Cruising is more than just a vacation—it is the ultimate hack for “Midlife Freedom.” It allows you to see the world, visit multiple countries, and experience diverse cultures without the friction of constant packing, train schedules, or hotel hunting. In this section of The Real Life with D & J, we treat cruising as a strategic tool for seeing the world efficiently and comfortably.
We cover the reality of life at sea, drawing heavily from our experiences as Platinum VIFP members with Carnival Cruise Line. But we don’t just cheerlead; we give you the unvarnished truth about what works and what doesn’t. From the chaotic energy of a short weekend getaway to the rhythm of a transatlantic voyage, we share the details that brochures leave out.
Here, you will find comprehensive ship reviews, practical guides on maximizing loyalty perks, and honest breakdowns of drink packages and dining options. We also focus on the “freedom” aspect—how to navigate shore excursions on your own terms and find quiet moments on a busy ship. Whether you are a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor looking to optimize your next booking, these posts are your blueprint for smarter, stress-free travel.
Tipping on a Carnival cruise sounds simple.Until you’re actually on the ship. We’ve sailed with Carnival 22 times. Nine of those cruises were on the Carnival Panorama alone. And if there’s one topic that consistently sparks debate, quiet tension, and strong opinions among cruisers, it’s tipping. Not because people don’t want to be generous.But because …
There is a specific energy at a cruise terminal on embarkation day that doesn’t exist anywhere else in travel. It isn’t the weary frustration of an airport, nor is it the quiet hum of a hotel lobby. It is a vibrating, chaotic mix of high anxiety and aggressive excitement. Thousands of people are trying to …
I’ll admit it: when we booked our first in 2016, the thing I was most nervous about wasn’t sea sickness or the size of the cabin shower. It was the Main Dining Room (MDR) and the cruise dining room etiquette. I had this cinematic, Titanic-esque vision in my head. I pictured a very formal scene: …
When we finally booked our return to the Mexican Riviera on the Carnival Panorama, I spent weeks in the “research loop.” I scoured forums, watched YouTube walk-throughs, and planned our dining rotation down to the minute. But there was one topic that kept popping up in the reviews, usually accompanied by all-caps rage: The Smart …
f you’ve taken more than one cruise, chances are you’ve at least heard of cruise loyalty programs. Maybe you’ve racked up a few perks without realizing it, or maybe you’ve been intentionally sailing the same line to climb the status tiers. Either way, things are changing—especially with Carnival’s newly announced shift to a spend-based rewards …
If there’s one thing cruising has taught us, it’s this: who you cruise with can completely change the vibe of your vacation. In this post, I want to dive into something my wife and I recently talked about on our podcast—group cruise dynamics—and how cruising as a couple, with a few close friends, or with …
Have you ever envisioned exchanging vows with the gentle waves as your witness and the golden sands beneath your feet? Or perhaps, the idea of a cruise wedding, sailing into the horizon, and celebrating love in different ports of call has sparked your imagination? Well, for my husband and me, this dream became a glorious …