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For reference, I’ve sailed Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and now Norwegian Cruise Line. Honestly, a cruise is what you make it. I’ve never been on one that isn’t enjoyable, and each of them have fit exactly what we needed during that season of life with the right expectations going in.

Carnival Cruise Line was first—back when I graduated nursing school. We tucked ourselves away in a tiny, dark inside cabin on Deck 2 and honestly? We still had the best time.

The next year, my mom and I did a girls trip with an oceanview room, and a few years later we upgraded to a suite for an anniversary trip.

Looking back, I think that’s part of why I love cruising so much. Every sailing has kind of reflected a different season of life for us.

Then came Royal Caribbean International when we felt like we needed an upgrade. A balcony room and front-row experience on what was, at the time, the biggest ship at sea.

Celebrity Cruises came along when we wanted something more elevated—quieter, more relaxed, away from kids and partiers, with a quaint but classy inside room close to all the happenings.

As a travel advisor, Norwegian Cruise Line was naturally my next go-to since it’s such a popular seller with strong “Free at Sea” inclusions.

So when I found a great price on a balcony room aboard Norwegian Getaway for a quick weekend getaway, I snagged it.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s “Free at Sea” Benefits

I went ahead and took full advantage of the “Free at Sea” offerings:

• Basic drink package
• Specialty dining for 2
• Free WiFi
• $50 shore excursion credit in each port

As a travel advisor, I also got spoiled a little so I’d have more experience to share with y’all!

NCL sent chocolate covered strawberries & a bottle of wine, a 12 pack of water bottles, provided priority tender access, priority disembarkation, and more.

I will say, their efforts to provide the most comprehensive experience was much appreciated.

Embarkation Day on Norwegian Getaway

Embarkation day was EASY.

We walked right onto Norwegian Getaway.

Unfortunately, rooms weren’t ready until 2 PM, but that gave us time to check out the ship.

And let me tell you right now: SKIP 👏🏼 THE 👏🏼 BUFFET 👏🏼 on embarkation day!

It was insanely crowded.

Instead, we stopped in at the American Diner. We had the burger & BBQ sliders. This is a complimentary dining location and honestly met expectations perfectly for embarkation day food.

Sail away happened right on time and we were off to the Bahamas!

With such a last-minute booking, our dinner reservations at Moderno Churrascaria, the Brazilian steakhouse, weren’t until 9:15 PM. So we snacked and rested up from our travel day.

We liked the steakhouse overall. The selection was decent and Michael especially enjoyed the lamb. This is what we chose to use our specialty dining credit on.

We both agreed that had we paid full price ($50 per person, plus taxes and a tip), we probably would’ve been disappointed. But for roughly half that with the dining credit, we were pleased.

Nassau, Bahamas

Day 2 brought us to Nassau.

We had intentions to ferry over to Paradise Island, check out Atlantis, and enjoy Cabbage Beach, but turns out we forgot to get extra cash, couldn’t figure out the ATM situation, and NOBODY accepted credit cards for transportation 🤦🏼‍♀️

So instead of letting it ruin the day, we chose to make the best of it and walked to the Queen’s Staircase instead.

Honestly, it ended up being a really nice experience and one that actually immersed us more into the culture and history of the city.

Nassau also had a pretty stacked port day with Disney Wish, Allure of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Carnival Fantasy, and MSC Seaside all in port with us. Definitely a fun day for ship spotting if you’re a cruise person like me.

I completely crashed that afternoon, missed sail away and dinner 🤪 leaving us to fend for ourselves at 9:30 PM.

And honestly? My biggest complaint about Norwegian Getaway was the food.

More specifically, the lack of late-night food options.

At 9:30 PM, the only thing left open was O’Sheehan’s and their not-so-great hot dogs & wings. No 24-hour pizza or soft serve 😭

We also checked out the casino. But we’re not gamblers, so $13 lost and we were on our way OUT!

Our balcony, on the other hand, was absolutely worth the splurge. After that 7 😳🙄 hour nap, we spent the evening enjoying the sound of the ocean and having late-night talks out on the balcony. Honestly, one of my favorite moments of the trip.

Great Stirrup Cay

Day 3 was spent at Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island.

And honestly? I loved it.

GSC is an EASY rot-on-the-beach or full pool party kind of day. We rented beach chairs with a clam shell cover, enjoyed our drink package (yes, it works on the island!!), and ate complimentary lunch provided by the ship.

Currently, Great Stirrup Cay is still a tender port, but they’re in the process of building a pier, which will be SUCH a nice improvement moving forward.

GSC is beautiful, picturesque, and just… easy.

While I absolutely love experiencing new countries and cultures, I also LOVE a private island that lets me roast in the sun and eat to my heart’s content.

We tendered back early and, shockingly, napped again.

But this time, we made it to dinner in the main dining room!

We ended up ordering the steak & lobster upcharge option and it absolutely DID NOT disappoint. We were genuinely impressed and honestly would’ve paid full price for that meal.

Disembarkation on Norwegian Getaway

Disembarkation was one of the smoothest cruise exits we’ve had.

We chose to carry our own luggage off the ship and left our cabin around 7:30 AM. From there, everything moved quickly and efficiently.

We were off Norwegian Getaway, through customs, and calling an Uber before 8:15 AM.

My Honest Review of Norwegian Getaway

Overall, it was such a great weekend and we did exactly what we went to do—rest, relax, and experience Norwegian Cruise Line so I can help my clients travel confidently.

The ship itself, Norwegian Getaway, was not my personal favorite.

It is newer—built in 2014—and very well kept and clean. I just didn’t love the layout. It felt difficult to fully grasp in the few short days we spent onboard.

Our room, bathroom, & balcony were nice—again, not my favorite layout with the closet space being right beside the bed, but overall comfy & clean.

The pool deck felt very small, and the adults-only deck that came at an upcharge occupied some of the best views onboard. We really enjoyed the Waterfront on Deck 8 though and found ourselves spending quite a bit of time there.

The food was a disappointment for me. The buffet was fine—nothing spectacular, but not bad either. Selection felt somewhat limited though. The main dining room and specialty restaurant we chose were definitely better, though still with room for improvement.

I was very disappointed in the lack of late-night food options.

The overall vibe onboard was fun and there were plenty of activities happening at all times. We’re not huge partiers nor do we typically get heavily involved in activities, but the list of things to do felt endless.

We also absolutely felt the “Free at Sea” basic drink package was worth it for us. We aren’t big drinkers, but the cost per day made sense—especially with Great Stirrup Cay being included.

One thing that surprised me: we never even met our room steward. I found that a little odd. They did a great job, but I’m used to stewards introducing themselves early on and making a point to check if we needed anything throughout the sailing—that didn’t happen.

Norwegian Cruise Line is also very well known for its “Freestyle Cruising,” which basically means less structure and more flexibility. No assigned dining times, no required formal nights, and generally more freedom to do what you want, when you want.

And honestly? I LOVE that concept in theory.

But in practice, it sometimes felt a little chaotic to me.

Dining areas often felt crowded and somewhat disorganized, reservations became more important than I expected, and overall there was less of that smooth “flow” I’ve experienced on some other cruise lines. Nothing necessarily felt badly managed—it just lacked some of the structure that naturally keeps crowds and schedules feeling more balanced.

Some people will absolutely LOVE that flexibility, especially travelers who don’t want rigid schedules while on vacation.

For me personally, I think I prefer just a little more structure mixed in.

Would I sail Norwegian Cruise Line again? Absolutely.

Would it be my personal first pick? Probably not (but I’m trying out the Luna in April 🤪)

But was it relaxing, fun, worthwhile, and exactly what we needed for a quick getaway? For sure!

Who I Think Norwegian Cruise Line Is Best For

After sailing Norwegian Cruise Line, I can absolutely see why so many people love it.

I think NCL is best for travelers who:

• want flexibility instead of rigid schedules
• enjoy a lively atmosphere with lots happening
• value included perks like drinks, WiFi, and specialty dining
• want a more casual cruise experience
• are looking for a good overall value

Personally, I think travelers who prefer a more structured, polished, or elevated experience may lean more toward other cruise lines.

And if late-night pizza is important to you… just know what you’re walking into 😅

If you’ve ever come back from a trip and thought…

“I mean… it was fine…”

Chances are, it wasn’t the destination.

It was the fit.

The wrong resort. The wrong location. The wrong overall flow.

Not bad… just not what you were hoping for.

And those small mismatches? They change everything.

It’s Not About Finding “The Best”

A lot of people assume planning a great trip comes down to finding the “best” hotel or destination.

But in reality, that’s rarely what defines the experience.

What matters more is alignment—how well each piece of the trip reflects the way you want to travel, move through your days, and ultimately feel while you’re there.

Because “best” is never universal.

A resort designed for energy and activity can feel overwhelming when what you really wanted was quiet. A perfectly located hotel can feel inconvenient if it doesn’t match the pace of your trip.

It’s not just about what looks appealing—it’s about how everything functions together once you arrive.

That alignment is what transforms a trip from something that looks good on paper…
to something that feels exactly right in the moment.

The Details That Change Everything

Most travel issues don’t come from one major mistake.

They come from a series of small misalignments—details that seem minor at the time, but quietly disrupt the experience once you’re there.

Flights that arrive late in the evening, cutting into your first full day.
A resort that looks central, but requires long transfers every time you leave.
Room categories that sound similar, but place you far from the areas you’ll use most.
Connections that technically work… but leave no room for delays.

Individually, none of these feel like dealbreakers.

But together, they influence how the entire trip unfolds.

And more importantly—how it feels while you’re in it.

Because when those details are thoughtfully considered ahead of time, everything flows.

And when they’re not… you notice.

What Thoughtful Planning Actually Looks Like

Not every trip is pre-packaged.

Some are designed from the ground up—built around how you want your experience to unfold, not just where you’re going.

That might look like a split stay in Fiji, where one part of the trip is centered around culture and connection, and the other is designed for complete relaxation over the water.

Or a Jackson Hole itinerary, where each day is intentionally paced—balancing outdoor adventure with time to slow down and actually enjoy where you are.

Or a Grand Canyon trip, where each experience is intentionally chosen to allow you to take in the canyon from every perspective—by air, by trail, and from the rim—without ever feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Each piece is chosen with intention.

Not just to check a box, but to create a trip that feels cohesive, well-paced, and effortless from start to finish.

Why This Matters More Than Ever

There are more options than ever when it comes to travel.

More resorts. More flights. More destinations. More information.

And while that should make planning easier, it often does the opposite.

Because with so many choices, it becomes increasingly easy to select something that looks right—without realizing how it will actually feel once you’re there.

What appears seamless online can feel disjointed in reality.
What seems convenient can turn out to be inefficient.
What looks beautiful can miss the mark entirely for the experience you had in mind.

More options don’t always lead to better trips.

They simply raise the importance of making the right decisions.

What Makes the Difference

A well-planned trip doesn’t feel complicated.

It feels easy.

Because the decisions were made before you ever arrived—
where to stay, how to get there, what to prioritize, and how everything fits together.

There’s no second guessing.
No constant adjusting.
No feeling like something is just slightly off.

Instead, everything flows the way it should.

And that’s what allows you to be fully present in the experience—
to enjoy it, rather than manage it.

Because when a trip is designed well, you don’t notice the planning.

You just feel the difference.

The goal isn’t just to take a trip.

It’s to take one that feels exactly the way you hoped it would.

When it comes to planning a multi-destination trip, travelers usually fall into two camps:

👉 DIY planners juggling flights, hotels, and tours
👉 Travelers who want a seamless, elevated experience handled for them

Both options can get you there—but the experience is completely different.

Let’s break it down so you can decide what kind of traveler you really are.

✈️ Overview: DIY Travel Planning

DIY travel has become more popular than ever thanks to booking sites and travel apps.

What It Looks Like:

• Booking flights, hotels, and tours separately
• Researching destinations on your own
• Managing your own schedule and logistics

The Appeal:

• Feels flexible
• Can seem more budget-friendly upfront
• Full control over every detail

The Reality:

• Hours (or weeks) of research
• Risk of poor timing between destinations
• No support if something goes wrong

🌟 Overview: Working With Me

This is where travel shifts from “planned” to professionally designed.

When you work with me, your trip is:

• Fully customized
• Thoughtfully designed
• Seamlessly executed

You’re not just booking a trip—you’re getting strategy, personalization, and support every step of the way.

🧳 Customization: Templates vs. Tailored Travel

DIY Travel:

• Based on blogs, TikToks, and Google searches
• Often follows crowded, overdone routes
• Hard to balance pacing across multiple countries

Working With Me:

• Built completely around your travel style
• Personalized hotel and experience recommendations
• Thoughtful pacing between destinations

💡 The biggest difference? How the trip feels. A well-designed itinerary flows effortlessly instead of feeling rushed or overwhelming.

🚗 Logistics: Stress vs. Seamless

DIY Travel:

• Coordinating flights, trains, and transfers yourself
• Navigating unfamiliar systems in each country
• Troubleshooting delays alone

Working With Me:

• Every detail mapped out in advance
• Clear, easy-to-follow itineraries
• Support if anything changes along the way

👉 It’s the difference between figuring it out as you go and having everything handled for you.

🌍 Experience: Surface-Level vs. Immersive

DIY Travel:

• Standard tours and activities
• Limited local insight
• Often rushed sightseeing

Working With Me:

• Curated, meaningful experiences
• Unique recommendations beyond the typical highlights
• Time to actually enjoy each destination

This is where your trip goes from “we saw a lot” to “that was unforgettable.”

🧠 Planning Strategy: Guesswork vs. Expertise

DIY Travel:

• Trying to fit everything into one trip
• Overpacked itineraries
• Travel burnout (this happens more than you think)

Working With Me:

• Strategic routing between destinations
• Balanced itineraries with downtime built in
• Honest guidance on what’s worth your time

I help you avoid the most common mistake: doing too much and enjoying it less.

💼 Support: On Your Own vs. Having Me

DIY Travel:

• You handle issues yourself
• Limited support from booking platforms
• Long hold times and frustration

When You Work With Me:

• You have a dedicated travel advisor
• I help resolve issues if they come up
• You’re never navigating travel challenges alone

💎 Final Verdict: Which Is Right for You?

Choose DIY Travel If:

• You love researching every detail
• You’re comfortable handling changes on your own
• You prefer a more hands-on approach

Choose Working With Me If:

• You want a seamless, elevated experience
• You value your time (and sanity 😅)
• You want your trip to feel effortless from start to finish

✨ My Take (And What I Tell My Clients)

Anyone can book a trip.

But designing a multi-destination journey that flows beautifully, feels stress-free, and creates unforgettable experiences?

That’s where working with the right travel advisor makes all the difference.

📩 Ready to Plan Your Multi-Destination Trip?

If you’re dreaming about combining destinations into one incredible journey, I’d love to help you bring it to life.

👉 Fully customized
👉 Seamless planning
👉 Thoughtful, experience-driven itineraries

Start planning here:

https://www.vincentvacations.com/agents/krystalhall/travelform

If you’re picturing Curaçao as just another Caribbean destination with a beautiful beach and a great resort… you’re only seeing part of it.

Curaçao is one of those places that rewards travelers who are willing to explore just a little further.

Yes, the water is clear.
Yes, the beaches are stunning.

But what makes Curaçao different is how much there is to experience beyond the resort.

What Makes Curaçao Different from Other Caribbean Islands

Unlike many Caribbean destinations built around long stretches of resort-lined beaches, Curaçao offers something different.

Instead of one continuous beach, you’ll find dozens of small coves, each with its own personality — some quiet and hidden, others lively and social.

The island also has a strong European influence, especially in Willemstad, where colorful Dutch architecture lines the waterfront and creates a completely different atmosphere than many Caribbean destinations.

If you’re searching for a unique Caribbean destination, Curaçao stands out for its combination of beaches, culture, and exploration.

Why You Shouldn’t Stay at the Resort the Entire Time

This is one of the biggest mindset shifts when visiting Curaçao.

While there are beautiful resorts on the island, Curaçao is not a traditional “stay at the resort all week” Caribbean destination.

Some of the best experiences require getting out and exploring.

That might look like:

• driving along the coast to discover hidden beaches
• visiting local beach clubs for lunch and drinks
• snorkeling in multiple coves with different views
• exploring different parts of the island at your own pace

This is what makes Curaçao feel more like an experience-based destination rather than just a place to stay.

The Best Beaches in Curaçao

Curaçao is known for having some of the clearest water in the Caribbean, but the beaches are a little different than what many travelers expect.

Most are:

• smaller, tucked into coves
• surrounded by cliffs or rock formations
• incredibly clear and calm for swimming and snorkeling

Some of the best beaches in Curaçao include:

• Playa Kenepa (Grote Knip) – one of the most photographed beaches on the island
• Cas Abao Beach – easy access with amenities
• Klein Curaçao – a small offshore island with some of the clearest water you’ll ever see

If you’re researching the best beaches in Curaçao, it’s worth planning to visit more than one — each offers a different experience.

Willemstad: Culture, Color, and Local Experience

Willemstad is more than just a cruise port — it’s one of the most unique cities in the Caribbean.

Here you’ll find:

• colorful waterfront buildings
• boutique shops and local markets
• restaurants blending European and Caribbean flavors
• the iconic floating Queen Emma Bridge

It’s the kind of place where you can spend an afternoon walking, shopping, and exploring — and it adds a completely different dimension to your trip.

Do You Need a Rental Car in Curaçao?

One of the most common questions when planning a Curaçao trip is whether you need a rental car.

For most travelers, the answer is yes.

Because the island’s beaches and experiences are spread out, having transportation allows you to:

• visit multiple beaches in one day
• explore beyond your resort
• experience more of the island at your own pace

If your goal is to truly experience Curaçao, having a plan for getting around makes a significant difference.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Curaçao?

Curaçao is a great destination year-round, but it’s especially appealing during shoulder season.

If you’re searching for the best time to visit Curaçao, consider:

• late April through early June
• late summer into early fall

Because Curaçao sits outside the primary hurricane belt, it’s often a more reliable Caribbean option during these periods.

Combined with fewer crowds and a more relaxed pace, this can be one of the best times to visit.

A Different Kind of Caribbean Experience

Curaçao tends to attract travelers who want more than just a beach chair.

It’s ideal for:

• couples who want both relaxation and exploration
• travelers who enjoy discovering new places
• those who value variety over staying in one place

You can absolutely relax here.

But you also have the option to experience something different every day, which is what makes it stand out.

My Take as a Travel Advisor

Curaçao is one of those destinations where the experience depends on how you approach it.

If you treat it like a traditional all-inclusive, you’ll have a good trip.

But if you plan to explore — even just a little — it becomes something much more memorable.

If you’re wondering whether Curaçao is the right fit for your travel style, that’s where personalized planning makes a difference.

If you’ve ever felt like travel is more crowded, more complicated, and just… harder than it used to be, you’re not imagining it.

But there’s a window of time that experienced travelers quietly take advantage of — and it often leads to a better overall trip.

It’s called shoulder season travel.

And once you understand it, it changes how you plan vacations.

What Is Shoulder Season?

Shoulder season refers to the time just before or just after peak travel periods.

It sits between:

• Peak season (holidays, summer, spring break)
• Off-season (when weather or conditions may not be ideal)

Instead, shoulder season gives you a balance of both.

Think:

• Late April to early June in the Caribbean (one of the best times to visit the Caribbean)
• Early December before holiday travel
• Late August into early fall for many destinations
• Early January and May at Walt Disney World (often considered the best time to go to Disney World for lighter crowds)
• Late August and September at Walt Disney World
• April and September for Alaska cruises (a great option for those searching for the best time for an Alaska cruise)

These windows often offer a completely different travel experience — in the best way.

Why Shoulder Season Travel Feels Different

1. Fewer Crowds, More Space

One of the biggest differences you’ll notice is how much more relaxed everything feels.

Beaches aren’t packed.
Pools aren’t crowded.
Restaurants don’t require as much planning.

You’re not competing for space — you’re actually enjoying it.

2. Better Availability at Top Resorts

During peak travel times, the most desirable room categories go first.

That includes:

• beachfront rooms
• swim-up suites
• butler-level accommodations
• smaller boutique properties

During shoulder season, you’re more likely to find availability in these categories — especially if you’re booking a few months in advance.

3. A More Relaxed Experience Overall

This is the part people don’t always expect.

The entire trip just feels… easier.

• shorter wait times
• more attentive service
• less rushed excursions
• more flexibility in your plans

It’s not just about where you go — it’s how the trip feels once you’re there.

4. Ideal for Couples and Honeymoons

Shoulder season is one of my favorite times to recommend for:

• honeymoons
• anniversary trips
• adults-only getaways

It naturally creates a more peaceful, elevated atmosphere compared to peak travel periods.

Shoulder Season at Walt Disney World

If you’ve been to Walt Disney World during peak times, you already know how big of a difference timing can make.

Shoulder season is often considered the best time to go to Disney World if you want lower crowds and a more relaxed experience.

Some of the best times to visit include:

• Early January (right after the holidays)
• May (before summer travel ramps up)
• Late August and September (after back-to-school season begins)

During these windows, you’ll typically find:

• shorter wait times for rides
• easier dining reservations
• more flexibility with Lightning Lane selections
• a less rushed overall park experience

That said, there are a few trade-offs.

Late summer and early fall can bring higher temperatures, humidity, and occasional afternoon rain. But for many travelers, the lighter crowds more than make up for it.

Shoulder Season for Alaska Cruises

Alaska has a shorter cruise season, which makes timing even more important.

If you’re searching for the best time for an Alaska cruise, shoulder season can be a great option.

Two of the best windows are:

• April (start of the season)
• September (end of the season)

These sailings often offer:

• fewer crowds onboard and in port
• a quieter, more relaxed experience
• unique scenery, including snow-capped mountains early season and fall colors later on

Weather can be cooler and more variable, but for many travelers, the trade-off is a more peaceful and immersive Alaska experience.

When Shoulder Season Might Not Be Ideal

There are a few things to keep in mind.

Depending on the destination, shoulder season can sometimes include:

• warmer temperatures
• occasional rain showers
• limited flight schedules

Caribbean Cruising During Shoulder Season

One additional factor to consider is Caribbean cruising during shoulder season, especially in late summer and early fall.

This timeframe overlaps with hurricane season, which can make some travelers hesitant.

Here’s what most people don’t realize:

Cruise lines are very experienced at navigating weather and will adjust itineraries if needed. The likelihood of your trip being significantly impacted is relatively low, but it’s not zero.

If price and availability are your top priorities, this can still be a great time to travel — with one smart strategy:

Look at Southern Caribbean itineraries, especially those visiting the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao).

These islands sit outside the primary hurricane belt, which helps reduce the risk of weather-related disruptions.

Like most things in travel, it comes down to understanding the trade-offs and choosing what matters most for your trip.

My Take as a Travel Advisor

If your travel dates are flexible, shoulder season is one of the best ways to:

• improve your overall experience
• avoid peak travel stress
• enjoy destinations in a more relaxed way

It’s something I recommend often — especially for travelers who want their trip to feel effortless from start to finish.

If you’re wondering about the best time to travel for your specific destination, that’s where personalized planning really makes a difference.