4 cruises that are both luxurious and easy on the pocket

4 cruises that are both luxurious and easy on the pocket

Cruises are often stereotyped as being a travel option for only those with a lot of money. The idea stems basically from old cinema, where luxurious cabins and picturesque decks formed the backdrop mostly for well-to-do characters. The narrative, however, has gradually changed with people prioritizing time over luxury. Therefore, cruises have been much more affordable despite significant improvement in their underlying design and facilities compared to some decades ago.

Celebrity Reflection

Built in 2012 and owned by the Royal Caribbean Cruises, the Reflection offers not just excellent all-round service but does so at an affordable price. The vessel is run by a 1000-strong crew and has a top-deck Lawn Club, 14 bars, three pools, and one casino.

It is highly recommended by passengers, who are especially fond of the Alcoves – a crowd-free cabana lounging. Among its other standout facilities include a Basketball court, a wide variety of suite cabins, and the Lawn Club Grill, where you can cook yourself or have a chef do it for you.

Nieuw Statendam

With worldwide cruises starting at a reasonable price, the Nieuw Statendam offers tremendous services, which include Live Music at Music Walk, Rolling Stone Rock Room, and Lincoln Center Stage. There is also a World Stage theatre, a two-tier Lido Deck with a movie screen, and a wine-making venue called Blend.

Given this Holland America Line cruise was launched less than two years ago, it has a lot of freshness in its cabins, hallway, and restaurants. The cruise has a blend of peace and vibrance that serves both youngsters and adults, while its prices are as affordable as possible.

Disney Fantasy

Operated by Disney Cruise Line, which is part of The Walt Disney Company who entered the business only in 2012, the Disney Fantasy is a dream for its fans. It features a Marvel Super Heroes Academy, a Star Wars-themed command post, and a Tiffany & Co. retail store.

Some of the other onboard activities are a live musical comedy based on Disney’s Aladdin, Star Wars Day at Sea, and a thrilling sky-high water ride called AquaDuck, among others. There are 10 themed dining venues, Goofy’s Sports Deck activity center, a virtual sports simulator, and Quiet Cove Pool. Despite such luxury, the Fantasy’s prices are not that high, making them more than worth it.

Symphony of the Seas

Another classic run by the Royal Caribbean International, the Symphony of the Seas, is one of the world’s largest passenger ships. It houses 6,680 passengers, a 2000-plus crew, and 18 decks filled with every activity you can imagine.

There is a surf simulator, an indoor ice skating rink, two 40-foot rock walls, a zip line, a 10-story slide, and 15 quick-service and sit-down eateries. The pretty reasonable fare includes meals at Windjammer Marketplace buffet, Park Cafe, El Loco Fresh, Solarium Bistro, Cafe Promenade, and Boardwalk Dog House.

Previous Read

The ultimate guide to booking cheap flight tickets online

Flying can be super expensive, and there’s no doubt about that. Even after using all your miles or various discounts, flight tickets can burn a hole in your pocket rather easily. So, how do you get affordable tickets without compromising on your in-flight comfort? Well, here’s a complete guide that will help you with just that: Go incognitoA lot of online websites use cookies to inflate the prices of flight tickets. No, you did not make a mistake when you saw the prices the first time, it truly did change. Multiple sites use these cookies to check if the route has been searched before. With that information, they hike their prices and scare the customer into buying the tickets as soon as possible. Book the tickets as early as possibleBooking the flight tickets at the last moment means high prices. Instead, plan your trips in advance and book the tickets at least three months before the trip. This will help you save a lot of money, and you will be able to choose better seats. If not three months, book the flight tickets at least 30 days before the trip. Ticket prices see a hike during the final three weeks before a flight. Set a price alertYes, flights are cheaper if you book them in advance, but how will you know you’re getting the cheapest possible flights? To do this, set a price alert to get notified when the price increases or decreases. When the price hits the level you want, you can book the ticket. Even if the dip in costs of the flight ticket is small, you will have major savings if you’re booking tickets for a family. Compare prices on different airline portalsChecking the prices of flight tickets on the carrier is good for research purposes. You can then use this information and check for flight prices on travel and planning websites to see if you can avail of major discounts. Do not just check one or two websites. More is always better. This way, you’ll know if you’re actually saving money by getting a discount on your ticket. Take the connecting flightIf you’re in no hurry to get to your final destination, book a connecting flight. Connecting flights are always cheaper than non-stop flights. To top it off, if you can book the connecting flight yourself, you’re bound to save more than you can imagine. That being said, don’t forget to ensure that the two flights have enough time apart or may end up missing your flight. Mix airlines and airportsWhile traveling, it is also important to remember that certain airports are more expensive than others. The same goes for airlines. This is why it is important to check nearby airports while booking a flight. You can end up saving around $30 by choosing the next airport instead of the first one. While searching for connecting flights, you may only receive results showing flights from the same carrier or its partners; you want to avoid this. Choose different websites and different airlines to get the best discounts.

Next Read

Useful travel tips to help plan your next vacation efficiently

It doesn’t matter if you plan to travel solo or visit exotic destinations for a much needed holiday with your family. Traveling comes with its own challenges, and the more prepared you are, the better your experience will be, especially while going abroad. Planning for travel entails more than just booking flights and hotels. You have to be responsible for a number of things, especially when you go with your family. So here are a few useful travel tips you must consider while planning your next destination travel to stay one step ahead, and most importantly, in charge! Organize your info When you plan a multi-city tour, ensure that all the details of the upcoming trips are organized in a single destination travel folder. These include your itinerary and all particulars of flight, hotel, and activity bookings. Organizing a travel folder helps you stay prepared for the next city on the list. This is especially helpful when you are hopping across cities in different nations and have to be at certain places on fixed dates. Planning ahead can save you both time and efforts once you reach the place. Plan in advance From the cab ride to the airport to the last leg of your multi-city destination travel, it pays to plan well in advance. Secure the most convenient routes and select better spaced out connecting flights, so you don’t find yourself running around the terminal to catch the next plane ride. Account for time and zone changes, so you don’t end up a day ahead or behind. It can be very embarrassing to show up for an appointment after (or a day early) the booking date. If you plan to take the trains to travel cross country, ensure you have the latest schedules printed with you at all times. Hand out copies to your family members, so everyone knows the route and travel plan. Prepare for uncertainties Weather conditions, traffic, or problems en route (there are so many) can all result in delays. So ensure you provide sufficient time or, at the very least, have the resources to extend your stay if the need arises. It pays to spread out your travel a couple of extra days to accommodate for the most unexpected turn of events. Ensure you carry sufficient currency to tide you and your family for an extra couple of days if you do get stranded. Pack light Just because you are taking a long trip doesn’t necessarily mean you pack your entire wardrobe. It is always better to pack and travel as light as possible. Lugging around an extra suitcase is only going to slow you down. Pack only the most essential of clothing, footwear and protective gear (depending on the weather) so that you don’t have to take turns hauling the heavy luggage. Also remember, domestic flights have a lighter weight limit for baggage. The last thing you want is chucking half of the stuff simply because the airline will not allow extra baggage on board.

Our Blogs

Top 10 cat food deals to check out ahead of Black Friday 2022

Top 10 cat food deals to check out ahead of Black Friday 2022

Black Friday will be here soon, presenting pet parents an opportunity to stock up on food for their feline friends without spending a lot. There will be plenty of discounts from the top pet food brands, including Royal Canin and Purina. But if you cannot wait until then, check out these ten fantastic deals that are available right now. Take your time researching well and pick the healthiest options for your cat! Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-free Healthy Weight Recipe Dry Cat food This grain-free recipe ensures your pet gets the proper nourishment and maintains a healthy weight. Besides promoting weight control, it supports the muscles and improves digestive health. The product is already available at a discount of 7% on Chewy, but you can expect a better deal during the year-end sale. Wellness Healthy Indulgence Gravies Grain-free Variety Pack This variety pack makes mealtimes quick and easy. Created by nutritionists and veterinarians, the recipes are enriched with the finest ingredients to promote your cat’s well-being. Petco is offering a discount of 5%, but you can get it at an even lower price by opting for repeat delivery. Tiki Cat Queen Emma Luau Variety-pack Grain-free Canned Cat Food You can save 10% on this variety pack from Tiki Cat at Chewy.
Read More
20 Black Friday 2022 unmissable furniture deals

20 Black Friday 2022 unmissable furniture deals

If you’ve been waiting for Black Friday to make a big-ticket furniture purchase, now’s the time, especially if you’re searching for something, like a sofa or mattress. We’ve seen savings of up to 50% in recent years, so browsing the bargains may really help keep prices down, which is crucial, considering the cost of living. Also, remember to bookmark websites that offer information on the current Black Friday furniture bargains. Metal and wood platform bed frame On Amazon, the ZINUS Suzanne 37-inch Metal and Wood Platform Bed Frame could drop to $189 (was $220), a $31 savings. Bathroom vanity Last year, the Lark Manor Burchard 36′′ Single Bathroom Vanity Set was available for $549.99 (down from $724.99). Add this to your shopping list to save $175 at Wayfair. Floor lamp The AllModern Finton 60.25-Inch Tripod Floor Lamp might be available for $149, a 44% reduction. That’s a deal you don’t want to lose on. Queen-sized bed frame Last Black Friday, the Plank Beam PB312-002 Solid Wood Queen-Size Bed in White was on sale for $270.74 (down from $319). On Amazon, that is a 37% discount. Coffee table Cumka Coffee Table Teak Resin 23.6′′ is anticipated to retail at Walmart for $205.60, a 30% discount.
Read More
Fitness trackers – 10 best Black Friday deals

Fitness trackers – 10 best Black Friday deals

A fitness tracker will be on many Black Friday shopping lists this year. While it is on November 25, multiple deals are expected to pop up from early September to late October. Whatever your fitness mantra, high-tech fitness trackers can help you achieve your goals. And getting them at a discounted price is the cherry on the cake! Let’s check out some amazing Black Friday fitness tracker deals for the year 2022. Fitbit Versa 3 Continuous heart-rate monitoring, SpO2, support for NFC payments, a microphone for taking phone calls, and Google/Alexa assistance are some of the many incredible features offered by this tracker. Plus, unlike its previous variants, Versa 3 provides a built-in GPS for navigation. During the sale season, you might also find it priced under $200. Fitbit Charge 5 Fitbit Charge 5 delivers many upgrades to cater to your needs. Many online platforms offer it for under $150 for a limited period. Its features, like the bright OLED screen, electrodermal activity sensors, contactless payments, notifications, sleep tracking, heart monitoring, and timers, make it one of the most highly dependable fitness trackers. Garmin FENIX 7 Series A week’s worth of battery, topographical maps, touch screen, military-grade standard, up to 10 ATM water resistance, insightful training guides and programs, solar charging, and astonishing real-time stamina feature are the traits that make the 7 series an absolute hit.
Read More
Foods to avoid for managing Crohn’s disease

Foods to avoid for managing Crohn’s disease

When you have been diagnosed with a condition such as Crohn’s, it is vital to watch what you consume to avoid triggering or worsening symptoms. Although there is no specific meal plan for patients with this condition, it has been noticed that avoiding a few foods can help to manage the condition more effectively. However, these trigger items can vary from one person to another. Read on to learn about the foods to avoid during Crohn’s flare-up: Dairy products If you have Crohn’s disease, you might be lactose intolerant too. Lactose is a protein found in milk and dairy items such as cheese, and some people find it difficult to digest or process. Hence, consuming these items could trigger the symptoms of Crohn’s disease and lead to bloating, diarrhea, cramping, etc. However, dairy products are a rich source of vitamin D and calcium; if you are avoiding them, you would need to get these nutrients from other food sources. This can include green leafy vegetables and fortified cereals or juices. You might also need to talk to your doctor about taking supplements. Greasy and fried foods People with this condition should avoid items such as French fries and fried chicken.
Read More
10 Black Friday 2022 dog foods deals to check out

10 Black Friday 2022 dog foods deals to check out

With Black Friday comes amazing deals on a variety of goods, right from appliances to furniture and home décor to dog foods. Even popular brands, such as Royal Canin, Hill’s Science, Iams, and Blue Buffalo, offer hefty discounts during this time. Whether your dog loves dry food or wet food, you will find plenty of nutritious and delicious options at hard-to-miss prices. Check out the best Black Friday dog food deals given below. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food This dog food, originally priced at $67.99, is offered by Chewy at a discount of 10%. Blue Buffalo Life Protection formula is specially designed for adult dogs. Your pet dog will love to eat this healthy meal made with protein-rich deboned chicken and other natural ingredients. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food Hill’s Science offers a variety of dog foods to nourish your furry friend who is prone to having an upset tummy. This dry dog food contains nourishing prebiotic fiber and real chicken and is gentle on the stomach. At Chewy, you can get this dog food for $77.99 and save 4%. Iams Proactive Health Smart Puppy Original Dry Dog Food Get a 14% discount on Iams Proactive Health Smart Puppy Original Dry Dog Food when you buy from Chewy.
Read More
Foods to avoid for managing bronchitis

Foods to avoid for managing bronchitis

Bronchitis is a lung condition in which the lining of the bronchial tubes, which are responsible for transporting air to and from the lungs, gets inflamed. The condition can be chronic or acute and can develop as a result of an underlying respiratory condition or a cold. Certain foods can also trigger the condition and cause the symptoms to worsen. Here are some foods to avoid when diagnosed with bronchitis. Dairy products People suffering from chronic bronchitis need to limit their intake of dairy products. When digested, these items release a compound known as casomorphin, which is known to elevate the amount of phlegm and mucus released by the body. This can lead to severe coughing, which could worsen wheezing and pain in patients suffering from the disease. Instead of dairy products, you can opt for alternatives such as almond or soy milk. Excess salt Excess salt can be extremely harmful to patients suffering from the disease because too much sodium can cause water retention in the body leading to difficulty breathing. To season your food, it is essential to opt for low-sodium salt alternatives, as suggested by a nutritionist, to counteract any harmful effects on the body. It is also essential to keep an eye on labels about the amount of salt present in snacks and processed foods.
Read More