Cabin-Make sure you request a cabin that is away from the elevators so you don't have to deal with the foot traffic if you are wanting to get some sleep.  Your travel advisor can help with your location.
Mediciations-Make sure you bring your meds if you need stuff for motion, allergies, colds or meds for the kids.  Options on the ship are limited and not cheap.
Shoes-Make sure you pack comfortable shoes.  Everyone likes to dress up for dinner and shows but climbing stairs or walking on some surfaces are not real comfortable with high heels. You don't want to lose your balance on a moving ship.
Suscreen-It is always better to have TOO much than not enough.  Consider some aloe vera as well in case you get sun burned.
Put phone in airplane mode-It is a MUST! If you don't put your phone on airplane mode once you are at sea you will have a nice big phone bill when you return.
Ship newsletters-These are in your cabin each evening. Please review them so you know what is going for the next day.  This way you can plan your day out easier and not miss some activities or shows you want to participate in.
Excursions-Most cruisers believe they will "Miss the boat" if they don't book excursions with the cruise line.  This is actually not true. Many times the cruise line use the same vendors. The advantage the tour operator has is that their groups are smaller, more personalized, better service and can be cheaper. Their business focuses on excursions so they comply with the cruise ships's schedule. I always offer other vendors as I use them myself.
Carry on-Make sure you have your important documents(passport and boarding pass), change of clothes, medications, sunscreen and anything else you ABSOLUTELY need once you are on the ship.

Experience the beauty that the French Polynesia islands offer. You can take a short flight to LAX from Austin, TX. Then it is just 2 cocktails and a movie to Tahiti! What a great way to experience islands full of adventure, air blowing in your hair, snorkeling in the clear blue water and more while enjoying the all-inclusive cruise designed for the French Polynesia Society Islands. Let this video show you what you can experience.

​Have you wanted to visit Hawaii?  It is a great destination for families or couples to experience from Austin, TX. The islands offer an array of experiences different from each other. There are a few ways to visit the islands.
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The more all-inclusive way is by cruising the 4 main islands Maui, Kaui, Kona, and Hilo.  The Norwegian Pride of America is the cruise line that is dedicated to help you see the most of Hawaii at one time.  I would suggest coming in a day before.  Rent a car to get yourself around when you arrive.  Consider a luau the night you arrive and visit Pearl Harbor to its fullest before you cruise the next day.  There are several tours available that just share the memorial.  Your missing out on seeing the Pacific Aviation Museum, the Battlefield Missouri Memorial, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum.  There is a lot of history to learn about.  You can also get your picture taken at the shop near the USS Bowfin Museum.  Your picture will be on the newspaper article about WWII.  It is nice to have a piece of history to take home.  

When you arrive to the Norwegian’s Pride of America at least 2 hours before it departs you can start by grabbing yourself a snack or drink before checking things out.  You have the choice of taking your luggage on yourself or you can let the cruise line take it to your room for you.  You will have to wait at least 3 hours before your luggage arrives to your cabin. If you allow the cruise line to take care of your luggage make sure you have a small carry-on bag that has your medications, change of clothes, passports and other important items.  You will be called to do a muster drill so pay attention to where you need to be for that. Your Room Key will provide some of the information on where you need to show up. Once the muster drill is done the ship will get ready to head out. You can head to the pool deck where everyone will watch as you pull away from the dock.  Once you are at sea you can eat dinner or see a show or whatever suits your fancy.  You are on your way to experience the great islands of Hawaii!

The other option is to select a specific island or two you want to explore.

​Hawaii does not offer all-inclusive resorts to stay at. Some may offer breakfast everyday for your stay but then you are on your own to explore the islands and enjoy the local food and hidden gems. Many resorts offer small kitchens where you can cook yourself with the local foods you purchased. Let the fun begin!
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Maui is known as the “The Valley Isle.” It is the second largest Hawaiian island. You will spend almost 2 days here.  It is known for its beaches, the migrating humpback whales and the sunrise and sunset from Haleakala. The Iao Valley State Park is a top attraction with the lush valleys and burbling streams.  If you like shopping you can browse the local shops, restaurants and historic sites in the charming town of Wailuku. East Maui is where you can brave the road to Hana if you dare.  This winding road and narrow bridges provides some awesome views of lush rainforests, gorgeous waterfalls and a black and red sand beach to enjoy. South Maui has miles of sandy beaches for lazy days and romantic nights. The west side of Maui is known for its charming towns to its championship golf courses. Upcountry Maui is where many will watch the sunrise from the peak of Haleakala.

Kaui is named after the Wiliwili trees, which once lined its picturesque harbor On "The Garden Island," nature is truly the star, from the dramatic mountains of Kokee to the cool rainforests of Haena. ​On the North Shore enjoy the dramatic natural beauty of the cliffs of the Napali Coast.  Kaui is known for its premier golf courses.

Kona offers the quintessential Hawaii experience. Sunny, warm weather and crystal blue waters entice visitors to partake in a variety of surfside fun. Snorkel amongst a kaleidoscope of tropical marine life. Take a surfing lesson, a kayaking trip or head out to deeper waters for some deep-sea fishing.

Hilo is like one giant greenhouse with spectacular tropical flowers at every turn. Visit the town's well-preserved historic buildings, which date back to the turn of the century and showcase Hawaii's unique architecture. Just 30 miles away the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the home of the active Kilauea Volcano. Check out the 80 foot Waianuenue (Rainbow Falls) and Peepee Falls. You can also enjoy the Hilo Farmers Market downtown Hilo for exquisite produce and local crafts.

Hawaii is a great destination here is the US and easy to get to from Austin, TX and I encourage you to experience it.  You won’t be disappointed.  Let us help you with your next Hawaii trip!

River cruising is far more intimate and inclusive with less than 190 passengers. From the time you check-in, to getting your room key and your trip to your cabin is much shorter and personal than on a big ship.  Ocean cruising has check in times, lines, and quese that you need to follow. Ocean Cruisers can have up to 6,000 people.  On a river cruise you have the opportunity to really get to know your fellow passengers and make new friends. You can do the same on ocean cruising but it is usually a lot more difficult. It is easy to travel from Austin, TX to cruise to your destination of interest.

River Cruises can travel to the heart of the country where the big ships can't.  Many times you dock a short distance from the city center so it makes it easy to get off the ship so you don't have to wait in long lines like you do on the big ships. With fewer people on board, tour groups are smaller and a lot more interactive. If you have ocean cruised before you know that the port can be far from city center. Example: The port of Valencia,Spain is about 2.5miles from city center. You have to be shuttled or take a taxi.

​Start planning your next dream vacation today!
Call 512.355.1817 or complete this form and we will be in touch.
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I had the pleasure of doing a ship inspection traveling from Austin, TX to Galveston to see various room categories along with other areas of the ship to share with you!  We will start with entering the ship. When you walk into the elevator on the floor it will show you the day of the week it is not that you want to remember!  Your on vacation!

Presidental Suite that holds 14 people-4 bedrooms,2 bedrooms that have pullman beds, living room, patio with bar and table.

The Liberty of the Sea has plenty for you to enjoy while you enjoy your 7 day cruise. If you are wanting to try cruising or have a group traveling from Austin, TX and need help reach out to Experience Travelin and we will be glad to assist you. Ship schedules are out 15 months in advance.