Bryce Sanders’ Blog

The Christmas season has already started. The Hallmark Channel(s) moves into back to back holiday movies in late October. According to Harper’s Bazaar, Mariah Carey declared the start of the Christmas season around November 1st. Since we are still dealing with the pandemic, it’s a good time to start thinking about what to give your loved ones for Christmas. Here are a few ideas. Put down a deposit on a 2021 cruise. This is a spouse or …

Read moreWhat to Buy Your Cruising Friend for Christmas

The concept of going to sea is getting away from the demands of everyday life. Sometimes those demands follow you. Other times, you want to check in at the office. What are your options for keeping in touch? Ship to shore satellite radio. It’s likely the most expensive communication method invented. It’s been around for years. Buried deep in your ticketing package are some instructions how a person on land can place an operator assisted call to …

Read moreKeeping In Touch While At Sea

The coolest things about cruise vacations is “getting there” is the vacation. It’s not like flying to a resort. It’s the journey itself. But what if you have cruised a lot? You want something else exciting. Since you are retired or independently wealthy, you have time on your hands. Back to back cruises. You skip the airport entirely! You sail transatlantic from New York to Southampton on Cunard. After seven days, you get off the ship, enjoy …

Read more9 Experiences to Enhance Your Next Cruise Vacation

I get seasick. I guess I’m not the only one. Since we take lots of cruises, it’s something I’ve learned how to address. Here are a few thoughts. This is practical advice, not medical advice. River cruises. If seasickness is a really big fear, consider a river cruise instead. You should have smoother sailing. It’s probably one of the reasons this segment of the industry has boomed. Alaska cruises. They often sail the Inland Passage. In my …

Read morePractical Advice About Seasickness

Sure, you can buy anything over the internet. Where’s the fun in that? Shopping is an experience, a treasure hunt. When the ship docks (or during your pre or post cruise nights) there are special stores my wife and I seek out. Munich – Champagne Bar in Kaufhof Department Store. The Germans know how to do shopping right. Some American malls have “Husband corrals” with televisions and sofas. Many German department stores build cafes into their food …

Read more10 Shopping Experiences I’m Missing While Not Sailing

My wife and I have been happy with the standard of food we have enjoyed on cruise ships. There are many things we are missing, as we wait for cruise travel to resume. Yes, Cunard is our favorite cruise line, but other lines offer great food too. As you know, it’s often not just the food, but the presentation. A glass of champagne as the ship sails away. Our vacation is starting! It’s a pleasant day. Maybe …

Read moreTen Foods I’m Missing While Not At Sea

Vacations create memories. Sometimes they are over the top. Here are a few: Seeing myself in the news in China. Temple Restaurant Beijing (TRB) had been named the top fine dining restaurant in the world by Trip Advisor about a year ago. I submit lots of Trip Advisor They are often detailed. We are sitting in the Executive Lounge at our Marriott Hotel in China. I’m reading China Daily the English language newspaper. There’s an article announcing …

Read moreMy Top 8 Surprise Vacation Experiences

“What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.”  What a great slogan! We often organize our lives in silos. You have your gym friends. Work friends. Church friends. Neighborhood friends. If you moved away you might lose touch with 90% of them. My wife and I are continually adding friends. This includes people we met aboard ship. On each voyage we meet at least one couple we want to know long term. Their names are in our “Cunard …

Read moreHow to Recontact Shipboard Friends After Returning Home

This isn’t your first rodeo. You are a veteran traveler. You might have persuaded friends to join you on your latest cruise. They don’t have your level of experience. Here are a dozen common sense lessons to pass along when the ship docks and they bound down the gangway, eager to explore each port. Do – Carry proper ID. You have your cruise ship card. Pack your passport or a copy of the relevant pages. Your ship …

Read more12 Cruising Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting Ports