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Rob and Jen Go...

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Cruising

We love cruising—it’s one of our favorite ways to see the world. There’s something magical about unpacking once and waking up somewhere new each day. Many people call it a ‘floating hotel,’ and we couldn’t agree more. With all the comforts of home, incredible food, endless entertainment, and ever-changing views, it’s the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. Whether you’re exploring various cruise ports or looking for the best cruise lines to book your next adventure, there’s always something exciting to discover. Plus, be sure to check out our cruise tips and recommended shore excursions to enhance your experience!

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Tips and Tricks - What has worked for us

Watching Port Streams Before We Go

As we count down to our next adventure, one of our favorite rituals is tuning into different cruise ports via various port cams. It’s such a thrill to watch the ships from different cruise lines come and go, see the ports in real time, and imagine ourselves there soon. This anticipation makes planning our shore excursions even more exciting! We enjoy BLC streams on YouTube and Earthcam for the best cruise tips.

Travel Insurance

The more we travel, especially when exploring various cruise ports, the more we’ve realized how valuable travel insurance really is. With so many cruise lines offering different options, it’s worth finding the right coverage to give you peace of mind on every adventure, including those exciting shore excursions. Don't forget these essential cruise tips to enhance your travel experience.

Pre-Purchasing Packages

Before we even step on board the cruise lines, we like to pre-purchase our packages—whether it’s drinks, dining, internet, photos, or shore excursions. What we choose depends on the cruise ports we are visiting and who we’re traveling with, but one thing stays the same: buying them in advance almost always saves us money and makes embarkation day completely hassle-free. These cruise tips have made our experiences much more enjoyable.

Arriving A Day Early

We always like to arrive a day early before a cruise. Staying at a hotel near the cruise ports allows us to ease into vacation mode, enjoy a relaxing dinner out, and wake up ready for embarkation day without any stress. This cruise tip helps us ensure we're prepared for the day ahead, whether we’re exploring shore excursions or simply enjoying the amenities of the cruise lines.

Muster Station First!

We like to head to our muster station right away (though sometimes a quick drink comes first). Getting it done early means we can relax and enjoy the start of our cruise without worry—and we definitely don’t want to be the ones holding things up when the sail away party begins. This is one of the essential cruise tips we’ve learned from various cruise lines, especially when setting off from popular cruise ports. Plus, it allows us to better plan for our shore excursions!

Casino Rewards

We enjoy adding a little thrill to our vacations, and one of our favorite ways is by exploring the casino on board many cruise lines. Several cruise lines with casinos also offer rewards programs, making them not only a fun way to spend some time but also a fantastic method to unlock extra perks along the way. Additionally, while visiting various cruise ports, we love to take advantage of shore excursions that pair well with our onboard experiences. Here are some cruise tips to enhance your journey!

Laundry Service

One of my favorite cruise tips is to take advantage of the onboard laundry service offered by many cruise lines. This service allows me to pack lighter, stay fresh throughout the trip, and even return home with a suitcase full of clean clothes after exploring various cruise ports and enjoying shore excursions.

Cruise Ships

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 and currently have Diamond status.

Large cruise ship Anthem of the Seas docked near a waterfront with calm water.

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.

Two large cruise ships docked side by side at a port under clear blue skies.

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.

Cruise ship Liberty of the Seas docked at night with cars on the street.

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!

Couple hugging in front of Navigator of the Seas cruise ship backdrop.

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.

Close-up of the Ovation of the Seas cruise ship's upper decks and logo against a clear blue sky.

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.

Group photo on the cruise ship Vision of the Seas, March 18-24, 2007.

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.

Vast blue ocean under a clear sky with a small boat.

Quantum of the Seas

This will be a Thanksgiving 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:

Panoramic view of a modern city skyline reflecting on calm water under a cloudy sky.

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.

A coastal cityscape with a marina and helipads under a colorful sky.

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!

Boats docked in a scenic marina surrounded by hills and buildings.

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.

Sun setting over the ocean with silhouetted palm trees against a colorful sky.

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.

A large Mexican flag waves over a coastal city with mountains in the background.

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.

Natural rock formations rising from the ocean at sunset.

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.

Aerial view of the Arc de Triomphe surrounded by Paris streets and buildings.

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.

Cloudy sky over green hills and houses with orange roofs in a rural landscape.

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

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.

People enjoy a serene sunset from a boat on the water.

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.

Historic lighthouse with Canadian and provincial flags on a sunny day.

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!

Elegant table setting with multiple wine glasses and cutlery on black placemats.

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!

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