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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

The official Bless The Badge Cruise 2025  recap video is here! 🚓🛳️💙 What an unforgettable week in Alaska with an incredible group of officers and their families. Relive the moments, the laughs, and the memories we made together.

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

Things We Do for Your Event When it comes to planning your event, we take pride in the various tasks we handle to ensure everything runs smoothly. Here are some of the things we do: We collaborate with you to understand your vision and goals for the event. We manage the logistics, from venue selection to catering arrangements. We coordinate with vendors and suppliers to secure the best services for your needs. We create a detailed timeline to keep everything on track. We over

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

Planning an event on a cruise ship? Now, that’s a whole different ballgame compared to your usual venue booking. The ocean breeze, the endless horizon, and the promise of adventure make cruise events uniquely exciting. But with that excitement comes a special set of challenges. Don’t worry - I’m here to help you navigate the waters of cruise event logistics with confidence and flair. Whether you’re organizing a corporate retreat, a family reunion, or a themed party at sea, ma