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How to Spot a Real Cruise Deal (and Avoid the Ones That Sink)

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  How to Spot a Real Cruise Deal (and Avoid the Ones That Sink) by Lisa LoBracco Smith | Certified Travel Advisor & Owner of Bracco Cruise & Travel Hey friends, it’s Lisa from Bracco Cruise & Travel ! Black Friday is around the corner, and my inbox (and yours!) is probably overflowing with cruise deals. I see the same flashy ads every year — “Up to 40% Off!” “Free Drinks!” “Last Chance!” It can all feel overwhelming. The truth? Not all cruise deals are created equal. Some are incredible value… others, not so much. So before you jump on that “too good to be true” sale, here’s how to spot the real savings — straight from your trusted travel advisor (that’s me!). 🌊 🚒 1. Look at What’s Included — Not Just the Price A $499 cruise fare might sound great, but once you add drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities, it can easily double. That’s why I always focus on bundled offers — the ones that actually save you money : Princess Plus / Premier – Drinks, Wi-Fi & tips included...

The Ultimate Guide to Celebrity Cruises: What to Expect, What’s Included, and Why to Upgrade

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  The Ultimate Guide to Celebrity Cruises: What to Expect, What’s Included, and Why to Upgrade Hi friends, it’s Lisa from Bracco Cruise & Travel 🌴⚓. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to sail with Celebrity Cruises , you’re in the right place. Think modern luxury, personalized service, and spaces designed to feel more like a boutique hotel than a giant floating city. Whether it’s your first Celebrity sailing or you’re thinking about upgrading to The Retreat , let me walk you through what to expect, what’s included, and why my clients often tell me they’d never cruise any other way. What to Expect on a Celebrity Cruise From the moment you step onboard, there’s a calm, sophisticated energy that sets Celebrity apart. The dΓ©cor is sleek and modern, with light-filled spaces and thoughtful design details. You won’t feel lost in a sea of crowds — instead, it feels like the ship was designed just for you. Here’s what stands out: Embarkation made easy: The process is su...

Wait, What Kind of Cabin Is That? 3 Underrated Cruise Rooms That Might Be Your Perfect Match

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 Wait, What Kind of Cabin Is That? 3 Underrated Cruise Rooms That Might Be Your Perfect Match By Lisa, Bracco Cruise & Travel Let’s talk cruise cabins. Most travelers automatically reach for a balcony without even thinking twice. And while balconies are great (fresh air, morning coffee with a view, etc.), there are a few underrated cabin types that might actually be a better fit—for your budget, your travel style, or your sanity. These cabins aren’t about bragging rights. They’re about comfort, value, and making the most of your cruise experience. Ready to cruise smarter, not flashier? Let’s dive in. 1. Spa Balcony Cabins – Celebrity Cruises (and others) If you're someone who books a massage before unpacking or dreams of thermal loungers and eucalyptus steam rooms, a Spa Balcony is your happy place at sea. Why it's underrated: Spa access included or discounted Located near spa areas for easy access Often includes upgraded amenities like plush robes, fancy bath products, ...

Top 5 Reasons Fall Cruises Outshine Summer πŸπŸ›³️

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Top 5 Reasons Fall Cruises Outshine Summer πŸπŸ›³️ By Lisa at Bracco Cruise & Travel – Your Passport to Extraordinary Adventures Fall is an underrated gem in the cruise world—and I’m here to tell you why savvy travelers are skipping the summer rush and setting sail in September, October, and November instead. Whether you're dreaming of a quick Bahamas escape or a weeklong bucket-list adventure, fall is the perfect season to cruise. Here's why: 1. Fewer Crowds = More Zen 🧘‍♀️ Kids are back in school. Airports are quieter. Ships feel more relaxed. That means fewer lines, quieter pool decks, and better access to onboard experiences. Fall is your chance to enjoy the ship—and the islands—without the hustle and bustle. 2. Better Cruise Deals πŸ’Έ Fall sailings often feature some of the year’s best prices. Cruise lines roll out promos like reduced deposits, free upgrades, and onboard credits. If you're flexible with dates, you can snag serious value—especially on 3–5 night getawa...

πŸ’¦ Cruise & Resort Pool Etiquette: Splash Smart, Relax Right

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  πŸ’¦ Cruise & Resort Pool Etiquette: Splash Smart, Relax Right By Bracco Cruise & Travel | Your Trusted Travel Advisor πŸŒ΄πŸ›³️ There’s nothing better than lounging poolside on a cruise ship or at a dreamy all-inclusive resort. But whether you're diving in or just soaking up the sun, knowing a few pool etiquette basics can make the experience better for everyone. πŸŒžπŸ‘™ Here’s your quick guide to being a poolside pro—from grown-up relaxation to kid-friendly fun! 🚒 Cruise Ship Pool Etiquette 1. Save Seats Thoughtfully We get it—you want that prime lounger! But reserving chairs with towels for hours while away is a no-go. Most cruise lines now remove unattended items after 30–40 mins. 2. Watch the Volume Cruise pools are for fun, but not everyone wants to hear your playlist or group convo. Keep your volume (and speaker) in check—headphones are always best! 3. Rinse Before You Swim Always use the shower nearby before diving in—especially after sunscreen or spa time. 4...

✈️ Jet Lag, Who? How to Arrive Refreshed on Long-Haul International Flights

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  ✈️ Jet Lag, Who? How to Arrive Refreshed on Long-Haul International Flights Let’s be honest—jet lag can feel like a rude “welcome” to your dream destination. But what if we told you that with the right strategies, you could step off your long-haul flight feeling more “let’s explore!” and less “where’s my bed?” ? 😴 At Bracco Cruise & Travel , we believe your journey should feel just as good as the destination—so here’s our favorite insider guide to arriving refreshed and ready to wander well . πŸ’§ 1. Hydrate Like It’s Your Job Airplane cabins are dryer than the Sahara. Combat dehydration by drinking at least 8 oz of water every hour in-flight. Skip the alcohol and caffeine—or at least limit them—and opt for herbal tea or electrolyte packets to support energy and focus. ✨ Pro Tip: Pack a reusable water bottle and refill it post-security before boarding! πŸ’€ 2. Sleep Smart Sleep isn’t just about logging hours—it’s about timing. Match your sleep to your destination’s...

🚒Enchanted Princess Cruise Review πŸ›️ Cabin B738 – Aft Balcony Review

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  ✨ Overall Cruise Impression: Our 7-night sailing aboard the  Enchanted Princess  to the Western Caribbean was, overall, a memorable getaway with plenty of highlights—and a few hiccups. Embarkation took about 50 minutes despite having our Medallions shipped ahead of time, and many fellow cruisers also shared that the crowded embarkation process could benefit from more structured time slots. After checking in, we were assigned a number and directed to a large holding area until our group was called. Not quite the breezy start we hoped for, but once onboard, the cruise experience smoothed out quickly. Our cabin steward, Zaldy, was exceptional—professional, hardworking, and always attentive. This sentiment was echoed by many passengers praising the friendly and helpful crew, especially stewards and baristas onboard. Throughout the voyage, I engaged with fellow cruisers in the Facebook “Enchanted Princess – June 7th” group to gather their feedback (the good, the bad, and eve...