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All-Inclusive Resorts

All-Inclusive Resorts–Like a Cruise on Land

All-inclusive resorts are just like a cruise but on land.

Well, we are now into 2021. Travel is looking brighter but still a little elusive at times. While some families are not ready to travel, some are thinking about planning the next vacation and some are ready to get away. Where ever your family falls in this spectrum it is always good to dream. Today I am here to give you a bit more information about why your family might want to think about an all-inclusive resort for your next vacation. All-inclusive resorts are not just your run-of-the-mill resort vacation. Oh no! They are your one-stop pathway to relaxation, fun, and adventure. All-inclusive resorts are kind of like a cruise but on land and in one place.

All-inclusive resorts are a great alternative to cruising. Cruising will be back again (hopefully later this summer or fall) but in the meantime, you might want to get away. An all-inclusive resort might be just the ticket for your family. Much of what you can find on a cruise ship you can experience at all-inclusive resorts. Read on to learn more!

Where are all-inclusive resorts

Most all inclusive resorts are found in Mexico and the Caribbean. There is one Club Med in Florida that is nice but not as luxurious.

How an all-inclusive resort is like a cruise on land!

Food

Like a cruise ship, all your food is included in the price of your stay. Most resorts have many different restaurants ranging from luxury dining to casual eateries and poolside fare. You will find different restaurants to cater to different tastes such as Italian, Mexican, Asian, or Indian food. At larger resorts, there could be so many restaurants that you could try a different one for every meal in your week long visit and still not hit them all. You will also have at least one buffet option. This makes it easy for everyone to find something they like.

BUT, an all-inclusive resort goes one step further than just food. All-inclusive resorts also include drinks. There are many bars and lounges around the resort and you can just walk up (or swim up) and get something to drink.

The dining options vary from resort to resort so talk with your travel advisor for help finding the resort that has the right dining options for your family. Also, not all dining or drinks are included, just like a cruise. Some finer dining and top-shelf liquors will have an additional charge.

Entertainment and Activities

Every resort will have a pool area but they aren’t all created equal. Some will have one main pool, others might have an adult pool or children’s pool and some might have them all. At the main pool, there could be activities going on all day long while it is quieter at the adult pool giving guests a place for fun and a place for relaxation. Guess what, there are also resorts that have their own water park. How cool is that!!

Most resorts will include non-motorized water sports such as paddleboards and kayaks. A few also include even some motorized ones. There might be other on-site activities that are included like miniature golf, tennis, and sports courts. Some resorts have bumper cars and arcade rooms. You will also find other activities you can do for an extra charge, maybe horseback riding, scuba diving, ATV adventures, etc.

Kid’s Clubs

One of the things that families love about cruising is the kids’ activities and special places just for kids. Well, all-inclusive resorts are just like a cruise and can provide that too! Kids will find their own places to play games, do crafts, perform in plays, dress-up, get some energy out in an outdoor playground, or splash park. Staff members are specially trained to care for your kids all day long.

Excursions

Another thing people love about cruising is going out and exploring the countries they visit. Well, at an all-inclusive resort you only stay in one place. But, there are plenty of things to go and do and see off of the resort property. Most resorts have a dedicated place to go to book excursions. One of the cool things about staying on land, in one place, is that you get to explore more of the area. You aren’t limited to just a few hours and have to wait until the next cruise to go and do something else. You can do all that you want on one vacation. Woohoo!

There are so many different all-inclusive resort options for all families and all budgets. Contact me if you would like to start planning your all-inclusive vacation or have questions!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

Cruising

Which Disney Cruise Ship Should I Choose?

Which Disney ship should I choose?

So you have decided you definitely want to sail with Disney Cruise Line. You are ready for the Broadway-caliber Disney shows, Disney characters, themed dining rooms, exciting deck parties, and so much more. But, you are now faced with a choice. A possibly easy but also very hard choice. Which Disney Cruise ship should I choose?!

Overview of the ships

The Disney Magic was the first Disney Cruise Line ship launched back in 1998. The Disney Wonder quickly followed in 1999. These two ships brought Disney Cruise Line to the forefront in the cruise line industry. Then in 2011 and 2012 the Disney Dream and Fantasy set sail joining the other two.

Wall on Disney Cruise ship
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Front of Disney Wonder
Disney Dream back of ship

All four ships are reminiscent of classic ocean liners with their double smokestacks, sleek lines, nautical styling and interiors greatly influenced by the styles of the early 20th-century. Although, you will not mistake them for any other line with their distinctive Disney accouterments–Mickey head logo on the stacks, striking gold scroll and Mickey Mouse head detailing on the bow and stern of the ship along with 3D Disney Characters hanging from the stern. Then, throughout the interior of the ship Disney art is on the walls, crafted into the railings, woven into the carpets, and hidden for your enjoyment. Definitely Disney–so fun but so elegant and classic.

The Disney Magic and Wonder are very similar ships. They definitely have differences but the size, passenger capacity, and general arrangement of the ship are almost the same. These ships are smaller and hold less passengers but the staterooms are a smidgen larger. Both of these ships have been reimagined multiple times so they are as up-to-date as the other ships.

The Disney Dream and Fantasy have more amenities because they are larger ships and have more room. They are 151 feet longer, 35 feet taller, and 15 feet wider. Due to three additional passenger decks, the Dream And Fantasy are able to hold 50% more passengers and crew. These ships added “virtual portholes” in inside cabins, the Aqua Duck waterslide, Midship Detective Agency game, Remy, outside area for teens, and Venellope’s Sweets and Treats.

Note: The larger size of these ships means that you feel the sailing motion a little bit less than the smaller ships.

What to consider when choosing a ship

Destination

For some this will be what chooses the ship. Some destinations only have one ship sailing there so the choice is very easy. But some have multiple ships sailing throughout that part of the world so the decision gets a little trickier.

Where do they sail?

  • Disney Magic — Bahamas, Western Caribbean, Burmuda, Eastern Caribbean, Norwegian Fjords, British Isles, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Western Europe
  • Disney Wonder — Alaska, Bahamas, Western Caribbean, Baja, Pacific Coast, Mexican Rivera, Panama Canal,
  • Disney Dream — Almost all Bahamas, a tiny bit of Western Caribbean, and Eastern Caribbean
  • Disney Fantasy — Bahamas, Western Caribbean, Eastern Caribbean, Southern Caribbean

As you can see, if you want to sail to Alaska, California, Mexico, or the Panama Canal you will be on the Wonder. If you want to go to Europe then your choice is the Magic. To sail to the Southern Caribbean you will have to be on the Fantasy.

Now, if you want to go to the Bahamas or Western Caribbean you could sail on any ship. So, you might narrow things down by the number of nights sailing, departure port, size of ship, number of stops at Castaway Cay, or time of year you want to sail. Let’s take a look at these options now.

Nights of Sailing and Departure Port

Disney Magic–Since the Magic sails so many different itineraries, you don’t have as much choice of a sailing date if you want a specific cruise destination. Also, the Magic is the only ship out of Miami.

  • 3, 4, 5 Night Bahamian from Miami
  • 5 Night Bermuda from New York
  • 5 Night Western Caribbean from Miami
  • 5, 6, 7 Night Eastern Caribbean from Miami, or one-way from Miami to San Jan, Puerto Rico or New York
  • 7 Night Norwegian Fjords, British Isles, or Northern Europe from Dover, England
  • 7 Night Western Europe from Barcelona, Spain to Dover England
  • 11 Night Norwegian Fjords and Iceland from Dover, England to Copenhagen, Denmark
  • 7 Night Northern Europe from Dover, England
  • 8, 10 Night Northern Europe from Copenhagen, Denmark (10 N from Dover to Copenhagen)
  • 6, 7 Night Mediterranean from Barcelona, Spain
  • 8, 9, 11 Night Mediterranean with Greek Isles from Civitavecchia (Rome) (11N ends in Barcelona, Spain)
  • 13 Night Transatlantic from Miami to Barcelona

Disney Wonder–If you want to sail from somewhere in the US outside of Florida then the Wonder is the ship for you.

  • 4, 5, 6 Night Western Caribbean from Galveston, TX
  • 6, 7 Night Bahamian from Galveston, TX
  • 4, 5 Night Western Caribbean from New Orleans, LA
  • 7 Night Bahamian from New Orleans, LA
  • 14 Night Panama Canal from New Orleans, LA to San Diego, CA and San Diego, CA to Galveston, TX
  • 2, 3, 4, 5 Night Baja Cruise from San Diego, CA
  • 7 Night Mexican Riviera from San Diego, CA
  • 5 Night Pacific Coast from San Diego, CA to Vancouver, BC
  • 7, 9 Night Alaska from Vancouver, BC

Disney Dream–Most all of the Dream sailings are to the Bahamas. You are limited to only a few sailing dates (November) if you want to sail the Caribbean on the Dream.

  • 3, 4 Night Bahamian from Port Canaveral, FL
  • 5 Night Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral, FL
  • 7 Night Eastern Caribbean from Port Canaveral, FL

Disney Fantasy–Sails to the Bahamas mainly in October and November and Early summer. The rest of the year she is in the Caribbean.

  • 3, 4 or 5 Night Bahamian from Port Canaveral, FL
  • 6 or 7 Night Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral, FL
  • 7 or 8 Night Eastern Caribbean from Port Canaveral, FL

Size of Ship and Amenities

Disney Cruise line has only two sizes of ships to choose from which makes decisions a little easier. The Magic and Wonder are smaller and the Dream and Fantasy are larger. Remember, each pair are mostly identical in size and the amenities onboard.

Both ships have:

  • Infant, child and tween clubs (slight differences but all awesome)
  • Buena Vista Movie Theater
  • Live Shows in the Walt Disney Theater
  • D Lounge family nightclub
  • Senses Spa and Fitness Center
  • Outdoor sports court
  • Pool Deck with two family pools and Twist and Spout Waterslide, and Nemo’s Reef (splash area)
  • Funnel Vision screen
  • Palo (adult dining room)
  • Three Main Dining Rooms
  • Cabanas Buffet
  • Counter-service food on pool deck
  • Beverage Station and Eye Scream (complimentary soft serve ice cream) on pool deck
  • Adult night-life, Dance club, Live Music, Sports Bar, Pool bar (different themes on each ship)
  • Adult-only area–Quiet Cove has lounge area, pool, cafe, and bar
  • Coffee Bar
  • Shopping and Shutters photo studio (Shutters not on Dream)

Magic and Wonder

  • 2400 passengers
  • 11 passenger decks
  • AquaLab Interactive Play Area on pool deck
  • AquaDunk (only on the Magic)
  • Concierge-only lounge with 270-degree view of ocean (Wonder only)

Dream and Fantasy

  • 4000 passengers
  • 14 passenger decks
  • Goofy Mini Golf
  • AquaDuck water coaster around the ship (no AquaLab on the Dream)
  • Funnel Puddle Wading Pool in front of forward funnel
  • Better Chill Spa for teens
  • Premium Ice Cream Shop
  • Remy (adult dining room)
  • Champagne Bar
  • Martini Bar
  • Upscale “Craft Cocktail” Bar
  • Satellite Falls (another adult-only pool area)
  • Enchanted Art
  • Midship Detective Agency
  • Magical Portholes in Inside Staterooms

Days at Castaway Cay

Waterslide at Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Lines private island.

Castaway Cay is Disney’s private island. At Castaway Cay guests get to enjoy so many beach activities and more. Relax on the beach, swim in the ocean, bike around the island, play volleyball, play on the waterslides and splash pad. There is a children’s area with Cast Members from the Oceaneer Club. And also a special area for teens. Guess what, there’s an adult only area too. Plus, all your food is provided, all day long.f

There are many itineraries that stop for one day at Castaway Cay.

  • All Bahamian Cruises
  • Caribbean Cruises out of Florida

Once in a while the Disney Dream will have two stops at Castaway Cay. If you would like to cruise on one of these itineraries get on a list with a Travel Advisor to alert you as soon as they are available.

How else can you get two stops? Often Castaway Cay lovers will take two shorter cruises back to back (b2b) in order to stop at Castaway Cay twice.

So, when you are trying to decide on a Disney Cruise ship which thing will help you choose? Is itinerary most important? The amenities on the ship? Castaway Cay? Let me know below!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

Other links that might interest you:

Adventures by Disney

Enjoy Wyoming Like Never Before– with Disney!

Enjoy Wyoming like never before with Adventures by Disney

Right here in the United States, there are incredible places to discover and explore. The United States might not have centuries-old castles and buildings or baroque and gothic architecture but there are some stunning natural landscapes and fascinating natural wonders. This week we are going to explore the wonders of Wyoming with a tour of the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Parks courtesy of Adventures by Disney.

Adventures by Disney

Adventures by Disney are expertly crafted guided tour vacations all throughout the world. They have itineraries exploring almost every continent. Disney has really upped the tour experience through amazing customer service (Disney is tops at their customer service), two adventure guides plus a cultural guide from the area to help immerse you in your vacation experience, and access to opportunities that others just don’t have.

These tours are designed with every traveler in mind. Many activities are created for the whole family to enjoy together. Then there are some activities just for the adults to enjoy (such as a gourmet dinner or wine tasting) while the kids have something especially for them. The Adventures by Disney tour experience is definitely at the head of the pack when it comes to guided tours!

Exploring Wyoming

Through this tour Adventures by Disney designs a tour to help you experience the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Parks in ways that you probably haven’t before. Your Adventure Guides bring the stories of these two parks to life as you visit and explore these areas.

Most of the activites on this tour are relatively gentle but when you add them altogether some travelers might find them strenuous. Sometimes there are other options that are more relaxing and you always have a choice of your activities on the last couple of days.

While the hotel accomodations are wonderful they don’t always have as much in the way of television and internet access. Internet might only be available in the common areas. What a great opportunity to unplug and spend time on the people who really matter.

Let’s get started on this tour and see what could be in your family’s future!

Day 1–Jackson Hole, WY

See the Antler arch in Jackson Hole WY on an Adventures by Disney tour

Today you fly into the airport in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. One of your Adventure Guides meets you at the airport, helps you get your luggage and then drives you to the hotel you will be staying at for the next couple nights. At dinner you will meet the other families in your group and feast on cowboy grub and music. Tomorrow the adventures begin!

Day 2–Jackson Hole, WY

After breakfast head out on the town as a family to explore the scenic town of Jackson which is known as the “Gateway to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Parks.” There are so many fun shops to wander in and out of that everyone will enjoy.

Jackson Hole Playhouse will be your lunch destination for yummy Western food and a rip-roarin’ rolickin’ good show.

After lunch you will head to the Snake River for some awesome whitewater rafting through the wilderness.

The evening is free for you to wander around Jackson. You might want to pick up some western gear! There are some fantastic restaurants in the area so be sure to ask your Adventure Guide for recommendations.

Day 3–Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park

The Grand Teton Range

It’s an early morning breakfast before making your way to Grand Tetons National Park. Here, you will be joined by a local expert for a bicycle tour stopping at major highlights like Mormon Row and Moulton Barn. Not interested in biking? That’s just fine! You can spend time enjoying the visitors center and hiking some of the gorgeous trails.

Following a beautiful drive up to Jackson Lake, you eat your fill for lunch at the Jackson Lake Lodge. Lunch is overlooking the picturesque views of the Teton Range outside and the beautifully painted mural of the range painted by American artist, Carl Roters in the late 20th-century.

The road to Yellowstone National Park takes you through the northern part of Grand Tetons National Park. Once arriving at Yellowstone you get to explore the amazing geysers, mudpots and geothermal phenomena with a scavenger hunt at West Thumb Geyser Basin. What an amazing start!

Settle in to your room right within walking distance of Old Faithful Geyser. Before dinner you will want to try and see the geyser explode. Old Faithful isn’t one of the most spectacular geysers (yet, it is VERY cool!) in Yellowstone but it erupts the most frequently.

See Old Faithful Geyser on a Wyoming Adventures by Disney Tour
Old Faithful Geyser

Dinner will be at the historic Old Faithful Inn. What an experience! After dinner young travelers will have a fantastic time learning more about geysers and get to make their own eruptions!

Day 4–Yellowstone National Park to Brooks Lake Lodge

Make sure you have a hearty breakfast for this full day! Start out on an excursion on the Lower loop. You will see some of the parks most awe-inspiring thermal features like Old Faithful, Hayden Valley, Artist Point, the Upper and Lower Waterfalls and the spectacular Lake Yellowstone.

One of the highlights will be a privately guided tour of the Fountain Paint Pot Trail. Be awestruck by the spectacular blue pools, pink mudpots, minigeysers and the hissing steam vents also know as fumaroles.

Fill up your hungry stomachs at the Canyon Village Lounge to get ready for your afternoon adventures. You will love hiking around the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Stay at the top and marvel at the moss-covered rock, and the multitude of colors on the walls created by the mineral stains. Or, head down and get a little closer and a little wetter.

See the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone on an Adventures by Disney tour
The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Take a load off your feet for a bit aboard a motorcoach through the Hayden Valley. This is a wildlife paradise so keep your eyes open for elk, grizzly bears, and bison roaming around. Say a fond farewell to Yellowstone!

Your Wyoming Adventures by Disney adventure takes you to Brooks Lake Lodge which will be a welcomed sight after your busy day. This historic lodge and dude ranch will be your home base for your last few days. This 100-year old lodge combines country living and outdoor adventure with outstanding accommodations, gourmet dining, and 5-star service. They even have a wonderfully relaxing spa for an additional fee. After dinner this evening there isn’t anything scheduled to give you a little time to rest and relax.

Day 5–Brooks Lake Lodge

Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided during the day at the lodge. Delicious food will be served in the Great Hall giving you a bit of time to recharge from the activities of the day.

Today will be filled with so many awesome outdoor activities to choose from. You will get to choose an activity from this list for the morning and the afternoon.

  • Horseback Trail Ride with Cowboys–Explore the mountains with a real cowboy. Learn to rope, ride, hoot, and holler from the best!
  • Fly-Fishing–No matter what your skill level you will have a fantastic fishing experience.
  • Hiking–Take a leisurely stroll along the nature trails around the lodge or a rigorous hike up Brooks Mountain to the top of the Continental Divide.
  • Canoeing–Paddle through the serene waters of this mountain lake.
  • Archery–Take aim with target practice with the Rocky Mountains as the backdrop.

After dinner watch a classic Disney film in a storybook setting.

Day 6–Brooks Lake Lodge

There are so many fantastic activities around the Lodge that you will have another day to experience activities you didn’t get to yesterday or repeat the things you loved. These two days are perfect for connecting with your family in new and different ways.

The farewell dinner this evening is the perfect end to a fabulous vacation. Relive the memories with your family of all the amazing adventures during the week. Say goodbye to the new friends you have made along the way.

Day 7–Brooks Lake to Jackson Hole, WY

Following breakfast, you will be taken back to the airport in Jackson Hole. This is the sad end of your Wyoming Adventures by Disney tour but it doesn’t have to be the end of your vacation. You can always spend a little more time in the area. More exploration of the Grand Tetons might be calling your name.


Do you have a favorite thing to do in Jackson Hole, Grand Tetons or Yellowstone National Park? Let us all know in the comments below your don’t miss activities!

If you would like more information about this Wyoming or other Adventures by Disney expedition please contact me with the button above. I would love to help!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

Here are some other links that might interest you:



Planning

Benefits of Booking Your Vacation Early!

Enjoy the benefits of booking your vacation early.
Does booking my vacation early benefit me or the travel companies?

Over and over you see travel companies saying “Book Now” or “Don’t wait any longer, book that vacation today.” Do you wonder, “Is this just to get me locked into a vacation? Is it just to get my money?” My answer to the question, “Should I book my trip now?” is YES. There IS a benefit to you, the traveler, to booking that trip earlier rather than later and not just the travel company. So, read on to discover the benefits of booking your vacation early.

Can’t I take a last minute trip??

Please don’t get the idea from this blog post that you shouldn’t book those last-minute, spur-of-the-moment trips or even 6-9 months ahead (this is my usual booking window). Last-minute trip planning can be super exciting and fun. Instead, I just want to show you the benefits of a little planning ahead, like a year or more.

Planning during the Pandemic

I am writing this in the midst of the Pandemic. We aren’t able to travel right now and for many that can be really hard. When this all started, we had just come back from vacation. So, we weren’t planning on going anywhere for a while, but, I still have the feeling of being trapped simply because I can’t travel. SO, since we cannot go, I feel that planning for a vacation is really important. Having something to look forward to brings hope in difficult times.

But, traveling costs money which might be in short supply right now! Continue reading and I will address this as one of the benefits of booking your trip early.

At the end of this post there will be a FaceBook live that I did a few months ago about the benefits of booking your vacation early.

Benefits of Booking Early

Definition of booking early–Booking a trip a year or more ahead of time. Now, many companies are booking well into 2021 with some going even into 2022.

Best Selection when Booking Early

Cruises

Stateroom Selection–As you know there are only so many staterooms on a cruise ship. And then, there are only so many staterooms in a certain category or the location you want. If you want connecting cabins, cabins right across the hall from each other, or some of the few larger cabins that sleep 5 or 6 then booking early will help get the perfect stateroom. Want one of the few suites or one of DCL’s Deluxe Family Oceanview split layout staterooms? Booking early is imperative! Especially if you want the one and only, super amazing, super awesome (and super expensive) Royal Caribbean Ultimate Family Suite which is booked up at least a year out.

River Cruise ships are small (100 staterooms or less) and definitely have a limited selection. Some boats have only 1 or 2 single rooms, a handful of the economical window, french balcony or lower balcony staterooms.

For those needing an accessible room booking early gives you the best selection as these are usually limited in number.

Cost–Often Cruise lines offer their best prices when they first release their cruise dates about 15-18 months out. This is especially true of Disney Cruise Line. The cost will then go up for a while and only go down a few months before with a Guaranteed fare so you cannot pick your own cabin (and that is often to the same fare as the time of release).

Dining–The main seating time in the main dining room is always the first to go. We booked our cruise 9 months ahead. Our family was able to get a main seating reservation only because we had children but the whole rest of our party was relegated to the second seating. We had to wait and wait and wait to see if our party could eat all together.

Excursions–There are some excursions and activities that are limited to a certain number of people. Once the numbers are filled you are out of luck. Cabanas on private islands are one example. Booking early is essential to securing a cabana for the day. Another is the water park on Royal Caribbean’s Coco Cay. The capacity of the waterparks is significantly lower than the capacity of the ship. If that is a must-do for you then early booking is important.

Resorts

Most Resorts aren’t in as much danger of booking up like cruises except at busy traveling times such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter/Spring Break. Popular smaller resorts might get booked up during the summer. So, there are some resorts that benefit form early booking.

Disney World–Disney World definitely is a place that benefits from booking your vacation early. Value and Moderate resorts are some of the first to fill up all year round but especially during the busy seasons. Getting a 5th sleeper at Disney’s Caribbean Beach or Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside becomes incredibly challenging if you wait too long. These rooms are the least expensive way for a family of 5 to stay on Walt Disney World property and as such, they are in great demand.

Dining reservations at Disney World–Advance Dining Reservations can be made 6 month ahead. In order to get the time you want to some of the most popular restaurants (Be Our Guest, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Le Cellier) need to be reserved at the 6 month mark.

Guided Tours

You cannot go on any tour, any time of year. Guided tours are scheduled at specific times and they are limited both in the number of travelers and the number of expeditions. Sometimes there might be only one trip to a country. Getting to go where you want, when you want is a big reason to book a tour early.

Ability to Budget Your Vacation

The ability to accurately budget for you vacation is another one of the benefits of booking your vacation early. Once you plan and book your vacation you know exactly how much it will cost. Some companies allow you to pay a deposit and then make the final payment at a certain point before you depart. This gives you the opportunity to make yourself a monthly budget in order to have the vacation paid off before you go. You can ask your travel advisor to set up a payment schedule for you to help you stay on track.

Companies that work well for budgeting:

  • Disney Parks–$200 deposit and final payment due 30 days ahead
  • Disney Cruise Line–20% deposit and final payment 3 or 4 months ahead depending on length of cruise
  • Adventures by Disney–10% and final payment due 4 months ahead
  • Royal Caribbean Cruise Line–$250/per person deposit and final payment 3 months prior (does depend on length of cruise above for 6+ days)
  • Norwegian Cruise Line–Same as Royal Caribbean
  • AmaWaterways–$400/person deposit and final payment 3 months ahead
  • National Geographic Journeys by G Adventures–$500 or $750 (some $2000) deposit depending on length of journey and final payment due 3 months ahead

This list certainly is not exhaustive. There are quite a few other companies that have the same deposit and final payment options. So there are lots of vacations you can plan early and be able to budget easily. Yippee!

Groups Get Choices You Want

If you are coordinating a group (or your travel advisor is–so much easier for you) a huge benefit to booking your vacation early is to get the features you want–rooms together, cruise dining times, excursions, dinner reservations, etc. We traveled with family for a reunion cruise and because we booked 15 months ahead we were all able to have main seating dining and we had a better selection choosing staterooms closer together. Groups usually take up quite a bit of room and it is best to book when there is a lot of selection available. One group of 10 couples on a river cruise ship could take up 10% of the staterooms. One extended family could fill an entire guided tour so if you want your choice of dates you have to book early.

Something to Look Forward To

I actually think that this is an important reason to book early. Studies show that it is good for your psyche if you have something good on the horizon. For me, when I don’t have a specific planned I feel a little at loose ends. Even if that vacation is a year or more away I feel better. Also, if you know for sure you are going on a trip it sometimes makes it easier to scrimp and save.

If you have any more suggestions you have experienced about the benefits of booking your vacation early just comment below!

Happy travels to you…Until we meet again!

Links you might be interested in reading:

Destination Highlights

5 Fabulous US Passport-free Vacation Destinations

**While now is not the time to travel, it is the perfect time to start figuring out when and where your next vacation will be. Check out our upcoming posts for some stunning travel inspiration. I hope that this post spurs your imagination and your bucket list. Read on to learn about some fantastic passport-free vacation destinations. **

5 fabulous U.S. passport-free vacation destinations

Have you ever wanted to just jump on plane and get away to a relaxing beach? Did you have to think twice because you remembered that you didn’t have a passport? Well, pack those bags because there are a number of wonderful, relaxing tropical vacation destinations that you will not need to pack your US passport.

This blog will introduce you to 5 US Territories that would be fantastic options for your next vacation.

#1 U.S. Virgin Islands

Passport free vacation destination of St John U.S. Virgin Islands
St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

This gorgeous Caribbean island group, which is just a few hours from Florida, thrives on tourism. The U.S. Virgin Islands has created a vast array of opportunities to satisfy any vacation style. Travelers can visit St. Croix, St. Thomas or the smaller St. John and explore white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, legendary diving and snorkeling, secluded coves, rainforests, world-class shopping, diverse dining, and so much more (or nothing at all). St. Croix and St. Thomas, the bigger islands, have a little more “action” where St. John strives to keep the civilization blending with nature. Accessible only by ferry from the larger islands, St. John is a little quieter especially since much of the island is set aside as a US National Park.

#2 Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a passport-free vacation destination
Old San Juan, Puerto Rico street scene.

This Caribbean island is another excellent choice for a quick getaway or a longer stay as it is also just a few hours from Florida. Puerto Rico boasts stunning beaches, rainforests, and nature to explore, exciting nightlife, delicious food, vibrant culture, and fascinating history. A smorgasbord of activities for every visitor is available on this wonderful island. Check out this blog post for more about Puerto Rico.

#3 American Samoa

The Pacific Ocean is not without some terrific options for a vacation without an American passport. One such option is American Samoa. This island nation is one of the least touristy and most remote options, a 13-hour flight from Los Angeles. American Samoa is probably better for adventurous people. There aren’t any chain resorts but instead a small variety of nice family-run accommodations of different sizes and experiences. Relaxing the days away is one of the best activities on American Samoa. If you need a little more then there are some island tours, shopping, and dining that really immerses guests in the Polynesian culture. You can also explore the most remote US National park and the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa. Since American Samoa is below the equator the hottest months are December and January and the coolest is July.

#4 Guam

Guam a Pacific Ocean passport-free vacation destination
A beach on Guam.

Due to the military presence, Guam is a relatively know destination but not usually considered for a vacation. But don’t let that stop you from booking your next vacation to this intriguing locale just a few hours from the Philipines. Guam is a fantastic place to experience another distinct culture and also wonderfully preserved World War II history. Combine that with the beautiful beaches, resorts, colorful marine life, many attractions, vivid entertainment, nightlife and places to eat and you have a recipe for one very exciting passport-free vacation destination!

#5 Northern Mariana Islands

Raise your hand if you have heard of the Northern Mariana Islands. This one is new to me but definitely now on my list. Even though they are a collection of 15 islands, 3 are the most popular- Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. There is so much to see and do on these little islands. Resorts and country clubs dot the spectacular beaches looking out over the vast ocean awaiting divers, snorkelers and other marine enthusiasts. Casinos, nightlife, activities, shopping, and dining also make up the civilized area. Head out of town a bit and discover untouched beauty. If you enjoy learning about history and cultures you can not only experience World War II artifacts and remnants but also the long archeological and prehistoric history of the Chamorro people.

Bonus Destinations

There are some other destinations that I would like to mention as great tropical destinations you obviously don’t need a U.S. passport because they are actual states:

  • Hawaiian Islands
  • Key West, Florida
  • Sanibel Island, Texas

Cruising Without a Passport

I also want to mention that there are a number of cruises that passports are not necessary for American citizens. If you have a closed loop cruise–meaning they cruise begins and ends at the same U.S. port–certain itineraries are made up of countries in the Caribbean that do not require passports.

IMPORTANT NOTE: I DO NOT recommend doing this but it is possible. I always recommend you cruise with passports because if something happens while you are in one of the countries you are unable to fly back to the U.S. without a passport.

I hope this post has kick-started your imagination with these 5 beautiful and relaxing passport-free vacation destinations. We will travel again someday so enjoy dreaming as you wait!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

Cruise Deals

Destination Highlight: Puerto Rico

Destination Highlight Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a fantastic place to visit if you are a US Citizen without a passport.  Since it is a US territory no passport is needed to travel to this beautiful country. There is something in this island country for just about everyone–beautiful beaches, jungles and rainforests to explore, delicious cuisine, historic sites, and vibrant culture.

El Yunque Puerto Rico

El Yunque National Forest

Just one hour from San Juan is the El Yunque National Forest.  Feel free to wander through the 25 miles of trails through the rainforest and even up to the top of Mt. Britton.  After visiting you can check the only US tropical rainforest off your list of must visit destinations.

San Juan Beaches

There are beautiful beach options right in the city of San Juan.  You can choose to go to the more chic and trendy option of Condado Beach or Ocean Park Beach with a more laid back vibe.  Another beach you might love if you are dreaming of the gorgeous sand, crystal clear water and hundreds of palm trees is Escambron Beach.  Maybe you are up for a bit of an adventure. Seek out the hidden gem of Playa Pena right across from the Capitol Building.

San Juan Historic Sites

This Caribbean island has a fascinating history to explore.  Spend the day touring the Spanish forts right in Old San Juan.  Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo de San Cristobal are within easy walking distance from each other and the cruise ship port.  Take yourself back to the time of the Conquistadors and imagine how they lived and protected the island from their strategic location. As you walk through Old San Juan you can also visit the second oldest church in the Americas and the home and burial place of Ponce de Leon.

Colorful streets of Old San Juan Puerto Rico

San Juan Culture

Puerto Rican culture is evident everywhere you look.  From just stepping off the ship you are treated to the gorgeous colors and architecture of the Old San Juan cobblestone streets.  Take a trip to the more modern areas of San Juan and enjoy the exciting nightlife, delicious restaurants, and world-class shopping.  

Put San Juan, Puerto Rico on your must visit list!

Ways to get to Puerto Rico:

  • Flights to San Juan are only about 3 ½ hours from many mainland US cities
  • San Juan is a port of call on many Eastern and Southern Caribbean Cruise itineraries

Fantabulous Resorts Options in Puerto Rico (certainly not exhaustive)

Cruise Specials Worth Noting:

Royal Caribbean:  60% off 2nd guest + Kids Sail Free (good until March 3, 2020) + Up to $150 onboard credit + get even more savings cruising Alaska

Celebrity:  1 Perk Included + Up to $500 saving/person for 1st and 2nd guest + 50% off 3rd, 4th, and 5th guest (in the same stateroom) + more perks with non-refundable fare

Norwegian:  30% off fare + Kids Free + Free Open Bar + Free Specialty Dining + Free Wifi + Free Excursions (on select cruises and some restrictions apply) + book NOW and get 50% deposit.

Princess:  Best. Sale. Ever! With Gratuities, drinks and wifi included!

Viking Ocean Cruises: Special Cruise Savings + 2-for-1 Deposit

River Cruise Specials:

AmaWaterways:  Triple Savings on select European, Mekong, and Holiday cruises–Up to $2000 savings per stateroom, complimentary stateroom upgrade, and $100 onboard credit per stateroom.  Also 5% 2021 Early Booking Savings.

Viking Rive Cruises:  Special Cruise Savings + 2-for-1 Deposit + Book Now, Pay Later + Up to FREE Airfare

Please contact me if you would like to start planning your trip to Puerto Rico or to take advantage of a cruise special! Please note: the above specials are available at the time of posting Feb 2020 and are offered for a limited time.

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

Other posts of interest: