Disney cruise checklist: Five items we were glad we had (and five we didn’t need)

When you and your family feel safe cruising again, be ready! On our voyage on the Disney Fantasy, we packed carry-on only for four people to Disney World and the Bahamas, which I felt was a feat in itself. Turns out, we still brought things we didn't need (and others we were very glad we had). If you're lucky enough to be packing for a Disney cruise, learn from our triumphs and mistakes using … [Read more...]

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First time cruising with children

While a lot of people absolutely love going on a vacation, especially on those nice private charters where everything is taken care of for you, and all you have to do is enjoy, planning things out is definitely a challenge. And if you also have children you intend on taking along with you, that challenge is a lot more difficult, especially with small children. They make things a lot more … [Read more...]

Aboard a small ship cruise: Day by day with Alaskan Dream Cruises

When I told friends and family we'd be experiencing SE Alaska on a cruise ship, the image that came to everyone's mind included a huge ocean liner, busy ports of call, fancy restaurants, kids clubs, and maybe a climbing wall. After all, kids don't go on those intimate small ship cruises you read about, right? Wrong! (You knew that was coming, didn't you?) Small ship cruise options are more … [Read more...]

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What’s included on a Disney cruise (and what you’ll pay extra for)

Before our first Disney Cruise Line experience on the Disney Fantasy, I had no idea what to expect. What I learned: it's important to know what's included on a Disney cruise, and what you'll pay more for. What's always included in a Disney Line Cruise: 1. All meals, from you embarkation lunch to your departure breakfast. Remember, there's no additional charge for ordering extra appetizers or … [Read more...]

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Disney Fantasy photos: Three days at sea and Castaway Cay

Preparing for your Disney cruise? Enjoy Disney Fantasy photos! Embarking upon the Disney Fantasy: Pools and deck spaces on the Disney Fantasy: Disney Fantasy Oceaneer's Club and Lab, and tween Edge Club: Castaway Cay: Disney Fantasy at night: : (A small sample of) Disney Fantasy character sightings: Disney Fantasy deluxe family stateroom: … [Read more...]

Small ship cruising: you CAN expedition travel with kids

The following is Part 2 in a two-part series on small ship cruising with AdventureSmith Expeditions' founder Todd Smith. Last week, I asked AdventureSmith Expeditions founder Todd Smith to explain the philosophy of small ship cruising, reinforcing my belief that a lasting travel impact is made through personal, intimate experiences with the culture and environs of a destination. But is small … [Read more...]

Small ship cruising: a travel philosophy that holds water

The following is the first in a two-part interview with AdventureSmith Explorations founder and president Todd Smith. In the past decade, cruising has morphed from a dowdy vacation your grandparents took to one of the most popular family options on the travel market. It's not hard to see the appeal: the ease, all-inclusiveness, and high entertainment value of cruising makes it a tempting … [Read more...]