Cruise

Your Guide to Saving Space, Reducing Stress & Packing Smarter for Smooth Sailing Packing for a cruise can feel a little like preparing for a vacation and a fashion show at the same time. Between swimsuits, outfits, gadgets, and “just in case” items, it’s easy to end up packing half the house. But here’s the truth: most new cruisers bring way more than they ever use. After years of helping travelers get cruise-ready—and reading countless funny stories from our Cool Panda commu

Planning Your Perfect St. Thomas Cruise Stop Your cruise to St. Thomas is poised to be a highlight of your voyage—but a little pre-planning can transform a simple port call into a day you'll remember long after you've returned home. Most cruise ships dock at Charlotte Amalie, placing you right on the doorstep of some of the island’s biggest attractions, with everything just a short taxi ride away. Map out your “musts” in advance to avoid scrambling once you hit shore. Why? Be

Going on a cruise is one of the most relaxing, carefree vacation experiences out there… but let’s be honest, a smooth vacation doesn’t happen by accident. A little preparation goes a long way toward keeping you healthy, safe, and stress-free while you're out at sea. At The Cool Panda Travel & Event Coordination , we help thousands of travelers get ready for their adventures every year, and we’ve seen just about everything — the surprises, the hiccups, the “I wish someone had

Cruising out of Galveston, Texas has become one of the most popular ways to set sail on a Caribbean getaway. With multiple major cruise lines, an island full of charm, and easy access for Texas and Gulf-Coast travelers, Galveston is now one of the busiest cruise ports in North America. Whether it’s your very first cruise or your tenth, this guide will walk you through everything  you need to know to start your vacation without stress — from navigating the terminals to parking

Getting ready for a cruise can feel a little overwhelming. Do you pack like you’re moving onto the ship forever… or try to go ultra-minimal and hope you didn’t forget something important? The good news is that cruising is actually one of the easiest types of trips to pack for—especially once you know a few tricks from people who practically live on ships. In this guide, I’ll walk you through some of the most helpful, real-world packing tips for your cruise. We’ll talk about w

A cruise vacation is one of the best ways to relax, explore, and enjoy incredible dining and entertainment—all in one place. But what many travelers don’t realize is that with just a little insider knowledge, you can stretch your budget even further without giving up any of the fun. In fact, you can often get more for less just by timing your purchase right, being a little flexible, and knowing where the true value is hidden. After helping hundreds of couples, families, first

If you're planning to set sail from the Port of Miami, you're in for an exciting and unforgettable experience. Known as the Cruise Capital of the World , PortMiami is not only one of the largest cruise ports globally but also one of the most scenic, modern, and traveler-friendly. Positioned on beautiful Biscayne Bay in downtown Miami, it offers stunning skyline views, convenient airport access, and unparalleled pre- and post-cruise vacation opportunities. Whether you’re embar

Cruise stops offer fleeting glimpses into fascinating destinations—and Mazatlán is no exception. With its golden beaches, colorful markets, and vibrant culture, this port city on Mexico’s Pacific coast is a highlight for thousands of cruise passengers each year. Yet, making the most of your port day requires just the right blend of planning, spontaneity, and local insight. Consider this your complete, confidence-boosting guide to a smooth and unforgettable day in Mazatlán. Pl

Hey friends, I have some absolutely incredible news to share. Get ready for sunshine, salty breezes, dancing under the stars, and a whole lot of love, because Fellowship of the Parks has officially announced their I Still Do Couples Cruise for 2026!  This unforgettable marriage celebration at sea will set sail on October 18–25, 2026  aboard the breathtaking Norwegian Encore , one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest and most beautiful ships. And let me tell you—this event has al

Carnival has announced a big refresh to their loyalty program, and if you’re a current VIFP member (or hoping to be), this is great news. The new program is called Carnival Rewards™ , and while it brings a brand-new way to earn and spend, Carnival has also extended the timeline so your upcoming cruises still count toward your final VIFP status. Below is an easy breakdown of what’s changing, how you’ll earn, and what you get at each status level. More Time to Lock In Your VIFP

Cruising is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to travel… but the moment you step off the ship, you suddenly become a prime target for people looking to make a quick buck. I’ve seen a lot of these tricks firsthand, and I’ve heard even more stories from fellow cruisers who learned lessons the hard way. To help you stay safe (and keep that vacation money where it belongs), here are some of the most common tourist scams you might run into at ports, online, or even before

Embarkation day brings a mix of excitement, anticipation, and relief. You’ve finally stepped onboard, taken care of your muster drill, maybe grabbed lunch, and now the moment has arrived — your stateroom is ready. For many guests, the cabin steward is the very first crew member they speak with directly. And that initial interaction sets the tone for the entire week. After years of watching what travelers ask for — and seeing how those small requests improve the experience — I

Black Friday has transformed into one of the biggest travel events of the year. In 2025, we’re seeing some of the most impressive cruise promotions yet. Whether you dream of watching glaciers calve in Alaska, sipping espresso along the Mediterranean coast, or relaxing on a sun-soaked Caribbean island, cruise lines are rolling out serious holiday savings. From ultra-luxury small ships to mega-liners filled with thrills, this guide gathers all major 2025 Black Friday cruise dea

Why Settle for Ordinary? You’ve spent months planning the perfect conference — choosing the right speakers, scheduling breakout sessions, and ensuring every attendee leaves inspired. But what if there was a way to elevate the experience, energize your team, and create memories that last a lifetime — all while staying within your event budget? Welcome aboard. At The Cool Panda Travel & Event Coordination , we specialize in transforming standard corporate conferences into extra

So, you finally booked that dream cruise! You’ve spent weeks scrolling through photos of tropical beaches, stunning staterooms, and endless buffets. Maybe you’ve joined a Facebook group for your sailing, downloaded the cruise app, and started a packing list. But as embarkation day approaches, you might be asking: “What do I actually need to do before I get to the port?” Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or it’s been years since your last voyage, there’s a lot to know before

Planning a cruise from Los Angeles? The World Cruise Center in San Pedro is your gateway to unforgettable voyages along the Pacific and beyond. This blog covers everything you need to know before setting sail — from directions and parking to boarding procedures and nearby hotel stays. Here’s your complete guide to cruising from LA’s bustling port. Welcome to the Port of Los Angeles Port Details: Port Name: Port of Los Angeles Cruise Terminal: World Cruise Center, Berth SP-9

Scoring a last-minute cruise deal can feel like hitting the travel jackpot. You scroll through a few cruise sites, see that irresistible “75% Off” banner, and suddenly you’re imagining yourself sipping a frozen piña colada while the ship’s horn sounds and the skyline drifts away. But before you race to pack your swimsuit, it’s worth slowing down for a moment of reality. As any seasoned traveler—or anyone from The Cool Panda Travel & Event Coordination —will tell you, booking

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 , and for many cruisers sailing to the Caribbean, Bahamas, or Gulf of Mexico , it can raise one big question: What happens if a hurricane is forecasted during my cruise dates? Great news—cruise lines are extremely prepared for hurricane season. These ships are floating cities equipped with advanced weather tracking technology and trained crews who know exactly how to navigate changing conditions. So while a hurricane can

Cruising solo used to come with one big problem — the dreaded single supplement fee. This fee meant paying almost the same as two passengers for a room you were using alone. For years, solo travelers had to choose between overpaying or finding a roommate. But not anymore. Cruise lines are finally recognizing that many travelers want the freedom, peace, and independence that comes with sailing solo — and they’re making it easier (and more affordable) than ever. Now, more ship

There’s something magical about stepping onto a cruise ship—the ocean breeze, the sound of the waves, and that incredible feeling that adventure is waiting just beyond the horizon. But before you pack your bags, there’s one big question every cruiser faces: Should you sail north to Alaska’s icy wilderness or south to the Caribbean’s sunny islands? Both are unforgettable, but they offer completely different vibes. Your choice says a lot about the kind of traveler you are. The