We took a 9-day Mediterranean cruise on the Odyssey of the Seas ship. In our review, we share what’s open 24 hours, specialty dining options and included restaurant venues within the cruise fare. Dining and food choices are often a…
Odyssey of the Seas is a 4,198-guest (double occupancy) Quantum Ultra-class ship, in service since 2021, packed with a skydiving simulator, a surf simulator, bumper cars, and a glass pod that lifts you 300 feet above the sea. We took…
There’s a specific kind of cold that only shows up once the Christmas markets do. You feel it the second you step off a busy street into a plaza strung with lights, and it’s usually gone within a few minutes…
There are places in the world that have stopped us in our tracks. The Vatican is one of them. Nestled inside the heart of Rome, this tiny sovereign state is the smallest country in the world. At just 44 hectares,…
Civitavecchia is the main cruise port for Rome, about 50 miles northwest of the city. When we booked a spring Mediterranean cruise with Royal Caribbean, we made sure to plan our transfer to the port ahead of time to avoid…
Rome doesn’t do subtle. It hits you all at once. The second you arrive, it’s pulling at your senses: the golden light, the hum of traffic, the unmistakable scent of espresso before spotting the café. It’s a lot. And that’s…
Japan in September surprised us. We expected warm days and early fall colors. Instead, we arrived during a severe heat wave that pushed temperatures in the south to 40°C. Even with the extreme heat, we enjoyed clear skies, easy travel…
Sydney, on the scenic Cape Breton Island, welcomes over 200,000 guests on Nova Scotia cruises. This picturesque island offers a blend of maritime heritage and Highland culture. The Sydney cruise port welcomes over 120 ships annually. This Cape Breton port…
Finding cheap hotels in Banff isn’t easy. As one of Canada’s most popular mountain destinations, accommodation prices are often higher than travelers expect, especially during summer and ski season. Cheap hotels in Banff range from budget hostels to mid-range properties…
Traveling alone doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or paying excessive fees. I took a solo cruise on the Norwegian Bliss to review their solo cabins and studio amenities. While it wasn’t my first solo cruise, I was surprised that Norwegian Cruise…