How to Burn Excess Calories on Your Next Cruise

I’ll admit it; when I cruise I overeat.  I love trying new foods and new dining venues.  I enjoy eating a big breakfast…something I never do at home!  I order dessert every evening and sometimes I even order two! So when it comes to burning off those extra calories, I have lots of strategies.  Today I will share them with you!

There’s no better way to start the day than by taking a stroll in the fresh air. Or even better, immediately following dinner! Most cruise ships have a track on one of the higher decks and there’s usually signage posted that indicates how many laps equal a mile.  Even if you don’t routinely walk, when you do so surrounded by blue ocean with a gentle warm breeze blowing its quite enjoyable!

Take a Peek at Harvest Caye

Harvest Caye, Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest port of call in southern Belize, officially welcomed its first cruise passengers when Norwegian Dawn arrived on November 17, 2016. Here’s some of the amenities that passengers had a chance to enjoy.

The first thing that comes to mind when you think of a tropical island is the beach, and the Harvest Caye beach is truly amazing!The gorgeous seven acre, powder soft, white sand beach is the heart of this port. The day can easily be spent lounging in the sunshine working on your tan or nestled under a shady tree with a good book.  For guests that want to take a beach day experience up a notch or two, there are 11 luxurious beach villas can be rented for the day. These swanky villas can accommodate up to 10 guests and are equipped with every comfort including air conditioning, dedicated lounge and dining areas, a private restroom, indoor and outdoor showers, hammocks, and exclusive dining and beverage options with dedicated concierge service!

Cruising to Florence, Italy

This past weekend my husband and I saw the movie, “Inferno,” based on the book written by Dan Brown.  The story follows famous symbologist Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) as he investigates a trail of clues tied to Dante, the great medieval poet, through several beautiful European cities including Florence, Italy. I really enjoyed the movie, but even more than that, I loved seeing the scenes of Florence!  It’s been too long since our last visit and now I have an itch to return.  If you’re planning a Mediterranean cruise with a stop in Livorno, (the port for Florence), here’s some places to add to your day's itinerary!

Florence's cathedral, Santa Maria del Fiore (often called the Duomo), is a vast Gothic structure standing tall over the city with its magnificent Renaissance dome. Entrance into the cathedral is free and for this reason there’s usually a long line to get in. Don't worry, the line moves pretty quickly. It’s definitely worth climbing the 463 steps (there is no elevator) to the dome for the view of the city as well as Giorgio Vasari's frescoes of The Last Judgment. The Duomo complex also includes the impressive structures of the Baptistery and Giotto’s bell tower. You may also climb to the top of the bell tower.

Cruising to Europe With Kids

Some people may think taking school-age kids along on a European cruise is an extravagance and a waste of money. Doesn’t it make more sense to leave them at home with the grandparents and escape on a romantic European cruise as a second honeymoon?  Will an 8 or 9-year-old appreciate, or even remember the experience when their grown? In my opinion, a family cruise to Europe is one of the best gifts you can give your children!

Mark Twain said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” A European cruise teaches your kids that people throughout the world may have a different take on things. Maybe they view life differently, interact differently, have fun differently, or may worship differently. We may do things in a way but who’s to say that’s the only way, or the right way? Travel teaches our children (and us), to expand our thinking, to consider other alternatives, and to view the world with more acceptance.