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Cruising: Our Favorite Way to Travel & Explore the World
Cruising is one of our favorite ways to travel, and it’s easy to see why. There’s something special about unpacking once, settling into your stateroom, and waking up in a new destination each day. Many people describe cruising as a “floating hotel,” and we agree—it combines the comfort of a resort with the excitement of exploring multiple places in one trip.
From incredible food and nonstop entertainment to ocean views and easy travel days, cruising offers a unique balance of relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re brand new to cruising or a seasoned traveler planning your next voyage, this page is your starting point for everything we’ve learned along the way.
Why We Love Cruising
One of the biggest advantages of cruising is simplicity. Transportation, accommodations, dining, and entertainment are bundled into one experience, which makes planning far less stressful than many other types of travel.
We also love the variety cruising offers. You can enjoy a quiet morning on your balcony, spend the afternoon exploring a port, and end the day with a show, live music, or a relaxed dinner—all without ever repacking your bags.
Cruising works well for:
- Travelers who want to see multiple destinations in one trip
- First-time travelers who prefer structured planning
- Couples, families, and multigenerational groups
- Short weekend getaways or longer vacations
Our Cruising Style & Experience
Over time, we’ve learned what works best for us and how to plan cruises that fit our travel style. We enjoy cruising at a comfortable pace, balancing onboard activities with time to relax and explore ports independently when possible.
We focus on sharing honest, firsthand experiences, including what we love, what we skip, and what we’ve learned after sailing multiple itineraries. Our goal is to help you plan with confidence—especially if you’re cruising for the first time or trying a new ship or port.
Loyal to Royal Caribbean
We are proudly loyal to Royal Caribbean, and much of our cruise content is centered around their ships and itineraries. Over the years, we’ve found Royal Caribbean to offer a consistent experience, modern ships, strong entertainment, and itineraries that fit our travel preferences—especially on the West Coast.
That said, we always aim to share balanced insights. No cruise line is perfect for everyone, and part of planning a great cruise is understanding what fits your expectations.
Cruise Planning Tips & Resources
Planning ahead can make a big difference in your cruise experience. Over time, we’ve created resources to help make cruise planning easier and more enjoyable.
Popular topics we cover include:
- First-time cruiser tips
- Cruise packing guides
- Embarkation and debarkation day advice
- Choosing shore excursions
These guides are based on real experiences and are designed to help you avoid common mistakes while maximizing your time onboard and in port.
Shore Excursions & Port Days
Port days are one of the highlights of cruising. We often choose to explore independently, especially in ports that are walkable or easy to navigate. Other times, booking an excursion makes sense depending on timing, distance, or personal preference.
We share insights on:
- When to book ship excursions
- When independent exploration works well
- Planning port days on your own
- What to prioritize with limited time
Our goal is to help you feel comfortable making the choice that works best for your cruise.
Start Exploring Our Cruise Content
If you’re planning a cruise or just starting to research, these resources are a great place to begin:
- First-Time Cruiser Welcome
- Comprehensive Cruise Planning Checklist
- West Coast Cruising Guide
- Ship & Stateroom Reviews
- Preferred Hotels & Transportation Near Cruise Ports
Each guide is designed to answer common questions and help you plan with confidence.
Cruising continues to be one of our favorite ways to travel, and we love sharing what we’ve learned along the way. Whether you’re loyal to Royal Caribbean like we are, exploring different cruise lines, or planning your very first sailing, we hope our experiences help make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Welcome aboard—and happy cruising! 🚢✨
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Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships We Have Sailed
We’ve sailed with several cruise lines, but Royal Caribbean holds a special place in our hearts. The service, the entertainment, the food—it all feels like home at sea. Over the years, we’ve had the joy of exploring various cruise ports around the world aboard these incredible ships.
Anthem of the Seas
With stunning ocean views and endless horizons, our transatlantic adventure aboard Anthem of the Seas was truly unforgettable. This remarkable journey with one of the best cruise lines took us all the way to England, where we enjoyed fantastic shore excursions. For anyone considering similar trips, these cruise tips will enhance your experience at various cruise ports.
Icon of the Seas
At the time of sailing, this vessel was recognized as the world's largest ship, a remarkable achievement for cruise lines that also offer amazing shore excursions and convenient access to popular cruise ports. For those interested in maximizing their experience, here are some essential cruise tips.
Liberty of the Seas
Leaves changing, sea breezes, and Liberty of the Seas—our kind of autumn getaway with the best cruise lines! Explore various cruise ports and get ready for exciting shore excursions. Plus, don’t forget these essential cruise tips for a smooth journey!
Navigator of the Seas
We often choose Navigator for a quick weekend getaway, and there’s something special about sailing on a smaller ship—it just has its own charm. This experience allows us to explore various cruise ports and enjoy unique shore excursions, making it a delightful choice among cruise lines.
Ovation of the Seas
An incredible ship now sailing from the stunning cruise ports on the West Coast! As part of the Quantum Class, it’s packed with amazing amenities that make every voyage unforgettable, especially when exploring shore excursions and following essential cruise tips.
Vision of the Seas
Sun, sand, and endless memories—our family getaway to the Mexican Riviera was pure magic, especially with the amazing cruise lines that offer fantastic shore excursions at popular cruise ports.
Freedom of the Seas
Freedom of the Seas felt like the perfect blend—a cross between Navigator and Liberty of the Seas. With just the right mix of excitement and comfort, this ship truly felt like home to us. From familiar spaces to a welcoming atmosphere, it’s the kind of ship where you can relax, explore, and create lasting memories all in one place.
Wonder of the Seas
We loved this ship for its impressive size and the incredible variety of activities on board. From thrilling entertainment and delicious dining to relaxing spaces and unique neighborhoods, there’s truly something for everyone. Wonder of the Seas delivered an unforgettable cruising experience.
Quantum of the Seas
Thanksgiving cruise to Mexico. If you enjoy a Quantum class ship on Royal Caribbean, this is one to try. The North Star truly makes this a unique experience.
Serenade of the Seas
This will be a late winter cruise.
Cruise Ports
While we may call the West Coast home, our hearts are scattered across various cruise ports around the globe. Cruising with different cruise lines has taken us to some incredible destinations—each one offering its own unique sights, flavors, and unforgettable moments. Some of our favorite ports we've explored, along with valuable cruise tips and exciting shore excursions, include:
Vancouver, BC
We love spending time in Vancouver—whether it’s as a starting point for an Alaskan adventure with various cruise lines or simply enjoying the beauty of the Pacific Northwest while staying afloat, exploring the local cruise ports and taking advantage of exciting shore excursions.
Vancouver Island, BC
Vancouver Island is a charming destination that’s perfect for exploring on foot, especially for those arriving via cruise lines. In the summer, its beauty really shines—lush landscapes, stunning coastal views, and a relaxed vibe that makes wandering feel effortless. Many cruise ports in the region offer great shore excursions that allow visitors to fully appreciate the island's unique charm. Don't forget to check out some essential cruise tips to enhance your experience!
Catalina Island, CA
Catalina Island is the perfect quick escape—just a short two-tenths of a mile walk from the cruise ship landing, making it an ideal stop among popular cruise ports. One of the best cruise tips for exploring the island is to rent a golf cart, where you’ll discover breathtaking views and even spot wildlife on the island’s quieter, rugged backside. This is a fantastic option for shore excursions that offer a unique perspective of the island.
San Diego, California
One of our favorite stops on the way to the Los Angeles cruise terminals is San Diego, a city that serves as one of the top cruise ports. We love catching a baseball game, strolling through Seaport Village, and enjoying a great meal in the lively Gaslamp District. It’s the perfect way to start a cruise adventure and pick up some useful cruise tips for our upcoming journey.
Ensenada, Mexico
For many West Coasters, Ensenada is the perfect quick weekend getaway by cruise, especially with various cruise lines offering convenient departures. We’ve visited so often that it almost feels like a second home, and the local cruise ports provide easy access to exciting shore excursions that enhance our experience.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
This stop feels like a party on the water—vibrant energy, incredible sunsets, and views that never disappoint. For those traveling with cruise lines, this destination offers the perfect shore excursions just a short walk from the cruise ports, making it easy to explore and soak it all in.
Le Havre, France
After a scenic two-hour ride from the cruise ports, we were dropped right in the heart of Paris—perfectly placed to explore the city’s iconic sights and soak up its charm. This experience is one of the best cruise tips for anyone looking to make the most of their shore excursions while traveling with various cruise lines.
Azoures, Portugal
Often included on transatlantic cruises offered by various cruise lines, this charming little island truly surprised us with its beauty. A scenic drive revealed stunning views and picturesque spots at every turn, perfect for those looking for cruise tips on what to see. When the fog rolled in, it added a touch of mystery and an undeniable European flair that made the experience unforgettable, especially during our shore excursions.
Perfect Day at Coco Cay
Perfect Day at CocoCay truly lives up to its name! We loved spending time at Hideaway Beach, where the vibe is fun and relaxing all at once. The pool offered stunning Caribbean views that made it hard to leave. Between the crystal-clear water, endless sunshine, and laid-back atmosphere, it was the ultimate island escape.
Shore Excursions We Have Taken
Some shore excursions offered by various cruise lines leave a lasting impression, and these are the unforgettable experiences at popular cruise ports that we’ll always cherish.
Sunset Sail in Cabo San Lucas Mexico
Our sunset sail in Cabo was pure magic and far exceeded our expectations. As we relaxed on deck with snacks and drinks served by a friendly guide, we enjoyed one of the best shore excursions available from the cruise ports. Watching the sun slowly melt into the horizon was an unforgettable way to end the day, proving to be a highlight among all the cruise lines we've experienced.
Best of Halifax Nova Scotia
Halifax is full of incredible sights and history, making it a top choice among cruise ports. From the moving Fairview Lawn Cemetery to the picturesque Peggy’s Cove and the lush Public Gardens, our shore excursions offered a true taste of this beautiful area. It left us wanting more, and with some helpful cruise tips, we can’t wait to return and explore even further!
Bustronome Paris, France
Though this shore excursion stretched our budget a bit, it was worth every penny. In under three hours, we enjoyed a delicious four-course meal, sipped on drinks, and took in all the iconic sights of Paris, all while exploring the best cruise ports in the city. It was such a highlight that we’ve already planned to do it again next year, following some great cruise tips to make the most of our experience!