The “NEW” Oasis of the Seas

It doesn’t seem like it was all that long ago that the entire cruise industry was abuzz with excitement over Royal Caribbean’s evolutionary Oasis of the Seas! Back in 2008 the debut of Oasis of the Seas set a new capacity record of carrying over 6,000 passengers, as well as introducing a unique
neighborhood concept; seven main themed areas providing guests with a variety of experiences.

However, it hard to remain revolutionary for long, so this fall the Oasis began her $165 million Royal Amplification dry-dock. Over a period of two months the ship got a BIG refurbishment including many new attractions coming from other Royal Caribbean ships.

Are you Real ID compliant?

Heads up... beginning October 1, 2020, (that’s one short year from now), you will need a Real ID

compliant identification card to board domestic flights.

The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to increase security measures concerning state-issued personal identification cards, mainly driver’s licenses’ that are often used to board domestic

flights. Compliant documentation includes passports (which are still required for international flights), passport cards and trusted traveler identification like Global Entry. But the majority of Americans use their driver’s licenses to pass through security for their domestic air travel.

The U.S. Travel Association is urging Americans to check their Real ID status at their state’s motor vehicle department. People should upgrade their license sooner than later. The last thing you want is to put it off and forget about it, only to find that you’re denied boarding for that Florida bound flight that is taking you to your cruise embarkation city!

Goodbye Grandeur of the Seas

Royal Caribbean announced today it will be transferring Grandeur of the Seas out of its fleet in the spring of 2021.  She will join sister brand Pullmantur Cruises.  Other ships that have been moved to Pullmantur in the past are Monarch of the Seas, Sovereign of the Seas and Celebrity's Horizon.

For the many passengers who return multiple times to Baltimore-based Grandeur of the Seas, she will be very much missed. Built in 1996, Grandeur of the Seas is part of Royal Caribbean's Vision class of ships. Past guests cite the vessel's manageable size and personable crew as the reason for their loyalty.

Enchantment of the Seas, will return to Baltimore to replace Grandeur in spring of 2021.

Introducing Oceania's Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center

As part of Oceania Cruises’ “OceaniaNEXT” initiative, the cruise line will replace the fleet's existing onboard Canyon Ranch spa and introduce a brand of their own. The new Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center will be the most unique and comprehensive spa and wellness center at sea.

Services at Oceania's Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center extend well beyond a traditional spa, offering a complete and original collection of holistic wellness encounters both on board and ashore that supports all dimensions of wellness while encouraging a lifestyle of health and longevity.

Why I’m a Fan of Packing Cubes

Years ago my family took a road trip vacation to several national parks.  We were changing hotels every few days so there would be no proper unpacking of our suitcases. Thank goodness I read a tip on a travel forum that suggested I pack each day’s outfits in clear oversized plastic bags so I could pull out what we would need on a given day without disrupting the rest of the contents. It kept me and the suitcases very organized that trip.

Fast forward to just a couple years ago when I discovered packing cubes.  What a game-changer! Packing cubes are fabric containers used for packing clothing. They zip closed and are small enough that you can fit several into a suitcase. You can purchase them in a range of sizes and are often sold as sets.  Here’s why I love them.