24 Hours in Athens
Ashley D'Aristotile Ashley D'Aristotile

24 Hours in Athens

Whether you’re stuck on a long layover, or staying here pre- or -post cruise, there is always something new to discover in this ancient city. From boutique shopping and rooftop bars to grungy politics and emo bars, here are my suggestions for a quick visit in Athens.

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Summer ‘22 Trends: Shore Excursions!
Ashley D'Aristotile Ashley D'Aristotile

Summer ‘22 Trends: Shore Excursions!

Cruise travel has come roaring back this summer, and popular tour and activity aggregator Viator just published their list of the shore excursions that are getting the most bookings! Check out Mexican food in Cabo, exclusive access to the Vatican in Rome, and walking on a glacier in Alaska!

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Truffle Hunting In Italy
Ashley D'Aristotile Ashley D'Aristotile

Truffle Hunting In Italy

Need a day away from the craziness of Rome? Why not spend an afternoon hunting for truffles near Lake Bracciano.

And the best part? The truffle-laden meal afterward!

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Royal Caribbean: What I Loved, and What I Didn’t, on Odyssey of the Seas
Ashley D'Aristotile Ashley D'Aristotile

Royal Caribbean: What I Loved, and What I Didn’t, on Odyssey of the Seas

Last week I did something that surprised a lot of people: sailed Royal Caribbean for the FIRST TIME!

I know - shocking right? I’ve been an avid cruiser for 10 years. I live here in Florida where there are 5 cruise ports within just a few hour’s drive. I should have sailed with them a dozen times by now, but somehow it just never happened.

I promised myself I would go on this cruise with an open mind and give it my honest review. So read on to see what I thought about Odyssey of the Seas!

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A Cheeky Lil’ Med Cruise (Slightly NSFW Article)
Ashley D'Aristotile Ashley D'Aristotile

A Cheeky Lil’ Med Cruise (Slightly NSFW Article)

Ready to cruise the Med with a cruise line where you can truly be yourself? Virgin Voyages is ready to whisk you off to the most exotic ports on their 3 Ladyships. Here you’ll find a customized sample itinerary for those who like the cheeky, sexy, and sultry things the Meditteranean has on offer.

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The Best Things I Ate on Virgin Voyages (Snacktime Edition!)
Ashley D'Aristotile Ashley D'Aristotile

The Best Things I Ate on Virgin Voyages (Snacktime Edition!)

Virgin Voyage’s Scarlet Lady certainly boasts no shortage of places to get your snack on. The ship has 9 sit-down restaurants, snacks to nosh at many of the 12+ bars, and an innovative and extensive room service menu. Not to mention the 24-hour diner, pizza, ice cream, popsicle cart, a coffee bar, and fresh-made smoothies! Read on to find out the best (vegetarian and vegan!) snacks I had aboard Scarlet Lady!

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Four New Ships to Sail in 2022!
Ashley D'Aristotile Ashley D'Aristotile

Four New Ships to Sail in 2022!

While other industries spent the covid-shutdown of the last few years tightening their belts and selling off assets, the cruise industry did just the opposite. They knew that pent-up demand for travel and a desire to get out and explore would mean even more demand for cruises! Here are four brand new ships that are ready to welcome you aboard!

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What to Wear on Your Next Cruise
Ashley D'Aristotile Ashley D'Aristotile

What to Wear on Your Next Cruise

You’ve made your final payment, double checked your passport, and booked your shore excursions, and now it's time for the most important part of cruise preparation – what are you going to wear?! Here are some tips I like to follow when packing for a luxury cruise.

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6 Benefits of Luxury Cruising
Ashley D'Aristotile Ashley D'Aristotile

6 Benefits of Luxury Cruising

Wonder if a luxury cruise is worth the extra splurge? Here are the 6 main benefits of booking an exclusive, high-end cruise.

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Rome Favorites
Italy, City Guides Ashley D'Aristotile Italy, City Guides Ashley D'Aristotile

Rome Favorites

Once you’ve wandered the Forum and Colosseum, gazed up at the Sistine Chapel and admired St. Peters, and tossed your coin into the Trevi Fountain….what’s next? Here is the first of several articles where I’ll touch on a few lesser-known sites to visit, as well as a couple of my favorite shops and restaurants in La Città Eterna.

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Florence Favorites
City Guides, Italy Ashley D'Aristotile City Guides, Italy Ashley D'Aristotile

Florence Favorites

Florence - the Tuscan city called “the cradle of the Renaissance” is known for its art galleries and the famous Duomo. But there’s plenty to explore beyond that. Here are some of my favorite places to see, shop, and eat when I’m in this beautiful city.

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