cruise Archives — Thrifty Mommas Tips

Join Me on the Trip of a Lifetime: Christmas Market River Cruise

Paula — Fri, 22 May 2026 15:17:00 +0000

Cat’s out of the bag. I have been working on a most amazing once in a lifetime itinerary for a Christmas market river cruise down the Danube River. This collaboration is with Indus Travels, providing exceptional experiences for group travel since 2001. We leave November 30th on an epic 9 day, 8 night River Cruise with Christmas markets down the Danube! Read on for all the details. Partnering with Indus on this adventure is a dream come true! A Little About Indus Travels Navigating global travel can often be complex, requiring meticulous planning. Indus Travels and their team of expert Travel Planners design each itinerary in close collaboration with a trusted network of local partners. Thanks to buying power and long-standing relationships with airlines and suppliers, they are able to negotiate the best possible rates and pass the savings directly to you. Indus Travels delivers exceptional value, maximizing your budget without ever compromising on quality or cutting corners. Option 1 pricing is available with flight included above and the lower price is with flight not included in the event you want to book the flight yourself. Check out the Market Itinerary Now We will sleep on the cruise ship. Many meals on board included. Please check the link below for all the details. All rooms are based on double occupancy. The Christmas market river cruise is one of a kind and a truly memorable trip that often sells out fast. Drop a deposit of $500 to commit to attending and pay the remainder by the end of the month. The Amazing Christmas Market Cruise Itinerary: Christmas Markets are magical and I am so looking forward to this trip more than you know. The cruise leaves from Munich and then goes on to Passau, Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava and Wachau and Melk. I mean these ports and markets are brilliant. Imagine This Picture this: November 30th arriving in Munich, Germany, settle in on board and relax before we sail away down the Danube. Wake up to breakfast on board and a tour of some of the most well known and memorable Christmas markets in Europe. I imagine it feels like being dropped into a Hallmark movie! Contact Sabine for more information. sabine@indus.travel. Of course, you can always reach out to me if you want any other details. You deserve this adventure and the price is reasonable for the content and the inclusions. Join us for this one of a kind Christmas market cruise. The Christmas market river cruise often sell out. Indus Christmas Market trips are extremely well done and always a joy! This is your sign to book the trip now. See this link for more information and to book the trip now.

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Remote Places in Indonesia That Few Travelers Ever Experience

Paula — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:27:35 +0000

Indonesia offers countless famous attractions, but some of its most rewarding destinations remain far from busy tourist routes. Travelers seeking authentic landscapes, remarkable wildlife, and meaningful cultural encounters can find exceptional experiences across the country’s remote islands. Careful itinerary planning makes these secluded locations far more accessible while preserving the sense of discovery that defines them. A small-ship Indonesia cruise provides practical access to isolated coastlines, protected marine reserves, and traditional island communities that larger vessels cannot easily reach. These carefully selected routes allow travelers to spend more time exploring hidden destinations instead of crowded ports. Remote journeys also create opportunities to experience Indonesia’s extraordinary natural beauty and cultural heritage with fewer distractions. Hidden Island Regions Worth Exploring Raja Ampat Raja Ampat is one of Indonesia’s most secluded island groups, known for towering limestone formations, crystal-clear lagoons, and remarkable marine biodiversity. The surrounding reefs support thousands of marine species, creating exceptional conditions for snorkeling and wildlife observation. Quiet anchorages and untouched coastal scenery provide an immersive experience that feels far removed from conventional tourism. The Spice Islands The Spice Islands preserve an important chapter of Indonesia’s maritime history while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere across their volcanic landscapes. Historic forts, traditional villages, fragrant nutmeg plantations, and uncrowded beaches reflect centuries of cultural and commercial significance. Visitors also gain valuable insight into local traditions that continue to shape everyday life throughout the islands. Remote Natural Experiences Beyond Popular Routes Indonesia’s remote eastern regions showcase natural environments that remain carefully protected and remarkably undisturbed. These destinations highlight diverse ecosystems that reward travelers with memorable outdoor experiences. Places That Preserve Indigenous Culture Several remote regions continue to protect cultural traditions that have been maintained for generations with remarkable care. Respectful visits allow travelers to appreciate local customs while supporting communities that value their heritage. Authentic cultural experiences create meaningful connections that extend well beyond scenic sightseeing. West Papua and the Asmat region introduce visitors to communities where traditional craftsmanship, artistic expression, and daily customs remain closely connected to the surrounding environment. Local villages reflect longstanding cultural practices shaped by rivers, forests, and coastal landscapes. These experiences provide a valuable cultural perspective alongside Indonesia’s extraordinary natural attractions. Memorable Activities in Indonesia’s Remote Destinations Remote islands encourage travelers to experience nature through carefully planned outdoor activities that respect local environments. Every excursion offers a closer look at landscapes that remain largely unchanged by mass tourism. Select an Indonesia Cruise With Regional Expertise Remote Indonesian islands require careful route planning, local knowledge, and reliable expedition support. A well-guided cruise helps travelers reach secluded coastlines, protected reefs, and traditional communities with proper timing and care. Regional expertise also improves safety, cultural respect, and long-term value throughout the journey. Remote places across Indonesia reward travelers with exceptional scenery, distinctive wildlife, and enduring cultural traditions that remain difficult to experience through standard itineraries. These carefully preserved regions reveal a quieter side of the archipelago while offering meaningful opportunities to explore landscapes that few visitors ever reach. Their combination of natural beauty and authentic local heritage creates journeys that remain memorable long after the voyage ends.

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All The Best Hacks to Save on Cruises Now

Paula — Tue, 15 May 2018 17:52:04 +0000

Taking a cruise is an exciting time. Not only are cruises an awesome vacation for so many reasons (hello, buffet and 24/7 ice cream machine!) but they are also a budget-friendly option as well. Cruise lines are becoming more competitive when it comes to offering great deals to try to win those vacationers and families that are on the look-out for a great vacation option. And what’s not to love about taking a cruise? Endless activities, awesome shows, and entertainment, and did I mention the food? Seriously, taking a cruise is a must. But what are the best hacks to find cheaper cruises? Don’t panic, I am about to give you the low down on ways to save when you book that dream cruise. Stay tuned for my favourite cruise hacks. We are huge fans of family cruises. And if you’ve made up your mind that a cruise is what you and your family will plan on doing for your next vacation, then why not get the best possible deal for your cruise that you can? Here are some great options on how you can save a bit of money and possibly find cheaper cruises along the way! The 6 Best Hacks to Find Cheaper Cruises Cruise in the off-season. Trust me, there is still a TON of things to do on a cruise ship during what they consider the “off-season”. And the savings that you can score when booking during a downtime is totally worth it as well! Who wouldn’t want to save anywhere from 20% or more on their next cruise, just by going during a time where it may be a bit less crowded? If you are flexible in your timing then you can save a bundle here. Watch out for the deals. Cruise lines are notorious for offering some pretty great package deals when certain cruises aren’t filling up. Cash back to use on board, room upgrades and even deeper discounts are just great ways that you can save even more money just by doing your research and seeing exactly what your options are. Let a travel agent do the work for you. Millions of people let travel agents take over trying to hunt down the best possible deals, so why shouldn’t you? It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and it takes the pressure off of you in spending hours upon hours scouring the internet trying to compare and find the best possible cruise price out there. Ask what discounts the cruise line offers. Many cruise lines offer discounts to active and military veterans which is a great way to save money on your cruise price. If you don’t ask, you won’t know. And what about a senior citizen discount, AAA, and even possibly AARP? All great questions to ask and see if you or anyone traveling with you would qualify for a cheaper cruise price! Sign up for cruise drop alerts. While it may feel like you have to get online and check each and every day if the price of the cruise has dropped, you don’t. Most sites will actually allow you to leave your email address and sign up and if, and when the price of the cruise does drop, it’s a quick email notification to let you know. Talk about a huge time saver! And if you can score a deal, a HUGE money saver as well! Book your next cruise while on board. There are numerous incentives to make this one of my personal favourite ways to save on cheaper cruises. Why I love Cruising In my opinion, taking a cruise is one of the best vacation options out there. Where else can you literally have food, fun, activities and amazing sunrises and sunsets all under one roof? The service is almost always exceptional and the excursions are a blast. While the initial cost of a cruise may surprise you, don’t let it deter you. Where there’s a will to save money, there’s a way to make it happen. Is it Possible to Find Cheaper Cruises? Don’t forget to do your research to make certain that you are uncovering all the ways that you can possibly save money as well. Contact the cruise lines direct to see if they have “extra” discounts that you may be unaware of! It never hurts to ask, right? You’ll either hear the word “no”, or you’ll be given an extra opportunity to save money on your cruise. More Cruise Tips Already on your cruise? Or heading out soon? YOU Need to read this before you board the ship. How to Save Money while ON Board Your Dream Cruise. PIN IT FOR LATER – > Have fun trying out a few of my favourite cruise hacks, and see if they can help you score cheaper cruises! Have you been on a cruise yet? How do you save when cruising?

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Youth Programs – The Cruising Experience for the Kids

Paula — Tue, 20 Mar 2018 11:38:41 +0000

Youth programs are an important consideration when planning a cruise if you have tweens and teens. Around this age, kids start to want a little more freedom, and a good tween and teen program can allow the kids to have a great time while experiencing a little freedom and independence in a safe, controlled way. My daughters are at an age where youth programs are a huge factor in our cruise planning, and I thought I’d share my top three picks for great programs for tweens and teens. Youth Programs Give Kids AND Parents What They Want The thing that makes these programs so great is that they allow the kids to have a bit of an adventure without feeling like their parents are constantly looming over their shoulders. At the same time, parents can feel good about these programs because the kids will be safe and sound while they enjoy that slice of freedom. And as an added bonus, it allows parents to have a little time to themselves, as well. It can be the best of both worlds for kids and parents while cruising. Carnival Youth Programs Carnival Cruise Line offers youth programs for all teens aged 17 and younger. Their programs are broken down into two age ranges, so kids can experience independence and hang out with their own age group. These are the ones we did most recently on Carnival Sensation. My older daughter who struggles with anxiety had no issues here at all. In fact the only issue for me was her staying up too late to hang out at the teen club. Circle “C” (12 to 14) Circle “C” focuses on high-tech spaces, fun-filled activities, and energetic directors. This program is designed to be the ultimate experience for teens ages 12 to 14 years old. All ships have dedicated Circle “C” lounges that feature a dance floor with cutting edge lighting and sound, as well as gaming pods with video games and consoles and large plasma television throughout for both gaming and movies. Circle “C” features a variety of activities including: Video Gaming Dance Parties Late Night Teen Hang Out Time Late Night Movies Scavenger Hunts Karaoke Sports Activities – Dodge Ball, Basketball, Mini Golf Music Activities – Music Trivia and Others Arts and Crafts – Origami, Bread Making, and More T-Shirt Designing Carnival Twister Waterslide Races Ainsley really loved this one. Note that youth club is not open on port days. But when you set sail again they are likely to open up right away. Club 02 (15 to 17) Club 02 is a program that focuses on an exciting experience for teens aged 15 to 17. Each ship features a dedicated Club 02 space that focuses on a safe space for teens to interact and have a generally awesome time. Dedicated directors help ensure that the kids have a fun time that is also SAFE. Part of Club 02 is Music World. It features a dance floor with high energy music with the latest in lighting and sound as well as a DJ booth where teens can request that latest tracks in the industry. It’s open late for late night grooving. If your teen loves gaming, he or she will be in Heaven. Club 02 features gaming pods that include X-Box 360, Wii, and huge plasma screens. Another option for teens is just relaxing in the lounge. The laid back atmosphere designed for nothing but hanging out makes Club 02 one of the great youth programs. Being a teen is all about interacting with other teens, and the Club 02 lounge makes that possible AND SAFE. The program offers teens the chance to take part in all of the activities available on the ship, except that they do them with their newly made friends at the club! Norwegian Cruise line Youth Programs Norwegian has a a couple of youth programs to give the kids the same amazing cruise experience that their parents will enjoy. These programs are designed to keep the kids engaged and having fun instead of staring at their devices and sighing. You know what I’m talking about. Splash Academy Designed for kids aged 6 months to 12 years, Splash Academy allows kids of all ages to interact with other kids in their age groups. Activities for the tweens include arts and crafts, video games, and even circus school. Ainsley enjoyed this one when we travelled with Norwegian. Entourage This program is for teens ages 13 to 17. It features sports activities, pool parties, fashion workshops, and even themed events like vampire night. Teens can participate in as many or as few events as they want or just hang out with the other kids their own age. Payton had a good time in this club and made a few friends. That meant she connected with those kids on the boat, even when not doing structured youth program activities. As a parent, that’s always rewarding to see. Royal Caribbean International Youth Programs Royal Caribbean offers several youth programs for kids ranging in age from toddlers to teens. They even have a sitter service. But kid’s club and kid’s sitters are dramatically different than teen clubs and youth clubs that cater to the older kids who travel with their parents still. Since I have 2 teens, youth programs are my style these days. Adventure Ocean Adventure Ocean youth programs are broken down into three age ranges. Aquanauts offers fun experiments for budding scientists ages 3 to 5 years old. The Explorers program for kids aged 6 to 8 features exciting activities like crafts as well as themed parties. Voyagers for ages 9 to 11 years old includes a wide variety of activities from arts and crafts to learning activities that are fun as well as educational. Teen Programs Teen Programs on Royal Caribbean are many and varied. Unlike the Adventure Ocean youth programs, the teen programs are a little less structured, allowing teens a feeling of getting that real cruise experience where they do what they want when they want, just like the adults. The only difference is that they have a quiet, background supervision that keeps them safe. I have to say we honestly struggled with this one last year when we cruised. It took Payton a long time to warm up to the idea of the club. It was massive and there were a zillion teens on that ship. It was a bit intimidating. And Ainsley was not yet 13 but she fit the Teen Program by her age. However, she needs more structure than what was offered there. We sailed on Harmony of the Seas and had a wonderful time, but the ship is massive. At that time it was the biggest on the ocean. So that naturally also meant the youth club had more kids. We found it to be too big actually and too unstructured. Youth Programs – The Perfect Way for Kids and Adults to Enjoy Their Cruise Youth programs offer so much to both the kids and their parents. These programs offer kids a feeling of independence that they want at that tween and teen age, while parents get to enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that their kids are supervised and safe while they’re enjoying the cruise life. A well chosen and well run youth program can mean a peaceful enjoyable cruise for all. This is NOT a sponsored post. It is for your information if you plan to cruise. Check out my Instagram feed for more images from our January cruise. Read my Pinterest feed for more content and images from the many cruises we have taken over the years.

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Book a Cruise While Onboard – An Advantageous Approach

Paula — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 12:03:01 +0000

Have you ever wondered whether you should book a cruise while onboard your current cruise? Me too. We’ve done several cruises and I am always amazed by the number of people lining up to book again before leaving the ship. So I thought I would investigate. Does it help you save money? If you’re a frequent cruiser, chances are you’re already planning another cruise anyway. So why not use one of the lesser known tricks of the cruising trade and book a cruise while on your current cruise? Saving money, better selection and rewards – those are a few reasons to book your cruise before you disembark. It’s a great way to make the most of your money. Book a Cruise While Onboard – A Saving Secret It’s amazing how few people actually know about the opportunity to save money booking a cruise in this way. Most of us know we can book a cruise while onboard the ship, but many people don’t realize how truly advantageous that can be. So let’s take a look at how booking a cruise while you’re on your current cruise can help you save some money. Save Money on Your Current Cruise One way you can save money when you book a cruise while onboard your current cruise is through a discount on your current cruise. Oftentimes, you can get money taken off of the bill on your current cruise when you book a future cruise while onboard. It’s an excellent way to get a little back while you plan that next amazing trip. Future Savings Another great reason to book a cruise while you sail on your current cruise is to get credit towards that future trip. When you book while onboard, you may be offered onboard credit for your next cruise. It’s essentially free money to use while onbaoard the ship. Travel Date Flexibility Aside from saving money, you can save headaches when booking a cruise in this manner. When you book while onboard, you’ll be offered a time frame for using the deposit you put down on the future cruise. It will usually be anywhere from one to two years. You actually get more flexibility when you book on the ship than you do when you book at a later time. Lower Deposit Speaking of deposits mentioned in the flexibility section, when you book your future cruise while onboard, you will generally be able to place a lower deposit on that future cruise, which means you save a little money automatically. Discounts or Upgrades Rather than shopping around the internet for that next great deal, just do it on the ship! When you book a cruise while onboard, you can often take advantage of discounts or room upgrades that are offered on upcoming cruises. It saves time, and sometimes, you’ll get the discount or upgrade BECAUSE you booked while onboard. Book a Cruise While Onboard to Save, Upgrade, and More Since we have done a few family cruises I am now aware of the special perks associated with loyalty programs for each cruise line. Those are important too and I use them when able. But from now on I think it makes sense to take advantage of the perks you can score when you book a cruise before disembarking.

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What to Pack for a Cruise – 5 Must Haves #Travel

Paula — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 08:35:47 +0000

What to pack for a cruise. It’s something you’ll be thinking about for some time once you decide to take a vacation on the sea. Of course there’s the standard swimsuits, shorts, etc., but there are a few things you don’t want to be without. Every diehard cruise lover knows there are a few cruise hacks and products that simply make the sailing smoother. Not really essentials but cruise hacks for packing. A few of these are oddball things you might not think of, but trust me they can make your cruise so much sweeter. So if you need to know what to pack for a cruise, read on. What to Pack for a Cruise – The Lesser Thought of Necessities We all know the standard packing ritual. You know… clothing for all weather eventualities, toiletries, etc. All the standby stuff. But on a cruise, there are some other things that will serve you well – IF you realize that you need to bring them with you, that is. Magnets or Decorations for Your Door This sounds frivolous, but trust me it’s not. When you are on a cruise the boat is often massive and if you cruise as a family there are times you are going to be heading back to the room by yourself. Maybe the kids are old enough to have a room key. But all the doors look alike. FOR REAL. Stick some cute cruise magnets on your door and everyone in your party will know which room is the right one. Also, your neighbours are going to love it too. Our last cruise was on a Norwegian Cruise line ship with 21 floors. Not all those floors were people, but a good number were. So hard to find your room when there are so many people!!! I loved seeing the magnets on the door of the room next to ours because then I knew I was back home – well, to my temporary home at sea anyways. [tweetthis]What do these have to do with cruising? I’ll tell you – #travel [/tweetthis] Clothes Hangers If you’re going on a long cruise, you’ll want to pack some clothes hangers. The average cruise closet has around 8 clothes hangers, which probably isn’t enough if you’re going on one of the longer, two week cruises. Make sure you throw a few extras in your bag for insurance. We have gotten by with the hangers in the rooms, but closets are small and we travel with a teen and a tween and trust me dresses need to be hung up. A Big Old Refillable Coffee Mug and Or Water Bottle For one thing, cruises can be high traffic. For another thing, you don’t want to be going back and forth and back and forth every time you need a refill on your coffee or water. Trust me on this. Pack an empty water bottle or stainless steel coffee mug. Not a fancy one either, because if you lose it then no worries. If you want to know what to pack, and you’re not a morning person, take it from me. You need this. This is useful for kids too. If they have their own water bottle they can fill it up and stay hydrated during at sea days when whipping down the waterslides. Power Strip If you’re like me, you have a phone, a tablet, and a laptop. If you’re like me you will also be bringing several of these items with you on your cruise. Even the nicest cruise ship only has a couple of outlets in a room, so pack a power strip to make sure you can quickly and easily charge all your devices and keep the memories flowing through Facebook and Instagram. That will also ensure your teen isn’t fighting over the outlets with her sister. (OH YEAH they find stuff to fight about everywhere.) Bathroom Door Organizer Even the nicest cruise ship doesn’t have the space to give its occupants an overly large bathroom area. It pays to maximize space at all times. To that end, add a bathroom door organizer to your “what to pack” list. You can take advantage of all that vertical space, stay organized, and still have enough room in your bathroom to do everything you need to do. Ear Plugs Ear plugs are an indispensable part of any packing list. Want to know what to pack? It’s always ear plugs. For any trip. A cruise ship is all about maximizing passenger count to maximize profits. Which means lots of people close together. This is really only a problem when it comes to bed time. We have never had trouble with noise on a cruise, but if you are a light sleeper then you might consider bringing them for safety sake. You might need these to drown out the sounds of all the other passengers around you. What to Pack for a Cruise? All the Stuff Above Packing for a trip seems like a no-brainer, and generally speaking, it is, but cruises are altogether unique. Since I know that first time cruisers rarely understand all the ins and outs of cruising, I decided this “what to pack” post would be of help to them, especially. So what do you think? Did I miss any lesser known cruise items? What special items do you make a point of packing for a cruise? This what to pack for a cruise post is part of my Cruise Series. To read the other posts start here: Cruising – How to Book a Cruise Cruise Dining Packages Are They Worth It? And don’t forget THE BEST Cruise Ship Waterslides in the World.

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6 Tips for Taking Your Kids on a Cruise

Paula — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 03:17:57 +0000

6 Tips for Taking your Kids on a Cruise You’ll find a lot of people who say that a cruise is the perfect vacation for a young family. With stress free accommodation, entertainment and travel included in one big package, it’s an incredibly simple way to get sorted for the summer without having to fuss over bus trips or motels. Some parents might be worried about how well their little ones will fare, particularly if it’s their first time on a cruise ship, but there’s absolutely nothing to worry about. Follow these handy hints for taking the kids cruising, and you’ll be sitting pretty. Stock your carry-on with kids’ essentials It can often take a couple of hours for luggage to arrive in your cabin after you’ve boarded. If you’re travelling with little ones who will be desperate to get out and start having fun, it’s a good idea to pack your carry-on bag with some holiday essentials. Sunscreen, bathing suits, juice boxes and any beloved toys are a few items that spring to mind! Don’t Miss This Handy Printable for Port Excursions Too! Research the facilities included with your cabin It’s not common for standard cruise ship cabins to have bathtubs, and some may not come with a refrigerator either. If you have little children who need to be bathed in a tub, or if you need to chill juice, milk or snacks in a fridge, then it’s worthwhile doing some research before you book. You may have to shell out a little extra for a better-equipped cabin, but it might be worth it for your peace of mind. Remember to ask for a cot when you’re booking It’s standard for family-friendly cruise holidays to offer free cots to parents with young children – but just remember to ask for one when you’re making the booking, and not once you’ve arrived for your cruise! You can research everything about taking a cruise here on this site. Get the lowdown on free children’s activities in advance Most cruises that cater for families will offer free kids’ activities and clubs where you can drop your little ones off for a few hours of fun. It’s a good idea to research these before you arrive so you can timetable your first couple of days, bearing in mind that there may be minimum age requirements in place. The Kid’s Clubs are One of My Favourite Reasons to Cruise! Book a separate cabin for older children If you’re looking to really relax and enjoy your holiday, then this tip can be a lifesaver – for parents and kids alike! Older children will love having their privacy and freedom, and you’ll get more space to stretch out and relax. Best of all, lots of cruise ships offer interconnecting cabins which means the kids will only be a door away. Let your kids do their own thing! Remember that a well-run cruise ship is an incredibly safe space, staffed by dedicated men and women who will go the extra mile to keep you and your family comfortable. If your kids are old enough to wander on their own, then there’s no harm in letting them explore – they’ll have a ball making adventures of their own, and you can rest easy knowing they’ll be in safe hands. Start Planning Now! Pick a cruise provider and start planning today! Here’s some inspiration for your search. Check Out the related posts below for more ideas and facts about cruising smart. Images by Rennett Stowe and Traveloscopy used under Creative Commons License.

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