#cruisaholics

[cruiseaholicsanonymous]

Mariner of the Seas From Galveston Texas!

[cruiseaholicsanonymous]

My Experience on the Mariner of the Seas 5-Day Cruise from Galveston Part I

I'm excited to share my thoughts on the recent 5-day cruise I took aboard Mariner of the Seas, departing from Galveston, Texas.

This Royal Caribbean ship is packed with amenities and entertainment, but like any trip, there were both highlights and some areas for improvement. I’ll dive into the details of what made this vacation memorable and where it could have been better.

I prefer to get to my port city the day before embarkation and spend the night...never want to miss the boat! For this trip, I chose the new Residence Inn Galveston on the Seawall. This hotel and location set the tone for a relaxing vacation. This hotel is an excellent pre-cruise choice, offering spacious, modern rooms and a great location right on the Seawall. I appreciated the clean, well-designed suite with a full kitchen, making it perfect for travelers looking for a more comfortable stay before setting sail. The views of the ocean were stunning, and its proximity to the port was super convenient for an easy embarkation the next morning. The staff at the Residence Inn were absolutely amazing—especially Eric. He was attentive, and went the extra mile to make my stay comfortable and enjoyable. 10 out of 10 this hotel!

Mariner of the Seas first set sail in 2003, making it one of Royal Caribbean's older ships, but it has been kept up to date with a significant $120 million dollar refresh in 2018. This renovation introduced exciting new features like the Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Escape Room: The Observatorium, as well as updated staterooms and revamped public spaces to give the ship a modern feel. In my upcoming blog, I’ll dive deeper into what I loved about these updates and where I felt things could have been better.

Stay tuned for the full review! Video to come soon on the YouTube Channel @Cruiseaholicsanonymous

[cruiseaholicsanonymous]

Did Someone Say Deployment 2026 &2027!!

Royal Caribbean has just unveiled its highly anticipated 2026 and 2027 deployment schedule! See below. It offers cruisers a sneak peek into future adventures. The upcoming itineraries will feature a mix of exciting destinations, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and Asia. With new ports of call and expanded routes, Royal Caribbean continues to elevate the cruising experience. Highlights include innovative ships, unique shore excursions, and immersive onboard entertainment. For travelers looking to plan ahead, these itineraries promise unforgettable vacations with something for every type of cruiser. Stay tuned for booking dates and get ready to embark on your next dream voyage!

[cruiseaholicsanonymous]

Exciting News: Renew Your Passport Online!

For travelers, one of the most essential items is a valid passport. It's your golden ticket to exploring new destinations, experiencing different cultures, and making unforgettable memories. But for many, the process of renewing a passport has always been a bit of a hassle. Between finding the nearest post office, scheduling appointments, and dealing with paperwork, it could take weeks before you even send in your application. Well, great news for frequent flyers and globetrotters – you can now renew your passport online!

This new option is a game-changer, making passport renewals much faster and more convenient. Whether you're prepping for your next cruise or booking a last-minute getaway, the process is now at your fingertips. You can simply log in to the U.S. State Department's website, upload your recent passport photo, fill out the necessary forms, and submit your renewal request without ever leaving home.

Not only does the online renewal process save time, but it also keeps you in the loop with updates. Once you submit your application, you’ll receive status notifications and estimated processing times via email. The usual processing time is about the same as the traditional method, but the convenience of handling everything online is priceless.

The online passport renewal option is especially helpful for travel agents like myself, as we’re constantly on the go and need to stay ready for the next adventure. It’s one less thing to worry about when planning your next trip. So, if your passport’s nearing expiration, don’t wait. Take advantage of this convenient new option and renew your passport online today!

Happy travels, and see you out there exploring the world!

[cruiseaholicsanonymous]

Greece Taxes Cruise Tourists

On September 8th, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of Greece announced a new visitor tax specifically targeting cruise ship passengers. The tax will be $22 USD per person, regardless of the size of the ship. This move is part of Greece’s broader initiative to manage the ever-increasing number of tourists and reduce strain on its infrastructure and cultural sites.

Popular cruise destinations like Santorini, Mykonos, and Athens have seen a surge in visitors, particularly from cruise ships, leading to overcrowded ports and overwhelmed local services. The new tax aims to alleviate some of this pressure by providing funds for the maintenance and protection of public spaces, historical monuments, and natural landmarks.

Although the $22 fee has sparked debate, particularly within the cruise industry, it aligns with Greece’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism. While some travelers and cruise operators are concerned about added costs, others see the tax as a necessary measure to preserve Greece’s iconic destinations for future generations.

Greece’s new tax reflects a growing trend among countries trying to balance tourism’s economic benefits with the need to protect their heritage from the impacts of overtourism, ensuring long-term sustainability for its most cherished sites.

I am DEFINITELY STILL going to Greece!!!

[cruiseaholicsanonymous]

Shippin' Ain't Easy!

Whew! Balancing a day job while studying to become a travel agent is no easy feat. The exhaustion is real—early mornings, late nights, and weekends packed with coursework and client research. Juggling work responsibilities with learning the ins and outs of the travel industry often feels like running a marathon with no finish line in sight.

Yet, despite the exhaustion, it’s worth every moment. My passion for cruising keeps me motivated, even when the fatigue sets in. Each module I complete brings me closer to my joy of helping others discover the magic of cruising. The thought of creating more cruise addicts fuels my determination.

Just like with any other addiction, when you’re a CruiseAholic, you will find a way! I will find a way! No matter how tired or overwhelmed I feel, my love for the ocean and the thrill of planning the perfect voyage pushes me forward. There’s always another cruise on the horizon, and that promise keeps me going through the toughest days.

[cruiseaholicsanonymous]

Beginning Training....whew!!!

Starting travel agent (TA) training is an exciting step, especially if you’re passionate about travel. However, balancing this new venture with a day job can be challenging, making organization key to your success. 

When you’re juggling work, training, and possibly family responsibilities, staying organized helps you manage your time effectively. Creating a schedule sounds good, but there never seems to be enough time in the day to do that! I have a mental note of time blocks that I know for sure I will have every day, and I dedicate those blocks to my TA training. This prevents my new learning from overwhelming my existing responsibilities. 

Having a dedicated workspace on your laptop or computer is also crucial. What I mean by that is, make specific TA files to keep your study materials, notes, and resources in one place, easily accessible whenever you have time to focus. I put these files in the top right corner of my desktop. This reduces stress and can maximize your productivity during your training sessions because of the ease of access. 

Side Note: I also, from the beginning, organized my TA email. In my TA email I have separate folders for specific emails. The emails from CLIA folder; the emails from specific Vendors folder; the emails from my Host Agency folder; the emails regarding upcoming TA Training, etc. You want to do this from the beginning because you will receive A LOT OF EMAILS!!  

Using tools like planners, digital calendars, or task management apps can keep you on track also. I personally don’t use a bunch of these because it seems like more things to add to my “to do” list.  I use the standard calendar in my TA email for reminders of tasks. Figure out what works for you and do that!   

Being organized ensures you retain more from your training. By maintaining a clear structure in your specific learning process, you’re better prepared to absorb information and apply it in real-life scenarios. 

Ultimately, staying organized is not just about managing your time; it’s about setting yourself up for success in ways that resonate with who you are, as you transition into your new career as a travel agent.

Anchors Away!!