10 Benefits of A Big Cruise Adventure

February 12, 2025 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

Some people love small cruises, and the benefits of the smaller ships are often touted. We love them too! But there are many advantages to big cruise ships, and it might be just the right travel style for you. Here are our 10 favorite things about cruising on a large ship:

Endless Entertainment

This is especially close to our hearts because, before Liz became a travel advisor, she worked as a Stage Manager for the epic theatrical shows on ships! But really, there is constant, endless entertainment to discover aboard these big ships.

If you love to be part of the show, you’ll shine with karaoke, game shows, trivia contests, art auctions, casinos, sing-alongs, or group dances.

performers onstage during a Cruise Ship live show

If you prefer to watch live entertainment rather than engage in it: There’s fabulous musicians, live bands, and top-tier theatre shows complete with pyrotechnics. Certainly, you can never be bored on the big ships – there’s always something going on.

Everything is Planned and Ready to Go

Much like working with a travel advisor, cruising on a large ship takes the stress out of planning your vacation. You know exactly how you’re getting from place to place and you don’t have to worry about it. You know where you’re going to eat each night and you will have entertainment and relaxation all just a few steps away. Combine that with working with one of our advisors to help plan your cruise, and it can be the most stress-free vacation you’ve ever had.

An Array of Food Options

With several different kinds of restaurants on the bigger ships, you can enjoy a different type of food each night of your cruise.

You can go for a fancy evening at the steak house. Or you can chill in shorts and a tee at the buffet. Plus there’s food available 24hrs a day! This fills your trip with the same sense of choice and variety that you might find on a city adventure.

See several locations without having to unpack

This is true for all cruises, but it remains one of our favorite things about cruising. You can see a variety of locations, travel from destination to destination, and experience different sites, activities, and cultures—all without having to unpack and repack your bag more than once.

Big Cruise – Private Beaches

If you’re cruising the Caribbean, Bahamas, or Australia, you’ll find that the ships often have at least one destination with a private beach. Sure, you’re sharing it with your fellow shipmates, but there’s not that oppressive sense of a completely packed beach experience. It adds a bit of luxury to enjoying your beach time – like a luxury resort.

Activities for the Kids

When traveling with kids, keeping them entertained is high on the list of considerations. The larger ships offer Kids Clubs grouped by age. They’ll be entertained and looked after by professionals who love kids. And they’ll be able to spend the week with kids their own age and make new friends. You can enjoy some time for yourself and some time with the family – the best of both worlds!

Freedom to Explore on Your Own

Although everything can be pre-planned, there’s plenty of time to explore by yourself. When you arrive in new ports you can choose not to take a shore excursion and just enjoy free time in the destination. Roam around and spend the day shopping or sightseeing at your leisure.

Anonymity

Some people love making friends with everyone on board, chatting up new friends, and feeling like part of a community. If that’s the case, then a small cruise may be where you shine. But for those who like to keep to themselves, or who prefer to focus their attention/energy on their own cruise companions, then the cruise ship has a great balance. The crew will remember you, and you’ll feel welcomed and taken care of, but you don’t have the need to mix and mingle with strangers all the time. The ships are big enough to offer a sense of anonymity

A destination in and of itself

When looking at the bigger ships especially, they are their own destination. With all the different activities, options, and lounges you could spend a week just exploring everything to do on the ship, let alone exploring the ports. Every year they are introducing larger and larger ships with more bells and whistles.

The Ocean View

No matter how much time we’ve spent cruising, we can’t ever get over that ocean view. The feeling of peace and serenity with water on all sides. Ocean cruises do a fantastic job of giving you the sense of being in the middle of the ocean while still actually being quite close to the next port ( just a few miles offshore, usually).

Unlike small ships or river cruises which tend to have excursions or ports each day, the bigger ships offer you sea days. Days in which all there is to do is relax on board and enjoy the view. It’s lovely to have that built-in relaxation day where it’s impossible to feel guilty for not going out and exploring!

Are you itching to enjoy the ocean on a big ship yet? If you’re interested in finding the perfect cruise for you and your travel style then let us know!

How to Choose the Right River Cruise for You

January 29, 2025 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

So you’ve read our blog posts about taking a river cruise and decided you’re ready to embark! You know that river cruises are smaller, more intimate cruises that often sail through the heart of several cities. You know that these ships offer more activities and excursions included in the price, and you know that it’s just what you’re looking for. What now?

There are dozens of river cruises in the world – how do you know which one is right for you? While we always recommend chatting with your trusted travel advisor (email us here), this little guide is a good starting place.

First: What Do You Want to See?

When you close your eyes and imagine yourself on this fabulous cruise – what do you see? It doesn’t have to be an exact location yet – just an essence. Do you want to visit fairytale towns, traditional local villages, or castles? Perhaps you light up at the idea of famous historic cities welcoming you in? When you imagine the landscape, are you picturing sailing through forests, rolling vineyards, or jungles?

Start with what kinds of things you want to see as you sail down the river. Consider what you imagine waking up to and exploring each day. This will help you narrow it down to a general region – Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia, or South America.

Second: What Do You Want to Experience?

River Cruises are all about experiences and unique excursions. While you may not know exactly what shore excursions are offered on each cruise, thinking about how active you want to be and what kinds of things you like to see and do is a perfect starting place.

You can enjoy beautiful cultural dances and in-depth immersions with local craftsmen. Entice your palate with foodie destinations and wine or beer tastings. If you love an active vacation, you can choose a cruise with options for hiking through beautiful scenery, cycling past vineyards, or incredible walking tours. Consider if your focus is more on history, cuisine, or natural beauty.

a group of teens and kids in traditional Bulgarian dress kneel for a photo after performing a local folk dance

Third: When Do You Want to Go?

Now that you know what style of river cruise, and the general region – you can consider what time of year you want to travel. If you have specific dates you may need to start with that. For specific time-sensitive sites like Tulips, Christmas Markets, or Fall Wine Harvests, then those dates will be decided for you.

If you have a more open schedule, consider the weather and the crowds:

River Cruise season begins in March and continues through the end of December. The summer months are high season. So, along with bright, sunny days, they come with bigger crowds and higher prices. In some places, there can also be questions about water levels (a very dry summer impacts the rivers.)

The shoulder months of September & October are great times to travel with warm days, cool nights, and medium crowd sizes.

The low season months of mid-to-late March and late October – early December are cooler with a greater chance of rain. You may need an umbrella, and you might encounter water level issues (higher than normal rivers can also be a problem), but can generally count on lower prices and fewer crowds.

With all this in mind, you’re ready to choose your river!

Popular European Rivers

The Danube – combining famous cities with unusual destinations

Sites: Fairytale villages, iconic UNESCO sites, Vienna & Budapest, gorgeous soft landscapes
Experiences: Concerts, Waltzes, Biking & Beer Tasting
Best Time of Year: May – June & October

The Rhine – great for first-timers since it travels through six different countries

Sites: Famous cities like Amsterdam & Cologne. A spectacular range of scenery from hills to mountains.
Experiences: Centuries of history & culture, beer & wine tastings, cycling
Best Time of Year: April – June & September – October

The Rhone –Best if you’re short on time

Sites: The French countryside with vineyards and medieval cities, the Swiss Alps
Experiences: Food &wine pairings in the heart of French wine country
Best Time of Year: April & May

The Duoro –For seasoned travelers looking for something different

Sites: Small towns, wineries & UNESCO sites
Experiences: wine tastings, friendly locals
Best Time of Year: September & October

Popular Asian Rivers

Mekong – Visiting Vietnam & Cambodia with lots of options

Sites: Quaint fishing villages and bustling cities, rice paddies & mangrove forests
Experiences: Ancient ruins, rickshaw rides, floating farmers market, activities with local craftsman
Best Time of Year: August – March

Yangtze River –Perfect for exploring China

Sites: Shanghai, Three Gorges and Three Gorges Dam
Experiences: Traditional temples, pagodas & traditional dances
Best Time of Year: April – May & September – October

Once you’ve thought through these questions of where, when and what kind of experiences you want, we can help you choose just the right river cruise line and itinerary to match your list. There are river cruise lines that cater to more active travelers, travelers that love boutique hotels, luxury travelers, solo travelers, and even families. Send us an email, or give us a call!

Spotlight On: Aruba

January 13, 2025 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

The “A” of the ABC islands just above Venezuela, Aruba is known for gorgeous turquoise waters and white sand beaches. It’s tourism slogan is “One Happy Island” and it does its best to live up to that moniker. Here’s our little intro guide to this beautiful paradise.

General Information

Aruba is only 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela which means it’s outside of the usual hurricane path. Because Aruba hasn’t had to rebuild after hurricane devastation, it’s proudly one of the most developed islands in the Caribbean. And you can visit it year-round with peace of mind.

Far from the lush tropical paradise one usually associates with island life, Aruba has a much drier climate. It has constant trade winds which keep it from becoming sweltering and you don’t have to worry about being drenched by humidity in the warmer months. The landscape is arid, with brittle shrubs, cacti, and divi divi trees. Large rocks and cliffs dominate the inland landscape while soft sand beaches line its shores.

Aruban culture is very cosmopolitan and creates a fusion of Indigenous, Dutch, Caribbean, and Latin American influences. In the cities, you’ll find a huge range of international cuisine. From sushi to poke bowls, fresh prawns and seafood, and local savory pastries. Resorts, restaurants, and street food markets all have something delicious to try.

The best time to visit is January – September with January – March peak season and April – September shoulder season. October- December is the “rainy season”, though even then precipitation is light.

Popular Sites

Shopping, gambling and enjoying a vibrant nightlife are all top activities in the colorful capital city of Oranjestad. There are some lovely malls and high-end luxury shopping to enjoy during the day and plenty of bars and clubs open in the evening. Gambling is legal on the island and there are plenty of casinos.

Ayo Rock Formation – an imposing but easily accessible site. You can walk between the massive boulders and find rock paintings or climb to the top for stunning views of the island.

Aloe Factory and Farm – Aruba is home to one of the world’s only Aloe companies that follow the process from start to finish growing and manufacturing the plant themselves. You can visit the factory and museum.

Beaches

Aruba has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. With surprising variety! All the beaches here are great for snorkeling and it’s a must to take a yacht out to sea for a day.

On the western coast, you can relax on classic soft sands next to stunning turquoise waters. Because the beaches are a main feature of the island, you’ll find big resorts and boutique hotels right on the sand. These beaches aren’t just for sunbathing and floating in the waters; there is a plethora of watersports available. You can enjoy kitesurfing, windsurfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

In contrast, the East side has dirt roads and a rocky, volcanic coastline. it’s much more secluded and perfect for those who prefer a wilder beach experience. You can even swim in a natural pool formed by the rugged coast.

Eagle Beach – One of Aruba’s most famous beaches, while Palm Beach is the more built-up area, boasting water sports, cafes, and huge hotels.

Baby Beach is one of the best soft-sand beaches. The waters are beautiful and calm. On the southern coast of the island, it is a shallow lagoon with gentle waters. The perfect spot for snorkeling or just relaxing for the day.

If you’re looking for something small and secluded head to Boca Catalina. The best beaches for snorkeling are Malmok, Boca Catalina, Arashi, and Mangel Halto.

Off-The-Beaten-Path

If you don’t want to spend every single day at the beach there are still plenty of things to enjoy in Aruba. You can explore the street art murals in the San Nicolas area. The small area is full of over 40 beautiful murals and new ones are added each year.

Animal lovers can consider visiting the Donkey Sanctuary. Until cars were brought to the island, donkeys were used as the main mode of transportation. Now there are over 100 donkeys at the sanctuary and you can get up close and personal with their fuzzy faces.

For a bigger adventure than the rock formations, head to the Arashi Dunes. Located on the northern coast of the island, these sand dunes feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet.

If you’re interested in history, you can check out the Bushiribana Ruins, which are relics from the historic gold rush. Or visit the archaeological museum to learn more about the indigenous history of the island.

Preparing to Visit

Pack for the beach and not much else. You want a few swimsuits and cover-ups and then just a few casual cool clothes to wear in the evening. You certainly want to pack less than you think.

Bring long skirts or shorts as it can get quite windy on the island. Packing for the beach includes water shoes, snorkeling equipment, and floats for all your water adventures.

Bring reef-safe SPF. Sunscreens containing oxybenzone have been banned on the island. The sun is very strong so cover-ups and wide-brimmed hats are a must.

Driving is a great way to explore all the island has to offer. Driving on the island is fairly easy as the road system is well maintained and they drive on the right. And multiple rental car companies operate on the island.

Make sure you bring some small bills for taxi fare and tips.

Don’t forget to relax and do nothing. The island is small, but don’t run around trying to do it all. The best thing to do on the island is chill.

To really get the most out of Aruba, plan to spend at least 5 days there.

You’ll need to fill out your ED ( embarkation and disembarkation) card up to a week before your arrival date and pay a $20 sustainability fee.

Little Details

The currency in Aruba is the Dutch Florin but USD and credit cards are widely accepted and you can get both from ATMs.

You can drink the tap water. There are no naturally occurring freshwater sources so the tap water is all desalinated seawater making it some of the best tap water in the Caribbean.

The main language is Papiamento, but Dutch and English are also widely spoken.

The outlets are the same as the US and Canada and you’ll need a valid passport.

Single-use plastic bags are banned on the island so make sure you bring a reusable shopping bag if you plan to do any shopping.

Tipping around 20% is customary for most services.

Most taxis are cash only and the rate is fixed by the government. Tip around 10% of the total fare.

The island’s bus system is pretty good with a major line running up and down the main beaches. You won’t find Uber but it’s fairly easy to flag a cab.

A Travel Advisor’s Top Summer Destinations

January 7, 2025 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

Now is the perfect time to start planning your summer adventures! With the most agreeable weather, summer is always a busy travel time the world over. We love helping our clients to strike the balance between not-too-crowded but still perfectly pleasant summer destinations. Whether you’re looking to head to cooler climates, a sunny warm beach vacation, or someplace with a little bit of everything, we have you covered. Here are our top 10 summer destinations:

To Escape the Heat:

Ireland

The emerald isle really shines during the summer months. There are festivals and celebrations in every town, and you can enjoy some sunny beach time at one of Ireland’s 88 blue flag beaches. The sun doesn’t set until ten pm, so you can make the most of those nice long days. Outdoor adventures are much more appealing at this time of year, and you can best appreciate the full scale of the rolling hills and sea cliffs. The always-friendly Irish are in full celebration mode in the summer, and locals will fill the pubs and beer gardens with joy, music, and good cheer.

[ Photo Credit: Nikki via Shared Adventures ]

Norway

During the Arctic summer, you can experience the magnificence of the midnight sun, and fill your days to the brim with outdoor activities. From May to July the sun never sets, creating a truly unique experience. Summer offers the chance to maximize what Norway has to offer. There are incredible hiking trails, mountain biking, wildlife excursions, fishing, waterfalls and more. This is a great time to explore the fjords and travel around the country – especially if you like exploring independently.

[If you’re interested in exploring Norway in winter – check out THIS blog post!]

Iceland

Like Norway, Iceland experiences especially long days in the summer. Perfect for enjoying the myriad of activities and cultural events. It’s the best time to see puffins and whales. It’s easier to drive around the highlands, which are inaccessible in winter. And you can still enjoy some glaciers, icebergs, and snowy mountains. You can truly explore the land of fire and ice without restrictions.

[Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures.]

Ann and daughter Mary in Iceland with waterfall behind them

For the Perfect Sun-drenched Beach Escape

Moorea

Part of a group of islands in French Polynesia, Moorea is famous for its vibrant beauty and culture. In summer the weather is pleasant, the climate is dry and you can enjoy the beaches to their fullest. With the classic over-water bungalows, world-class beaches, stunning mountains, and incredible weather – what’s not to love about summer in Moorea? Technically — because Moorea is in the southern hemisphere – you’re visiting in winter. But that is all the more reason to take advantage of the warm weather and gorgeous seas.

[Photo Credit: Heather & Jesse via Shared Adventures — Read about their Moorea honeymoon here!]

Barbados

This island is beautiful year-round, but the summer is an especially great time to visit. The seas are a bit warmer and the beaches are wider due to tidal conditions. It’s not peak tourist season so you can enjoy the island without the crowds. Although summer is hurricane season, Barbados is generally spared because it is farther south than the islands that sit right in the middle of the hurricane belt. You’ll also get to enjoy all the local musicians and festivals, like the famous Crop Over celebration in July.

Algarve

Portugal’s southernmost region is the perfect European destination for a sun-drenched beach vacation. The summer months are warm, but the sea breeze is cool and the refreshing water of the Atlantic is perfect for swimming. With hardly any rainfall and long sunlit days, the Algarve has all the makings of a quintessential beach holiday. You can enjoy the forest hiking trails, hanging out by the pool, or lounging on the beaches (this region boasts both long sandy stretches and more hidden cove-like beaches.) There are plenty of water activities like surfing, boat tours, kayaking, and SUP. And in the evenings, you can enjoy the quaint coastal towns as you sip traditional wines and savor the delectable cuisine.

[Photo Credit: tim-ten-cate via Unsplash ]

For Something in between

Copenhagen

Vibrant city life, lush gardens, and a climate that’s still cool enough to really enjoy the sauna. You can explore the open-air markets, the lovely biking culture, and festivals. Any place that experiences bone-chilling winters tends to thrive in the joy of summer. The city comes alive, and since it is such a walkable location, you will love strolling along the streets and soaking in the sunshine.

[Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures]

Tanzania

Combine beautiful beaches with incredible wildlife. You can take advantage of the dry season to see the most wildlife on your safari. Then head to Zanzibar for soul-fufilling sun and sand. From Mount Kilimanjaro to the Serengeti National Park – there are many reasons to enjoy Tanzania in summer. Tanzanian summers are marked by clear skies, pleasantly warm temperatures, and incredible scenery. Tanzania is a great safari destination since it is home to some of the best wildlife viewing on earth. Combine that with the turquoise beaches of Zanzibar — you can enjoy a tranquil and extraordinary adventure.

Slovenia

This beautiful hidden gem thrives in the summer. Slovenia has towering mountains, lush forests, thermal waters, and breathtaking views. There is a delightful blend of warm sunshine, local festivals, and stunning landscapes. The weather is generally pleasant, and you can enjoy swimming and paddle boarding on the lakes, charming towns, and delicious food. Since this is still somewhat of a hidden gem it is a great, not-too-crowded summer destination.

[Photo Credit: arnaud-steckle via Unsplash]

Are you inspired to start planning your summer adventure yet? Whether you’d like to explore one of these fabulous destinations or have somewhere else in mind – we’re always ready to help! Reach out and let us take the stress out of planning your summer vacation.

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