I’m hooked on cruising, sure. Open seas, long days of tropical drinks and warm breezes, cares and cell phones put away for a full week. But for me, the real bang for my buck comes long before. For us planning weirdos, the logistical fun before, during, and after is almost as good as being on the cruise. Each time we book, I spend hours looking at shore excursions, hotel reviews, port maps and other sundry details, and I mentally plan out my wardrobe. It makes waiting for a trip months or years away a little more tolerable.
- Written by: Heather Smith
- Hits: 3437
Read more: Cruise Planning Tips I Wish I Knew Before Our First Family Alaska Cruise
San Diego is hands down the finest embarcation port for west coast cruises (with an honorable mention nod to Vancouver). This is the only port city that combines an ambundance of hotels at various price points, a destination you might want to spend a couple days doing a pre or post-cruise stay, and best of all - easy access to the port by train, car, as well as plane. With summer Alaska cruise season windinding down, we're thrilled to have our friends from Disney, Princess, and Holland America Line back in town along with some new friends that will be visiting San Diego this year.
- Written by: James Hills
- Hits: 2885
There's an inclination when selecting your cruise hotel to get as close to downtown or the cruise port as possible but at the same time going where the tourists go since that's all you know and the guide books drive us in that direction too. I'm guilty of that too but in reality if you are going to be taking a ride from the hotel to the cruise port then there are a lot of options beside being just a few minutes closer. That's why we're sharing a gem of a hotel that offers everything great about San Diego - food, sunshine, craft beer, and history - located in the hip harbor-front neighborhood of Point Loma.
- Written by: Heather Hills
- Hits: 2020
Read more: The Monsaraz San Diego Makes A Great Pre-Cruise Hotel Option
Virgin Voyages may not be sailing to our favorite west coast destinations yet but they continue to be a global leader in improving the cruise industry. Not only with hotel operations improvements regarding sustainable practices and progressive staffing changes that break the conservative standards that most cruise lines seem locked to, but they are now addressing the key to moving any marine vessel forward into a more sustainable future - improved Marine Fuel.
- Written by: James Hills
- Hits: 1100
Read more: Virgin Voyages Partners With Sustainable Marine Fuel Providers
One of the top reasons why people spend money to cruise in Alaska is a chance to experience one of the last unspoiled fronteirs in America. This is a land of clean air, clear water, bountiful fish, and exotic animals like orcas and bears. As cruising continues to become even more popular it is that much more important to help protect the environment and do what we can to make sure that future generations can experience the wonder that we enjoy today. That's why I'm so excited to see moves like this one from Holland America Line to introduce a commitment to sourcing fresh, certified sustainable Alaska seafood on it's ships during Alaska cruises.
- Written by: James Hills
- Hits: 1267
Read more: Holland American Line Introduces Sustainable Alaska Seafood Program on Alaskan Cruises
- Cruising with Your Elderly Parents: How to Stay Safe on a Cruise Ship
- Why Carnival Splendor Is a Great Choice for a Family Alaska Cruise
- James's California Coastal Cruise On Holland America Line Koningsdam
- Is A Repositioning Cruise From Vancouver The Right Choice For You?
- Can Cruise Ships Survive A Hurricane?
- What Do You Call The Guys That Take Your Luggage Onto The Ship?
- The San Francisco Cable Car Museum Is A Great Shore Excursion Idea
- Have You Ever Wondered How To Become A Cruise Ship Bartender?
- Sea Legs: What Are They and How to Stop Swaying After a Cruise Vacation
- Ensenada Wine Tours - Cruise Excursion Or Private Tour Guide?
