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Saturday, June 21, 2025

Travel Smart: The Best Anti-Theft Phone Tethers for Hands-Free, Worry-Free Adventures

Why Every Traveler Needs a Phone Tether: Secure, Stylish, and Surprisingly Essential


From cruise terminals to city tours, your smartphone is the ultimate travel companion—it’s your map, translator, camera, boarding pass, and lifeline. But it’s also one of the most vulnerable items you carry. Whether you’re navigating crowded tourist attractions or grabbing lunch at a casual café, losing track of your phone can turn a dream trip into a logistical nightmare.




That’s why anti-theft phone tethers have become one of our most trusted travel accessories. They offer a simple, stylish solution to keeping your phone secure without sacrificing convenience.

One of our go-to options is a retractable phone tether that clips to a bag strap or belt loop with a carabiner. The retractable cord provides enough length to snap a photo or answer a call, then pulls your phone right back when you’re done—no fumbling, no dropping. This style is perfect for excursions, especially when you’re climbing steps, snapping panoramic views, or navigating unfamiliar streets where pickpockets could be lurking.



Another favorite is an adjustable phone lanyard that transitions seamlessly from neckwear to a wristlet. It’s both functional and fashionable, available in a range of colors to suit your personal style. We love how it doesn’t block the charging port and allows for totally hands-free use. Whether you’re filming on deck or capturing a quick moment on a historic tour, this lanyard helps you stay focused on the experience—not your grip.



And let’s be honest: travel distractions are real. We’ve seen it happen—one friend of ours in Barcelona set their phone down during lunch at a bar and walked away without realizing it was gone. A tether helps prevent that by keeping your device physically connected to you. It’s an easy layer of protection that can mean the difference between a hiccup and a full-blown travel hassle.

From a safety standpoint, these tethers also reduce the chance of dropping your phone in high-risk spots—think ship balconies, busy sidewalks, or over the side of a tour boat. They act like insurance for your tech and your memories.

Conclusion: When you're curating unforgettable luxury travel experiences, the last thing you want is the stress of a lost or stolen phone. A simple phone tether can protect your device from theft, damage, or misplacement—and give you more freedom to explore with confidence. Whether you prefer the rugged versatility of a retractable clip or the stylish charm of a wristlet lanyard, there’s a perfect option for every traveler. And with so many color choices, you don’t have to sacrifice style for security.

These little tools punch way above their weight in peace of mind—proof that smart travel doesn’t always have to be complicated.

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Haven vs. Princess Suites: 5 Key Differences in Luxury Cruise Experiences


Thinking about booking a luxury cruise suite and torn between Norwegian Cruise Line’s Haven and the Suites on Princess Cruises? We just sailed in both—just six weeks apart—aboard the Norwegian Escape and the Regal Princess, and we’re sharing our firsthand comparison of five essential differences that could make or break your next premium cruise experience.


From private pools to butler service, we’ll show you what stood out and which cruise line might be the better fit for your preferences. Look for our full video review at the end of this post, and if you're preparing for a suite-level sailing, we’ll also share a few must-have cruise essentials that made our experience even more enjoyable (affiliate links included below!). 





1. Personalized Service: Concierge vs. Butler Attention

Both Princess and NCL offer suite-level concierge services, but the Haven takes it a step further with a 24/7 butler. On our Norwegian Escape cruise, we had a full team assisting us, including a butler who handled everything from booking waterfront dinners at Cagney’s to stocking our suite with our favorite snacks. The private elevator and priority disembarkation made every aspect of the cruise feel seamless.


Princess Cruises' Regal Princess offered a quieter, more traditional experience through the Concierge Lounge, where we had a helpful point of contact for shore excursions and dining reservations—but no dedicated butler.




Winner: Slight Edge to Norwegian Haven for visible, all-day service.

🧳 Affiliate Tip:

Travel must-have: A magnetic hook set is a game-changer in cruise cabins with metal walls. We used them on each cruise for hats, and wet clothing. Shop our favorite cruise cabin hooks →


2. Entertainment Access: Reserved Seats vs. Private Performances

Entertainment for suite guests differs dramatically between the two lines. On Princess, we were treated to exclusive, invitation-only performances in the Concierge Lounge—intimate evenings with live music, cocktails, and direct interaction with performers. It was a standout highlight that felt personal and luxurious.

Peter Grant and Inna Tolstova


NCL's approach was different but impressive: early VIP seating for major productions, with a dedicated Haven section in the main theater. If you're more into Broadway-style shows and center seats, Norwegian delivers.

Choir of Man


Winner: Princess, for more memorable and exclusive entertainment access.


3. Dining: Consistency vs. Variety

Dining is often what defines a luxury cruise—and both cruise lines impressed us. The Haven restaurant on Norwegian Escape offered all-day à la carte dining with consistently high-quality meals. The service team knew our names, and the poolside menu added a relaxed, upscale touch.

The Haven Dining


Princess offered more variety, with rotating menus and an elevated experience in the Reserve Dining Room, but the space wasn’t exclusive to full-suite guests.

Reserve Collection Dining


Winner: Norwegian Haven for consistency and exclusivity, though Crown Grill on Princess still wins for best specialty steakhouse.


🍷 Affiliate Tip:

Want to enjoy wine on your balcony? We always bring a travel-sized wine aerator.


4. Beverages & Lounge Access: Free Happy Hour or Buy the Package?

Princess took the lead in this category with complimentary nightly cocktails, a self-serve beverage bar in the Concierge Lounge, and even a mini-bar setup included with suite bookings.



Norwegian Haven offered limited perks unless you purchased a drink package. A welcome bottle of bubbly and a basic coffee station were nice, but didn’t compare to Princess’s daily inclusions.



Winner: Princess Cruises, hands down, for complimentary drinks and lounge access.


5. Pool & Sun Deck Access: Private Retreat vs. Paid Sanctuary

This category is where Norwegian Haven blows Princess out of the water. The Haven enclave includes a private pool, hot tubs, sun deck, lounge areas, and even an indoor pool for all-weather relaxation—on a ship with over 4,000 passengers!

The Haven Courtyard


On Regal Princess, suite guests don’t get automatic access to a private pool. Instead, you can book time at The Sanctuary for a fee (usually $20–$40 per day), and there’s no dedicated pool for suite passengers.

The Sanctuary


Winner: Norwegian Haven, by a wide margin—especially on warm-weather itineraries.

🌊 Affiliate Tip:

We always pack cruise-approved reef-friendly sunscreen for pool and beach days.


Final Thoughts: Which Cruise Suite Is Right for You?

While Princess Suites offer strong value—about 25% less expensive than the Haven on our sailings—the Haven edges out in overall luxury, especially when it comes to private spacesbutler service, and dining exclusivity.

However, Princess may still be your perfect fit if you're drawn to intimate entertainment, free cocktails, and more flexible dining options.

⚠️ Important Booking Tip:

Not all ships offer the same amenities! Be sure to double-check whether your chosen cruise ship has:

  • Concierge Lounge (available only on Princess Royal Class ships)

  • full Haven enclave (available on select Norwegian ships like Escape, Encore, and Bliss)

🧴 Cruise Essentials We Recommend:

Here are some of our favorite items to pack for your suite-level cruise:


What’s Your Suite Style?

Have you stayed in the Haven or Princess Suites? What did you love—or not love? Drop your experience in the comments, and let’s compare notes! And don’t forget: we donate 100% of the proceeds from our YouTube channel to charity, so your likes, shares, and subscriptions make a difference.

🎥 Watch the full video comparison here!






Sunday, June 1, 2025

The Ultimate Guide to Combating Seasickness on a Cruise Ship

Taking a cruise is a wonderful way to explore new destinations while enjoying the luxurious amenities of a modern ship. However, the unpredictability of the ocean can sometimes lead to seasickness, a common concern for many travelers. Fortunately, today's cruise ships are equipped with advanced stabilizers to minimize motion, and there are various remedies available to help you stay comfortable and enjoy your voyage.



***Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any medications, supplements, or remedies for seasickness, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are taking other medications. If you experience severe or persistent symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.***

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The Unpredictability of the Ocean

The ocean's waves and currents can be unpredictable, making it difficult to determine when seasickness might strike. Factors such as weather conditions, the ship's route, and even the time of day can affect the ocean's motion. While modern cruise ships are designed with advanced technology to reduce the sensation of movement, it's still possible to experience some degree of seasickness, especially in rough seas.

Check out our Luxury Cruise & Travel Essentials Amazon Storefront here! We add products daily! 

Modern Stabilizers on Cruise Ships

Newer cruise ships are equipped with sophisticated stabilizer systems that significantly reduce the rolling and pitching motion of the vessel. These stabilizers work by counteracting the motion of the sea, helping to provide a smoother ride for passengers. While these systems are highly effective, some people may still be sensitive to even minor movements, making it important to be prepared with additional remedies.

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Treatments for Seasickness

There are various treatments available to help combat seasickness, ranging from natural remedies to over-the-counter and prescription medications. Here are some options to consider:

Natural Remedies:

  1. Ginger: Known for its anti-nausea properties, ginger can be consumed in various forms, such as ginger capsules, ginger tea, ginger ale, or ginger candies.
  2. Green Apples: Green apples are another natural remedy believed to help with seasickness. Eating slices of green apple can help settle the stomach and reduce nausea.
  3. Acupressure Bands: These wristbands apply pressure to specific points on the wrist, which can help reduce nausea. Electronic anti-nausea wristbands help many passengers as well. 
  4. Peppermint: Peppermint tea or essential oil can help soothe an upset stomach.

Over-the-Counter Medications:

  1. Dramamine (Dimenhydrinate): Available in various forms, including chewable tablets and patches, this medication helps prevent nausea and dizziness.
  2. Bonine (Meclizine): A popular choice for preventing and treating seasickness, Bonine is available in both regular and max strength. This is our personal favorite, so we will talk about it more below. 

Prescription Medications:

  1. Scopolamine Patches: These patches are placed behind the ear and provide continuous relief from motion sickness for up to three days.
  2. Promethazine: An anti-nausea medication that can be taken orally or as a suppository for severe cases.


Bonine (Meclizine)

Bonine is a well-known over-the-counter medication specifically formulated to prevent and treat seasickness. It is available in two strengths:

Regular Strength Bonine:

  • Dosage: The typical dosage for regular strength Bonine (meclizine 25 mg) is one or two tablets taken once daily, starting one hour before travel. Each tablet contains 25 mg of meclizine.
  • Effectiveness: Regular strength Bonine provides effective relief from nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion sickness.
  • Availability: It can be found in most pharmacies and is available without a prescription.

Max Strength Bonine:

  • Dosage: Max strength Bonine typically contains 50 mg of meclizine per tablet. The recommended dosage is one tablet taken once daily, starting one hour before travel.
  • Effectiveness: Max strength Bonine offers a higher dose of meclizine, providing extended relief for those who are particularly sensitive to motion.
  • Availability: Like regular strength, it is available over the counter.


Best Cabin Locations on a Cruise Ship

Choosing the right cabin location on a cruise ship can significantly impact your experience with seasickness. Here are some tips for selecting the best cabin locations to minimize motion:

  1. Midship Cabins: Cabins located in the middle of the ship, both vertically and horizontally, experience less motion compared to those at the front (bow) or back (stern). This is because the center of the ship is more stable. We have always noticed motion at the front of the ship is worse than at the rear. 
  2. Lower Decks: Cabins on lower decks tend to experience less movement than those on higher decks. The lower you are on the ship, the less you will feel the rocking motion of the waves.
  3. Inside Cabins: Inside cabins, which do not have windows or balconies, may offer a more stable environment since they are situated more centrally within the ship.

This explorer suite on Viking Ocean Cruises, for example, is a lovely and large suite but the location isn't the best for those who are prone to seasickness. Check out our tour of this suite in the video below. 



Side Effects of Seasickness Medications

While seasickness medications can be highly effective, they may also cause side effects in some individuals. It's important to be aware of these potential side effects and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

Common Side Effects:

  • Drowsiness: Many motion sickness medications, including Bonine and Dramamine, can cause drowsiness. It's important to avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving, until you know how the medication affects you.
  • Dry Mouth: Some medications may cause a dry mouth. Staying hydrated and using sugar-free candies or gum can help alleviate this symptom.
  • Blurred Vision: This can occur with certain medications, such as scopolamine patches.
  • Constipation: Some individuals may experience constipation when taking motion sickness medications.
  • Dizziness: Dizziness in rough seas can make it difficult to walk safely, increasing the risk of falls and injuries on board. 

Serious Side Effects:

  • Allergic Reactions: Though rare, some people may experience allergic reactions to motion sickness medications. Symptoms can include rash, itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms.
  • Confusion or Hallucinations: In rare cases, high doses or prolonged use of certain medications can cause confusion or hallucinations, especially in older adults.

Conclusion

Seasickness doesn't have to ruin your cruise experience. By understanding the unpredictability of the ocean, utilizing modern stabilizers on cruise ships, and being prepared with the right treatments, you can enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable journey. Whether you opt for natural remedies like green apples and ginger, over-the-counter solutions like Bonine, or prescription medications, there's a solution to help you stay steady on your feet and make the most of your time at sea.