Luxury Cruise News Editor, Author at Luxury Cruise News

8 Essentials for Cruise Excursions

Adventure, Around the World, Cruise Tips, Cruise Types, Extended Cruises

A well-packed excursion bag is essential for any cruise. Whether you plan on snorkeling in the crystal waters or strolling through city streets, a few must-have items equal stress-free adventures! Here are a few items that belong in your day bag!

Waterproof iPhone Case

The highly-rated JOTO Universal Waterproof Smartphone Case will be your best friend while on the beach, fishing, snorkeling, and boating. The clear window lets you take pictures and check messages, and the lock access protects your phone from water, snow, dust sand, and dirt.

Medications

Be prepared for any unexpected aches and pains. Bring along pain reliever, motion sickness tabs, and anti-diarrhea or stomach medications, Benedryl, bandaids, and any prescription medications you take during the day. We recommend only taking the pills you need for the day, leave your bottle in the cabin in case something happens to your day bag.

Selfie Stick & Tripod All in One

The Selfie Stick & Tripod Fugetek all in one selfie stick & tripod quickly flips and locks so you can take insta worthy pics in a flash. Collapsed, the built-in tripod folds to 19 inches; extend it reaches up to 51 inches. The selfie stick and tripod are surprisingly lightweight, only one pound, and is bluetooth compatible.

Collapsible Water Bottles

It is crucial to stay hydrated while on your excursion. The lightweight Calacone collapsible water bottle easily rolls up when empty. It’s safe, made of 100% FDA approved food grade silicone and free from harmful chemicals. Even better, it’s leak-proof, has a full mouth design for ice, and keeps liquids hot or cold for hours. Tough enough to withstand drops and vigorous activity makes the Calacone water bottle perfect for excursions.

Passport

Bring your passport with you on your excursion, but always keep a photocopy of your documents in your cabin in the event that something happens to your original.

Portable Charger

Your iPhone is not helpful if the battery dies, so be sure to bring a portable charger. With leading technology, this high-speed charger comes with a travel pouch and charges your iPhone up to seven times, galaxy up to 5 times and iPad mini two times.

Disposable Rain Poncho

You never know when you’ll be caught in the rain. These disposable rain ponchos are small and individually packed to fit in your day bag for those unexpected downpours. Although they are thin, the Lingito rain ponchos are 100% waterproof. Just toss after use.

Quick Dry Towel

Youphoria super absorbent and fast-drying towels can hold up to five times their weight in water and dry ten times faster than regular towels. Each towel comes with a carry bag, are odor-free, mildew resistant, and repel sand and debris.

Of course, if you’re heading to the beach, be sure to pack the essentials: sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, towels, etc. These ten overlooked essentials will make your excursion stress free. If you are searching for a day bag, check out one of our favorites here!

Silversea Opens Up Bookings for 2024, the leader in Luxury Cruising.

Around the World, Cruise Tips, Cruise Types, Europe, Luxe Life-, Luxury Cruising, Small Ship Yacht

Silversea Cruises has announced itineraries for 2024.

ALL-INCLUSIVE EXCLUSIVITY

With Silversea cruises you enjoy free-flowing premium wines and spirits, delicious gourmet cuisine, in-suite dining, full butler service for every suite and of course all gratuities. Savour the peace of mind of knowing that there is no salient price-tag at the end of a wonderful night of entertainment. Which is also complimentary, by the way. Whether you long to mingle in the Mediterranean, swim with the turtles of the Galapagos or embrace the glaciers of Alaska, there is something special about knowing that this cruising is all inclusive.

Silversea Cruises, leader in Luxury Cruising.

The Best Time of Year to Cruise the Greek Isles

Mediterranean

Made up of hundreds of beautiful islands with breathtaking views, it’s no wonder why Greece is a favorite vacation spot for many. For cruise lovers, this is an ideal destination because you can take your time exploring each island and can comfortably cruise between them. You want to make sure that you plan to island hop at the right time, so you have an enjoyable cruise experience. This can help you avoid excess crowds and take advantage of excellent weather conditions. Check out our tips to help you plan your trip and pick the best time of year to go on a cruise in the Greek Isles.

The typical cruising season runs from May through October, which gives you a lot of options for planning travel dates. But, you should know that some months will still be very hot, which can make wandering around the islands more uncomfortable. You’ll likely want to visit when the weather is better, and the temperatures are more moderate because you will better enjoy getting out and exploring.

July and August are the most popular times for cruise tourists due to having more time off from work and school. So, if you cruise at this time, you’ll have to deal with full cruise ships and busy islands. These months also offer hotter temperatures. If you’re flexible on your cruise dates, avoid planning a trip during those months!

To skip the hot weather and crowds, some travelers choose to visit in May or September. The temperatures will be more comfortable, and the islands and cruise ships are not quite as packed, which can make for a less stressful experience as you go about your adventuring. If you’re open to it, you may even want to look into booking late April or early October cruises as most tourists will avoid this timing due to cooler weather. Even with breezier weather and lower temperatures, you can still have an enjoyable experience.

Best cruises for Photography Buffs

Luxury Cruising

Travel can be especially exciting for those who love to take photos. Why? Because they have incredible landscapes and views to capture on their journey! If you’re considering planning an upcoming cruise, you may want to book one that offers photo classes and specialty photo experiences. There are some excellent cruises for photo lovers. Take a look at the best cruises for photography buffs:

Seabourn Cruise Line

When you set sail with luxury cruise brand Seabourn on select cruises, you’ll get to take advantage of additional offerings that are perfect for photography buffs. Antarctica and Patagonia cruises feature digital photography workshops so that you can perfect your craft. You’ll also have access to special guest speakers. Finally, visiting such destinations like Antarctica and Patagonia, you’ll get some great photo opportunities.

National Geographic Expeditions

If you’re into photography, taking a National Geographic cruise is a must. For starters, you’ll visit some of the most incredible destinations on the globe. When you book a photography cruise, there will be a National Geographic photographer on board during the journey to provide insight and tips! Just look for journeys that sail on the National Geographic Explorer and National Geographic Orion. This is an excellent way to improve your photography skills while capturing amazing photos. Need some inspiration? We recommend the Galapagos Voyage or the Journey to Antarctica.

Silversea Cruises

Those who choose to cruise with Silversea have access to a photo studio on their ship! Here travelers can take masterclasses in digital photography and editing, use photo editing software, and print photos that were taken during the cruise. This offering is available on the Silver Cloud ship. Whether you’re a newbie photographer or more advanced, this is a nice added feature! The Silver Cloud sails to destinations like Cape Town, Lima, Dublin, Reykjavik, and many others.

Holland America Line

Holland America has its Microsoft Studio available on its ships. Small group learning courses are available here, including digital photography classes. This is the perfect opportunity to improve your photo editing and digital photography skills. Most ships have this offering available, so pick your favorite cruise journey!

These are some of the best cruise options for photography buffs. No matter which cruise you choose to sail on, you’re in for a treat. As you explore new destinations, you’ll have the perfect scenery and subjects for some incredible photo opportunities. Enjoy your cruise!

Best Cruises for Foodies

Adventure, Cruise Tips, Cruise Types, Food & Drink

If you’re a foodie, choosing to take a cruise is an excellent idea. You’ll get to visit incredible destinations with fantastic food, and you’ll also be able to enjoy delicious eats while on your cruise ship, too. Did you know many cruises offer cooking classes and other unique culinary experiences? These special programs can make for an amazing vacation experience. Here are our favorite cruises for foodies:

Holland America

When you cruise with Holland America, you’re in for a culinary treat. Their America’s Test Kitchen offers passengers the chance to take part in hands-on cooking experiences as well as watch live food demos. If you prefer, you can also take private cooking classes on board with the chef!

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises is also a great cruise line for foodies. The Riviera and Marina ships have The Culinary Center available to guests onboard. The cooking classes feature recipes and ingredients from around the globe—with programs like “Discover Patagonia,” Mediterranean Journey,” and “Austin Renaissance: A Tex-Mex Fiesta.” Travelers have a personal workstation to do their prepping and cooking.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Sailing with Viking Ocean Cruises offers a great way to learn all about food. The Kitchen Table is an onboard kitchen and cooking school where travelers can learn how to cook dishes from a select destination on the cruise. When at port, travelers can shop at a local market for ingredients and then prep them on the ship along with the chef. After creating a multi-course meal, passengers get to dine and enjoy accompanied wines. This whole experience offers a unique chance to shop, cook, and eat with culinary pros.

Regent Seven Seas

When you board the Regent Seven Seas Explorer, you can join in the cooking fun at their Culinary Arts Kitchen. In this kitchen, inspired by French cooking schools, passengers can enjoy interactive lessons as they cook alongside the chef. Sample programs include Epicurian Safari, Fresh Healthy Comfort Kitchen, Northern Lights, and A Taste of Spain.

Seabourn

Seabourn is another great choice for foodies. Chef Thomas Keller leads the culinary offerings and special programs available with this cruise line. Cooking classes are available on select cruises. Seabourn also runs a Culinary Conversations program where guest speakers in the culinary industry share their knowledge and experience.

And there you have it—these are some of our favorite cruises for foodies. Of course, the fun doesn’t stop on board the cruise ships. When you book your next cruise, be sure to look into what kind of cooking classes and culinary excursions are offered at port. This is a great way to taste the local flavors of the destinations you visit.

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Caribbean, Cruise Tips, Cruise Types, Luxe Life-, Malta, Mediterranean, Mediterranean Eastern, Mediterranean Western, Windstar Cruises

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https://www.windstarcruises.com/destinations/

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