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Celebrating 30 Years Aboard Celebrity Beyond

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 23:53:27 GMT

Celebrating 30 years with good friends, beautiful Caribbean days, incredible dining, and a ship that quickly became a favorite.

A Caribbean anniversary cruise filled with beautiful spaces, memorable meals, craft cocktails, and plenty of time with good friends.

In April 2023, my husband and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary aboard Celebrity Beyond , traveling with three other couples for a Caribbean escape to St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Puerto Plata.

I had been looking forward to trying Celebrity's newer Edge Series, but I wasn't prepared for just how much I would love this ship.

Celebrity Beyond is simply gorgeous.

It felt sophisticated without being stuffy, lively without being overwhelming, and—perhaps most importantly for us—there seemed to be a beautiful place to sit, relax, have a drink, or catch up with friends around every corner.

For couples in their 50s looking for a relaxing cruise with great food, beautiful surroundings, and an adult atmosphere, this ship checked so many boxes for me.

Starting Vacation a Day Early

Whenever possible, I love arriving at least one day before a cruise. Besides taking away the stress of flying in on embarkation day, it makes the vacation feel as though it starts just a little bit sooner.

We flew from chilly Massachusetts to Fort Lauderdale and spent the night at the Hyatt Centric .

And that's where I discovered something I had never seen before—a champagne vending machine !

Could there possibly be a better way to announce that vacation has officially begun?

Champagne in hand, warm Florida weather, good friends and a cruise waiting for us the next morning. We were definitely in vacation mode.

First Impressions of Celebrity Beyond

From the moment we boarded, I loved the design of Beyond.

There are so many different spaces throughout the ship that you can really create the kind of cruise you want. As a couple, you can find a quiet corner and relax together. When you're traveling with friends, there are plenty of comfortable places to gather for drinks and conversation.

That balance was one of my favorite things about the ship.

We sailed during Massachusetts April school vacation week, yet we saw surprisingly few children. Children are certainly welcome aboard Celebrity, but our particular sailing had a noticeably quieter, more adult atmosphere than many cruises we had taken.

For where we were in life—in our mid-50s, celebrating our anniversary and traveling with friends—it was exactly what we wanted.

Yes, We Loved the Infinite Veranda

Before the cruise, I had read plenty of opinions about Celebrity's Infinite Veranda staterooms. People seem to either love them or wish they had a traditional balcony.

Put us in the minority because we loved ours .

When we cruise with friends, we simply don't spend a lot of time sitting in our cabin. We're usually there early in the morning and again late at night.

For us, the Infinite Veranda worked beautifully. It brought so much natural light into the room, and with the window lowered, we could enjoy the fresh air and ocean views without needing a completely separate outdoor balcony.

One of my favorite little pleasures was having my morning coffee while looking out at the sea.

Would everyone prefer it? Probably not. But it suited the way we cruise perfectly.

Dining Was a Highlight

The food throughout the cruise was excellent, but Eden was the standout for our entire group .

Eden is one of Celebrity Beyond's signature specialty dining experiences, set in a striking three-story venue at the aft of the ship. The restaurant features an open kitchen and globally inspired dishes designed to make dinner feel more like an experience than simply another meal.

And our group agreed—it delivered.

Everyone raved about their meal. There is something about combining beautiful food, excellent service and that incredible setting that makes Eden feel like a special night out. If I sailed Beyond again, Eden would be one of the first dinner reservations I would make.

We also thoroughly enjoyed Fine Cut Steakhouse , Celebrity's upscale steakhouse, where the menu goes beyond steaks to include dishes such as lamb and lobster. It was another wonderful evening for a group of friends who enjoy lingering over a good dinner.

And then there was Rooftop Garden Grill . Dining outdoors under the sky with ocean views is one of those experiences that reminds you that you're not simply going out for dinner—you're having dinner at sea. Celebrity describes it as an outdoor restaurant tucked into the Rooftop Garden with grilled favorites and expansive ocean views.

We tried our best to experience as many of the restaurants as we could. It was a tough job, but someone had to do it!

Finding Our Favorite Bars

Apparently, we approached the bars with the same philosophy as the restaurants: try them all!

The Sunset Bar was gorgeous. Located at the aft of the ship, it has wonderful views over the wake and a two-story design created for Beyond. We enjoyed it during the day as well as around sunset, and even though it was such an appealing spot, we were usually able to find somewhere to sit.

The Martini Bar brought a completely different energy. Located in the Grand Plaza, it's one of the social hubs of the ship, and the bartenders turn drink-making into entertainment with their flair shows. It was just plain fun.

But our favorite was probably the World Class Bar .

The cocktails felt truly handcrafted. The bartenders took such pride in making and presenting each drink, and they always seemed happy to talk about what they were creating. It became one of our favorite places to meet before dinner. Celebrity describes the concept as treating cocktail making as an art, with mixologists using fresh ingredients and premium spirits—which captures our experience perfectly.

And of course, we had to have drinks on the famous bright-orange Magic Carpet , Celebrity's cantilevered platform suspended over the side of the ship. The views from out there were spectacular.

Sea Days: Pool, Solarium and Doing Absolutely Nothing

We were blessed with fabulous weather, which made our sea days particularly enjoyable.

Sometimes we wanted sunshine and activity, so we'd spend time around the outdoor pool. Other times, I wanted nothing more than a book and a peaceful place to read.

That's when the Solarium was perfect.

Having both choices meant we could change the pace of the day depending on our mood. And that really became the theme of this cruise: there was always somewhere to go, but there was never any pressure to be anywhere.

St. Maarten: My Kind of Beach Day

I have always loved St. Maarten. There is something about having both the Dutch and French sides of one island that makes it especially interesting to me.

And I admit that the French side gets a little extra love from me. Give me even a hint of Europe in the Caribbean and I'm happy!

For this visit, we grabbed a taxi and headed to Kontiki Beach .

It turned into one of those uncomplicated Caribbean days that I love: beautiful water, a great beach, sunshine and friends.

Sometimes you don't need an elaborate excursion. You just need the right beach.

St. Thomas to St. John—with a Literary Detour

I had another reason for being particularly excited about our stop in St. Thomas.

I had recently finished Elin Hilderbrand's Paradise Trilogy—Winter in Paradise, What Happens in Paradise, and Troubles in Paradise —which takes readers to St. John.

After spending so much time reading about the island, I had to see it for myself.

We took the ferry over to St. John, explored for a bit, and then continued to Lovango .

For someone who had just immersed herself in the books, actually being there was such fun. And Lovango did not disappoint.

We had lunch, played cornhole, relaxed and simply enjoyed the afternoon. Even the transportation was part of the experience—a beautiful catamaran ride through those gorgeous Caribbean waters.

It was one of those days where the journey was every bit as enjoyable as the destination.

Puerto Plata: Sometimes the Ship Is the Destination

When we arrived in Puerto Plata, we made a decision that I think more cruisers should give themselves permission to make:

We stayed on the ship.

There can be a feeling that because the ship has arrived somewhere, you have to get off.

You don't.

Celebrity Beyond was such a beautiful ship that having much of it to ourselves for the day felt like its own excursion. We enjoyed the quiet, relaxed, wandered around, and appreciated spaces that were usually busier.

It was heavenly.

And I didn't feel as though we had missed anything. Quite the opposite—it gave us another way to enjoy the vacation we had chosen.

Why Celebrity Beyond Became a Favorite

By the end of the week, Celebrity Beyond had earned a place among my favorite ships.

It wasn't one single thing.

It was morning coffee with an ocean view. Quiet time with a book in the Solarium. An incredible dinner at Eden. Meeting friends for cocktails at World Class Bar. Watching the sunset from the back of the ship. A beach day in St. Maarten. Following the trail of a favorite book to St. John. And celebrating 30 years of marriage with my husband and good friends.

For couples looking for a cruise that feels sophisticated, relaxing and decidedly more adult while still offering plenty to do, Celebrity Beyond really hit the sweet spot for us.

I boarded curious about the ship.

I left a Celebrity fan.

And I absolutely cannot wait to sail with them again.

Thinking about a Celebrity cruise? I'd love to help you choose the right ship, stateroom, dining experiences and Caribbean itinerary to create the kind of vacation that fits the way you like to travel.

Your journey. Thoughtfully planned.

Travel Well ⚓

Sailing the Southern Caribbean on NCL's Epic

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 16:46:08 GMT

A February escape filled with beautiful beaches, unforgettable excursions, old friends, and plenty of Caribbean sunshine.

Sailing the Southern Caribbean on Norwegian Epic

A February escape filled with beautiful beaches, unforgettable excursions, old friends, and plenty of Caribbean sunshine.

In February 2020, we boarded the Norwegian Epic for a Southern Caribbean cruise that would take us to Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, Tortola, and St. Thomas. Looking back, the timing is almost hard to believe—we sailed only about four weeks before the world began shutting down because of the global pandemic.

I can still remember the extra scrutiny of certain passports during check-in. At the time, we really didn't understand what was coming. Knowing what we know now, it is remarkable to think about just how close we were to the beginning of a completely different time in travel.

Thankfully, our week aboard the Epic was filled with sunshine, laughter, beautiful islands, and wonderful memories with friends.

Starting Our Vacation in San Juan

We flew into San Juan a day early, something I always recommend before a cruise. We stayed at the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino , using Marriott points for our stay. It was a beautiful way to begin the vacation, with views of the beach and a full day to relax and enjoy Puerto Rico before boarding the ship.

The next day, we were ready for the Epic!

I admit I was a little nervous. At the time, Norwegian Epic had some mixed reviews, particularly about the unusual cabin bathroom design, including a sink located outside the bathroom area. Since I had helped plan the trip for several couples, I was hoping everyone would be happy.

As it turned out, I had nothing to worry about. We had a fabulous time.

We were traveling with four couples, and one of the best parts was meeting up with my college friend Kristen, who was traveling with two other couples. Suddenly, we had quite the group!

Barbados: A Little Beach Time

Our first stop was Barbados. The weather wasn't perfect, so some of our friends decided to stay closer to the ship. My husband and I had booked a Resort for a Day pass and decided to head to the beach anyway.

We managed to get a few hours of sand and relaxation before returning to the ship. Even without perfect weather, it was nice to put our feet in the sand and officially feel like our Caribbean vacation had begun.

St. Lucia: The Highlight of the Cruise

St. Lucia turned out to be one of the absolute highlights of our trip.

We rented a private boat for our group of eight and Kristen's group of six. This was one of the best decisions we made all week. When we arrived at the pier, many of the other boats were packed with passengers. Ours was private, comfortable, and just for our group.

The morning started out a little cloudy, but the day just kept getting better.

We cruised around St. Lucia and saw the magnificent Pitons from several different angles. Our captain then took us to a lovely restaurant for lunch with a beautiful view. By afternoon, the clouds had disappeared and the weather was spectacular.

It was one of those travel days when everything comes together perfectly—the scenery, the people, the food, and the experience.

St. Kitts: Pool Time and an Ice Bar

Next up was St. Kitts, where we spent the day at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort with another resort day pass.

The beach was very windy that day, but the resort and pool area were beautiful. I could have happily floated in that pool with a cocktail for hours!

Eventually, we headed back to the Epic for a completely different experience—the ship's Ice Bar .

An ice bar. On a cruise ship. In the Caribbean!

We put on the cold-weather gear provided by the ship, stepped inside, and enjoyed a drink surrounded by ice. It was such a fun novelty and one of those quirky experiences that makes a cruise memorable.

Tortola & Jost Van Dyke: A Perfect Caribbean Day

Our next port was Tortola, and this day was another favorite.

We booked Norwegian's Rebel Yell excursion to Jost Van Dyke, and I was incredibly impressed. The boat was immaculate—honestly, one of the cleanest excursion boats I have ever been on.

Then we were off to Jost Van Dyke!

We stopped at Gertrude's and the famous Soggy Dollar Bar , where of course we had to try a Painkiller. Or perhaps more than one needed to be sampled strictly for research purposes!

To this day, I'm not sure whether I preferred the Painkiller at Gertrude's or the one at Soggy Dollar.

Clearly, there is only one solution: I'll have to go back and conduct further research.

The entire day had that laid-back Caribbean feeling you hope to find on vacation—beautiful water, toes in the sand, good drinks, and nowhere you need to be.

One tip: if this excursion—or a similar Jost Van Dyke excursion—is available on your sailing, book it early. Popular excursions like this can fill quickly.

St. Thomas: Beach Day

Our final stop was St. Thomas, where we headed to the beach and enjoyed lunch overlooking that gorgeous Caribbean water.

Over the years, I've visited several beaches on St. Thomas, including Magens Bay, Sapphire Beach, and Coki Beach. While they are beautiful, St. Thomas has never been my personal favorite Caribbean island.

On another visit, however, I took a boat from St. Thomas over to St. John —and loved it.

Knowing what I know now, that is probably how I would spend my next St. Thomas port day: using it as an opportunity to visit beautiful St. John.

Life Aboard Norwegian Epic

The islands were certainly the stars of this itinerary, but we had plenty of fun onboard too.

The food was fabulous, we went bowling on the ship, enjoyed the Ice Bar, and found plenty of places to relax. Because we traveled during Presidents' Week, there were lots of families onboard—it sometimes felt as though the entire country had decided to vacation that week!

Norwegian did a great job offering activities for families while still providing areas where adults could find a quieter escape. That balance made a difference, especially on a busy holiday-week sailing.

Why I Loved This Southern Caribbean Cruise

Looking back, this cruise wasn't about just one island or excursion. It was about the combination of everything: sailing from San Juan, escaping winter in February, exploring five Caribbean islands, reconnecting with an old college friend, and sharing so many laughs with friends both new and old.

Some of my favorite memories were the simplest ones—floating in a resort pool with a cocktail, seeing the Pitons from our private boat, sipping a Painkiller with my feet in the sand, laughing together over dinner, and even bundling up to visit an ice bar in the middle of the Caribbean.

And perhaps that is what makes this particular cruise even more meaningful to me today.

We had no idea how dramatically the world—and travel—would change just weeks after we returned home. We simply knew we were on vacation with good friends, enjoying every moment.

And we certainly did.

Would I sail the Southern Caribbean from San Juan again? Absolutely. It is still one of my favorite ways to trade a cold February week for sunshine, turquoise water, and a different Caribbean island almost every morning.

Thinking about a Southern Caribbean cruise? I would love to help you choose the right ship, itinerary, pre-cruise hotel, and those special excursions that can turn a wonderful vacation into an unforgettable one.

Your journey. Thoughtfully planned.

 Scenes from Our Southern Caribbean Cruise

An Unforgettable Journey Along the Amalfi Coast

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 23:16:13 GMT

An Unforgettable Journey Along the Amalfi Coast

Last September, I had the opportunity to experience one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited—the Amalfi Coast. From the moment we arrived, I understood why this part of Italy captures the hearts of so many travelers. The dramatic coastline, sparkling blue water, colorful villages, incredible food, and warm Italian hospitality made this a trip I will never forget.

We began our adventure with six wonderful nights in Positano, staying at the beautiful Hotel Marincanto. Waking up each morning surrounded by breathtaking views of the coast was truly magical. We spent our days walking and exploring, relaxing at beautiful beach clubs, enjoying fabulous meals, and simply taking in the beauty of Positano.

One of the highlights of our stay was seeing Positano and the Amalfi Coast from the water. Looking back at the colorful buildings cascading down the cliffs from a boat gave us an entirely different view of the coastline—and it was absolutely spectacular. We also spent a day exploring the coast by private car, stopping in charming towns, shopping for beautiful Italian ceramics, and, of course, enjoying plenty of wonderful food along the way. One of our favorite evenings was dinner at the famous Chez Black, right on the beach in Positano.

Next, we were off to the island of Capri for four nights at the beautiful boutique hotel La Scalinatella. Capri had a completely different feeling, and we loved every minute of it. We swam in the gorgeous pool overlooking the sea, walked the famous Via Krupp, enjoyed drinks in the piazza, and took the chairlift in Anacapri for incredible views from above the island.

We also tried for three days to visit the famous Blue Grotto, but the rough seas had other plans! Although we were disappointed, it was a good reminder that travel doesn’t always go exactly as planned—and sometimes you simply have to embrace the adventure. It also gives us the perfect excuse to return to Capri one day!

Our final stop was Sorrento, where we stayed at the lovely Hotel Syrene. From there, we stepped back in time with a visit to Pompeii, which was truly fascinating. We also visited Masseria Farm for a wonderful tour and one of the most delicious lunches of our entire trip. It was such a special experience to learn about the local traditions, see where the ingredients were grown and produced, and then sit down to enjoy an authentic Italian meal.

Looking back, this trip had everything I love about travel—beautiful hotels, incredible scenery, wonderful food, time on the water, a little shopping, plenty of exploring, and unforgettable experiences. Each destination had its own personality, and combining Positano, Capri, and Sorrento made the trip feel perfectly balanced.

What a wonderful trip—and one I would happily take all over again!

Travel Well ⚓

A Holiday Kickoff in Québec City: Like Stepping Into a Snow Globe

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 22:42:26 GMT

A Holiday Kickoff in Québec City: Like Stepping Into a Snow Globe

There are some places that simply feel magical, and Québec City during the holidays is one of them.

The day after Thanksgiving, we packed the car and made the drive north for four unforgettable nights at the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac . From the moment we arrived, it felt as though we had stepped into a Hallmark Christmas movie. Fresh snow drifted gently through the air, twinkling lights lined the cobblestone streets, and every corner seemed more picturesque than the last.

Walking through Old Québec was like wandering inside a snow globe. We spent our days wandering through the cobblestone streets of Old Québec , exploring the historic Citadel of Québec , and taking a scenic drive to Montmorency Falls , where the snowy landscape was nothing short of breathtaking. We browsed charming boutiques filled with handcrafted ornaments, sampled delicious treats from local chocolate shops, and soaked in the European charm that makes Québec City so special.

One of my favorite memories was simply slowing down. We warmed ourselves beside outdoor fireplaces with cups of hot mulled wine in hand while snowflakes quietly fell around us. Sometimes the best travel moments aren't about rushing from one attraction to the next—they're about soaking in the atmosphere.

Of course, no visit would be complete without sampling Québec's famous poutine . Crispy fries topped with fresh cheese curds and savory gravy—it may not win any health awards, but it certainly earns its reputation as the ultimate comfort food on a snowy afternoon!

One of the days we spent time exploring the historic Citadel of Québec , where the sweeping views over the city and the St. Lawrence River were breathtaking, especially with a fresh blanket of snow. A short drive brought us to Montmorency Falls , where the winter scenery transformed the landscape into something truly spectacular.

No trip is complete without a few sweet treats, and Québec City certainly delivered. We wandered into cozy chocolate shops and candy stores, picking up delicious treats to enjoy during our stay—and maybe a few to bring home (although not many made it that far!).

As evening fell, the city transformed into something truly magical. We wandered through the twinkling Christmas markets , sipping warm mulled wine as snowflakes drifted through the air. Gathered around outdoor fireplaces, surrounded by festive lights and holiday music, it felt like we had stepped into a real-life Hallmark Christmas movie.The illuminated Château Frontenac overlooking the city was stunning, and every stroll through the beautifully decorated streets reminded us why Québec City is considered one of North America's most magical holiday destinations.

As someone who loves helping others create memorable vacations, this trip reminded me that sometimes the best getaways are just a drive away. Québec City offers a European atmosphere without crossing the Atlantic, making it an ideal destination for couples, friends, and families looking to kick off the holiday season.

If you're searching for a festive getaway filled with history, charm, incredible food, and Christmas magic, put Québec City on your list. I promise you'll leave with a full heart, wonderful memories, and just enough holiday spirit to carry you through the rest of the season.

Travel Well. ⚓