019 Capacity: 2,218 passengers Nationality of Officers: International Nationality of Crew: International Cruise Class: Premium Contemporary Decks: 12 Gross Tonnage: 91,000 Size: Mid Class: Millennium Series along with her sister ships, Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Infinity, and Celebrity Constellation Pools: 3 (1 indoor, 2 outdoor) Spa: Yes Children/Teen Program: Camp At Sea Celebrity Summit Main and Specialty ($) Restaurants: Cosmopolitan Restaurant: Two-level main restaurant, offers traditional two-sittings or open dining, dinner daily with breakfast and lunch on select days Oceanview Cafe & Grill: Buffet Cafe al Bacio & Gelateria: Specialty coffees and gelato, $ The Normandie Cuisine: Gourmet French, $ Le Petit Chef- Whimsical and fun dining experience only available on Celebrity, $ Spa Café: Healthy menus Sushi on Five: Modern take on Japanese cuisine, $ Tuscany: Contemporary Italian, $ Blu: Complimentary, for AquaClass guests only; Suite guests subject to availability Luminae: Complimentary, for suite guests only $ = Additional cost Click here for more information on dining. Celebrity Summit Entertainment & Activities The Retreat: New inviting lounge for suite guests The Retreat Sundeck: Luxurious outdoor private escape area for suite guests Celebrity Theatre: Show Lounge Rendezvous Lounge: Entertainment bar Fortunes Casino: Gaming Revelations: Observation lounge, disco Spa: Includes The Persian Garden Fitness Center: Enjoy your workout Martini Bar & Crush: Drinks, caviar, enjoy the ice-topped bar Cellar Masters: Wine bar Sunset Bar: Country club atmosphere while watching the world go by Mast Bar: Poolside convenience Sky Lounge Video Arcade Basketball Court Huge Outdoor Movie Screen Jogging Track Camp at Sea: Children and teen program Theater: Minimum of two productions per sailing The Meeting Place: Conference and meeting room Accommodations: Only Celebrity Cruises offers AquaClass rooms Total Accommodation Options: 29 categories Learn more about cabins and suites. Take a short tour of Summit. See this wonderful experience beyond what I can describe. Celebrity Summit Special Invitation I saw a unique Western Hemisphere itinerary. It had the rareness of a repositioning cruise, but with the convenience of being a “closed loop” cruise. Closed loop means roundtrip from the port as opposed to starting in one port and ending in another. Check this out: Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Summit May 6 - 15, 2023 Roundtrip from Cape Liberty / Bayonne, NJ to: Newport, RI * Martha's Vineyard, MA * Charleston, SC PLUS: TWO Days in Bermuda * Three Days at Sea I'm excited about sailing on this itinerary. And I'm inviting you to join me! Would you like to visit these ports and enjoy your relaxed luxury at sea aboard Celebrity Summit? I’m inviting our existing clients as well as those who would like to book and become our clients to join this neat sailing. Group Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, subject to availability. Taxes $296.66 not included. Prices begin at: Inside: $1,019.00 Oceanview: $1,289.00 Verandah (partial view): $1,669.00 Prime Verandah: $1,739.00 AquaClass: $2,347 Would you like to join us? Email me today at connie@cgta.com or call 610-532-0989. But hurry---- we only have 16 cabins and I don't know if we'll be able to get more! I'd be happy to assist you or your group to book your own "relaxed luxury at sea" on a Celebrity Cruises ship. Let's talk! Happy Traveling! -Connie

Nineteen-time World Champion, seven-time Olympic Medalist, author, and Dancing with the Stars contestant Simone Biles is adding one more accomplishment to her resume. She will be Godmother to Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship, Celebrity Beyond. Update 10/6/23: Congratulations to Simone. She is now the most decorated gymnast in history as well as the Godmother for Celebrity Beyond. Celebrity Cruises’ Edge-class ships have broken ground with new categories of suites and exciting additions such as Infinite Verandahs, Rooftop Garden, the Magic Carpet, and The Club. These features have contributed to make this series of ships incredibly popular. Innovation and elegance with a touch of quirkiness set these ships apart from many others in the industry. The class also tends to have a higher than average percentage of women crew members. Fitting the style of the ships has been the impressive, unique line-up of ground-breaking women who are also making a difference in the world. They are forward-looking and brave. Women who are strong role models for girls and who are creating opportunities. Simone Biles joins equally incredible women just as Celebrity Beyond joins her equally intriguing sister ships: Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate - Celebrity Edge Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code and the Marshall Plan for Moms - Celebrity Apex “I have a lot of great memories of cruising with my parents while growing up, so I am beyond excited to serve as godmother of Celebrity Beyond." "I am honored to join such a distinguished group of game-changing women and appreciate the important message this designation holds in recognizing our accomplishments and hopefully inspiring the next generation of women." -Simone Biles The position of Godmother to ships is steeped in history, tradition, and rituals. While Celebrity Beyond began sailing in Europe earlier in the year, her christening was on November 4th in Fort Lauderdale. Simone officially named the ship, which included blessing it and setting in motion the christening by breaking a bottle of champagne on the ship’s bow. You can catch the highlights here. Past Edge Series Christenings: Celebrity Apex christening Celebrity Edge christening "….. I'm humbled and thrilled to welcome her as godmother of our newest ship Celebrity Beyond." "While I've marveled at her abilities and historic accomplishments as a gymnast, it's Simone's courage to speak out and her ability to help others be better in sport and in life that has impressed me the most. She has risen to the occasion and overcome challenges time and time again. She is an inspiration." -Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises Our clients have been impressed with Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex, always coming back to tell me about their great experiences and sharing their stories with their friends. I'm especially excited right now as we have a small group currently enjoying Rome as they prepare to board Celebrity Edge in a few days. I can't think of a better way to celebrate someone's milestone birthday than with friends on a Mediterranean cruise aboard one of these ships. Happy 60th birthday, Bill! Whether you’re looking for a romantic trip, family getaway, celebration, or group, I hope you’ll contact Connie George Travel Associates. Let's work together to book you on a ship that best matches what you’re looking for in your next great cruise vacation. Maybe it will be on one of these ships! Happy Traveling! -Connie

Cruises are the perfect setting for romance with so many ways to traditionally and also uniquely create and celebrate your love and relationship. When I learned that February was "Creative Romance Month," I wanted my agency to celebrate with our own take on it. Voila.... "Romance at Sea!" And what better way to do that than to challenge myself to come up with 28 days of posts on our Facebook page that would offer suggestions on how you can create your own romantic experiences on your next cruise vacation? Twenty-eight ways. Guess what? By the time I was halfway through planning for the month, I had realized there aren't enough days to cover all of the many ways you can create those romantic moments on your cruise. But 28 was the project, and I'm sharing all of those results with you here. So put your seatbelt on because you are about to speed through a month of ideas. Here we go! 28 Ideas for Creating Romance at Sea Breakfast in bed. A quick kiss in the elevator. Specialty dining. Christmas Markets on AmaWaterways. Hold hands. Movies Under the Stars on Princess Cruises. 1. Breakfast in bed for two. Most cruise lines offer room service breakfast. It may be made to order on a card you check off and put on your outer doorknob the previous night. 2. Alone in the elevator for a few seconds? How about a quick, spontaneous kiss? 3. Try dinner for two in one of your ship's specialty dining venues. They are always smaller, more intimate, offer upgraded cuisine and a romantic setting. 4. Stroll the Christmas Markets and shop for a unique ornament on a Christmas Markets river cruise. Markets like these in Nuremberg on an AmaWaterways' Danube River sailing. 5. Hold hands when walking around the ship. 6. Snuggle under a blanket with popcorn and your honey to watch a movie out on the deck on a Princess Cruises' ship. Learn to hula dance together. 7. Take a hula class together on your Hawaiian cruise. Get matching leis. Get your nighttime photo with Budapest in the background on an AmaWaterways Danube cruise. Go glamping on a Celebrity Flora Galápagos Islands sailing. Explore the ocean by snorkeling together on a Royal Caribbean cruise. 8. Get lei’d together on one of the islands during your Hawaiian cruise. 9. Sailing on the Danube River aboard an AmaWaterways ship? Ask a fellow passenger to get a photo of you and your honey as you pass the iconic Hungarian Parliament building in Budapest. 10. Let's set up a reservation for the two of you to go "glamping" on your Celebrity Floria cruise to the Galápagos Islands. Imagine a night of stars in between a romantic evening and breakfast as the sun rises. 11. Go snorkeling together in one of the Caribbean ports on your Royal Caribbean cruise. Explore the earth on a Viking Expedition Cruise. Stroll in Central Park on Royal Caribbean. Soak together in the region's beauty on Viking Ocean Cruises' infinity pool. Leave a love lock. Picnic on a Celebrity Cruises' Lawn Club. Ride together on a Royal Caribbean merry-go-round. 12. Experience the raw beauty of Antarctica together on a Viking Expedition Cruise. 13. Take an evening stroll, hand in hand, under the stars and the twinkling lights of Central Park on a Royal Caribbean Oasis-Class ship. 14. Float your cares away as the two of your watch the wake of the ship from the infinity pool on the back of your Viking Ocean Cruise. “I want to travel the world with two things in my hands: your hand in one and a camera in the other.” -Unknown 15. Is there a Love Lock Bridge or Love Lock Fence in one of your ports? Celebrate your love by writing your names on the lock. Attach your Love Lock to the bridge or fence and throw away the key. 16. Have a picnic on the ship's grass. No, really. There's honest-to-goodness real grass "Lawn Club" on Celebrity Cruises' Solstice-Class ships. You can have a romantic picnic on Eclipse, Equinox, Reflection, Silhouette, and Solstice. 17. Get your inner child on together. Ride the merry-go-round on Royal Caribbean's Allure, Harmony, Oasis, Symphony, or Wonder of the Seas. You'll find them in the Boardwalk neighborhood of those Royal Caribbean ships. Romance + Travel Quotes Share experiencing the wildlife of the Galápagos Islands. 18. Enjoy the courtship rituals of the wildlife on your Galapagos Cruise. Like the mating dance of the waved albatross. Maybe it will inspire you to create your own courtship dance to remind yourself of the adventure. Be awed together by Glacier Bay in Alaska. Grab a map and make your own day in a port. Get a selfie with one of the unique sculptures on a Royal Caribbean ship. Renew your vows on a Princess Cruise. 18. Enjoy the views of Glacier Bay with your partner from the privacy of your balcony or out on deck when cruising aboard a Princess Cruises' ship in Alaska. Take a couple of selfies with a glacier in the background. 19. Do a little homework for highlights, grab a map, and set out on an adventure together. 20. Go "sculpture hunting" together on your Royal Caribbean cruise. "Capture" your hunt with a photo, like this one of "balloon man" on Oasis of the Seas. 21. Renew your vows or get married on your cruise. Invite family and friends for a bigger celebration. Perhaps on a Princess Cruises ship? Build memories together as you explore Venice, Italy. 22. Explore St. Mark's Square in Venice. Soak it all in as you see the Basilica and Doge's Palace (at least get Skip the Line tickets if not on a tour), the people, and the sites. And be sure to relax at a cafe to round out your day. Watch the world go by on a Viking Ocean Cruise. Share in a couple's massage. Tour Claude Monet's romantic Giverny on a Seine River cruise. Propose in an iconic or unique place. Enjoy the vibrant colors of a Netherlands tulip farm on an AmaWaterways river cruise. Sip from a shared coconut. 23. Kick back with a cup of tea or glass of your favorite adult beverage as the two of you watch the world go by from the Explorers' Lounge on a Viking Ocean Cruise ship. Share the telescope to share close-up views of your world. 24. Relax, connect with yourselves and each other with a couples massage. 25. Tour Giverny when you are on your Viking River Cruise sailing France's Seine River. What could be more romantic than wandering Claude Monet's house, water garden, and flower garden? Were they an inspiration for his art, or was his art inspiration for his home? 26. Propose. Either more traditionally over dinner or during some other experience or place on the ship or in a port, a special relationship should be marked by a special proposal. 27. Count the tulips together. Kidding! There are too many to count, and it's better to just let this be a feast for your eyes. Book one of AmaWaterways' tours in the Netherlands that include the rich colors of tulips at a tulip farm. 28. Share refreshing coconut water together in a Caribbean or South Pacific island port. There are countless more ways to celebrate romance and your relationship on your next cruise. What would be special to you and your partner? When booking your next cruise, remember to contact us. Using Connie George Travel Associates to book your cruise costs you no more than booking directly with the line. In fact, we may be lower. One thing is for sure- we’re not beholden to following their headquarter’s rules about promoting their own products. A good cruise specialist agency looks at what’s best for your interests, not that of the line signing their weekly paycheck. Happy Traveling! -Connie P.S. If you liked this post, feel free to click the red heart ❤️ below and share it with your friends.

Sailing the U.S. rivers has continued to grow in popularity resulting in more ships being built here for that purpose. But due to Covid, we are seeing an even greater interest in American river cruises. People want to travel and realize there’s so much to see “in our own backyards.” Are you considering riverboating in the U.S.? I have 17 reasons why many people choose it for their vacation. 1) Enjoy the convenience of sailing within the United States. Your ship is only a short flight, car drive, or train ride away. Your benefits are: Less expense on transportation. No need for a passport. No need to be tested for Covid before flying back into the U.S. since you've never left the country. 2) An American river cruise is one of the few places where you can travel as Mark Twain did: Sail aboard a steam-powered paddle-wheeler. Mark Twain and steamboats are practically synonymous with each other. Hey, was that him who just walked by you? 3) Is it a ship or a boat? If you tend to break the "rule" that an ocean vessel is a SHIP, not a boat, you’ll love this: It’s said that ships are built for oceans, and boats are built for rivers and lakes. You can call your vessel a “boat” and be right every time. But no one is going to get upset if you call your temporary home a “ship.” 4) Traveling single doesn’t mean paying double: Solo travelers are often stuck paying 150 – 200% of what one person pays when sharing a double cabin. But American Queen Voyages (previously American Queen Steamboat Company) and American Cruise Lines have ships with single occupancy cabins. 5) You’re interested in nautical distances but hate math: On oceans, distance is in “nautical miles.” For those of us who are interested in how far we are from somewhere but are “math-challenged,” you’ll be happy to know that distance on river cruises in the U.S. are in good ol’ regular miles. 6) Experience history: It’s one thing to learn history in school, but seeing it come alive in front of you immerses you in the stories of our heritage. Here’s your chance to be where history took place- Lewis & Clark Expedition, Mark Twain, Revolution, the Civil War and so much more. 7) Enjoy a theme: There are special sailings devoted to food and wine, lobster bakes and crab fests, various music, flower, holidays, and even ‘70s theme sailings. Which would you choose? 8) Size counts, as in intimate where you get to know how to get around the boat quickly and get to know your fellow passengers: Boats range in size from American Cruise Lines’ American Independence, American Spirit, and American Star, which hold 100 guests, to American Queen Voyages’ American Queen’s whopping 436 guests. Most American riverboats range from 190 to 245 passengers. The newest line to enter the market will be Viking River Cruises’ Viking Mississippi in July 2022, accommodating 386 guests. 9) You don’t have to cruise through the Panama Canal to experience the incredible engineering of locks: Our Columbia River, Mississippi River, and Ohio River each have locks for you to experience. 10) Delicious dishes: You'll enjoy regionally-inspired, fresh meats, seafood, and produce purchased as close by as possible. Yum! 11) Wonderful entertainment: Locally inspired entertainment Remarkable musicians Enrichment programs 12) No worries about seasickness: You are sailing on smooth rivers, and your riverboat doesn’t rock side-to-side. But that also means no being rocked gently to sleep, either! 13) Loyalty counts: Loyalty to a business counts for that company, for sure. But it also means a lot to potential new clients. On a typical American riverboat cruise, you could find as many as 40% of the guests on that line for at least the second time. 14) Attentive service: The energetic staff on the smaller ships tend to thrive on offering exceptional service. 15) They are made in the U.S.A. and staffed here: You’re fully supporting American workers because U.S. law requires that all vessels sailing wholly within the United States must: o Be built in the U.S. You’re supporting American shipyards. o Be staffed by Americans. Logistically, the ships need to buy provisions nearby. Therefore they are supporting American workers, including farmers and manufacturers. 16) The pace is relaxing: There's a gentle pace to sailing down a river. A peacefulness, a letting go of schedules and rushing. Some wonderful vacations are quick-paced; leaving you joking that you "need a vacation from your vacation." You'll likely slide back into the arms of the gift of this slower pace more quickly than you expect. 17) So many choices! You can cruise our rivers multiple times without repeating the same itinerary: · Lower Mississippi · Upper Mississippi · Ohio River · Hudson River · Columbia & Snake Rivers · Chesapeake Bay (technically not a river, but it’s similar) · St. John’s River With so many river choices to pick from and so many reasons to cruise, is it time for you to plan your American riverboat cruise vacation? Because of the small size of the ships and the large demand in exploring the U.S. waterways on our rivers and lakes as well as coastal sailings on small ships, it’s essential to reserve your cabin early to avoid disappointment. I’d like to work with you to plan your trip Happy Traveling! -Connie P.S. If you liked this post, feel free to click the red heart ❤️ below and share it with your friends.

No matter the holiday or celebration, gifts tied in with travel are always welcome. They are appropriate for Christmas, Hannukah, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and retirements. And they’re great for a recipient doing anything from a weekend camping trip to a six-month around-the-world cruise. As the world continues to open up, the pent-up demand for travel is bursting at the seams, making people anxious to book vacations for 2022 and 2023. What better time to gift a travel-related present? I’ve put together a holiday gift guide with five ideas. Whether from one person or several people, these gifts may check off someone on your shopping list. Candles Candle scents can invoke memories and feelings. Some of my favorite “travel scents” from Yankee Candles are Mediterranean Breeze, Catching Rays, Poolside Oasis, Turquoise Sky, and Seaside Woods. You can support smaller businesses by looking for candles in a local candle shop, on Etsy, and nearby stores that carry Yankee Candles. These are to burn at home. Never plan to burn a candle on a cruise ship or in a hotel. If you want the ambiance on a trip, battery-operated flameless candles are a great option. Gift Bag / Gift Basket Use your imagination to build a package of items that can be fun, practical, or both. You can pick up pieces at nearby stores or online. The best part is that you can build a bag or basket on any budget. Our article, 49 travel-related items that can be purchased at Dollar Tree is great for ideas and inspiration for a travel gift bag or travel-related stocking stuffers. This is a gift you can make for under $10 on up. Luggage I was excited to receive a set of luggage from my parents for my graduation. Afterward, as a young single travel agent, I especially took advantage of it. Luggage can be a fantastic gift. However, I’ll warn of two conditions on this. First, avoid the too-popular black suitcases or any other that can easily be picked off the airport baggage carousel by someone else thinking it’s their bag. The second condition is to know the preferred style of luggage of the person you are gifting: hard or soft-sided bags, color, and other factors. Luggage is a gift that gets used for years and is thought of each time your family member or friend travels. If luggage is out of your price range, how about a collection of luggage-related items such as matching luggage tags and straps along with TSA locks? Visit here to compare luggage. Payment Toward a Booked Trip If your friend or loved one has a trip already booked, contact their travel agent to make a payment toward their vacation. I’ve assisted clients with this often over the years. A lot of the time, it’s people making a payment toward a honeymoon, but I’ve helped people gift part of other vacations, too. I can type a gift certificate for the purchaser to have something to physically give to the recipient. A Vacation This is the Holy Grail of gifts. I’ve worked with: Employers gifting a trip for an employee Employees pitching in together to buy a trip for their employer and their spouse Someone giving a gift to their significant other for the two of them to get away (Tip: Make sure you are booking a trip that’s their dream or your joint dream.) Adult “kids” put together a vacation for parents Grandparents gifting the grandkids to join them on a trip (After discussing this with the parents.) Grandparents or parents giving a travel experience for the entire family Over the decades of my career as a travel professional, I’ve seen the power of travel. Whether the gift is small and recognizes the recipient as a lover of travel or an entire multi-generation family vacation, it’s hard to go wrong with a gift related to travel. Happy Traveling! -Connie

I don't know about you, but too often, I come home from a trip to a cold that starts within days. Most typically, it's after trips that involved flying. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "disinfection destroys most pathogenic and other microorganisms." When trying to avoid getting sick from a cold or Covid-19, Norovirus, flu, and other nastiness, that's good news! By spending a few minutes using disinfectant wipes on the high-touch surfaces you'll encounter, you will reduce your chances of getting sick on your trip or coming home with a bug. Tips on using disinfecting wipes: Disinfectant wipes and antibacterial wipes are virtually the same things. Read the directions on your package of wipes. Do not overuse a wipe. Wipes are only effective when they are wet. Also, using the same side of a wipe on multiple surfaces can share germs between the surfaces. Disinfectants should not be used on skin. That includes using them to clean your hands. It's best to wear gloves when using disinfectant wipes. If you don't wear gloves, be sure to clean your hands afterward. Since disinfectants shouldn't be used on your hands, you should also travel with hand sanitizer. Sanitizer will also come in handy when you can't wash your hands after using antibacterial disinfectant wipes. I'll share more about hand sanitizer at the end of this article. The 31 surfaces you want to wipe down with your antibacterial disinfectant wipes: These high-traffic, hard surfaces include items on airplanes, hotel rooms, cruise ship cabins, car rides, public areas, and electronics. Airplanes: Flight attendant call button Overhead air vent Overhead light Window shade (if you have a window seat) Seat belt clip Armrests Headrest Tray table & latch Lavatory (door & faucet handles, toilet flush button & seat) After disinfecting, use hand sanitizer. To protect your hands against the effects of the disinfectant, sanitizer, or hand-washing and dry cabin air, follow up with a hand cream to moisturize them. Hotel rooms & Cruise ship cabins: Entrance, bathroom & closet handles Door locks Remote control Telephone Sink, tub & shower faucets & knobs Toilet seat Toilet flush lever/button Drawer knobs Light switches Counter, table and vanity tops In-room safes Pens Room keycards After disinfecting, wash your hands with soap and water. Cab & ride share vehicles: Handles Window control button After disinfecting, use hand sanitizer. Public places: ATM buttons Public restroom toilet seats and flush lever/button After disinfecting, use hand sanitizer or wash your hands with soap and water. Electronics & Misc.: Keyboards Touchscreens Cell phones Tablets Luggage handles & zippers After disinfecting, use hand sanitizer or wash your hands with soap and water. Why Not Use Disinfectant Wipes on Your Skin? There are a couple of reasons. First, because it destroys what your skin needs. According to Donald Ford, MD, family medicine doctor at Cleveland Clinic as quoted in this article, “…..because “good” bacteria live on your skin, so when you apply something that kills basically all the bacteria on your hands, you’re killing off some that are actually helpful and natural." Secondly, you could have an allergic or chemical reaction. The only thing worse than being sick at home is being sick on vacation. By following these fast and straightforward tips, we can reduce our chances of getting ill while traveling and when we get back home. Book your cruise or tour with Connie George Travel Associates for additional trip-related tips. Happy Traveling! -Connie

The less you pack, the happier you will be toting that luggage through the airport and when storing your stuff in your cabin. Those shoes can make up for a lot of space and weight in your luggage! Mishandling the packing of your “foot apparel” can cost you comfort and extra baggage fees. Are you a first-time cruiser or still relatively new at packing for a cruise? Or maybe you have a bad shoe habit and know you need an intervention? If any of those are true, this blog was written for you! I was part of a group on a cruise and struck up a friendship with two sisters who were also part of the group. During the cruise, I stopped by their cabin with them on the way to an event one night. There was a LINEUP of shoes along the one wall, all belonging to only one of them. Holy cow! She had to be traveling with one suitcase just for shoes. Sure, we JOKE about such things, but I didn’t think about anyone actually doing that. You may be thinking, “Connie, what’s wrong with that? I like my shoes!” Friend, if you are happy lugging lots of shoes, I’m not going to try to stop you. BUT if you are trying to become a “lighter packer,” let me try to help you. These are the shoes you need to pack for your cruise. The 5 Essential Shoes Needed for Most Cruises With few exceptions, you need to pack only 4-5 pairs of shoes for your cruise. 1. A pair of comfortable walking shoes. In my case, that’s a pair of sneakers. (Tennis shoes or gym shoes depending on where you live.) If you’ll be walking a lot in ports-of-call or on a large ship, you’ll appreciate having comfortable shoes. Especially if you’ll be walking a lot more than you do at home. 2. A pair of flip-flops or sandals. These can be interchanged with your “walking shoes” when you want a change and worn on the beach. Plus, if you are someone who doesn’t like to be barefoot, they can double as “slippers” in your ship cabin or hotel room. 3. A pair of versatile casual shoes that can work with shorts by day and casual evening clothes. For women, these can be flats, low heels or wedges. For men, something like boat shoes, casual loafers, or slip-ons. 4. A pair of dress shoes for dressier or formal outfits. I’ve never been on a cruise (up to 10 days long) for which I needed more than one pair of dress shoes. If this suggestion is causing you to break out into a sweat, we may compromise. Give the thought some time. (My previously mentioned cruise friend, who I think the world of, would probably be gasping for air right now.) If it’s still upsetting, add one more pair of dress shoes. Limiting your dress shoes is much easier if you bring shoes in a neutral color (i.e. black, tan, navy) and have coordinated your clothing to stay within a color palette. Also, I suggest that women stick with sensible dress shoes. On a moving ship isn’t the best time to break out your stilettos. If your cruise is aboard an expedition ship or sailing yacht, you might swap out your “dress shoes” for a second pair of casual shoes that can carry you through the evenings. Or travel with one less pair of shoes. 5. Your fifth pair is a bit of a wildcard based on where you’re cruising and the type of activities you’ll be taking part in. For instance, if you’ll be hiking in Iceland, bring hiking boots. If you will be walking on a glacier in Alaska, consider waterproof hiking boots or snow boots. For wet landings off a zodiac on a Galápagos cruise, you’ll need water shoes, water sandals, or deck shoes. Tevas and Chacos are popular water sandals among travelers needing water shoes that they also want to hike in. How to Pack Your Shoes Of the five pairs of shoes you bring, you will wear one pair and pack the other four pairs in your luggage. Yes, your five sets of shoes include the pair on your feet. Be sure your shoes are cleaned from obvious dirt. You can make some extra space by rolling socks and belts and putting them into the shoes. Put each pair into a plastic bag like a grocery store bag or into a shoe bag to protect your clothing. For large, bulkier shoes, you may wish to put each shoe into a separate bag so you can stuff your shoes into empty corners of your suitcase or between piles of clothing. Visiting the Galápagos Islands? Don't Pack These 11 Things for Your Galapagos Cruise Additional Tips It goes without saying that these should all be shoes that you have already broken in. Don’t risk your feet over new shoes. You don’t want to be miserable, and neither do you want an infected sore. Even worn-in shoes can cause a nasty blister when doing a lot more walking in them than usual. I suggest bringing some moleskin “just in case” you have difficulty. You can click here to learn a lot more about how to use moleskin. And your travel first aid kit should always include bandaids and a small tube of antibiotic ointment or Neosporin. Now you know the answer to the question, "What shoes do I need for my cruise?" As a new expert on packing shoes, where would you like to go on your cruise? I hope we get the opportunity to help you plan your next ocean or river cruise vacation. We have many more travel tips for you! Happy Traveling! -Connie