Shannon Hawkins's Travel Blog

💍 Guide to Celebrating a Wedding Onboard a Cruise Ship

Consider marrying before you sail and celebrating with a symbolic vow renewal onboard, where cruise lines offer romantic at-sea ceremonies, coordinated venues, private receptions, and group dining—plus tips on budgeting, guest counts, and booking early to ensure a seamless wedding at sea.

Deal of the Day- Grandeur of the Seas March 6th 2027

Embark on a 7-night Southern Caribbean escape aboard Grandeur of the Seas from March 6–14, 2027, with private balcony ocean views to Colón, Cartagena, Oranjestad, Willemstad, and back to Colón, all for just $1,191 per person with taxes included—limited availability, book now before it sails away.

Deal of the Day- Celebrity Constellation February 6th 2027

Escape the winter chill with a 7-night Southern Caribbean cruise on the Celebrity Constellation from February 6–13, 2027, visiting San Juan, St. Thomas, Antigua, Dominica, St. Lucia and Grenada, with meals, the Classic Beverage Package and Wi‑Fi included, from $1,758 per person with easy monthly payments and refundable deposits.

🏰🎢 Why Book Disney & Universal Through a Travel Agent

Discover why booking Disney and Universal through a travel agent turns a maze of tickets, reservations, and promos into a stress-free, value-packed vacation with expert guidance, smarter planning, and hands-on support from planning through post-trip tweaks.

🚢 Cruise Theme Nights Guide (By Major Cruise Line) 🎉👗

From Royal Caribbean’s varying 4-night+ theme nights to Carnival’s signature 80s Rock-N-Glow and NCL’s Glow Party, this guide shows you how to find exact theme-night schedules in each line’s app and a simple packing playbook (think white outfits for White Night and a neon/80s accessory) for any cruise length.

Best Cruise Lines for Families Traveling with Disabled Children

Discover the best cruise lines for families with disabled children, from autism-friendly Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Carnival to mobility-accessible Disney, Norwegian, Princess, MSC, and Holland America, plus practical planning tips and Autism on the Seas options to ensure a smooth, home-base cruise experience.

Deal of the Day: Celebrity Beyond May 2nd 2027 6 Night Eastern Caribbean

Deal of the Day: Sail 6 nights on Celebrity Beyond from Miami May 2–8, 2027 to Grand Turk, Puerto Plata/Amber Cove, and Nassau with a Classic Beverage Package and Wi‑Fi included, at $1,681 per person (double occupancy) or $1,972 list price, a $582 cabin savings, refundable deposits, and limited availability—message now to lock in this unbeatable value.

Celebrity Cruises Kids Clubs Guide (Camp at Sea + Teen Club) 🛳️👧🧒

Celebrity Cruises' Camp at Sea for ages 3–12 and Teen Club for ages 13–17 offer a structured, staff-led lineup with 500+ customizable activities—from STEM and arts to sports and culinary—plus a Frost Science Museum partnership on select ships, flexible port/sea‑day hours, and occasional late‑night events to keep every kid and teen engaged at sea.

Royal Caribbean Kids Clubs Guide (What to Expect by Age) 🚢🧒🎉

Navigate Royal Caribbean’s kids clubs—from infants to teens—with this age-by-age guide detailing each program’s name, activities, hours, pricing notes, and pro tips to plan a smooth, family-friendly cruise (final schedules appear in the onboard app).

✈️ The Ultimate “No-Stress” Packing Guide for Traveling with Young Kids

Learn the ultimate no-stress packing blueprint for traveling with young kids, from a three-bag system and essential documents to kid-friendly gear, the rule-of-three outfits, and proven in-flight entertainment tips that keep chaos at bay.

How Destination Wedding Groups Work

Discover how to make a destination wedding effortless by splitting the work between a travel agent who manages the group blocks and guest travel and the resort wedding team who plans the ceremony and events, with clear guidance on deposits, commissions, and keeping your guests organized.

Best-value cruise lines (What they include / Extras to expect)

This practical guide breaks down top-value cruise lines—Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and MSC—showing what’s included versus the typical add-ons so you can pick the ship that fits your budget and travel style.

Cruise with Shannon's MSC Cruise Line Guide

Explore MSC Cruises' diverse fleet—from the World Class giants to intimate Musica-class ships—and learn how to tailor your voyage with Fantastica, Aurea, and MSC Yacht Club experiences, plus dining options, beverage packages, and key complimentary perks.

Deal of the Day - 23 Night Transpacific

Score a once-in-a-lifetime 23-night Transpacific cruise aboard Quantum of the Seas from Brisbane to Seattle, island-hop Tahiti and Hawaii, for just $2,472 per person (was $4,368) with massive savings and limited cabins—book now.

🌎 Why You Always Need a Passport When Cruising (Even If a Birth Certificate Is “Allowed”)

This guide explains why a valid U.S. passport is indispensable for any cruise—so you can fly home in an emergency, avoid being left behind, and enjoy smoother, stress-free travel beyond what a birth certificate can offer.

Deal of the Day

Deal of the Day: Save big on a 17-night Trans-Pacific voyage aboard Navigator of the Seas from Yokohama to Los Angeles on May 12, 2027, with Oceanview Balcony cabins discounted from $2,250 to $1,572 per person, refundable deposits, and limited availability as you explore Japan’s iconic cities and sail in style to the West Coast.

 Disney Seasonal Budget Calendar!

Unlock the secrets to maximizing your Disney vacation budget with our month-by-month guide that reveals the best and worst times to visit Walt Disney World and Disneyland, ensuring you enjoy both savings and magical experiences.

Top Reasons Why People Choose to Cruise!

Discover the ultimate travel experience as we explore why cruising offers unparalleled convenience, value, and adventure, making it the perfect choice for both relaxation and exploration.

Top Cruise Lines for Dietary Accommodations

Discover the top cruise lines that cater to dietary needs and accessibility, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for travelers of all abilities, from Disney's family-friendly resources to Royal Caribbean's extensive planning tools.

🌊 Top Cruise Lines for Solo Cruisers

Discover the best cruise lines tailored for solo travelers, featuring unique cabin options, social events, and enriching experiences that make exploring the seas alone not just enjoyable, but unforgettable.

Guide to Family Friendly Cruise Lines

Discover the ultimate guide to family-friendly cruise lines that cater to every age and interest, featuring thrilling activities, character experiences, and budget-friendly options to ensure unforgettable adventures on the high seas!

🌍 Traveling with Children Who Have Disabilities

Discover essential tips and expert advice for traveling with children who have disabilities, ensuring a smooth and enriching adventure whether you're flying or cruising, so your family can create unforgettable memories together.