Set to sail out of New York City, Miami, Los Angeles, and Seattle, the Brilliant Lady will be set to traverse the coasts of North America. As the first ship in the fleet that can pass through the Panama Canal, she can explore areas that Virgin hasn’t yet sailed.

There is more excitement as the Brilliant Lady will be sailing Alaska in 2026.

The newest sister ship arrives for Virgin.

New York and Miami

The Brilliant Lady starts her new voyages in New York City, setting out to Bermuda, Bahamas, Boston, Canada, and the Carolinas, bringing Virgin Voyage energy to whole new regions.

Finally, as winter arrives, Virgin’s new Brilliant Lady will make her way down to Miami to do some Caribbean sailings before making her way through the Panama Canal, a very popular itinerary.

Don’t miss out on her MerMaiden Voyage!

Los Angeles and Seattle

In 2026, the new Brilliant Lady will settle arrive at the west coast, doing sailings out of Los Angeles to Cabo and other western Mexican ports. As the Alaska sailing season kicks off, she’ll make her way up to Seattle where she’ll travel among whales and glaciers for the 2026 season.

While the Brilliant is exploring Alaska in 2026, the Valiant Lady will move into the Northeast U.S. ports.

The Brilliant Lady’s New Dining

The soon-to-be four Virgin ships are all built on the same model, with fairly small differences. The biggest change with the Brilliant Lady is the new take on the Razzle Dazzle restaurant. Scarlet Lady wowed us with Lucky Lotus, Virgin’s take on Chinese cuisine. On the Brilliant Lady we will be introduced to Rojo, Virgin’s new Spanish-inspired restaurant.

Classic Spanish fare like croquets, churros, and more take center stage with this new restaurant. Additionally, look out for Virgin’s new dinner show, Up With a Twist, that will be debuting on the new Brilliant Lady

You can never go hungry on Virgin Voyages

Entertainment on the Brilliant Lady

The shows on the different Lady ships are all different, and the Brilliant Lady is no exception. Expect new shows like Red Hot and Out of Time. As well as new pop-up entertainment around the ship.

Additionally, there are new parties to get excited about. Their new Electric Party will be a glowstick-inspired romp, complete with UV lighting to get that electric glow going. Additionally, there will be big changes to Scarlet Night, so get ready to experience something truly magical.

Cabin Changes on the Brilliant Lady

To squeeze through the Panama Canal, Virgin needed to move the lifeboats inward on the Brilliant Lady. As a result, there is a new category of cabin, the Slightly Smaller Sea Terrace. The balcony is considerably smaller. The comparative cabin sizes for a regular sea terrace and a slightly smaller sea terrace is the same. The difference is the balcony on a regular is 40 square feet but will be only 9 to 10 square feet on a slightly smaller. All slightly smaller sea terraces are on deck 8.

To make up for this shortcoming, Virgin put a second hammock on each slightly smaller balcony. A change that the hammock-lovers among us are very excited about. The price will be lower than a regular sea terrace.

If you are interested in booking a cruise on the new Brilliant Lady, feel free to reach out to us anytime!

The post Virgin Voyage’s New Brilliant Lady – What We Know So Far appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Solo travel is becoming one of the most popular types of travel, yet travelers are often plagued with much higher per person costs. Solo travelers are well aware of the dreaded single supplement. Most cruise lines and tour groups require a solo traveler to pay the same as two people sharing a room. This is the 100% single supplement. However, it is possible to find offers that reduce the price of traveling solo. These are the best solo deals available right now.

AMAWaterways. Ever dreamed of a European River cruise?  They are delightful! Book select sailings by March 31 and there is NO single supplement! Explore the Rhine, Bordeaux, the Danube, Moselle and more. You may the same rate as anyone else! Follow this link to explore AMAWaterways solo specials. Before you book, check with us as we can often add additional perks or savings.

It’s no secret we love AMAWaterways.

Beautiful Strasbourg

Looking for an Ocean Cruise? Solo Travel Deals

Regent Seven Seas, one of the world’s most luxurious and all-inclusive lines has reduced single supplements for solo travelers on select voyages. Find one you like and check with us before you book to see what we can add on to enhance your experience.

We are fans of Virgin Voyages. Solo travelers can find reduced single supplement offers from Virgin here. Be sure to check with us before booking as we have many perks and tips to offer. Virgin invites solo travelers to a group dinner early in the cruise, and has other opportunities for singles to meet new friends.

Upscale lines Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Oceania, Seabourn and Ponant are offering select sailings with no single supplement to destinations around the world, including Alaska, Greece, New Guinea, Norway, Iceland, Pitcairn and Easter Islands, Spain, and Polynesia.

Morocco

Solo Travel Deals: Land Based Tours

Two of the best choices for solo travel deals are G Adventures and Intrepid. These tours are very popular with single women as you travel safely with a very small group and guide.

However, if you’d like your own space, you can pay for an individual room on most of our trips.

Intrepid Travel is known for treating solo travelers well. They specialize in small group travel to fascinating destinations. It is perfect for solo travelers. In fact, half or more of Intrepid’s travelers are singles.

Intrepid will pair you with another solo traveler of the same gender. If you wish to room alone, the upcharge is reasonable.

Intrepid’s motto is Go Solo, But Not Alone. The average Intrepid trip has about ten people on it – people of all ages and backgrounds from all over the world. You are guided by a local guide who knows the backstreet bars, cool tapas joint and hidden galleries. They’ll give you tips for your free time exploring, and introduce you to locals. They can help you travel safely.

Intrepid truly covers the world with travels to the polar regions, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Europe, pretty much anywhere you want to go.

Puffins in Iceland!

G Adventures is another great choices for the solo traveler. Known for offering National Geographic and Jane Goodall journeys, they charge no dreaded single supplement. You travel safely with a small group and guide. Visit destinations off the tourist trail such as Pakistan, Tibet, and Madacascar. They too will match you with another traveler of the same gender. And, for a small amount more, you can have your own room. Now they offer “Solo-ish” trips you can choose from too. Everyone in the group will be a solo traveler!

It’s a wonderful world and you can travel solo safely and affordably if you know where to look.

The post Solo Travel Deals Available Now appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Research shows that the average person who plans their own trip spends over 30 hours researching it. That’s almost a whole work week and many people spend more time than that! As travel agents, we devote ourselves to knowing which cruise will be the best cruise for each client, while also saving them time and money.

How can you avoid wasting time and money on your cruise planning, and get to relaxing sooner? Here are some amazing cruise planning tips.

There are 18 cruise lines and almost 800 cruises in Alaska alone – that’s a lot to research. Save yourself time by working with an expert to pick your cruise..

Tip 1: Before You Choose a Cruise, Think!

The most important cruise planning tip is to think before you book! Don’t jump at the first low price or pretty social media post. Ask yourself, what are you looking to get from your cruise. Are you looking for the best cruise line for your family? Or perhaps a romantic trip for two with no kids? Is there a destination you have in mind?

The most important question to ask yourself is what is your budget? Since the pandemic, many travelers have decided to upgrade their travel and splurge on something they might not have before. But it’s about what works for you! We often see people jump at a low advertised price without realizing they will end up paying more in the end than if they had booked a higher priced cruise that included more. We often prepare spreadsheets for our clients so they can compare apples-to-apples.

If you are using a travel advisor, and you should, tell them clearly what you want so they can help you plan your perfect trip.

Questions to answer for planning your cruise:

• Who is traveling? There are cruise lines that specialize in kids and others that don’t allow children. Will it be multi-generational? Cruising solo is popular, is that you?
• Are you restricted to certain dates? If so, you might want to engage a travel agent (also known as a travel advisor), at no cost to you, who can quickly scan your date range and tell you what is available.
• Do you have certain destinations in mind or do you just want to cruise? Alaska is extremely popular and there is much to know to maximize your experience.
• Do you have a budget? See Tip 2.
• When you stay in a hotel do you stay at a Four Seasons, a Motel 6, or something in between? Cruiselines have the same types of differences in luxury and quality. As part of your research, make sure you know you are getting the cruise you want. The more you tell your travel advisor, the better they can match you to the right cruise.
• Make a list of what you will want, such as:
  • Wi-fi
  • Specialty dining
  • Drinks (many lines charge extra for soft drinks as well as wine, alcohol, etc.)
  • Gratuities. While technically optional, you should pay them. They can be as high as $20 per person per day as only a few crusielines include them in the price.
  • Spa services
  • Shore excursions
  • Room service. Many lines charge extra for this.

Tip 2: Consider Value Over Price For A Cruise

All too often, travelers get drawn in by a low advertised price, only to find out at the end of the cruise they owe money for all sorts of things. Watch for items like crew gratuities, wi-fi, soft drinks, even coffees and dining! These costs all add up, and this doesn’t even include shore excursions. This doesn’t mean cruising isn’t a good value–it is!

Speaking of the value of cruising, we often see people who have sticker shock over the price of a cruise. Then they compare a comparable land vacation and realize the value of a cruise.

If you’re planning a cruise, that more expensive looking choice may be a better value. Look behind the curtain of a “good deal” and make an informed decision. We’ve seen far too many people book a “cheap” cruise, then end up spending more money on all the extras, than if they had booked a “more expensive” cruise that included more. Don’t let that happen to you.

We prepare spreadsheets for our clients who are choosing between different cruises so they can see the actual cost and value of each.

Several cruise lines engage in more honest pricing. They will include beverages, Wi-Fi, port fees, crew gratuities, specialty restaurants, and sometimes even shore excursions. Booking a cruise with one of them can result in a much better and more relaxing experience.

Virgin Voyages includes more with Fair and Flexible pricing

Tip 3: How to Choose a Cruise to Get the Best Price?

This is one of our best cruise planning tips. While last minute deals still exist, nowadays the cruise lines often make the best offers to those who book early. We always suggest booking as early as you can with a refundable deposit. With a refundable deposit, it’s easier to get the price reduced if the price drops later. Or, worst case, cancel the booking and start a new one.

Tip 4: Booking The Cruise

Once you’ve decided what cruise you want to take and when you want to take it, now it’s time to book it. That’s not where the stress ends though.

When COVID hit in 2020, we had quite a few clients booked on cruises. Some of these cruises cost tens of thousands of dollars! Worse, they had not purchased travel insurance. After lots of work and hours on hold, we were able to get all of our clients a refund. People who had booked cruises themselves, had to fight for refunds on their own.

Good travel agents fight for their clients in those situations. Car crashes, job loss, and personal or family illness can happen to anyone. By working with us, we can make it easier for you to recover your money if something goes wrong with your trip. And of course it is why we always recommend purchasing trip protection.

Many people are not aware that it doesn’t cost you anything extra to book with a travel agent. There are exceptions to that, as some travel agents do charge an upfront planning fee, but many, like us, do not. In addition, the travel agent will have your back if things don’t go right.

Working with a travel advisor can be the best way to choose a cruise.

Tip 5: Best Cruises for Families

We think a cruise is the perfect way for a group of friends and family to travel together. We’ve done it many times. Everyone gets to the same place at the same time. On board, you can spend as much, or as little, time together as you wish.

It’s great for multi-generational travel as the kids can have fun all day in the children’s program while Mom and Dad visit the spa and Grandma and the aunties play pickleball or take a painting class. Or, all the adults can just sip margaritas by the pool. Some groups only see each other at dinner because they are so busy with their own activities.  And the children’s programs are so much fun it can be hard to get the kids to leave at the end of the day.

The ship’s photographers will be happy to take as many pictures of your group as want with no sitting fees. You only pay for the pictures you want. No obligation!

Finally, if your group is large enough, there may be extra perks and discounts available. A good travel agent can not only help you choose a cruise but can save you many headaches by keeping track of what all the aunts and uncles and nephews and nieces want.

Popular cruises for families are the Royal Caribbean (RCCL) and the Disney Cruise Line (of course). But don’t overlook cruises like Celebrity and Princess who have excellent children and teen programs. Princess especially in great for Alaska and we consider the Princess Plus program to be one of the best values in cruising.

Tip 6: Cabin Selection on a Cruise

Some people care passionately about their cabin location, others not so much. If you don’t care, you can often choose to book a “guarantee” cabin at a slightly lower price. This means they guarantee you a cabin in that category such as a balcony or suite, but you won’t know which exact one it is until just before you board.

When choosing a cabin, here are some things to think about:

• Who will share what kinds of cabins? If the kids are teens, you can book a balcony cabin for the parents and an inside cabin, across the hall, for the kids.
• Do you need the cabins to be close together? Do you need the cabins to have a connecting door?
• Does the cruise ship sail up a coastline? (We’re looking at you, Alaska) If it does, then one side of the ship is going to have far better cabin views than others.

Tip 7: Best Cruises for Adults

Cruise planning tips for sailing without children. Two cruise lines do not allow children at all: Virgin Voyages and Viking Ocean.

Other cruise lines allow children but you will find fewer, depending on the season and itinerary. These include Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea, and Oceania. We like Azamara for its extended stays at many ports.

Newcomer Virgin Voyages is winning every award in sight and is winning over veteran cruisers from other lines. Check out our posts about sailing on Virgin.

We also are big fans of Cunard, which offers a sophisticated experience. You can actually sail between New York and England, often for less than the price of flying business class. Seven nights of great food, entertainment and accomodation–and no jet lag!

Tip 8: Upgrades

In the not-too-distant-past, veteran cruisers would sometimes experience the “Upgrade Fairy,” meaning the cruise line gave them a free upgrade. Nowadays, that is incredibly rare. More and more cruise lines have programs in which you make blind bids on upgrades should they become available. Some examples are Princess Upgrades, Royal Caribbean’s Royal Up, Virgin’s Level Up, and Celebrity’s Move Up.

We hope these cruise planning tips help you choose your cruise. If you need suggestions for getting the price on airfare, check out this post.

Check out this recent New York Times article describing why so many people of all ages are taking their first cruise.

If Athens is on your itinerary, be sure to read our article about one of the best museums in the world, the Acropolis Museum.

Ready for More Great Travel Tips?

Every week we share our favorite travel secrets and tips. You can view them all here.

The post Amazing Cruise Planning Tips appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

What can you do at Virgin Beach Club at Bimini?

Before we talk about the cabana specifically, let’s go over what’s available to do at Bimini. The main draw is, obviously, the beach. Its long, sandy, and warm, everything you want in a Caribbean beach. Even if you come from a place without miles long, sand strewn coastlines at the ready, the Virgin Beach Club at Bimini fits into the mental image of paradise.

The warm ocean water awaits, just feet away from you, but there’s also a pool for those less inclined to partake in anything that has a tide. There’s beach chairs everywhere you look, so there’s no shortage of seating. At one of the two pools there’s a DJ and at the other there’s a net set up to play pool volleyball. The bars (did you really think there wouldn’t be bars?) have a set cocktail and beer list and there’s lots of supply. Conveniently, any drinks that you order are charged to your cabin through your Virgin Voyages wristband, exactly like it would be on the ship.

There’s nothing quite like a warm sandy beach, and the Virgin Beach Club at Bimini certainly offers that.

Perhaps best of all, the Beach Club is included on Virgin. Other lines stop at Bimini and go to this resort. When they do, though, it is not included – it costs extra. When you are at the Virgin Beach Club at Bimini, the food is included as are soft drinks. Other lines stopping there can’t claim the same.

Besides drinking and lounging, guests can also choose to go on an excursion at Bimini. They offer snorkeling, kayaking, cultural tours, jet ski tours, even painting! Some of the most talked about are the stingray and dolphin tours though. Not all of those are, strictly speaking, at the beach club, but they are all available through Virgin at Bimini.

What’s the Virgin Voyages The Beach Club at Bimini like?

These pictures should give you a pretty good idea of what the Bimini facilities are like.

Everyone will have access to seating, but getting there earlier would get you more choice. The pools and beach are lovely. The music is loud, for good or for ill is up to you, but you can find seating far away from it if you aren’t in love with the beats – a travel agent can you help figure out which areas are the quietest or loudest if you care.

Bars and bathrooms are located throughout the club, but mostly toward the edges. Keep that in mind with your seat selection. Whether you want to party or nap in the sun, there’s a place for you here. As I’ve said many times before with Virgin, it’s rep as a fun party line is well earned, but it’s also a very chill relaxing line, where you can leave socialization to others. Bimini is no exception to that experience.

What’s it Like to Have a Private Cabana at Virgin Beach Club at Bimini

The cabana itself can hold a maximum of 6 people. There are two chaise lounge seats inside the cabana itself. Then there are two beanbag chairs just outside the cabana. Finally, two more chaise lounge beach chairs sit out in the bright light for those who want to sunbathe or dry off from the water.

You’ll also have access to some small and medium-sized tables where drinks and food will be set. Towels are provided at the cabana to lay on or dry off with. Everything we touched or sat on was very comfortable. I even took a brief nap in the shade on the chaise inside the cabana. I’ve got scoliosis and it makes getting comfortable enough to fall asleep a bit of a fussy affair, so being able to enjoy a nap on something says volumes about its comfort.

There’s not much that can beat that view. The sea breeze was lovely frome the shaded cabana.

If I wanted to, I could have stayed in that chair all day because the private cabanas also come with a dedicated attendant who will bring you food and drinks. I never needed to get up for anything. Our attendant simply asked what we wanted and then brought us that. Our attendant checked in frequently, at least once every 15 minutes.  By the way, for those of us who like blue flavored things, I do recommend the blue flavored drink.

There were some real delights on the menu, like the fried cassava root (front and center).

Now, I know that this will sound like I’m a hopeless technology addict (not an entirely unfair accusation), but my favorite feature was having access to a power outlet. Every private cabana has its own dedicated power outlet. You can charge your phone or tablet while at the beach! Look, I know, people often deride others for refusing to “unplug” on their vacation, but we’re all allowed to have fun in our own way. If you want to share pictures or just play some mobile games, you’re covered. They even have wi-fi at the beach, and it matches the ship wi-fi, so you don’t even have to do anything extra to connect. There’s no need to worry about a data plan here! Feel free to call your friends on Whatsapp and make them jealous.

Was it worth it?

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, value is subjective. Only you can make that determination, but here’s a breakdown to help illuminate the differences.

You don’t need a private cabana to enjoy the pool, which was very popular by the end of the day. This picture was almost right at opening, so there weren’t many people there yet.

Right now, it’s $650 to reserve a private cabana on the beach. I won’t mince words, that’s a fairly hefty sum of money for roughly 6-8 hours of time on the sand. That’s especially true, if you consider that you already have access to the Virgin Beach Club at Bimini as part of your cruise. When you compare that cost against the total cost of a 5-day cruise in a sea terrace cabin, averaging around $2300, the price of that cabana is like adding an additional 25% to the cost. Now, yes, there’s $100 of bar tab included at Bimini, but even then the cost is still high at $550.

Further, if you find any of the excursions on Bimini interesting, then you’ll be allowing yourself even less time to enjoy your private cabana. I do not recommend that you book both an excursion and a cabana, it’s one or the other in my opinion.

In fairness to Virgin, the Beach Club at Bimini is an excellent value for their customers. Other lines have similar private beaches to Virgin and the costs on other lines are similar, or more, for an equivalent experience. They also have similar conflicts with excursions, all because of that pesky linear time thing…

Now it may sound like I’m rather down on these private cabanas, but I’m not. I don’t think that they’re valuable to a solo traveler or even a couple, but I do think they are valuable for a group.

Get the party started

If you’re getting together with a bunch of people, a private cabana is the perfect way to get yourself a little space of your own. Celebrating a birthday, meeting up with some friends you haven’t seen in a while, getting together with your siblings because you don’t get to see each other as much these days. Those are all perfect gatherings for a private cabana.

We had 6 folks in the cabana next to us, but there was more than enough room for us all and we hardly heard them. You can have a very relaxing time as a group in the cabanas like the ones on the left.

The Virgin Beach Club at Bimini is a great place for groups like that to meet up, but you’re left a little bit at lady luck’s mercy for space. Remember, seating is first come, first served, and if there’s 5 or 6 of you in a group, that’s harder to find a cluster of chairs for. And someone is always getting up to get a drink or grab some food, which interrupts doing the thing you probably want to be doing – talking with each other!

Split the cost of a private cabana, set your stuff down, and let an attendant handle all the rest. It’s what you really want to do anyway. But if it’s just a couple of you, grab some chairs and enjoy the sun, there’s better ways to spend the money on your vacation.

The post What’s a Private Cabana Like at Virgin Beach Club at Bimini appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

A white Christmas is not your speed? Looking to escape the winter blues? Or are you just looking to take advantage of the kids being off of school for a while? Change the Christmas trees for palms and consider one of the many popular destinations for a Christmas vacation.

Cruising for a Tropical Christmas

While last-minute cruise deals are much harder to find than in the past, they still exist. You do need to be flexible as to dates and cabins. 

Virgin Voyages Bimini Beach is beautiful.

Richard Branson’s new cruise line is winning every award in sight and they do things differently. Virgin Voyages has done away with the main dining room and buffet; every night is specialty dining with 20+ eateries.  And there is no extra charge for any of them! Virgin fares include crew gratuities, wi-fi, group fitness classes, gelato-style ice cream, and much more.  No one under 18 allowed but adults are encouraged to embrace their inner child. Virgin sails the Caribbean out of Miami. Contact us about December sailings, and we will put together some special offers not available by booking directly through the website.

Celebrity Cruises, the upscale cruise line known for its food and excellent service, still has space.  When you sail in December you enjoy traditional holiday meals created by a Michelin-starred chef and decorating with no prep or cleanup. You experience festive holiday shows and carolers. Everyone gets to enjoy downtime during the holidays to spend with those who matter most. Corks pop on New Year’s Eve.

We love Princess Cruises because it not only offers a high-quality cruise experience, but also lets us help you pile up the perks. The December 16 sailing of the new Sky Princess looks especially fun for a tropical Christmas. If booking Princess be sure to consider the high-value Princess Plus add-on.

A Hawaiian Tropical Christmas

If you’re looking to stay in the U.S. for Christmas, look no further than Hawaii for a tropical Christmas vacation.

Hawaii Wants Visitors

After the devasting Maui wildfires, tourism to Hawaii has understandably declined.  As a result, flights and accomodations are much more inexpensive than usual.

Now the islands are asking for the support of the traveling community and are making excellent travel offers for the holiday season. Also, you can our Best Hawaiian Travel Tips. We also share how to choose the best Hawaiian island to visit.

Christmas in Mexico

Because of its strong Christian traditions, Mexico is a fantastic place to get into the Christmas spirit without dealing with the Christmas weather.

A Tropical Christmas in Brazil

As another strongly Catholic nation, Brazil knows how to do Christmas. While not as famous as their Lent celebration, Carnival, there is a lot to do in Brazil for Christmas. And the weather is warm enough to hit the beaches.

Attending a “Missa do Galo” (Midnight Mass) at one of Rio’s historic churches, such as Candelária Church or the Metropolitan Cathedral can be ver memorable.

Merry Christmas for the Santa Chamelon

Subdued Tropical Christmas Choices

If you are looking for a relaxing tropical vacation with fewer Christmas-themed festivities, consider traveling to some of the non-Christian parts of the world. Malaysia and Vietnam offer beautiful views and beaches without decking the halls.

Ready for More Great Travel Tips?

We share our favorite travel secrets and tips every week. You can see them all here.

The post You Can Still Have a Tropical Christmas in 2024 appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

It doesn’t have to be this way. We work with travel suppliers who offer packages with all-inclusive resorts and with non-stop chartered flights to and from Cancun, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.  You save time and money.

Save time and money on your next beach vacation

Direct Flights

For people in the Midwest, there are direct flights from 13 locations including Columbus in Ohio, Lansing in Michigan, and Rockford in Illinois. You won’t need to worry about having a four-hour layover or losing your luggage when changing planes. The average flight time is four hours each way and most flights arrive at the destination before noon, so you have time to enjoy the resort the day you arrive.  Many returning flights leave after 12 p.m. so you have time to enjoy a relaxing breakfast at your resort before heading to the airport. And best of all, these direct flights are available from major airports across the U.S.

Resorts For Every Budget

You have a variety of resorts to choose from. You can find resorts available for about $2,000 a week for a couple all the way up to beautiful exclusive resorts that can cost upwards of $10,000. There are both family-oriented resorts as well as adult-only ones available. Of course, resorts with direct beach access are a premium. All resorts have some form of upgraded room categories for an added cost that include butler service or exclusive beach areas. Many have the much-loved swim-up suites!

And many packages will include transfers to and from the airport and other perks such as a champagne breakfast or discounts on services. You can always add private transfers to and from the airport, rent a car for a day or 2, and pre-book excursions as well.

Cancun is waiting

Groups Get More Perks

Many of these all-inclusive resorts will offer resort credit and other perks for groups of 12 people or more (six room minimum). In some cases, each room will receive resort credit even if members of your group fly in from different airports. There are resorts that will still apply credit to the room if a couple needs to arrive a day later or leave a day earlier than the rest of the group.

A Personal Example

I want to go to Cancun in January. I’m starting with my sister in Wisconsin. There are no direct flights unless I want to drive 2 hours to O’Hare in Chicago. I could catch a flight in Milwaukee at 5:30 a.m. but transfer in O’Hare where I have a three-hour layover. Or I can catch a 7 a.m. flight with a layover in Atlanta arriving in Cancun at 3 p.m.

Fortunately, there’s a better option.

I can book a 5-day non-stop vacation to Cancun from Milwaukee. Leaving Milwaukee at 6 a.m., I will arrive in Cancun about 11 am. I can be on the beach by lunchtime. My flight back home 5 days later leaves Cancun at noon, and I would be home by 3 p.m.

I choose the Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort and Spa with an Allure Junior Suite with an ocean view. I’m receiving perks including in-room champagne breakfast, 25% spa discount per person and shared transportation to and from the airport.  I’ve also received a bit of a discount on the room.

My cost before travel insurance (which I will definitely purchase) and checked baggage fee would be about $1,650 per person. How can I beat that? My 5-day weekend in Seattle last year cost much more than this for just flights and hotel.

If I don’t like this resort, there are many others that I can choose. 

A standard room at Riu Lupita for 2 people (including airfare) costs about $1,000 per person before luggage fees and travel insurance. Or I could choose a Junior Suite at Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen for $2,500 per person.

Ready To Plan?

If you are considering an All-Inclusive Vacation, give us a call or email karen@farfarawaytravels.com. We will be happy to provide options for you.

Looking For other Tips for Saving?

Our Airfare Secrets

Two For One

Surviving Air Travel

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The Queen Anne in Liverpool

We Love Cunard’s Queen Mary 2

There is something very special and classic about crossing the Atlantic on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2.  The Queen Mary 2 is the world’s only operating ocean liner, designed to cross the Atlantic in all sorts of weather. In fact, she is known for outpacing pretty much all the other ships in bad weather.

We sail the Queen Mary 2 about once a year as it is a much more delightful way to cross the pond than flying—and the price is sometimes similar or less! This means seven nights of entertainment, food, beverages, history, culture, and relaxation versus strapping yourself in a metal tube.

Here are some of the things we love about sailing transatlantic on the Queen Mary 2.

No jet lag! Each night they change the clocks backward or forward by one hour as appropriate, so the time change is extremely gentle and you are well rested when arrive.

The ship is full of history; most of the walls are covered with murals that describe the history of both the Cunard line and Queen Mary 2. For example, there is a display discussing Cunard’s role in rescuing survivors of the Titanic. In fact, the Carpathia was one of the first ships to arrive and save Titanic survivors.

Will You Be Bored?

Some people worry about becoming bored on a transatlantic crossing. We have a list of 101 Things to Do. There are nightly shows, games, a gym, pools, a casino, an incredible library, classes, and much more. Warning: the scavenger hunt can be quite challenging.

Honestly, there is so much to do, we sometimes complain about doing too much!

In-room entertainment. You will have no lack of films and TV shows in your cabin.  There is live news depending on the signal strength available at the time.

We love the lectures on board. There are usually several speakers on board with different expertise. Some lecturers we’ve heard onboard include the designer of Queen Mary 2, who was incredibly fascinating. We heard a retired British customs agent who had surprisingly interesting stories about various criminal attempts. Often there is someone speaking about the entertainment industry. The lectures are usually recorded and can be viewed later in your cabin.

Formal Gala nights are worth the effort with great entertainment, but if is not your thing, you don’t have to participate. Cunard arranges for many part of the ship available for those who don’t dress up.

Consider the fun of dressing up for a masquerade or the Red and Gold ball. And there’s no sitting fee for posing for formal portaits. We suggest dressing up a bit. While there will be tuxes, men will not be out of place with a jacket and collared shirt, tie optional.

Dining on the Queen Mary 2

Your meal options begin with the main dining room unless you are in a Princess or Queens grill suite, in which case you have a separate restaurant. You can choose early or late seating and will have the same table and waitstaff each night. We like this as the waitstaff will get to know you and your preferences. However, you do have the option to change this at any time.

At the Carpathian lounge or cafe you can get specialty coffees like lattes and cappuccinos. There is often a light breakfast or snacks such as small sandwiches and desserts. It’s a lovely place for a quick meal. Often games like trivia are often played in the Carpathian lounge although they are played in other venues as well.

There is the aforementioned lounge or cafe for snacks, and the buffet where there is a separate station where you can get hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza and such.

In addition to all this Cunard cruises will have several specialty dining options.  There is typically an up charge for the specialty dining.

The kennels on the Queen Mary 2 usually sell out before the human cabins

Bring Your Dog or Cat!

The Queen Mary 2 is the only passenger ship with a kennel. The kennel is famous among frequent travelers. We know people who take the Queen Mary 2 back and forth between the States and Europe at least once every year and they bring their pets with them. There is a highly regarded kennel staff and a great area where owners play with dogs. Even people without pets onboard like to go watch. The pets are extremely well cared for and the owners are allowed to go play at various times with them in a nice open-air area. The kennels are so popular that slots almost always fill up before the human cabins. If you want to travel abroad and you can’t bear the thought of leaving your dog at home and you don’t want them cooped up in an airplane, the Queen Mary 2 is what you want.

Practicalities

Cunard has recently upgraded their wi-fi to Starlink. There are two levels of service for Wi-Fi, basic and premium.

Laundry–Cunard has free self-service laundrettes around the ship. Free detergent is available. Of course, you can always pay for laundry and pressing services.

Special Pricing for Cunard Eclipse Cruises

Because we love both Cunard and Solar Eclipses, we have arranged for special group pricing on two Cunard cruises for the August 2026 solar eclipse. You can read about it here. And you can find information and book here.

News about Cruise Pricing

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In 1985, Premier Cruise Lines partnered with Disney to make a cruise. Since then, more and more family and kid focused cruises have come online. But I’m an adult and I don’t have kids of my own and I don’t really want a cruise loaded with a bunch of kids running between wave pools. Fortunately for those of us wanting a kid-free vacation, Virgin Voyages decided to buck the trend. They are an adult only cruise and it’s a great decision. 

The biggest thing is that it makes Virgin Voyages, a very new player in the world of cruising, stand out by offering something different. Without kids on the ship, it allowed Virgin to design a more relaxed, adult focused atmosphere in a lot of ways. We’ve already sailed with Virgin twice because of how nice it is and here’s why. 

Tons Of Options For Food

I know I said that I don’t have kids of my own, but I am the oldest of 5 and I’m the oldest by A LOT. With that sort of age difference, it meant that I helped raise all my younger siblings. Changing diapers, making meals, keeping them clean, picking them up from daycare – I was another parent. One thing I know about kids is that they often like eating the same foods day after day. It’s why buttered noodles and chicken nuggets are on every kids’ menu. As an adult, though, you probably want a little more variety in your meals or at least a little more choice.

Adult tastes are better met on an adults only cruise.

The dining experiences, plural, is where Virgin definitely shines. Unlike many other cruises, a main dining room does not exist. Nor does the buffet (thank God!). I was delighted to see that Virgin Voyages flipped the script on cruise cuisine and offered something I really looked forward to. As an adult only cruise, menus on Virgin are designed with adult tastes and desires. 

Onboard, there are over 22 places to eat – all of them offering a different menu. Everything from quick service counters to sit-down breakfast and dinners is part of the dining experience on Virgin Voyages. The dinners at any of the 6 sit down restaurants feel, and taste, like top-notch date night destinations. The bars are WELL stocked, with excellent selections and variety. 

Everything I just mentioned, except alcohol, is included in your fare. There are no specialty dining restaurants, which cost extra on other lines – often between $60-$100 MORE to eat at one of them. There are a few menu items with an up charge, such as a tomahawk steak, but those are quite rare. 

What Is The Atmosphere On An Adult Only Cruise

It’s hard to pin the atmosphere of a Virgin Voyages cruise as any one thing. Let me give you an example of a typical day at sea to illustrate. 

On a sea day, I’d typically wake up at around 8:30, handle my morning ablutions and go to breakfast by 9AM. Razzle Dazzle had my favorite breakfast menu, so I went there most days. I’d order a refreshing smoothie and drip coffee and then dig in to a delicious buckwheat waffle. By 11 I would be on the outdoor track for a couple miles then switch to a rowing machine for another 30 minutes. 

There’s a more concerted focus on providing excelent fitness options on Virgin Voyages adults only cruises.

After cleaning up, my wife and I would go grab some lunch from one of the various counter service restaurants. Lunch was followed by a magician performance in a champagne lounge and then we played video games in the free arcade until the speed puzzle game. We would rest in our room for a while before dinner, which was typically a relaxed hour and a half affair. The evening closed out with us going to a diva show and then singing karaoke in a private booth. 

A day like that is equally relaxing and exciting and can’t be summed up in a single sentence. More than anything, the general ethos of Virgin seems to be, come on board and relax. If relaxing means the gym, they have a wonderful one. For those who prefer lounging in the sun, you can spend your whole day doing that. People who like parties have plenty to choose from. None of those things dominate the ship but they, and many more things besides, are all available.  

I’ve seen a lot of online chatter trying to discern what a Virgin Voyages cruise is like. I think that’s because there’s a question mark for a lot of people about what “adult only cruise” means. The answer is that an adult only cruise means a mix of sophistication, childish indulgences, and a heavy dose of recharging your batteries. Virgin’s passengers are a diverse bunch, just like the world really is. What we all wanted on the ship was a little “me time” and some nice people to be around. 

Not Having A Dress Code Is Incredibly Relaxing

Another way that Virgin distinguishes itself is there is absolutely no dress code. Well, okay, you do have to wear clothes, but there’s nothing dictating the style. You also can’t wear your swimwear in restaurants, for the very practical reason of Virgin not wanting to soak their seats in pool water. If you want to glam it up for the evening, go for it! Perhaps a tank top, shorts, and thong sandals are more your speed, that’s cool too. Just wear what you want! 

Virgin Voyages is serious about making you feel comfortable, so if you want to wear pajamas up to The Galley restaurants, feel free. I’ll admit, at first, whenever I left my room, I would be dressed like I was going out and running errands or going to a casual dining place. After a day though, I really got into it and began to truly relax. I wore my pjs around in the mornings and shorts with a tank to dinner. I felt more comfortable that way. Other people wore smoking jackets and evening gowns while out for their meals. 

Dressing how you feel is a very liberating thing that I think a lot of us don’t fully appreciate. Being able to just wear what I was comfortable in made me so much calmer. I know it’s seems like a small thing, but I was chatting with a woman one morning at breakfast and I think she hit the nail on the head with this. She was so happy that she could wake up in the morning and she didn’t put on her mom clothes.

What to Learn More About Virgin?

We sail and discuss Virgin often! Check out articles including Everything to Know About Virgin Voyages New Loyalty Program and Virgin Voyages – Learn More and Restore Work Life Balance With A Month Long WFH Cruise and Virgin Voyages Full Review – Virgin Remarkably Sets A New Bar and Food and Drinks on Virgin Voyages. And of course there’s Why I Love Virgin Voyages!

The post You Need To Try Virgin Voyages Unique Adult Only Cruise appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Tip 1: Stay Healthy

How to stay healthy on a cruise?

First, take hand sanitizing seriously. Handwashing with soap and water is the best, but if you can’t wash, hand sanitizer can help. Most ships will have sanitizer available around the ship. I even carry a small bottle.

Be sure to wash or use sanitizer whenever you touch an elevator button, use a handrail, or any other high touch point. Even before Covid, norovirus was an` issue on cruises. This helps keep you healthier.

Second, take the stairs. We like to avoid cruise weight gain by walking and taking the stairs as much as possible. For this reason, we don’t mind having a cabin way at the front or back of the ship. Also, cabins at the front or back of the ship tend to be slightly less expensive.

Best of all, most ships have a promenade deck devoted to walking outside. You’ll see many walkers of all speeds. Even better, you might spot some wildlife. We’ve seen whales, dolphins, and sea turtles as well as many birds while ambling the promenade deck.

Tip 2: Tips About Tipping

Many cruises nowadays, especially those cruises of higher value like the ones in Seven Tips for Choosing Your Cruise, will include crew gratuities in the fare.

However, with lower priced cruise lines tips are often not included. Expect to be given a list of suggested gratuities that will be shared among the service crew. In general, these will run between $15-$20 per person (kids too!) per day.

The crew works for very low pay and they spend months away from home and family. They work very long hours as U.S. or European labor laws don’t apply when the cruises are run under foreign flags. While tipping is not mandatory, we strongly encourage you to do so.

One of our best cruise tips for 2024 is to prepay the recommended gratuities if it’s not in your package. Then, at the end of the cruise, seek out crew members who gave exceptional service and slip them some extra cash. In fact, you can ask for envelopes for this purpose at the ship’s front desk.

Tip 3: Don’t Fret About Formal Nights

First, if you are doing a short cruise, they might not have any. In addition, it is rare on river cruises to have formal nights. The ocean cruises that have formal nights tend to have them on days at sea with no port stops. For cruising 2024, here are some of our best tips for formal nights.

You don’t have to participate in formal night. Most ships will let you visit the buffet, pool, and other areas without formal wear. You can have room service in your cabin. The ship’s daily briefing will have the details for your cruise, but there will be places for you.

Remember formal is not as formal as it once was. Although you may see a few tuxedoes, most cruises now only expect men to wear a sports jacket. By the way, one of those tuxedoed men will be my husband looking spiffy in the same tux he has owned for 30 years.

If you would like to buy a tux at a reasonable price, call around to the formal wear rental stores in your area. They often sell used formal wear at great prices. Look for a classic style that will still be useable on your next five cruises.

Your cruise line will have written guidelines for the dress code available to you in advance. Your travel advisor can get them for you.

Honestly, nowadays, there is often lax enforcement of the dress code. We do encourage you not to press the issue, though. Other passengers make the effort, so we encourage you to do so as well.

One of our best cruise tips 2024 is the secret hidden benefit of formal night. If you do gussy up there will be ship’s photographers set up around the ship to take pictures of you looking your best, with beautiful backdrops. The sittings are voluntary and FREE. You are under no obligation to buy the photos. But if you like the pictures, they will be your favorite mementos when you get home. And you didn’t have to set up an appointment with a local photographer and pay a sitting fee. It is especially perfect for families cruising together.

One more cruising 2024 perk of formal night is that many cruises will have a Captain’s cocktail party. Often this means free cocktails, canapes and some lucky passengers can have their picture taken pouring a champagne fountain.

Tip 4: More Food

If you want two entrees or three appetizers, just ask! The crew will accommodate you. Only on the least expensive cruise lines will there be rules or extra fees for this.

I remember once my sister and I happened to sit at lunch with 4 men who we did not know. Every one of them ordered two entrees and finished them all. The wait staff didn’t even blink, but I did.

When traveling with children, one of our favorite cruise tips is to get them to try new things. You can assure them if they don’t like what they order, it will be replaced by something else. There is always a kid’s menu with all the classics: macaroni, grilled cheese, burgers, and pizza.

The only downside of encouraging your children to try new things is they may like it. Nichole developed a life-long love of duck during a cruise as a child.

The cruise staff want you to be happy so don’t be shy. If you don’t like what you were served, just nicely ask the waitstaff to replace it. They want you to enjoy your cruise.

Tip 5: Cruise Tip for 2024: Know the Medical Protocols

Make sure you read and understand your cruise line’s COVID and other health policies. Some lines, like Virgin Voyages, have generous cancellation policies should you test positive or be exposed before your trip.

While most have removed testing requirements, but cruises are subject to the regulations of any ports you visit. Since the pandemic, more people are buying travel insurance and we think that’s a good thing.

Tip 6: Embarkation Day

Board as early as the cruise line will let you. Download their app in advance as it can be very useful. If you can, upload all the needed documents in advance of boarding. Of course, pack a carry-on bag with essentials like swimsuits or sunscreen or medications while you wait for your luggage to be delivered to your cabin, so you are good to go.

Take a little time to explore the ship. Do your muster drill check-in-the ship can’t leave until everyone does that.

Most people hit the buffet as soon as they board and that’s fine. We prefer to check out the ship’s guide and visit the main dining room or other venues that are open. It’s quieter and usually better food.

There is almost always a Sail-Away party by the pool when the ship departs. There are drink specials, live music, and it is fun! There’s nothing quite like sailing off into the sunset knowing a great voyage is beginning.

Tip 7: Wine

If you like wine with dinner but can’t finish the bottle, just ask the wait staff to tag it and keep it for you for the next evening.

Tip 8: When in Doubt, Ask Your Cabin Steward

Your cabin steward is amazing. Need tape? They can get it. Are there twin beds when you wanted a double? They can fix it. Need more towels? More hangers? Ask your steward. And certainly, if there are maintenance issues like a leaky faucet, notify your steward immediately.

To make your travels easier, we have suggestions for cruise essentials and luggage.

Want More Great Travel Tips?

We share our favorite travel tips and information every week. You can see them all here.

Plan Now For 2026

A Total Solar Eclipse Cruise in August 2026

The post More Best Cruise Tips for 2024 appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Research shows that the average person who plans their own trip spends over 30 hours researching it. That’s almost a whole work week and many people spend more time than that! We cover the best cruise lines for adults as well as the best cruise lines for families. Keep reading for our tips on how to choose the best cruise lines for you.

How can you avoid wasting time and money, and get to relaxing sooner? Here’s how you can find the best cruises for you.

There are 18 cruise lines and almost 800 cruises in Alaska alone – that’s a lot to research. Save yourself time by working with an expert to pick your cruise..

Tip 1: Before You Choose a Cruise, Think!

Ask yourself, what are you looking to get from your cruise. Are you looking for the best cruise line for families? Or perhaps a romantic trip for two? Is there a destination you have in mind?

The most important question to ask though, what is your budget? Since the pandemic began, more travelers have decided to upgrade their travel and splurge on something they might not have before. But it’s about what works for you!

If you are using a travel agent, and you should, tell them clearly what you want so they can help you plan your perfect trip.

Tip 2: Consider Value Over Price For A Cruise

All too often, travelers get drawn in by a low advertised price, only to find out at the end of the cruise they owe money for all sorts of things. Watch for items like port fees and taxes, crew gratuities, wi-fi, soft drinks, even coffees and dining! These costs all add up, and this doesn’t even include shore excursions. This doesn’t mean cruising isn’t a good value–it is!

If you’re planning a cruise, that more expensive looking choice may be a better value. Look behind the curtain of a “good deal” and make an informed decision. We’ve seen far too many people book a “cheap” cruise, then end up spending more money on all the extras, than if they had booked a “more expensive” cruise that included more. Don’t let that happen to you.

We often prepare spreadsheets for our clients who are choosing between different cruises so they can see the actual cost and value of each.

Several cruise lines engage in, what we feel is more honest pricing. They will include beverages, Wi-Fi, port fees, crew gratuities, specialty restaurants, and sometimes even shore excursions. Booking a cruise with one of them can result in a much better and more relaxing experience.

Tip 3: How to Choose a Cruise to Get the Best Price?

While last minute deals still exist, nowadays the cruise lines often make the best offers to those who book early. We always suggest booking as early as you can with a refundable deposit. With a refundable deposit, it’s easier to get the price reduced if the price drops later.

Doing this trick can be hard to pull off though, since you have to remember to constantly check for price changes. That’s a big advantage that many travel agents, like us, can offer clients. If you book a cruise using a travel agent, we watch for price drops and will reach out if there’s a way to reduce what you pay or even upgrade without increasing the price. And of course, if you discover the better price, let us know so we can go to work for you.

Tip 4: Booking The Cruise

Once you’ve decided what cruise you want to take and when you want to take it, now it’s time to book it. That’s not where the stress ends though.

When COVID hit in 2020, we had quite a few clients booked on cruises. Some of these cruises cost tens of thousands of dollars! We were able to get all of our clients a refund. People who had booked cruises themselves, had to fight for refunds on their own. There are horror stories of people struggling to get their money back for vacations that never happened.

Good travel agents fight for their clients in those situations. And just because COVID is more under control, there are other emergencies that happen. Car crashes, sudden illness, even job loss. By working with us, we can make it easier for you to recover your money if something goes wrong with your trip.

The main thing is, many people are not aware that it doesn’t cost you anything to book with a travel agent. There are exceptions to that, as some travel agents are charging an upfront planning fee, but many, like us, do not. In addition, the travel agent will have your back if things don’t go right.

Working with a travel advisor can be the best way to choose a cruise.

Tip 5: Best Cruises for Families

We think a cruise is the perfect way for a group of friends and family to travel together. We’ve done it many times. Everyone gets to the same place at the same time. On board, you can spend as much, or as little, time together as you wish.

It’s great for multi-generational travel as the kids can have fun all day in the children’s program while Mom and Dad visit the spa and Grandma and the aunties play pickleball or take a painting class. Or all the adults just sip margaritas by the pool. Some groups only see each other at dinner because they are so busy.  And the children’s programs are so much fun it can be hard to get the kids to leave at the end of the day.

The ship’s photographers will be happy to take as many pictures of your group as want with no sitting fees. You only pay for the pictures you want. No obligation!

Finally, if your group is large enough, there may be extra perks and discounts available. A good travel agent can not only help you choose a cruise but can save you many headaches by keeping track of what all the aunts and uncles and nephews and nieces want.

Some of the best cruises for families are the Royal Caribbean (RCCL) fun ships and the Disney Cruise Line (of course). But don’t overlook cruises like Celebrity and Princess who have excellent children and teen programs.

Tip 6: Cabin Selection on a Cruise

Some people care passionately about their cabin location, others not so much. If you don’t care, you can often choose to book a “guarantee” cabin at a slightly lower price. This means they guarantee you a cabin in that category such as a balcony or suite, but you won’t know which exact one it is until just before you board.

When choosing a cabin, here are some things to think about:

• Who will share what kinds of cabins? If the kids are teens, you can book a balcony cabin for the parents and an inside cabin, across the hall, for the kids.
• Do you need the cabins to be close together? Do you need the cabins to have a connecting door?
• Does the cruise ship sail up a coastline? (We’re looking at you, Alaska) If it does, then one side of the ship is going to have far better cabin views than others.

Tip 7: Best Cruises for Adults

Some of the best cruises for adults include Regent Seven Seas, Viking, Seabourn, Silversea, and Oceania. We like Azamara for its extended stays at many ports. Newcomer Virgin Voyages is winning every award in sight and is winning over veteran cruisers from other lines. Check out our posts about sailing on Virgin.

We also are big fans of Cunard, which offers a sophisticated experience. You can actually sail between New York and England, often for less than the price of flying business class. Seven nights of great food, entertainment and accomodation–and no jet lag!

Tip 8: Upgrades

In the not-too-distant-past, veteran cruisers would sometimes experience the “Upgrade Fairy,” meaning the cruise line gave them a free upgrade. Nowadays, that is incredibly rare. More and more cruise lines have programs in which you can make blind bids on upgrades should they become available. Some examples are Princess Upgrades, Royal Caribbean’s Royal Up, Virgin’s Level Up, and Celebrity’s Move Up.

We hope these tips help you choose your cruise. If you need suggestions for getting the price on airfare, check out this post.

Check out this recent New York Times article describing why so many people of all ages are taking their first cruise.

If Athens is on your itinerary, be sure to read our article about one of the best museums in the world, the Acropolis Museum.

Ready for More Great Travel Tips?

Every week we share our favorite travel secrets and tips. You can view them all here.

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