Shannon Hawkins's Travel Blog

10 Trips Everyone Should Experience at Least Once! The Ultimate Bucket List Travel Guide

From epic wildlife safaris and Antarctica cruises to immersive journeys through Italy’s timeless cities and coastlines, this ultimate bucket-list guide promises ten must-experience trips that deliver unforgettable adventures and lifelong memories.

10 Trips Everyone Should Experience at Least Once! The Ultimate Bucket List Travel Guide

This ultimate bucket-list travel guide previews ten must-do trips—from thrilling African safaris and Antarctic cruises to a sweeping Italian itinerary by land and sea—revealing why each destination deserves a place on every traveler’s list, the best times to visit, and the unforgettable experiences they offer.

🌎❄️ DEAL OF THE DAY – Experience Alaska Like Never Before! Anthem of the Seas - August 20–27, 2027

Deal of the Day: embark on a 7-night Northbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier cruise aboard Anthem of the Seas from Vancouver (Aug 20–27, 2027) with balcony wildlife viewing and stops in Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Skagway, Hubbard Glacier, and Seward, starting at $1,515 per person with a refundable $250 deposit and a $752 savings before it sells out.

❄️ DEAL OF THE DAY | Experience Alaska in Luxury! Celebrity Solstice- August 6–13, 2027

Experience Alaska in luxury aboard the Celebrity Solstice on a 7-night Southbound Glacier Cruise (Aug 6–13, 2027) from Seward to Vancouver, sailing Hubbard Glacier with stops in Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, and Ketchikan, plus amazing savings on Aqua Class, Concierge, and Veranda balconies all including beverages, Wi‑Fi, and taxes/fees—book now to lock in this unbeatable deal.

❄️ DEAL OF THE DAY | Experience Alaska in Luxury! Celebrity Solstice- August 6–13, 2027

Experience Alaska in luxury aboard the Celebrity Solstice on a 7-night Southbound Glacier Cruise (Aug 6–13, 2027) from Seward to Vancouver, with dramatic glacier scenery and wildlife, unbeatable savings up to $1,362 per cabin on Aqua Class, Concierge, and Veranda balconies, plus inclusive perks like a beverage package, Wi‑Fi, and taxes and fees, along with a refundable deposit and May 2027 final payment.

Why You Should Book Your Cruise with a Refundable Deposit!

Booking a refundable cruise deposit provides price-drop protection, access to newer promotions, flexible payment options, and peace of mind, while reserving your preferred ship, cabin, and itinerary well in advance.

Can I Afford to Cruise? A Simple Guide to Making a Cruise Vacation Fit Your Budget 🚢✨

Discover how cruising can fit your budget by booking early, choosing refundable deposits, and spreading payments—locking in a cabin with bundled meals and activities and making a short, affordable getaway like a 4-night Bahamas cruise doable with monthly or weekly payments.

Cruise Vacation vs. Hotel Stay vs. All-Inclusive Resort 🌎🚢🏨

Explore why cruise vacations often offer the best overall value by bundling meals, entertainment, transport, and more into one price, compare it with hotel and all-inclusive options using real-cost examples, and learn when cruising makes the most sense for families and couples.

🚢 Why Smart Travelers Book Their Vacations 1–2 Years in Advance!

Smart travelers book 12–24 months in advance to lock in lower prices, secure prime cabins and seats, snag better flights, benefit from a proactive travel advisor monitoring deals, enjoy smaller deposits and more promotions, and sail into a stress-free, value-packed vacation.

🚢 Cruise with Shannon's Quick Guide- What Does a Non-Refundable Cruise Deposit Really Mean?

Shannon's Quick Guide reveals when a non-refundable cruise deposit can save you money and when it costs you flexibility, detailing lower upfront fares, limited price protection, deposit forfeiture on cancellations, costly changes, and why a refundable deposit may be worth the extra cost for travelers with changing or uncertain plans.

Why You Should Book Your Cruise with a Refundable Deposit!

Book your cruise with a refundable deposit to unlock price-drop protection, snag the latest promotions, spread payments over time, and sail with peace of mind while securing the best cabin and value years in advance.

Norwegian Cruise Line CruiseFirst® vs. CruiseNext® Guide

Explore CruiseFirst and CruiseNext side by side in this practical guide, learn who each program fits, how discounted prepaid deposits vs onboard deposits work, and how to maximize savings, onboard credits, and promotions for future Norwegian cruises.

Cruise with Shannon's Guide to Scattering Ashes at Sea on a Cruise Ship!

Discover which major cruise lines permit ash scattering at sea, the essential paperwork and biodegradable urn requirements, where the ceremony can take place, typical costs (often complimentary), and how on-board arrangements are coordinated so you can honor your loved one with a dignified farewell at sea.

Think Kids Cruise for Free? Here's What Every Family Needs to Know Before You Book!

Think kids cruise for free? This essential guide explains why every child must be booked, when Kids Sail Free promotions may reduce the fare (with taxes and fees still due), and how a savvy travel advisor can maximize savings and land the best family itineraries.

🚢 Your Dream Cruise Is More Affordable Than You Think! Book 1–2 Years in Advance & Make Easy Monthly Payments!

Plan your dream cruise 12–24 months ahead with a small refundable deposit and flexible monthly payments to lock in great cabins, inclusive meals and entertainment, beverage and Wi‑Fi perks, and the option to reprice if fares fall before final payment.

🚢 Why Experienced Cruisers Book Aft Cabins Early The Ultimate Guide to Aft & Corner Aft Staterooms

Experienced cruisers snag aft and corner aft staterooms the moment itineraries drop to lock in panoramic wake views, oversized wraparound balconies, quieter from-in-the-hallway vibes, and prime photography on scenic itineraries, since these coveted cabins often sell out within hours.

Deal of the Day! Quantum of the Seas - Alaska Sailing - June 28th 2027

Set sail on a 7-night Alaska adventure aboard Quantum of the Seas from Seattle (June 28–July 5, 2027) with prices from just $1,368 per person, $946 cabin savings, and rare obstructed balcony availability, while witnessing glaciers calving, whales and eagles, and enjoying signature onboard experiences like North Star, RipCord by iFLY, and Two70.

Cruise with Shannon's Solo Cabin Cruise Guide!

Discover which cruise lines offer solo cabins at reduced rates—Norwegian's Studio and Solo cabins, Royal Caribbean's Studio options, Celebrity's Infinite Veranda Solo cabins, and MSC's solo offerings—plus why booking 12–24 months in advance is essential to secure these scarce, wallet-friendly staterooms for destinations like Alaska and Europe.

ABC Islands All-Inclusive Resort Guide

Explore the ABC Islands’ all-inclusive getaway lineup—from Aruba’s sunny beaches, nightlife, and versatile resorts to Bonaire’s quiet, dive-forward retreats—so you can tailor the perfect island, resort style, and budget for your clients.

ABC Islands All-Inclusive Resort Guide

Discover the ABC Islands through an all-inclusive lens, from Aruba’s sun-drenched beaches and vibrant nightlife to Bonaire’s quiet, dive-first charm, with practical tips to tailor each island’s resorts to your clients’ travel style and budget.

Why Clients Will Love Celebrity River Cruises?

Celebrity River Cruises brings the familiar upscale Ocean vibe to an intimate European river setting, with smaller ships, destination-focused itineraries, strong inclusions, chic staterooms, and effortless unpack-once travel—ideal for adults, couples, luxury-minded travelers, and fans seeking a seamless, culture-rich European escape.

Celebrity River Cruise Line Guide: Itineraries & Inclusions

A comprehensive Celebrity River Cruises guide to Danube and Rhine itineraries, all-inclusive luxury perks from concierge to butler service, 7-night sailings like Tulip & Holland Waterways and Christmas Markets routes, with pricing starting around $5,199 and dynamic live-rate value.

Celebrity River Cruise Line Guide : Ships & Staterooms Overview

Explore Celebrity’s five Europe river ships—Compass, Seeker, Wanderer, Roamer, and Boundless—each blending modern luxury with destination immersion, paired with five elevated staterooms from River View to Vista Balcony Suite built for comfort, views, and seamless indoor-outdoor living.

✨ Celebrity River Cruise Line Guide- Sailing August 2027

Celebrity’s new premium River Cruises launch in August 2027 along Europe’s Danube and Rhine, delivering intimate, modern-luxury small-ship itineraries with inclusive fares, daily immersive shore experiences, and easy pre/post stays for couples and culture-focused travelers.

Why Clients Love Celebrity Cruise Line!

Celebrity Cruises delivers upscale, modern ships with standout dining and bundled value through agency group rates, offering significant savings, inclusive beverages and Wi-Fi, and a refined, adult-focused atmosphere across nearly 300 destinations.

🚢 Hawaiian Cruises – Cruise Line Options Made Simple

An agent-focused primer that shows you the only true 7-night Hawaii roundtrip on Pride of America, plus longer open-jaw and closed-loop itineraries from Princess, Holland America, Celebrity, and Royal Caribbean, helping you pick the best balance of island time, sea days, and value for your Hawaii cruise.

💍 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.