Isabelle's Cruising Insights

There are two types of travellers in my eyes.... those that over pack and those that under pack. OK so maybe there are three types and there is a lucky minority who have the 'just right' nailed down. I am most definitely in the over packers camp and can only…

Love Island is back again for a summer of watching the mildly desperate to the ridiculously arrogant beauties swan around in next to nothing in an attempt to fall in love and find their happy ever after. You'll be relieved to hear you can put your application for the show…

So here we have the final instalment of my Independence of the Seas tales. I promised I would tell you a little more about the new eateries onboard Indy since her spruce up and I can assure you, what she has to offer will not disappoint. I am ashamed to…

As many of you know I recently got a few sneaky nights in on Independence of the Seas last month after her multi million dollar refurbishment to try all of the new facilities on offer. The new additions were ideas suggested by guests who have previously sailed on Indy as…

After 17 years in the travel industry last weekend saw me step on board a Royal Caribbean ship for the very first time and wow, what a difference it has made to my outlook on cruising. Had you asked me a month ago if it was worth paying that bit…

One conversation I have a great deal with clients is concerning the standards of modern day cruising. On the most part the feedback I receive is great, but it seems to becoming a common theme where clients sailed years ago with a particular cruise line and had such a wonderful…

A pool for the little darlings is one of the most important aspects of a family holiday in most cases, would you consider booking a holiday where your children didn't have use of a pool? I don't think I would to be honest, but I guess it depends on how…

Many of my clients will know (as I'm sure they've heard all about the tears and tantrums) that back in October last year my husband and I purchased ourselves a new build plot. The days and weeks seemed to drag by immensely as we watched our family home rise up…

How many of you have pets who face the organisational nightmare of pet care whilst you jet off to sip cocktails and lie in the sun for a week or two? I have two dogs and if you're anything like me the thought of putting them in to kennels fills…

There is probably no other topic on cruising by beginners and seasoned cruisers alike that is more discussed than tips. What to tip, who to tip, when to tip and of course the big one....HOW to tip. There are 4 main ways to 'pay your dues' on a cruise. Pre-paid…