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Showing posts from June, 2025

Exciting Moments from the EDGE, 2025

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In early June, our team at Cruise Holidays - OKC had the incredible opportunity to attend the five-day Travel Leaders Network (TLN) annual conference held in the vibrant heart of Las Vegas at Caesars Palace. This prestigious gathering brought together over 2,000 travel professionals—including agents and suppliers—all eager to connect, learn, and prepare for the future of travel. Inspiring Conversations and Industry Insights One of the highlights was a special fireside chat with TLN President John Levell and the legendary Sir Richard Branson. Their conversation provided a unique behind-the-scenes look at Sir Richard’s ventures and vision for his travel companies, inspiring us with ideas that will certainly enrich the experiences we offer our clients. Deep Dives into Travel Trends & Partnerships Throughout the conference, we engaged in lively discussions and educational sessions both in the bustling convention hall and intimate classroom settings. These sessions focused on ev...

Must-Haves in Your Carry-On Bag

When packing for a cruise, be sure to put these items in your carry-on bag – the one that stays with you when the rest of your luggage is checked in for the cargo hold. It’s important to keep these items with you as you travel to meet your ship, just in case your checked luggage needs some extra time to catch up with you. Government-issued identification. The cruise line will ask you to present your passport, or a driver’s license and birth certificate, so keep these essential documents with you. Boarding documents. This includes copies of documents provided by the cruise line, along with other travel tickets and reservations. It’s a good idea to store them in a plastic sleeve or folder to keep them organized and clean. Prescription medications. It’s easier to replace over-the-counter medications, but it can be very difficult to replace prescription medications while cruising. Wallet. Bring a credit card or two and a small amount of cash in your wallet. You can charge onboa...

Sailing on a Ship Within a Ship

Is a “ship within a ship” for you? Usually found on larger cruise ships, a ship-within-a-ship provides a higher level of service and dedicated spaces for passengers who sail in designated cabins. The spaces might include a luxury pool, lounge, and restaurant that are separated from the bustle of the rest of the ship. While ship-within-a-ship guests are welcome all around the vessel, only they can use the exclusive spaces. They may also qualify for special amenities like complimentary or discounted beverages, Wi-Fi access, spa treatments, concierge services, and more. Cunard Line was the very first to offer a ship-within-a-ship concept for suite guests. On all of Cunard’s ships, suite guests have exclusive access to either the Queen’s Grill or Princess Grill restaurants. They also enjoy concierge services and exclusive access to the Grills Lounge and Grills Terrace. Norwegian Cruise Line’s The Haven occupies a defined zone on some of the line’s ships, with cabins ranging from delu...

Expedition Cruise Destinations

If you’re interested in exploring some of the remote reaches of our planet, consider taking an expedition cruise. These active, adventurous cruises focus on the wonders of the destination; regional experts are often on board to talk with passengers about local history and culture. Shore excursion options usually include active pursuits like hiking, biking, kayaking, or climbing, as well as immersive, hands-on cultural experiences. Expedition cruise ships are small, carrying as few as a dozen and no more than a few hundred passengers. They can sail close to shore, pass through narrow channels, and dock in remote areas. They don’t have multiple dining options or big entertainment venues, but they are built for both safety and comfort. Like cruising in general, expedition cruises are available for both cool-weather and warm-weather destinations. Here are some of the cool-weather options, including voyages to both polar regions. Antarctica is a major bucket-list destination, and an e...

Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth Gets a Makeover

A cruise ship needs a glow-up occasionally, and Cunard Line’s elegant Queen Elizabeth just received one during a three-week makeover. The ship is ready for new adventures, including more Alaskan voyages and a debut season in the Caribbean. Cabins have been refurbished with new soft furnishings and balcony furniture, plus more USB ports for powering your devices. Also, Oceanview TV (satellite TV with movie and music channels) is now available in every cabin. The popular Commodore Club bar, high up on deck 10, has new seating that’s as colorful as it is cozy. It’s a great place to settle into a chair and sip a beverage while watching the changing sea views. The two-deck high Queen’s Room also has new, comfortable chairs for relaxing with shipmates over afternoon tea, or catching your breath after taking a spin on the spacious dance floor. There’s also new carpeting with a pattern of garden shrubbery; it’s a subtle homage to a mulberry plantation, established in 1608 by King James ...