News/Updates

Set Sail Now: The Best Cruises to Book for Summer 2026 Through Winter 2027

Posted 4 weeks ago by goosecreektravel_6w0zoz

The summer 2026 cruise season is almost here — and it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting in history. From brand-new ships making their debut voyages in the Mediterranean to epic Alaska adventures and sun-soaked Caribbean escapes this winter, there is no shortage of incredible sailings to get excited about. Here’s your complete guide to what’s coming up from six of the world’s top cruise lines, all bookable right now.

🎉 Carnival Cruise Line — Sun, Fun & Something for Everyone

 

Carnival Mardi Gras — flagship of Carnival’s Excel Class, sailing year-round from Port Canaveral with Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries.

Carnival has one of the most action-packed lineups of any cruise line heading into summer 2026 and beyond, with new homeports, exciting itineraries, and a newly expanded private destination to look forward to.

For Alaska fans, Carnival Luminosa is homeporting in San Francisco for the first time, sailing 10-day Alaska voyages from late April through September 2026. These itineraries include Tracy Arm Fjord glacier cruising and stops in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Prince Rupert — a spectacular scenic route departing from the West Coast.

In the Caribbean and Bahamas, Carnival Celebration sails 7-day Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami through spring 2027, visiting Carnival’s exclusive destination Celebration Key, Nassau, Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Amber Cove, Cozumel, Mahogany Bay, St. Thomas, and San Juan. Carnival Mardi Gras mirrors this from Port Canaveral with its own 7-day Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings, also featuring Celebration Key and the newly expanded Half Moon Cay — which now has a brand-new pier allowing Excel Class ships to dock directly for the first time.

From Galveston, Carnival Jubilee introduces new 6- and 8-day Western Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries starting September 2026, with stops at Cozumel, Mahogany Bay, Key West, Nassau, Half Moon Cay, and Celebration Key. Carnival Dream and Carnival Breeze also sail from Galveston with a wide variety of Caribbean options, including 14-day “Carnival Journeys” voyages covering the Southern Caribbean and an unforgettable sailing up to Greenland and Canada.

From Baltimore, Carnival Pride offers week-long Bermuda voyages with overnight stays and Bahamas cruises through summer, plus three 14-day Carnival Journeys — including one to Greenland and Canada and two to the Southern Caribbean — for those craving a longer adventure into fall 2026 and winter 2027.

📌 Ready to book a Carnival sailing? Don’t navigate it alone — reach out to us at Goose Creek Travel and we’ll find you the best deal and take care of everything! 🙌

👑 Princess Cruises — Alaska Like Never Before & Europe on a Grand Scale

Star Princess — Princess Cruises’ newest Sphere-Class ship, sailing 7-day Inside Passage roundtrips from Seattle through the Alaska summer 2026 season.

Princess Cruises is going bigger than ever for summer 2026, headlining its largest-ever Alaska season while also rolling out a spectacular new Northern Europe program open for booking now.

In Alaska, Princess is deploying eight ships across 180 departures to 19 destinations from five homeports: Seattle, Vancouver B.C., Anchorage (Whittier), San Francisco, and Los Angeles. The star of the season is Star Princess, the newest Sphere Class ship, making her first-ever Alaska debut with 7-day Inside Passage roundtrips from Seattle, hitting Ketchikan, Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, Juneau, and Skagway. Her innovative glass-topped The Dome is tailor-made for glacier and wildlife watching. Other ships offer the celebrated 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers (including coveted Glacier Bay National Park access) and a 20-day Ultimate Alaska Solstice voyage for those who want to soak in every corner of the Great Land. Over 20 cruisetour packages add rail travel and stays at Princess’s own wilderness lodges near Denali, Kenai Fjords, and Wrangell-St. Elias National Parks.

For Northern Europe in summer 2027, Princess just launched its most comprehensive program ever: 48 voyages to 54 destinations across 18 countries. Highlights include the epic 64-day Ultimate European Journey roundtrip from Southampton and a 49-day Northern Europe Explorer covering the British Isles, Iceland, Norway, the Baltics, and Scandinavia. Shorter gems include an 8-night Irish Counties & Scottish Shores voyage from $1,249, a 10-night Norwegian & Icelandic Fjords sailing from $1,699, and a 14-night Scandinavia & Baltic Adventure from Southampton to Helsinki. The full program is on sale now.

Back in the Caribbean for winter 2026–2027, Star Princess returns to Fort Lauderdale after her Alaska season via a Panama Canal transit, sailing itineraries featuring Celebration Key and the beloved ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao). Princess has also launched its 2027–28 Caribbean season, with Star Princess homeporting in Miami for the very first time.

📌 Dreaming of Star Princess? We’d love to help you plan it! Get in touch with us at Goose Creek Travel and let’s make it happen. ⭐

🚢 Royal Caribbean — Legend of the Seas Changes Everything

 

Legend of the Seas — the third Icon Class ship, debuting July 11, 2026 in the Mediterranean before its Caribbean launch from Fort Lauderdale in November 2026.

The biggest cruise debut of 2026 is officially here. Legend of the Seas, the third ship in Royal Caribbean’s record-breaking Icon Class, sets sail on July 11, 2026 as the first Icon Class ship to ever sail Europe. Through October, Legend offers stunning 7-night Western Mediterranean roundtrips from both Barcelona and Rome (Civitavecchia) — ports of call include Palma de Mallorca, Marseille, Florence (Livorno), and Naples. This is the biggest, most feature-packed ship in the world, now exploring the most beautiful coastlines in the world.

After a 13-day Transatlantic crossing from Barcelona on October 25, Legend arrives in Fort Lauderdale in November 2026 for its Caribbean debut. It sails 6-night Western Caribbean itineraries visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay, Falmouth (Jamaica), Cozumel, and Costa Maya — including the brand-new Royal Beach Club Cozumel, Royal Caribbean’s exclusive luxury beach destination opening in 2026. It also offers 8-night Southern Caribbean sailings to Curaçao, Aruba, Cabo Rojo, and Perfect Day at CocoCay. These winter Caribbean itineraries run through spring 2027.

Onboard thrills include 28 dining options (the most at sea), seven pools, the massive Category 6 waterpark with six slides, Crown’s Edge, a new Broadway production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, America’s Got Talent Live, and the incredible Royal Railway — Legend Station dining experience. Legend then returns to Europe for summer 2027, once again sailing the Western Mediterranean from Barcelona and Rome, plus visits to the brand-new Royal Beach Club Santorini — Royal Caribbean’s exclusive volcanic island resort opening that same summer.

📌 Want to sail on Legend of the Seas? Spots are going fast — contact us at Goose Creek Travel and we’ll get you onboard before it sells out! 🚢

⭐ Celebrity Cruises — Xcel Hits Europe & the Caribbean Gets Glam

Celebrity Xcel — the fifth Edge Series ship, crossing to Europe in May 2026 for a full Mediterranean summer season before returning to Miami for winter Caribbean sailings.

Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship, Celebrity Xcel, is the talk of the premium cruise world — and summer 2026 is when it really shines.

On April 26, 2026, Xcel departs Fort Lauderdale on a gorgeous 15-night Spain & Portugal Transatlantic, calling at Bermuda’s King’s Wharf, the Azores, Lisbon, and Cartagena before arriving in Barcelona. From May through October 2026, Celebrity Xcel homeports in Barcelona and Athens, offering a full season of Western Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries. This is one of the most-anticipated Celebrity deployments in recent memory — the line’s newest ship in some of Europe’s most iconic destinations.

In October 2026, Xcel sails back westward on a 16-night Spain & Bermuda Transatlantic, touching Cartagena, Malaga, Gibraltar, Funchal (Madeira), and Bermuda before arriving in Miami. From November 2026 through spring 2027, Celebrity Xcel sails from Miami with an excellent rotation of 6- and 7-night Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries: Bahamas, Mexico & Cayman sailings (Bimini, Cozumel, Grand Cayman); ABC Islands voyages (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao); and St. Thomas & Antigua itineraries. Celebrity Xcel returns to Europe again in spring 2027 for its second Mediterranean season.

Beyond Xcel, Celebrity is operating its largest-ever European season in 2026–27 with eight ships across the continent. The line is also offering a jaw-dropping 110-night Grand Voyage from Alaska to Asia without a single repeated port — and a 2027 Northern Europe solar eclipse cruise, sailing into the path of totality for guests who want to witness that rare celestial event from the deck of a ship.

📌 Celebrity is one of our favorites to book! Drop us a message at Goose Creek Travel and we’ll match you to the perfect Celebrity sailing. ⭐

🌙 Norwegian Cruise Line — Luna Leads a Star-Studded Lineup

Norwegian Luna — NCL’s newest Prima Plus Class ship, sailing 7-day Western Caribbean roundtrips from Miami through fall 2026 before its Bermuda debut from New York in spring 2027.

Norwegian Cruise Line has a loaded lineup from summer 2026 through winter 2027, fronted by its brand-new ship Norwegian Luna.

Through fall 2026, Norwegian Luna sails 7-day Western Caribbean roundtrips from Miami, visiting a rotating selection of Dominicana, Tortola (BVI), St. Thomas, Roatan (Honduras), Cozumel, Costa Maya, and NCL’s private island destinations: Harvest Caye in Belize and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. Great Stirrup Cay has just been upgraded with a brand-new pier, 1.4-acre pool, adults-only Vibe Shore Club, and Splash Pad for kids — making it one of the best private island experiences at sea. Sailing on a brand-new ship to a newly upgraded island? That’s a winning combo.

In winter 2026–2027, the NCL lineup gets even more varied. Norwegian Breakaway debuts from San Juan, Puerto Rico with 7-day Southern Caribbean sailings to Barbados, St. Lucia, and Curaçao — a deeply port-rich itinerary with near-daily stops. Norwegian Joy launches quick 3- and 4-day Bahamas getaways from Miami — perfect for a long weekend in paradise.

Then in spring 2027, Norwegian Luna makes a big move to New York City, debuting April 6, 2027 with 5- and 7-night Bermuda sailings featuring multi-night overnight stays at King’s Wharf — ideal for exploring Bermuda’s pink sand beaches, pastel towns, and turquoise waters at a relaxed pace. Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Pearl also sail Bermuda and Canada & New England itineraries from New York, Boston, and Philadelphia through summer 2027.

For Europe in summer 2027, NCL deploys eight ships from Barcelona, Rome, Athens, and Reykjavik, with Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva sailing 9- to 11-day Mediterranean voyages featuring maiden calls in Dubrovnik, Split, and Kotor.

📌 Norwegian Luna is brand new — now’s the time to sail her! Reach out to Goose Creek Travel and we’ll get you the best cabin at the best price. 🌙

🌷 Holland America Line — Alaska, Fjords & Caribbean in Timeless Style

ms Rotterdam — Holland America’s Pinnacle Class flagship, sailing Norwegian fjords and British Isles voyages from Europe through summer 2026, then returning to Alaska and the Caribbean.

Holland America Line is the cruise line for travelers who want to truly experience a destination — enriching, unhurried, and beautifully curated. Their summer 2026 through winter 2027 program is packed with outstanding itineraries across Alaska, Europe, and the Caribbean.

In Alaska this summer, Holland America brings back its beloved Glacier Guarantee™: every sailing is guaranteed to include a scenic glacier visit, or guests receive a 15% future cruise credit. The signature 7-day Alaskan Explorer (roundtrip from Seattle) calls at Juneau, Glacier Bay National Park, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Ketchikan, and Victoria, B.C. Alaska Land+Sea Journey packages combine the cruise with glass-domed private railcar travel and stays at Holland America’s McKinley Chalet Resort near Denali, ranging from 10 to 15 days — an incredible way to experience the breadth of Alaska.

In Europe through summer 2026, ms Rotterdam sails stunning Norwegian fjord itineraries from its namesake city, visiting Eidfjord, Hardanger Fjord, Olden, Nordfjord, Ålesund, and Bergen — six sailings through the season. British Isles voyages from Dover and Rotterdam cover South Queensferry, Invergordon, Lerwick, Stornoway (Isle of Lewis), Belfast, Greenock, Liverpool, and Dublin — spectacular coastal scenery paired with Holland America’s elegant onboard atmosphere. Oosterdam sails Mediterranean itineraries from Barcelona through the summer, including Greek Isles routes visiting Valletta (Malta), Chania (Crete), Santorini, and Kusadasi (Ephesus).

For winter 2026–2027, Holland America deploys multiple ships in the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale and Miami, spanning Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean itineraries with calls at Half Moon Cay, Amber Cove, Grand Turk, and the ABC Islands. The 12-day partial Panama Canal voyage explores Gatun Lake, Cartagena (Colombia), Colon (Panama), Puerto Limon (Costa Rica), Grand Cayman, Curaçao, and Half Moon Cay — a genuine bucket-list itinerary at a fraction of the cost of a full world cruise. Rotterdam returns to Norwegian fjords for six more sailings between April and August 2027, confirming one of the best values in premium European cruising available today.

📌 Holland America is perfect for a more relaxed, elegant escape. Talk to us at Goose Creek Travel — we’ll help you find the ideal itinerary! 🌷

🌊 Ready to Set Sail?

From Legend of the Seas’ grand Mediterranean debut to Norwegian Luna’s Caribbean run, Star Princess tackling Alaska’s glaciers, and Celebrity Xcel exploring Europe for the first time — Summer 2026 through Winter 2027 is absolutely packed with sailings worth getting excited about. The best cabins on the best ships book up fast, especially for summer Alaska and Mediterranean departures.

Have questions about which cruise line is right for you? We’re here to help! As your personal travel agent, I handle everything — from finding the best itinerary to scoring the best price. Hit our contact page and let’s start planning your dream voyage today! ⚓

Major US-Based Cruise Lines Adopt New Pricing Display Amid Transparency Push

Posted 2 years ago by Colby Otte

Recent changes to pricing displays on cruise line websites and social media have caught the attention of many travelers. Beginning this week, all major US-based cruise lines, including industry giants like Carnival Cruise Line, are revamping how they display prices to consumers. This shift comes in response to new regulatory requirements and aims to enhance transparency in the booking process.

Carnival Cruise Line, a leader in the industry, sent an explanatory email to its travel partners detailing the changes. The email, sent out on June 30, 2024, reads as follows:

Dear Travel Partner,

As of Sunday June 30, 2024, the prices displayed for Carnival Cruise Line cruises are now inclusive of taxes and fees. The total price your clients pay today has not changed due to this update. By showing the total price while shopping you can now provide your clients with a clear total price upfront for the cruise selected.

To provide some background on this change, California’s new consumer protection law requires that the advertised price offered to consumers include many components of the taxes, fees and port expenses that were previously displayed outside the advertised price [before Carnival’s changes starting June 30, 2024].

If you have questions on the impact of these changes to your travel agency, please contact your agency manager or owner who have also been alerted of these updates.

Thank you for your support,
Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival emphasizes that while the display of prices has changed, the actual cost to consumers remains the same. The incorporation of taxes, port fees, and other mandatory expenses into the advertised price is designed to provide a more transparent and straightforward pricing structure for potential cruisers.

This change follows California’s new consumer protection law, which mandates that advertised prices must include many of the previously separate taxes and fees. By aligning with this legislation, cruise lines aim to eliminate confusion and ensure customers have a clearer understanding of the total cost of their vacation upfront.

Goose Creek Travel has adapted to these changes by now including all mandatory charges in their cruise quotes. This adjustment promises a more transparent booking process, benefiting our clients.

As the industry adapts to this new pricing model, travelers can expect a more honest representation of costs, making it easier to compare and budget for their dream cruises. For further inquiries about these changes, or to request a cruise quote, call Colby @ Goose Creek Travel at 208-670-2340.

An East Coast Experience – My Cruise from Boston to Canada and New England, Part 2

Posted 3 years ago by Colby Otte

This is Part Two of my  “An East Coast Experience – My Cruise from Boston to Canada and New England” trip report.

This is my first attempt at writing a travel blog, so let me know If you enjoy reading this, and feel free to share to those who might have interest in Boston or Cruising to Canada and New England. I am now accepting travel clients, so consider me when planning your next travel adventure.

Monday, October 24th 2022 – Bar Harbor, Maine

We spent Monday in Bar Harbor. We anchored a few miles off shore and we took local shuttle boats from the ship to the shore. The day was rainy and foggy, despite the bad weather we decided to go ashore. We ate lunch at a place named Geddy’s that served us amazing local seafood and chowder. We walked the town exploring the shops and returned to the ship.

Tuesday, October 25th 2022 – St. John, New Brunswick, Canada

This morning we docked in St. John. We opted not to go ashore but attend some of the activities and entertainment onboard.

I took the opportunity to explore the ship and take some pictures of the room and public areas.

   

 

Wednesday, October 26th 2022 – Sea Day

Wednesday was the first sea day of the cruise, I was up early looking at the sunrise from the top decks. Took some shots of breakfast at the buffet that morning and was surprised at the variety and selection.

Thursday, October 27th 2022 – Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

This was a fun port. We didnt have excursions planned, but we did decide to just walk around the city and the port. This is where I lost my cruise card while walking around. More on that after the photos!

So, here is what happened to me when I lost my cruise card in port. I can only guess I lost it in one of the shops we went into when walking around the town. I realized it when we had returned to the port and went to grab my ID. I approached the security guard checking for docs and told him I lost my cruise card. He looked over my ID, checked the passengar manifest and then had someone escort me to the ships security and tell them I lost my card. The ships security also checked my ID against a passenger manifest and then waived me in to another person who took me through security and then checked my ID again. It took about 20 more minutes that a normal embarkation would. It really was not a bad experience. Once passed security checks, I went to guest services and got me a new card.

Friday, October 28th 2022 – Sydney, Nova Scotia

The first day with GREAT weather!

Saturday, October 29th 2022 – Sea Day / Ship Tour

This was a Fun day! We had a chance to do a ship tour, we did pay about $130 per person for this experience. It was WELL worth it. They took us on a tour of the galley, cargo area, cold storage and provisioning areas, engine control room, the bridge and SOOO much more!

Wrap up!

Thanks for reading this follow up to Part 1. I hope to have more of these as I am able to travel.

Follow Goose Creek Travel on Facebook , for travel quotes, travel photos, cruise deals, ideas and fun posts. Contact Colby and lets plan your next cruise vacation!

Top 5 Reasons Why a Cruise is the Perfect Family Vacation

Posted 3 years ago by Colby Otte

Planning a family vacation that everyone will enjoy can be a daunting task, with so many options to choose from. However, as a travel enthusiast, I highly recommend considering a family cruise. Here are the top 5 reasons why:

ONE: Something for Everyone

One of the greatest things about a family cruise is that there is something for everyone, regardless of age or interest. From swimming pools and waterslides to rock climbing walls and mini-golf courses, cruise ships offer a wide variety of activities that cater to all ages. Whether you’re a grandparent traveling with your grandchildren, or a couple with teenagers, there are endless options for entertainment and relaxation on a cruise ship.

TWO: Convenience and Comfort

A family cruise also provides a convenient and comfortable vacation option. With all-inclusive packages, families can enjoy their vacation without worrying about extra costs or planning meals and activities. Plus, with the majority of the ship’s amenities and entertainment options located within walking distance, families can easily navigate the ship without feeling overwhelmed. Furthermore, cruise ships offer spacious cabins that provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for families, with stunning ocean views.

Model Making – Camp Discovery, The Lodge – Caribbean Princess

THREE: Educational Opportunities

Cruises offer a unique opportunity for families to learn about different cultures and destinations. With ports of call in various countries and regions, families can explore new places and learn about the history and customs of different cultures. Additionally, many cruise lines offer educational programs and activities that teach children about marine life and the environment. These programs not only provide an enriching experience but also help children develop a deeper appreciation for the world around them.

 

FOUR: Quality Time Together

With busy schedules and daily routines, it can be challenging for families to spend quality time together. However, a cruise provides the perfect opportunity for families to bond and create lasting memories. With no distractions from work or household chores, families can focus on spending time together and enjoying each other’s company. Whether it’s playing a game of mini-golf or watching a live show, a cruise offers endless opportunities for families to connect and have fun together.

family playing mini-golf

FIVE: Safety and Security

Finally, safety and security are always a top priority when traveling with family. Cruise ships are equipped with state-of-the-art safety features and have strict protocols in place to ensure the well-being of all passengers. Additionally, with organized activities and supervised kids’ clubs, parents can feel at ease knowing their children are safe and having fun.

In conclusion, a family cruise offers an all-inclusive, exciting, and stress-free vacation that caters to everyone’s interests and needs. With endless activities, educational opportunities, and quality time together, a cruise is the perfect way for families to create lasting memories and strengthen their bonds. So why not consider a family cruise for your next vacation and experience the magic for yourself? Goose Creek Travel can plan the perfect getaway for the entire family.

An East Coast Experience – My Cruise from Boston to Canada and New England, Part 1

Posted 3 years ago by Colby Otte

This is Part One of my  “An East Coast Experience – My Cruise from Boston to Canada and New England” trip report.

This is my first attempt at writing a travel blog, so let me know If you enjoy reading this, and feel free to share to those who might have interest in Boston or Cruising to Canada and New England. I am now accepting travel clients, so consider me when planning your next travel adventure.

 

Friday, October 21st 2022

On Friday we drove from home to Salt Lake City the day before our flights that were very early in the morning on Saturday. I have always enjoyed travel, but I still get a little anxious when that trip gets closer and closer. Not that anything major will go wrong, but mostly that I am excited to try something new, new city, new cruise line, new destinations, new anything. I am super grateful for all this journey has taught me, one of which is that our world is massive, and I have just began exploring what it has to offer.

The hotel we stayed at was the Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Airport. The hotel was okay, clean enough for this quick overnight pit stop. We did run into a few issues, namely the ice machines. I tried 3 floors ice machines before I finally found one that would work… the bartender at the lobby bar. He was really helpful and filled our ice bucket with a smile. We also found out our phone was not operational as well, we weren’t really worried about it, but did report it to the front desk when we checked out the next morning.

Saturday, October 22, 2022

Flights began early in the morning, so we were up before the hotel breakfast was offered. We booked these flights on American Airlines as we had a credit left with them from a previous trip that was canceled due to Covid. If you have not explored the new Salt Lake Airport, it looks beautiful, very modern and open, has a lot of potential. One of the downsides is the trek across to the B concourse, its about a half mile… no joke. They are working on finishing Phase 2 of the rebuild which will add a quicker walkway and eventually a tram… yay!

American Airlines 3282 Salt Lake City to Chicago
Canadair Regional Jet 900
Depart 7:47am Arrive 12:01pm
It was a beautiful sunrise over the eastern mountains in Salt Lake City

Once in the B concourse, American operates several gates on the lower level. Once passed the gate counters, you walk through a hallway where you exit onto the ramp area outside to board a bus. This bus takes you for about a 10 minute ride to your plane. I took this image of the plane walking up the boarding ramp. I could not believe this was real, that sunrise was completely mesmerizing. 

The flight was uneventful.. we landed in Chicago on time, thankfully,  because we had a short layover before our flight to Boston boarded. We grabbed a quick lunch… I think it was a Mickey D’s, but can not remember for sure.

American Airlines 2269 Chicago to Boston
Boeing 737-800
Depart 1:06pm Arrive 4:32 pm

Once landing in an destination airport… you begin that hurry-up-and-wait routine once you leave the plane… hurry to the baggage claim, wait for an eternity and eventually your baggage will show up… probably. We did that too, but didn’t have to wait very long for our baggage to be delivered. We shuffled around a little bit attempting to find where our hotel shuttle would pick us up. Eventually we asked an airport employee and she kindly pointed us in the right direction.

We stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott Boston Airport. It was the most reasonable we could find for the dates. While we were riding the Hotel’s airport shuttle to the hotel, I completed our check in on the Marriott App. It was AWESOME. We bypassed the front desk and went right to the room! 10/10 experience!

The hotel is nice, fairly quiet, mostly of business travelers holding meetings in the city or the airport. The hotel area is lacking food options within walking distance, being near the airport the area is mostly commercial. We ate that night in the hotel’s restaurant named Brinkley’s. It was okay, it felt like they had a breakfast area and converted it to a restaurant. We sat in chairs you could find in a lobby, ate on what felt like coffee tables. Very weird and would not recommend. Rest of the night was uneventful… mostly catching some sleeps.

Oh, quick story, while we were on the airport shuttle to the hotel, we met this group of gals, maybe in their 60-70’s, they were a hoot. They had just came from the city exploring and were having trouble taking the subway back to the hotel. Well they decided to just go back to the airport and call for the hotel shuttle, the same hotel shuttle we were on. During our ride we heard them talk about a cruise tomorrow, and we piped up that we were on that cruise as well. We talked about cruising on the way there and we even saw that same group in the restaurant that night as they were making plans with several other cruisers for a group shuttle the next day. We later saw them getting back on the ship in… Sydney or Charlottetown… can’t remember. What a small world.

Sunday, October 23, 2022

 Its Cruise Day! When i woke up around 8am, we had some breakfast from the hotel… oh, the hotel doesn’t offer an included breakfast?.. sad. I ordered some donuts and breakfast sandwiches via Doordash from Dunkin. They were actually pretty good. This was my first experience with fresh donuts, they were good and left me on a good sugar high for about a day.

One of Boston’s many towers near the waterfront.

We were ready for checkout around 9am and ordered out Lyft, it arrived quite quickly and we headed to the cruise port. From the hotel to the cruise port is about a 15 minute ride, or about 2ish miles. Very close. We drove through the south part of the city and watched several building pass by. I love modern skyscrapers, the metal and glass combo is awesome.

We arrived at Flynn Cruise port and after a long, long walk the wrong way, we dropped off the luggage at the porters, left them a tip, and found ourselves a spot at the end of the line. The wait wasn’t too bad, I read on the Facebook group for this cruise the ship arrived a little bit late into port and so boarding was delayed. Delayed it was, it was around 11am and boarding had not begun, it usually begins

A look at the docks between the Voyager of the Seas and the Flynn Cruise Terminal in Boston

around 10 or 10:30. Once the doors opened, the line went quickly though security, and then to check in. I presented my passport and my Royal Caribbean app with my boarding QR code, they scanned it, and we were done. Following the line to the ship, we entered the catwalk boarding ramp and walked on the ship.

Walking onboard a cruise ship is very comparable to walking into a grand resort. Each ship is decked out with shops and restaurants, entertainment venues, staterooms and pools. I will say that once onboard, the first 20-30 minutes on the ship can be confusing. I suggest you find a comfy place to sit to chill and take it all in, grab a drink if you have to and start your muster process. The muster drill is a maritime required drill instructing passengers what to do in case of an emergency. Its something that each and every

Not far away from the cruise port is Boston’s Logan International Airport.

passenger must attend before the ship can leave the dock. Many cruise lines do their muster the old fashioned/pre-covid way of taking your life jacket from your stateroom to your muster stations, usually in a dining room or lounge, sitting through a 5-10 minute demonstration of how the life jackets work, the siren sound and then present your cruise card to the staff when you sign out to be check off their muster list. Thank goodness that is not the case on MOST cruise lines now. On Royal, much like we did with Carnival in March, we watched a 10 minute video on the app, listened to the siren sound, walk to our muster station

and they scanned our cruise card and DONE. It is a lot simpler and a long time coming. 

That night we choose to eat dinner at the Windjammer, the buffet style restaurant. The selection was really good and while I don’t recall specifics on what we ate that night, the buffet is large, and had a nice salad bar, dessert bar that would cause me a sugar coma, and a wide array of international and American dishes. They have several stations throughout the buffet that repeated, which was nice because if one section was busy, sometimes the other was not. 

Cruise ships offer a wide variety of dining options to suit every taste and preference. From casual buffet-style eateries to fine dining restaurants, there is something for everyone on board. Many ships, like ours, feature a main dining room, where passengers can enjoy a multi-course meal in a formal setting. These restaurants offer a rotating menu of classic dishes, as well as options for special dietary needs. In addition, many ships have specialty restaurants that offer a unique dining experience. These could include a steakhouse, sushi bar, Italian trattoria, or even a tapas bar. For a more casual option, many ships have a buffet-style restaurant, like the Windjammer, that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Here, you can find a variety of dishes from different cuisines, as well as a salad bar, a dessert station and a soft-serve ice cream machine. With so many options, dining on a cruise ship can be one of the highlights of your vacation.

A look at the Schooner bar on Voyager of the Seas.

We spent most of the night in going to different trivia and other games. This is where we discovered one flaw with how Royal Caribbean designs the layout of their decks. The venues they chose to host the trivia contests at were quite small and didn’t have much seating. We attended a Harry Potter trivia held later in the cruise, it was held in the Schooner bar, a small venue with a grand piano in the center, that took up a large portion of the room and left only seats for about 50 people… I swear this Harry Potter trivia attracted almost the entire ship. Royal had a much larger venue that is perfect for large trivia contents like this called the Star Lounge and they choose to host that trivia in a smaller venue. I only have two issues with my first cruise with Royal Caribbean and this was one of them, but they made up for it in other ways.

A cold night on the lido deck of the Voyager of the Seas.

That night we felt very few effects of being on the ship. When at sea, you can feel the ship moving gently forward and rocking slightly with the waves. That night, and for the most of the cruise, it was very smooth, one of the smoothest I have been on. I explored the ship and found myself on the Lido deck being in the moment and enjoying my first night on the cruise.

This first part covers mostly the pre-cruise portion. The following parts will focus on the excursions and what we did at each port. Look for part two in a few weeks.

Welcome

Posted 4 years ago by Colby Otte

Hello fellow travelers, this is the beginning of my travel vlog…blog…diary.. something!

I have attempted to create a blog in the past.. yikes. Looking back now, I don’t know what I was thinking, they are not well written (not saying this is any better.)  but they are generally about the same subject…. TRAVEL! I love to travel, cruises are my weakness, however I love to travel in general.

This blog will be some of my experiences traveling. I have a couple stories from previous trips that I will post soon and plan to make regular posts, trip recaps  and special experiences and more. I plan to start accepting bookings once I finish this course from the travel institute. Hopefully by November or December.

If you want to see those posts and won’t judge…. message me on Facebook or fill in that contact form. Thank you for reading, safe traveling!