Are you a mother looking for an unforgettable getaway with your adult daughter? Look no further than Virgin Voyages' upcoming West Coast sailings. Starting in spring 2026, the Brilliant Lady will be embarking on exciting journeys from Los Angeles, offering a perfect blend of luxury, adventure, and bonding opportunities along the stunning Pacific Coast and Mexican Riviera. 

Read more: Rose Champagne And Tacos: How Virgin Voyages Is Redefining Mother-Daughter Bonding

There's a lot of things that people misunderstand about cruising and some of them aren't entirely untrue. For instance, the concept of taking a cruise can feel unwelcoming if you're not white or straight. This is true in large part because of the industry's heritage as something evolving from expensive steamship travel that was only available to wealthy white families. While the modern cruise industry is distinctly different today, many racially diverse and LGBTQ+ travelers still worry about discrimination on ships.

Read more: Is Cruising Only Good If You Are White And Straight?

As an experienced cruiser and travel agent, I'm often asked why cruise ships can't just turn around for late guests. It's not a simple task. This is due to strict safety protocols, the time it takes for a turnaround, and the significant costs associated with delays. There are also preventative measures in place to help guests avoid such situations. Though accidents and unforeseen events such as traffic delays or mechanical failures can create issues that are unavoidable, most of the time, the failure to return to the ship on time is due to guests not planning properly and situations involving alcohol-related carelessness. If you're left behind though, it may be comforting to know that while each case is treated differently, cruise lines and port agents have procedures in place (where possible) to help you return to the ship at the next port.

Unfortuantely for guests that are left behind, the ship can't simply stop and turn around to pick them up. That can be extremely frustrating. However, understanding the complexities of cruise ship operations can help you avoid such predicaments, so let's dive in and look at what you should know if you miss your ship at a cruise port.

Read more: Why A Cruise Ship Can't Simply Turn Around And Let Late Guests Back On

In 2019 (before the pandemic) more than 15 million people took cruise vacations - this number is expected to be surpassed in 2023 as more people feel comfortable to travel in close quarters once again. While that's a large number of people and the industry is growing rapidly ... many people still have outdated views and misunderstandings about what it's like to be on a cruise ship. Personally, I find that sometimes industry associates over simplify things or brush off concerns too much as a counterweight to media mentions that are vastly inaccurate. However, these topics of myths and misunderstandings continue to be a popular topic of new cruisers and experienced ones alike, so let's get started on some of my favorites!

Read more: Don't Fall For These Myths About West Coast Cruises

So you've booked a cruise and are shopping for that perfect dress and tuxedo for formal night ... you want to look sharp for photos and feel great while exploring the world. While buying clothes and jewelry is great ... taking proper care of your skin is essential to looking fabulous too! Luckily, on most cruise ships, there's a literal army of aestheticians waiting to offer beauty seminars and treatments promising to make you look and feel younger. In reality, though, great-looking skin isn't just something you can buy on a cruise and take home with you. It's a process that needs to start before you even leave home. 

Read more: Vacation Beauty Tips: Keeping Your Skin Looking Great On A Cruise