We're cruising again! But this time we are headed to Mobile, Alabama where Carnival Fantasy will begin boarding passengers on 4-5 day cruises visiting Cozumel, Progreso and Costa Maya. And guess what...I found a great cruise deal during Mardi Gras 2017! By choosing the Mobile, Alabama cruise terminal (2 hours away from me) versus my local New Orleans cruise departure port, I managed to save $341 plus have a upgraded room on a higher deck. I can use that savings to arrive (or stay) an extra Continue Reading
How To Choose a Cruise Ship Cabin: What You Need to Know Before Booking #BayouTravel
Not everyone will agree on stateroom preference but generally, size matters! Or is it cost? Since every cruiser has different needs, most cruise-liners have a wide range of staterooms that range from affordable to total luxury! While there are other factors involved like location of the ship, 1-3rd classes and foot traffic, you may want to consider your stateroom carefully! Inside Staterooms At 185 square feet, Carnival’s inside staterooms are among the largest of any cruise line and ideal Continue Reading
Carnival Cruise: Inside Carnival Triumph, New Orleans’ New Cruise Ship #BayouTravel
I don't say no to a cruise ship, especially a Carnival Cruise ship in New Orleans! Can you blame me? But seriously, I love when New Orleans (or any Carnival departure port) gets a new cruise ship to the area. It's a good local tourism boost. With Carnival Elation leaving New Orleans for Jacksonville, that means bigger and better for NOLA cruisers. Carnival Triumph will feature more than 500 staterooms and suites with private balconies and will represent a 34 percent capacity increase on the Continue Reading
Up Close & Personal Aboard Carnival Cruise Elation – New Orleans & Jacksonville Port
Many of you are like me! We book our cruise vacation based on a couple different factors: Price, Date, Departure location, Port Itinerary and SHIP! If the price is right, everything falls into place even if it means sailing on the same ship as I did before BUT since cruise ships tend to (thankfully) re-position guests have the opportunity to experience a new (to them) ship every few years. For the last few years Carnival Elation has been operating from the Port of Orleans (about 40 mins away Continue Reading
Travel Chat: How to Travel & Experience Alaska #BayouTravel
Alaska is a Bucket List item for many people. The state is twice as large of Texas and has more coastlines than the rest of the US combined. What does all that mean? There is a lot to see and do in this great big state! Experience Alaska as if you won’t ever be back, then you can say that you really saw as much of this state as possible. Cruise the Inside Passage Whether you take a large cruise ship on a 7- or 10-day cruise, make sure to check out all the islands along the Inside Passage. Continue Reading
Cruise Port Excursions – What To Do in Progreso, Yucatán Mexico #BayouTravel
When planning your cruise, it's important to also consider various types of port excursions based on weather, cost and time. On our recent cruise port stop we visited Progreso Mexico. While we initially considered ATV or swimming in the cenotes, I was apprehensive due to the weather. The weather in early February could go either way so we decided to take the free port shuttle bus into Progreso and "wing it". My family & I boarded the Auto Progreso free bus shuttle at port and Continue Reading
How to Get An Unbelievable Discount in a Last Minute Cruise #BayouTravel
My family LOVES to cruise! You can search my other cruise articles to learn more on WHY we love to cruise but since I love a good deal, getting a cruise as a great rate is a must for my family. My family does quite a bit of travel throughout the year. Since my husband (and I when I was working outside the home) use all of our vacation very quickly that means we sometimes travel at a loss, loss of income if we exceed our vacation days. While that may stop some from traveling outside of their Continue Reading
Norwegian Cruise Lines (Last) Cruise to Nowhere – Norwegian Dawn in New Orleans #BayouTravel
Well, my husband & I managed to accomplish the almost impossible! We went on a cruise without our kids! Since my youngest was born (now 11 years old) my husband and I have had 2 (not a typo: TWO) night away from both of our children at the SAME TIME! I travel without the family for work but I sleep comfortable knowing my husband is with them. But my husband never goes out of town without our kids. We DESERVED this! Luckily I found a Norwegian Cruise to Nowhere, aboard Norwegian Dawn, Continue Reading
Cruise Chat- How to Pack for Your Alaskan Cruise #BayouTravel
We finally did it! We booked our Alaskan Cruise for 2017 which coincides with our 20th year anniversary. Like any traveler, I need time to save and prepare. Although I have been on several cruises in the past, this will be our 1st Northern Cruise. I'm not an over-packer unless I am in unfamiliar territory so I asked my Alaskan friends for advice. Are you considering an Alaskan Cruise? You finally did it; you pulled the trigger on taking that once-in-a-lifetime cruise to Alaska. You have been Continue Reading
Alaska Spotlight – Breathtaking Views of Alaska #BayouTravel
My husband & I have a huge infatuation with Alaska! Although we have yet to visit, we love to learn about All-Things Alaska. In fact, we are planning a 20th wedding anniversary Alaskan Cruise! Keep your fingers crossed for our upcoming journey. What do we love about it? I think it's the appreciation and respect for your surroundings. It's more than just a zip code, every day you take in your surroundings and have true respect for the weather, wildlife and more. It is hard to think of Continue Reading
Free Cruise Ebook – Cruise Travel for LESS: How to Save Money on Your Next Cruise #BayouTravel
Do you love to Cruise? Of course you do, we do too! In fact, our family went from being unsure and uneasy about cruise travel to Cruise ADDICTS! I can't blame them, going on a family cruise encompasses everything you would want in a family vacation? Beautiful destinations, relaxation, adventure and fantastic food! What if you could cruise for less than or the same price as a Disney Vacation? You can! In fact, there is no reason why your family of 4 can't cruise for less than $2500. We Continue Reading
Cruise Travel: Top Tips for Cruising With Children #BayouTravel
Disclosure: My recent Royal Caribbean cruise aboard Liberty of the Seas was part of a press trip. My thoughts and opinions are always my own. Taking a cruise could seem intimidating to parents who feel like a vacation for the family is less than relaxing. Thousands of people in a single area, lots of pools, and plenty of places to get lost. There are a lot of reasons for families to avoid cruises. But for every potential negative there are plenty of positives as well. Taking a cruise Continue Reading