Monaco Grand Prix Like Never Before: Experience Formula 1® with Explora Journeys

Imagine waking up in the heart of Monaco, stepping onto your private oceanfront terrace, and watching the world’s most glamorous Formula 1® race weekend unfold just steps away from your luxury suite.

That’s exactly what Explora Journeys is offering with its exclusive Monaco Grand Prix experience aboard EXPLORA I.

From June 3-8, 2026, EXPLORA I will be docked in Monaco’s legendary Port Hercule, placing guests at the center of one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world—the Formula 1® Louis Vuitton Grand Prix de Monaco. Unlike traditional hotels, your luxury accommodation, fine dining, wellness sanctuary, and private retreat all travel with you.

We recently sailed with Explora Journeys and fell in love! This would be such an incredible experience for someone who enjoys cruising and Formula 1… well, it would actually be the ULTIMATE experience!!

Why This Experience Is So Special

Monaco Grand Prix weekend is one of the most sought-after events on the global sports calendar. Luxury hotels often sell out years in advance, but Explora Journeys offers something even more exclusive—a front-row position in Monaco’s harbor with the elegance and comfort of an ultra-luxury ocean resort.

Guests can enhance their journey with:

3-Day Grandstand Access

Exclusive F1 Paddock Club Hospitality

VIP Pit Lane Walk Experiences

Access to Formula 1® Driver & Ambassador Events

Curated onboard celebrations and entertainment throughout race weekend

Luxury Meets Adrenaline

When you’re not enjoying the excitement of the Grand Prix, relax in true Explora Journeys style:

• Oceanfront suites with private terraces

• World-class dining experiences

• Elegant lounges and cocktail venues

• Ocean Wellness Spa experiences

• Sophisticated entertainment and curated events

The result is the perfect balance between high-octane excitement and refined luxury.

Looking Ahead to 2027

Following the overwhelming popularity of Monaco Grand Prix sailings, travelers interested in experiencing Formula 1® with Explora Journeys should begin planning early. While official 2027 details are expected to be announced later, demand for Monaco race-week accommodations consistently exceeds supply, making early reservations essential for securing the best suite categories and race access options.

Reserve Your Place at the Ultimate Race Weekend

Whether you’re a lifelong Formula 1® fan, a luxury traveler seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, or simply looking for an unforgettable way to experience Monaco, Explora Journeys delivers a race weekend unlike anything else at sea.

Luxury. Speed. Elegance.

Monaco Grand Prix 2026 aboard EXPLORA I

Contact EECC Travels today to learn about suite availability, Grandstand packages, and VIP Paddock Club experiences before they sell out.

Why You Should Book This Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

Some vacations are memorable. Others become stories you’ll tell for the rest of your life.

The Monaco Grand Prix is already one of the world’s most iconic sporting events. Add the luxury of Explora Journeys, and you’ve created an experience that very few travelers will ever have the opportunity to enjoy.

Imagine sipping champagne on your private terrace as the yachts fill Monaco’s legendary harbor. Spend your day immersed in the excitement of Formula 1®, surrounded by celebrities, racing legends, and fellow luxury travelers. Then return to your elegant suite aboard EXPLORA I, where world-class dining, exceptional service, and oceanfront luxury await.

Unlike a traditional hotel stay, your accommodations are part of the experience. You’ll be staying in the heart of Monaco during one of the most exclusive weekends on the planet, without sacrificing comfort, convenience, or luxury.

This isn’t just a cruise.

It’s not just a race weekend.

It’s a rare opportunity to combine two bucket-list experiences into one unforgettable journey.

Whether you’re a Formula 1® enthusiast, a luxury traveler, or someone who believes life’s best moments are worth experiencing in style, the Monaco Grand Prix aboard Explora Journeys offers something truly extraordinary.

Years from now, you won’t remember another ordinary vacation.

You’ll remember watching Formula 1® in Monaco from one of the most prestigious addresses in the world while enjoying the luxury and elegance that only Explora Journeys can provide.

Experiences like this don’t come around often—and availability is extremely limited.

The question isn’t whether you’ll remember this trip.

The question is whether you’ll wish you had booked it.

The post 🏁 Luxury Meets Speed: Sail with Explora Journeys to an Exclusive Formula 1 Grand Prix Experience appeared first on EECC Travels.

A complete guide to amenities, activities, dining, and tips for making the most of one of Disney’s most underrated resorts.

Fort Wilderness Campground is genuinely one of our favorite campgrounds in the entire United States — and we’ve stayed at a lot of them. Yes, it can be expensive depending on the time of year. But once you see everything this place has to offer, you’ll understand why we keep coming back. Let’s break it all down so you can decide for yourself whether it’s worth it.

Getting Around: Golf Carts vs. the Bus

The first thing to know about Fort Wilderness is that it’s big. We’re talking larger than Magic Kingdom itself, with over 700 campsites spread across the property. Walking is technically an option, but there are two much better ways to get around.

The internal bus system is free and will take you anywhere within Fort Wilderness — useful if you’re just hopping between the main areas.

Golf cart rentals are the fun option. At $75 per day, they’re not cheap, but if you’re planning a dedicated resort day (no parks), renting one transforms the experience. You can cruise the loops, explore the decorated campsites, and cover a lot more ground in a lot less time. If you’re renting for your full stay, many guests decorate their carts so they can spot theirs in a crowded parking area — a charming little Fort Wilderness tradition.

You can also bring your own golf cart, subject to some basic registration rules.

The Three Main Areas of Fort Wilderness

Fort Wilderness is divided into three distinct sections, each with its own personality and set of amenities.

1. Settlement — The Heart of the Resort

Settlement sits at one far end of the property and is arguably the most action-packed area.

The Marina The marina is your gateway to Magic Kingdom. Boats run continuously across Bay Lake, and the ride itself is a beautiful way to arrive at the park. From the same dock, a smaller boat connects Fort Wilderness to Wilderness Lodge and the Contemporary Resort. You can also rent pontoon boats for fishing (catch and release), book a fireworks cruise for up to 10 guests, or reserve a guided bass fishing excursion for up to five people.

Just steps from the marina is a beach along Bay Lake — no swimming allowed, but it’s an ideal spot to relax, watch the nightly Electric Water Pageant that circles the lake, or catch the Magic Kingdom fireworks without being inside the park.

Settlement Trading Post This is one of two Disney stores on property (the other is at Meadow). You’ll find Disney merchandise, Fort Wilderness-specific items (the backpack and branded cups are worth a look), snacks, cold groceries, and basic personal items. One honest tip: don’t buy your groceries here. Prices are steep — a six-pack of beer runs around $18. Instead, use Walmart delivery or another local grocery service. If you’re staying in the cabins and don’t have a car, grocery delivery goes right to the check-in area.

Pioneer Hall This cluster of log cabin buildings is home to three key spots:

• Crockett’s Tavern — The resort bar, open evenings. There’s an outdoor walk-up window, or you can settle in inside with the Western-themed décor (wagon wheels, horseshoes, musical instruments on the walls). The rocking chairs out front are prime real estate for people-watching — golf carts rolling by, boats coming in from the marina, families heading to dinner. It’s one of our favorite spots on the whole property.
• Trails End Restaurant — A quick-service restaurant open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. with homestyle meals for lunch and dinner. They have full-size pizzas, a hot grab-and-go section (full slab of ribs, fried chicken, sides), a cold grab-and-go section (salads, pre-made sandwiches), and of course Mickey ice cream bars. Mobile order through the Disney app is highly recommended if you’re taking food back to your campsite.
• Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue — This dinner show has been running every single night since Fort Wilderness first opened, and it’s a genuine classic. Food is served family style while performers put on a lively, funny Western show — and they make a whole production out of bringing you your meal. If you’ve never done it, especially with kids, put it on your list.

Tri-Circle-D Ranch Cross the street from the Settlement bus depot and you’ll find where the Disney horses live. The ranch is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for walk-through visits — you can see horses being groomed, meet them by name (Samson, Prince, Jet, and the ponies Dolly, Dory, and Fancy), and learn a little history. No feeding or petting, but it’s a surprisingly delightful stop. Trail rides, carriage rides, and wagon rides (Friday–Sunday only) are also available here at an extra cost.

2. Meadow — The Activity Hub

Meadow sits in the center of the property and is where most of the daytime energy lives.

The Pools There are currently two pools at Fort Wilderness, with a third under construction. The main Meadow pool has a water slide, a kids’ splash area, a hot tub, and plenty of loungers. In our experience across multiple visits — including during spring break — we’ve never had trouble finding a spot. The pool is open until 11 p.m., which is late enough for night owls and pool-loving kids alike.

Pool towels and life jackets are available if you forgot yours.

Meadow Snack Bar Right next to the pool, you can grab beers, snacks, burgers, and full meals — eat poolside or take it back to a lounger. An arcade sits adjacent for the kids who need a break from swimming.

Activities Board Fort Wilderness runs a surprisingly robust activity program. Check the board near the Meadow area for what’s happening each day — some activities are included in your stay, others have an extra cost. A full schedule is also given to you at check-in.

The Bike Barn This is your rental hub for bikes, kayaks, and fishing gear. Archery is also available nearby, which feels very on-brand for a place called Fort Wilderness. Gem mining (buy a bag and sift for gems) is another fun kid-friendly activity in this area.

Campfire & Movies Under the Stars Every evening, the Chip ‘n’ Dale Campfire Sing-Along kicks off at 8 p.m. followed by a Disney movie on an outdoor screen at 8:40 p.m. S’mores kits are available, there’s a vintage-camper food truck serving hot dogs, pulled pork nachos, pretzels, and drinks (including adult beverages), and the whole vibe is exactly what you’d hope a Disney campfire night would feel like.

Meadow Trading Post The larger of the two resort stores, with the same merchandise selection as Settlement. It has both a front entrance (near the bus stop and parking) and a back entrance from the pool area.

3. Outpost — The Entrance & Main Bus Hub

The Outpost is at the very front of the property — where you enter by RV, where check-in happens, and where the main bus hub is located.

Transportation to Parks If you’re heading to any Disney park other than Magic Kingdom (for MK, the boat from Settlement is the better option), you come to the Outpost. Buses run to all parks and Disney Springs. A digital board shows current arrival times for each destination.

Other Outpost Services

• Golf cart rental pick-up
• Uber/Lyft and rideshare pick-up point
• Package and Amazon delivery (next-day in the Orlando metro area — we ordered campsite lights and they arrived the following morning)
• Grocery delivery drop-off for cabin guests without cars
• Trail rides depart from here in the mornings, with riding trails threading throughout the property

One fun detail: wild turkeys and deer wander freely through Fort Wilderness. We watched a turkey hold its ground against an incoming bus at the Outpost and win. The bus driver was infinitely patient.

Check-Out Flexibility If you want to squeeze in a park day on your departure day, you can park your RV in the back of the Outpost lot, head to the parks, and return to pick it up before you leave. You’re not forced off property the moment checkout hits — a genuinely nice touch.

Staying at Fort Wilderness: Campsites vs. Cabins

Campsites are the traditional option — over 700 spots with good tree coverage and plenty of shade. The campground was built in 1971, and the mature landscaping makes it feel like a real forest, not a parking lot. Sites have grills (kept immaculately clean, very Disney), electrical hookups, and enough space to set up lights, an awning, hammock, and all the trimmings.

Cabins are the DVC (Disney Vacation Club) option — modern, updated, and significantly pricier than camping. They sleep six, include a full kitchen, and give you the full Fort Wilderness experience without needing an RV. Our first ever Fort Wilderness trip was in the original log cabins (since replaced with these newer units), and it was wonderful for a family with young kids.

Honest verdict: If you have the gear, camping here is the sweet spot. You get all the Disney magic, full amenities, and a genuinely comfortable outdoor experience at a fraction of what the surrounding Disney resorts cost. If you don’t have a camper but want the experience, the cabins are a solid choice — just plan for a higher nightly rate.

The Fireworks from the Beach

Don’t leave without making your way to the Bay Lake beach on a night with Magic Kingdom fireworks. The resort pipes in the corresponding music from the show, so you’re hearing the full experience while watching the fireworks burst over the castle from across the water. No crowds, no waiting in line, no fighting for position. Just a beach, the music, and the show. It’s one of the best kept secrets at Disney World.

Settle into one of the rocking chairs outside Crockett’s Tavern beforehand, grab a drink, and watch the marina light up as families return from the parks. Then walk down to the beach for the show. That sequence — rocking chairs, cold drink, fireworks over the water — is Fort Wilderness at its very best.

Quick Reference: Fort Wilderness at a Glance

So — Is It Worth It?

If you’re a camper who loves Disney, Fort Wilderness is an absolute no-brainer. The combination of a genuine outdoor camping experience with full resort amenities, direct boat access to Magic Kingdom, nightly entertainment, and that unmistakable Disney attention to detail makes it unlike any other campground in the country.

If you’re comparing it to staying off-site, the math is less obvious — but what you’re paying for isn’t just a campsite. You’re paying for the boat to Magic Kingdom, the fireworks from the beach, the Hoop-Dee-Doo dinner show, the campfire with your kids, and the feeling of being fully inside the Disney bubble without the price tag of a hotel on the monorail loop.

For us, it keeps earning its spot on the list. Every time.

Happy camping.

The post Is Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground a Hidden Gem or an Overpriced Stay? appeared first on EECC Travels.

This is how to do Alaska!

A complete cruise travel guide covering boarding in Seattle through Victoria, Canada — with honest tips, food reviews, and excursion breakdowns.

Embarkation Day: Seattle to the Sea

We kicked off our 10-day Alaskan adventure aboard Norwegian Joy, departing from Seattle’s Pier 66 — and right out of the gate, things went smoothly. From the moment we stepped out of the car to the moment we had our key cards in hand was less than 15 minutes. Pier 66 is genuinely one of the easiest cruise terminals we’ve ever used.

Pro tip #1: As soon as you board any Norwegian cruise, head straight to the dining reservations desk — usually located in or near Tepanyaki. Pre-cruise booking windows can be frustratingly limited online, but walk-on availability is much better. We had six dining credits and knocked out all six reservations within minutes of boarding. Don’t forget to book show reservations at the same time.

After securing our dining slots, we wandered up to the Garden Café for the embarkation lunch buffet. Standout items: the beef goulash (tender, flavorful, highly recommend), bourbon chicken, and carved beef. The view of the Seattle Space Needle from our table was a bonus.

Ship Highlights: Norwegian Joy

Joy went through a significant dry dock refit since its days in the Asian market, and the upgrades show. A few things worth knowing:

• The Thermal Suite (Spa): Arguably the best feature on the ship. It includes heated stone loungers, a cold plunge, ice room, aromatic steam room, salt room, sauna, and multi-setting experience showers. We purchased the full 10-day pass and used it almost every single day — often closing it down at 10 p.m. More on this throughout.
• Vibe Beach Club: The adults-only deck at the stern, complete with padded loungers, a private hot tub, bar service, and blankets. Only 33 people purchased Vibe access for our sailing — a 170-person capacity space. A no-brainer for Alaska itineraries where crowds flock to the main pool deck on Glacier Day.
• American Diner: Previously an upcharge venue, now fully complimentary. The meatloaf, spaghetti and meatballs, chicken salad sandwich, and white bean chicken chili are all worth a visit.
• Spice H2O: The adults-only aft deck has a jumbotron, bar, and hot tub. Great for sailaways.
• The Local: A casual pub-style restaurant included in your cruise fare. Great burgers and buffalo wings.
• Q Texas Smokehouse: Our first specialty dinner and a great call for night one. Deviled eggs, brisket sliders, fried okra, and fall-off-the-bone barbecue chicken. Pro tip: go on night one — main dining has a line out the door while Q is nearly empty.

Sailaway from Seattle

We watched the city fade from Vibe Beach Club, drinks in hand, as the ship slipped out through Elliott Bay and into Puget Sound. The views of Seattle from the water — with the skyline glowing in the late afternoon sun — were stunning. Sailing from a downtown port like Seattle is something special. You don’t feel like you’re in a port. You feel like you’re in the city.

Sea Days: Pure Relaxation

With two sea days between Seattle and Juneau, we leaned into ship life hard. Mornings started with the gym and outdoor walking track (56° and glorious — you never overheat), followed by hours in the thermal suite. Afternoons in the Vibe Beach Club hot tub. Evenings at the specialty restaurants.

Day 2 Dinner — Ristorante Cagney’s (Italian): Highlights included a lasagna appetizer that was so good it could have been the entire meal, and an ossobuco (braised lamb shank over saffron risotto) that was fall-apart tender. The tiramisu was a revelation. Jason went with salmon — lighter, healthy, beautifully cooked.

Day 3: The Inside Passage begins. Sailing through the Stevens Passage toward Juneau with mountains still snow-capped in July. Whale spouts visible from the observation lounge — probably a dozen in the first five minutes. The observation lounge also has complimentary light breakfast items (pastries, yogurt, fruit, cereal) and a Starbucks if you need your fix.

Port 1: Juneau, Alaska

Weather: Spectacular — 70°F and sunny. Unusual for Juneau, which sits in the Tongass National Rainforest (second-largest rainforest in the world after the Amazon).

Where we went first: The Red Dog Saloon, right at the dock. If you arrive midday you’ll walk right in — evenings get much busier. Duck farts and a local cider. Classic Juneau.

Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Explorer

Cost: $119/person ($50 off with Free at Sea Excursion discount) Duration: 3 hours total, ~30-minute drive each way, 2 hours at the site

You’re dropped at the visitor center (ours was closed, but bathrooms were open) and given free time to explore the trails. Our strong recommendation: do all three routes if you can.

1. Photo Point Trail — Short walk, best overall view of the glacier and Nugget Falls waterfall together. Better than what you see from the visitor center.
2. Nugget Falls Trail — About 15 minutes at a brisk pace. The roar of the falls gets louder as you approach. Getting close means getting misted — your legs will get soaked. Totally worth it.
3. Steep Creek Trail — This is where the magic happened. We waited by the creek hoping to see salmon. We didn’t see salmon at first — but a mama bear and three cubs walked right through the creek under the bridge where we were standing. If we’d left five minutes earlier, we’d have missed it entirely. Stayed longer and saw two salmon swim through as well.

Lesson: on open-ended excursions, slow down. Be present. Let the wildlife come to you.

Other top Juneau excursions: Whale watching (we’ve done it twice — phenomenal humpback encounters). First-timers should absolutely prioritize whale watching. Glacier helicopters will take you right onto the ice if that’s your thing.

Dinner back on ship — Le Bistro (French specialty restaurant): Always a Norwegian staple, always reliably delicious. Dessert was the highlight.

Glacier Day: Hubbard Glacier

Hubbard Glacier is the largest glacier in Alaska — bigger than anything you’ll see in Glacier Bay. We spent the entire day in Vibe Beach Club for glacier viewing, and it was the right call.

Highlights of the day:

• Vibe hot tub at the glacier. Hot chocolate and cookies were provided. Blankets on the loungers. Only a handful of other guests in the entire space.
• The weather was bizarre in the best way: dark storm clouds wrapping the mountains on all sides, with a shaft of direct sunlight illuminating the glacier itself.
• The ship did a full rotation so every side gets equal viewing time. The bow of the ship is opened exclusively on Glacier Day — normally off-limits.
• A small tender boat transported guests from our ship all the way up to the glacier face (a surprise excursion that sold out almost immediately — keep your eyes open for it when booking).
• Jason had a spa massage scheduled for 2 p.m. — timed almost perfectly to coincide with our glacier arrival. The spa has glacier views, too.

The ice field prevented the ship from getting closer than a certain point, but the size of the floating chunks was impressive even from a distance — much bigger than they appear on camera.

Port 2: Skagway, Alaska

Weather: Clear skies, 70°F. One of the warmest Skagway days we’ve experienced across multiple trips.

Our recommendation for first-timers: The White Pass Summit Railway is a must-do. It follows the historic Gold Rush route up the mountain. Options range from a simple roundtrip train ride ($229/person, 2.5 hours) up to combination train-and-bus packages around $379/person. All are excellent.

What We Did: Self-Drive to the Yukon

Since we’ve done the railway twice, we joined friends who rented a car from Affordable Car Rental ($350 for the day, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.) and drove the White Pass Summit ourselves.

Important: You will cross into Canada, so bring your passport.

Stops along the way:

• Summit Creek pulloffs — Multiple scenic overlooks with waterfalls, mountain views, and glacial-silt colored water (that distinctive blue-green tint).
• Tutshi Lake — Crystal-clear, remote, beautiful. We skipped rocks and soaked it in.
• British Columbia / Yukon Territory border sign — A photo stop you don’t want to miss.
• Emerald Lake — The turquoise color comes from marl (calcium carbonate clay) on the lake bed reflecting sunlight. Accessible only from an overlook, but stunning.
• Carcross Desert — We were not expecting this. Literally a desert — sand dunes formed from the bed of an ancient dried lake — surrounded by lush green mountains. Wild.
• Carcross town — Lunch at the local restaurant (burger and poutine, because you’re in Canada). The historic general store dates to 1909. Don’t miss the ice cream shop that makes fresh waffle cones.
• Grizzly bear sighting — On the roadside, on the way back. Just casually there.
• Yukon Suspension Bridge — Class 5 rapids below, bouncy bridge, panoramic views. A quick stop but a great one.
• Roadside glacier-fed waterfall — Drinkable, cold, and refreshing after a warm day.

Dinner on ship — Cagney’s Steakhouse: Norwegian’s signature steakhouse, on every ship, consistently excellent. Go for the wedge salad, petite filet or ribeye, and — most importantly — the OMG Butterscotch Cheesecake. Finished the night in the thermal suite, watching sailaway from Skagway through the spa windows.

Port 3: Icy Straight Point, Alaska — First Visit

Weather: Overcast, low clouds, typical for the area. Not raining — a win.

Icy Straight Point was brand new to us, and it immediately impressed. Wildlife was abundant: bald eagles spotted from our balcony before we even left the ship, whale watching available, and the sounds of eagles calling throughout the day.

Excursion: The Zip Rider (World’s Largest Zipline)

This is the headline attraction at Icy Straight Point, and it lives up to the hype. Here’s the logistics:

• Take the green gondola from Huna Cannery to Wilderness Landing.
• Then take the red Sky Peak Gondola (Alaska’s only high-speed gondola) to the mountaintop.
• You literally go through the clouds on the way up.
• The zipline itself is 1.5 miles long. You travel at 60 mph. The ride takes 90 seconds.
• Up to six riders can zip simultaneously — which is why they claim the title of “world’s largest” (a Dubai zipline is technically 2 feet longer, but can’t send six riders at once).

At the top: fire pits, food trucks (caribou tacos! halibut tacos!), beer, and views above the cloud line. It’s cold. It’s exhilarating. It’s worth every penny.

After the zip, we walked the half-mile Tongass Rainforest nature trail — thick old-growth trees, squishy moss, a bald eagle perched right at its nest, gondolas floating silently overhead through the canopy. 15 minutes of walking but totally worth it.

Down at the dock area: the Icy Straight Museum in the old cannery, the Crab House bar (famous for their Alaska Krabby Bloody Mary), gift shops, and salmon products to take home.

Dinner on ship: We kept it casual at The Local — buffalo wings and a cheeseburger. Perfect after an action-packed day.

Evening: Comedy show in the theater.

Port 4: Sitka, Alaska — First Visit

Weather: Light rain at first, cleared up.

Excursion: Wilderness Sea Kayaking Adventure

Cost: $259/person ($50 off per cabin with Free at Sea Excursion discount) Duration: 3 hours, includes snack

This excursion picked us up at port and took us by boat to a remote wilderness cove — far better than the kayaking tours that depart directly from the dock. We paddled through calm, shallow waters with:

• Bald eagles perched nearby and flying directly overhead (wingspan was staggering up close)
• Salmon jumping all around us — literally splashing beside our kayaks
• Jellyfish in the shallows
• Starfish visible through the crystal-clear water
• Ravens calling through the trees
• White spruce forest rising up the hillsides

The splash skirts (spray skirts) are essential — paddle drip without them and you’ll get soaked. Wear them. Hot potato soup was waiting when we returned to the boat. Perfect ending.

We slept in that morning and didn’t catch much of Sitka’s downtown — that’s on us. Norwegian was in port from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., so there was plenty of time. Note: the free shuttle into downtown requires pre-registration online for your inbound time; the return shuttle runs until about an hour before all-aboard.

Port 5: Ketchikan, Alaska

Weather: Rainy. Welcome to Ketchikan.

Norwegian docks at Ward Cove, their private port terminal — a well-designed area with souvenir shops, food options, and easy access to excursion meeting points. A longer itinerary makes a big difference here: the Norwegian Encore (a shorter itinerary) was in port from 6 a.m. to around 1 p.m. We had until 8 p.m.

Excursion: Salmon Fishing

Cost: $429/person ($50 off with Free at Sea Excursion discount) Duration: 4 hours, includes snack Group size: We had only 4 people on our boat — some boats carry up to 8

The fishing boat picked us up and dropped us off directly outside the ship. Our captain Chris was fantastic. We were catching pink salmon (the “pinky finger” of the five salmon species — the guide’s trick for remembering them: thumb = chum, index = sockeye, middle = king, ring finger = silver, pinky = pink).

Final tally: six salmon in the hold. We caught more — several broke off — but six made it. I (Alisa) caught three of the six, which felt pretty good being the only woman on board. The fish were sent to a processor at the dock, filleted, and shipped to our house at home.

Tip: Fishing in the rain is actually kind of magical. Don’t let it stop you.

Evening: Pre-dinner espresso martinis at Mix Bar on Deck 6, then Tanyaki for dinner (loud, lively, fun — the chef performs tableside), followed by the “Bring Back the ’90s” show in the theater (Blockbuster transformation, ’90s TV highlights, fantastic choreography — we laughed through the whole thing).

Final Port: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Hours: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. — a full day, which is rare. Most Alaska itineraries only give you a late-night stop in Victoria (8 p.m. to midnight).

The shuttle drops you off at the corner of Wharf and Government Street, right in the heart of downtown. Cost: ~$15 USD per person roundtrip, unlimited rides.

What We Did

• Morning on the ship: Massages in the spa (pro tip: spa services are discounted on port days — around $50 off per treatment).
• Bastion Square Market: A weekend artisan market we stumbled into — local art, crafts, and freeze-dried candy (Skittles that puff up into crunchy little pillows — we bought them for our granddaughter).
• Chinatown: Canada’s oldest Chinatown, complete with a winding alley of incense shops, galleries, a record store, and a Chinatown museum.
• Latin America Fest: Happening right next to Chinatown — live music, food, a total surprise.
• Lunch at Little Hunan: 4.5 stars on Yelp, and it deserved every one. Braised beef rice noodle soup with a marinated quail egg, braised chicken wings, and pan-fried shrimp and pork dumplings (made to order). The broth was exceptional.
• Evening walk on the Ogden Point Breakwater: A long pier walk out to a lighthouse with our ship visible the entire time. Chilly and windy but worth it.
• Final night show — The Beatles: Performed in the main theater rather than the Cavern Club (where the band plays certain nights throughout the cruise). A beautiful send-off to the trip.
• Closed out the cruise in the thermal suite. Again. Obviously.

The Bottom Line: Is a 10-Day Alaska Itinerary Worth It?

Absolutely yes — and here’s why the extra days matter:

You get ports others don’t. Icy Straight Point and Sitka were both new to us and became two of the most memorable stops of the trip. The 7-day itinerary misses both.

You get more time in every port. While shorter itineraries had ships leaving Ketchikan in the early afternoon, we stayed until 8 p.m. In Victoria, we had a full daytime visit while others arrive at night.

You get real sea days. The thermal suite, the hot tub, the Vibe Beach Club, the spa — these all become part of your Alaska experience, not just things to do between ports.

Quick Reference: Excursion Costs

Final Tips for Norwegian Joy Alaska Cruisers

1. Book the Thermal Suite pass. If you’re in Alaska, you need somewhere warm and restorative after cold, active port days. This is it.
2. Consider Vibe Beach Club. On a July Alaska sailing, only 33 of 170 spots were sold. You’ll essentially have a private hot tub and uncrowded loungers for Glacier Day.
3. Pre-book excursions for anything you can’t miss. Sea kayaking in Juneau sold out before we could book it onboard. We pivoted to Sitka, but don’t leave it to chance.
4. Get to dining reservations the moment you board.
5. Always bring rain gear. Every port. Every day. And embrace the rain — some of our best moments happened in it.
6. The American Diner is free and legitimately good. Don’t overlook it.
7. Sailing from Seattle is wonderful. Downtown views, easy access, and a beautiful departure through Puget Sound into open water.

Alaska by cruise ship is one of the most spectacular travel experiences available. The wildlife, the glaciers, the rainforests, the fishing — it layers in ways that are hard to describe until you’ve seen a mama bear and three cubs walk under your feet, or a bald eagle bank six feet above your kayak paddle. Go. Do the longer itinerary if you can. And spend at least one afternoon in that thermal suite watching the scenery pass by.

See you on the next adventure.

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Cruise Line Loyalty Programs Explained

Should you be loyal to one cruise line?  Are the perks of the loyalty programs worth sticking with one cruise line to build up your status?  Or are the loyalty programs nice but not worth staying with one specific cruise line for?  Is it better to have lots of experiences across many cruise lines and forgo the perks?

Let’s take a look at the perks that come with cruise line loyalty programs and you can decide for yourself.

Keep in mind, the entry-level tiers with any cruise line have minimal benefits. You will have to cruise many-a-sailing to get to the good stuff! And keep going and you can even earn a free cruise with some programs!

Norwegian Cruise Line: Latitudes Rewards

In my opinion, this is the richest loyalty program out there!! You get so much extra once you hit the Platinum tier that really makes you want to spend time sailing with NCL to reach this level!

You will get discounts in the shops, photos and spa services during port days based on level starting at Bronze.

Priority embarkation starts at Platinum but priority tender and debarkation start at Gold.

Free laundry starts at Platinum – very nice perk!

Other benefits that start at Platinum are: discounted internet, chocolate-covered strawberries, two additional specialty dining meals, a behind-the-scenes ship tour, and concierge services. This is where the perks really kick in!! These are FABULOUS benefits!!

Free cruise at Ambassador! Grant it, you are putting in a LOT to get to this level, but NCL is one of the few cruise lines that offer this perk.

Full List of Benefits:

How to earn points

1 point per night + 1 additional point per night for suites and Haven. PLUS, you can earn bonus points for specific sailings (there is a list each month) – book one of these and no matter the cabin category you earn 2 points per night… 3 points for suites or Haven.

Royal Caribbean: Crown & Anchor Society

With the Crown & Anchor Society program, the good benefits start at Diamond.

Cabin discounts start at Platinum…nice!

Best Perk: Free drinks at Diamond – 4 drinks per day for Diamond, 5 for Diamond Plus and 6 for Pinnacle

Free cruise at Pinnacle – again, it takes a lot to get here, but what a perk!

This is AWESOME – Royal Caribbean and Celebrity will match loyalty level!! Not permanently, but if you hold a higher status with the sister company, prove your status and for that cruise, you will get the higher perks. You will still earn points separately for each cruise line.

Full List of Benefits:

How to earn points

1 point per night – can earn additional points in suites

Carnival Cruise Line: VIFP Club

In this program, the good benefits kick in when you hit Platinum which takes 75 nights of cruising to reach.  Includes a cocktail party and free laundry.  Plus priority boarding, debarkation, tenders and a dedicated line at guest services and a gift on each sailing.

Here I feel that the priority treatment and free laundry are the biggest perks for Carnival.

HUGE PERK: Being a VIFP member comes with random special offers for reduced pricing on sailings or onboard credit… or sometimes both. I say random as these offers truly are computer generated and not based on status. And I have seen some RIDICULOUSLY good offers!! The funny thing is that I, as a travel agent, have seen clients with Red status get better offers than clients with Platinum status… you never know what you will get. And you can sign up for Blue status before you even take your first cruise and get special offers!

Full List of Benefits:

How to earn points

1 point per night cruised. Cabin type or length of the cruise does not matter.

Celebrity Cruises: Captain’s Club

You will earn discounts on wifi, drink packages, specialty dining and spa treatments based on your loyalty level.

One-category upgrade request – this is pretty cool in that you can request a free cabin upgrade (one category up from what you are booked) at no extra charge!

Best Perks: Free laundry starting at Select AND

Free specialty breakfast and evening cocktail hour starting at Elite

Free cruise at Zenith, expensive to earn… but a great perk!

Full List of Benefits:

Celebrity and Royal Caribbean will status match – see above in RC…

How to earn points

Pro tip: You can also earn Power Up Point by completing surveys, sharing on social media and watching webinars. Once you are a member, you can sign up for these alerts for when bonus points can be earned.

Holland America Line: Mariner Society

Coolest benefit!  Up to $400 per stateroom onboard credit for cruises booked within 90 days of a new season launch. – All levels!!

Benefits really kick in at 4-Star with 50% off specialty dining and specialty coffees; priority boarding, tender and debarkation; free 3rd & 4th guests on select sailings and free laundry.

Full List of Benefits:

How to earn points

1 point per cruise day plus double points for suites. AND bonus points for onboard spending (example: $300 = 1 point).

Princess Cruises: Captain’s Circle

NICE PERK: Benefits for all tiers – discounts on cruises & special offers!

The best perks start at Platinum – priority boarding, Platinum & Elite Lounge, discounts on spa and photos.

Elite benefits add early access to new itineraries, discounts on shops and shore excursions, priority tender and debarkation, complimentary wine tasting, complimentary mini bar set-up, complimentary afternoon tea in your cabin and complimentary laundry.

Full List of Benefits:

How to earn points

1 point per cruise day plus double points for suites

MSC Cruises: Voyagers Club

THIS IS INCREDIBLE!!! MSC will loyalty match to one cruise line – one time offer – NO OTHER CRUISE LINE DOES THIS!!

Every tier earns a 5% discount!  Up to 10% if booked 6-9 months prior to sailing.

Silver: you get a $50 onboard credit per person and can earn double points when booking in advance (9-12 months out)

Gold: you get priority tender and 1- hour free access to the thermal spa suite

Diamond: you get priority boarding and debarkation, free dance class, Diamond party and a free specialty dining tasting menu.

Full List of Benefits:

How to earn points

Points are determined by the length of the cruise and the cabin experience booked. There are special offers to collect bonus points at booking.

Disney Cruise Line: Castaway Club

Benefit highlights – being a past guest gives you early access to book new itineraries as they become available. With such a small ship fleet, this is a nice perk.

And at Platinum you also get a complimentary dinner at Palo.

Full List of Benefits:

So what is the verdict??

This is going to be a personal preference… some people really love one specific cruise line and building loyalty is important to them.

For us, it is not. The perks when you get to the higher levels are nice, but for us having different experiences across multiple cruise lines is better than the perks offered.

Pro tip: These programs can build up over YEARS. So you don’t have a certain time frame to get to a certain level. You can build points with multiple cruise lines at the same time. So variety can be the spice of life

Are you ready to plan your next cruise?

Whether you want to stick with a cruise line you have sailed with or are ready for a change, let us help you plan that next adventure! Having EECC Travels as your travel agent will cost you nothing and you are getting the planning experience of a travel professional.

Check out this video on YouTube:

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Giveaway #1 – Cruise themed giveaway

We picked up several items on Cozumel on our last cruise that really feel like we have brought a piece of the Caribbean home with us.  Our entire family spent a good deal of time swinging peacefully from hammocks on the beach at Passion Island (Isla Pasion).  So we thought it would be perfect to buy one to come home with us to share.  Also included from Cozumel are a maraca and a small jar of white sand from the beach.  From the Carnival Dream, we have a deck of Carnival playing cards, a bandana from the ‘America Rocks’ show and Cameron & Colby wanted to include a couple of rubber ducks from their favorite arcade machine.  Last but not least is a palm tree lanyard for your cruise card.

Doesn’t that hammock look relaxing???

Giveaway #2 – Disney themed giveaway

A hobby of mine is making Mickey ears to wear on our trips to Walt Disney World and Disneyland.  I have some that are pretty unique in that they are all floral, I really haven’t seen anyone else wearing ears like this.  Also, one of my favorite pairs is my LSU ears.  What a better representation of two of my favorite things… Disney and LSU!  But of course, I can make traditional character ears as well!  

On our last trip to Walt Disney World, I made each of the boys an autograph hat.  It was so much fun to interact with the characters and have them sign their hats instead of an autograph book.  And the hats look pretty cool in our house too!  It’s a great keepsake.  

The winner of this giveaway will get a custom set of ears – anything I am capable of making – as well as an autograph hat – color of choice.  You will be all decked out for your next trip!

Giveaway #3 – Louisiana themed giveaway

We are proud to be from the great Southern state of Louisiana and to be able to share our culture.  One of the best things about Louisiana is the food!  So we have gathered up some of our favorites for a lucky winner.  We have included: Cafe Du Monde beignet mix, Zatarain’s Jambalaya Mix, Zatarain’s Dirty Rice mix, Zapp’s Voodoo chips, Bernard’s Cajun honey, Slap Ya Mama Cajun seasoning and Tony Chachere Cajun seasoning.  It isn’t Louisiana without hot sauce… so we have some Zatarain’s hot sauce, Dat Sauce and the famous Tabasco.  We also picked up a spoon rest on our last trip to New Orleans.  I have a fantastic recipe for pecan pralines that I will be happy to make a batch for the winner too

How to win – the rules…

Here are the rules to win one of our great giveaways:

• Must be subscribed to our YouTube channel
• Must be subscribed to our eecctravels.com newsletter
• Leave a comment either on this post or the YouTube video on which giveaway you want to win
• For extra entries… share on social media!  Share to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the #eeccgiveaway and please tag us so we know you shared it!

This giveaway will be open for three weeks with the winners announced on November 14, 2017.

Good luck to everyone!

Alisa, Jason, Ethan, Cameron & Colby

EECC Travels

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Here are the questions for the Wanderlust Tag:
1. Where was your first plane to?
2. Where have you traveled that you would love to visit again?
3. You’re leaving tomorrow, money is no object, where would you go?
4. Preferred method of travel: planes, trains, or cars?
5. Favorite travel website?
6. Where would you travel just to eat food?
7. Is there a place you would never travel again?
8. Can you recite your passport number by memory if asked?
9. Do you prefer the window, the aisle, or the middle seat on an airplane?
10. How do you pass the time on an airplane?

We were tagged by The Magic Geekdom, check out their channel!

We tag Mouse Eared World and ParoDeeJay

Hope you enjoy our answers!

YouTube EECC Travels – Wanderlust Tag

If you have enjoyed this post, please share!  Also, sign up for our emails so you have every new post delivered right to your inbox!

Thanks,
Alisa
EECC Travels

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What is opening on May 27th – 28th:

At Animal Kingdom, you will now be able to stay late and enjoy the new nighttime spectaculars:

Finally, on the following evening, May 28, Guests will be able to experience the new and temporary nighttime show called The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic, which is inspired by the hit live-action film Disney’s The Jungle Book. The nighttime shows will feature memorable moments from the film, including the iconic Shere Khan, and will be filled with music and special effects that celebrate the movie and classic songs, infused with an Indian influence.

Star Wars: A Galactic Fireworks Spectacular: 

Epcot’s Frozen Ever After and Royal Sommerhaus:

These two attractions, both located in the Norway Pavilion will give Guests a chance to experience the Frozen story in a whole new way. 

The post Interesting Disney News from the Week of May 16th appeared first on EECC Travels.

YouTube EECC Travels – Marc Broussard Live at Alex River Fete

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Here are the date and pricing info for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party as well as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party:

• September 2, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 29, 30
• October 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31

Passholder Rates available 9/2, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 23, 25, 29, 30; 10/2, 6 : Rates are $67-80 (depends on night) plus tax. DVC members have discounts on additional nights (in addition to all APs dates) 10/4, 10, 11, 13, 16, 18, & 20 can be purchased at a discount ranging between $62-83.

• November 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27, 29
• December 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 22

Passholder Rates available 11/7, 8, 11, 15; 12/1, 10, & 13 : Rates are $74-$84 plus tax depending on night. DVC members also discounts on additional nights (in addition to all APs dates) 11/10, 13, 18, 27, 29, & 12/6 can be purchased at a discount ranging between $74-89 plus tax.

Can’t wait to see what happens next week!

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