Royally Blended Travel Blog

  The Mediterranean is more than just sun-soaked beaches and ancient ruins—it’s a playground of culture, history, and unforgettable adventures that the whole family can enjoy. From hands-on history lessons to gelato-fueled strolls through charming villages, a Mediterranean cruise offers enriching fun for all ages. If you’re dreaming of a family-friendly European cruise, here are the best Mediterranean ports to add to your bucket list—plus tips for making the most of each stop. 🏛️ 1. Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy While the port is about an hour from Rome, the trip is so worth it for a dose of ancient history. Why it’s great for families: Visit the Colosseum and let kids imagine gladiators in battle. Toss coins into the Trevi Fountain and climb the Spanish Steps. Explore the Vatican and Sistine Chapel (shorter guided tours are great for kids!). Pro Tip: Book a family-focused tour with skip-the-line tickets and a guide who makes history fun and interactive. 🎨 2. B...

  The holidays are the perfect time to sail away—literally! A cruise during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s can be a festive, stress-free way to celebrate with your loved ones while exploring beautiful destinations. But to truly enjoy the magic of a holiday cruise, smart planning is key. Here are five essential tips to help you plan your perfect holiday getaway at sea. 🎄 1. Book Early (Really Early!) Holiday cruises are among the most popular sailings of the year—and they sell out fast. Booking early gives you the best selection of: Cabin types and locations Preferred dining times Excursions and specialty experiences Group perks or early-bird deals Pro Tip: For the best pricing and availability, book your holiday cruise at least 6–12 months in advance. If you’re traveling with a large group, even earlier is better! 🛳️ 2. Pick the Right Cruise Line for the Season Not every cruise line celebrates the holidays the same way. Some go all out with themed décor...

Shore Excursions 101: What You Need to Know Before You Cruise   Cruise vacations offer the perfect mix of relaxation, excitement, and discovery. While life onboard is a dream, what makes cruising truly unforgettable is what happens when you step off the ship — and shore excursions are your gateway to exploring the best of each destination. 🌍 What Are Shore Excursions? Shore excursions are pre-planned adventures offered by cruise lines or trusted partners, like Project Expedition . They give you access to unique local experiences such as guided tours, cultural workshops, wildlife encounters, and thrilling outdoor activities. Looking for a private experience or something custom? You can also book independently with our trusted partners to match your exact travel vibe. Explore Shore Excursion Options: Viator – Shore Excursion Tours Project Expedition – Curated Shore Tours Norwegian Cruise Line Excursions Virgin Voyages Shore Experiences Royal Caribbean & More via Our Booking Port...

  🌴 Why the Dominican Republic Should Be Your Next Vacation Looking for a destination that blends breathtaking beaches, vibrant culture, adventure, and flavor-packed food into one unforgettable getaway? The Dominican Republic delivers all that—and more. Whether you're planning a romantic retreat, a family vacation, or a solo escape, this island paradise has something to love at every turn. 🏖️ Beach Bliss in Every Direction If you’ve ever daydreamed about picture-perfect beaches, the Dominican Republic is the place your imagination’s been trying to find. Think powdery white sands, crystal-clear turquoise water, and swaying palm trees that make every photo feel like a postcard. From the all-inclusive luxury of Punta Cana to the laid-back vibes of Las Terrenas and the sporty charm of Cabarete’s kite-surfing beaches—there’s a shoreline for every traveler. The best part? Many resorts are just steps from the sand, making your beachside cocktail hour feel effortlessly close. 🎶 C...

  Cruising is one of the easiest ways to bring the entire family together—toddlers, teens, parents, and grandparents—all while exploring new destinations and making lifelong memories. But planning a multi-generational cruise means accounting for diverse needs, interests, and accessibility concerns. Here’s what you need to know to create a smooth and unforgettable cruise experience for everyone—including travelers with disabilities or mobility challenges. 🛳️ 1. Choose the Right Cruise Line Not all cruise lines cater equally to large or diverse families. Look for one that offers a balance of family-friendly activities, adult luxury, and accessibility. Top cruise lines for multi-generational and accessible travel: Royal Caribbean – Great mix of entertainment for all ages; accessible staterooms, priority boarding, and sign language interpreters upon request. Disney Cruise Line – Kid-centric experiences with sensory-friendly programs and wheelchair-accessible spaces. Norwe...

  Travel is a form of freedom—a way to express yourself, explore the world, and make unforgettable memories. But for LGBTQ+ travelers, that freedom also comes with important considerations: safety, acceptance, and the ability to be your authentic self wherever you go. As we celebrate Pride Month, let’s spotlight the destinations, resources, and tools that make travel more inclusive—and more fabulous—for everyone in the LGBTQ+ community. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, group adventure, or solo soul trip, these ideas will help you travel with confidence and joy. 🏳️‍🌈 Why LGBTQ+ Inclusive Travel Matters Everyone deserves to feel safe, welcomed, and respected—especially when exploring new places. Inclusive travel isn’t just about rainbow flags and Pride events (although we love those too)—it’s about equal access to joy, relaxation, and celebration . That’s why choosing destinations and travel partners that affirm and uplift the LGBTQ+ community makes a real differenc...

  Unforgettable Adventures, Expert Planning, and Exclusive Deals Await If you’ve ever dreamed of cruising past towering glaciers, spotting breaching whales, or experiencing the rich culture of Alaska’s native communities—this is your moment. With Norwegian Cruise Line leading the way in Alaska cruising, now’s the perfect time to plan a journey filled with adventure, luxury, and seamless service. And when you book through Royally Blended Travel , you’ll get more than just a cruise—you’ll get a personalized, stress-free experience with added perks. 🌲 Why Choose Norwegian for Alaska? Norwegian Cruise Line offers the youngest fleet sailing Alaska and ships purpose-built for scenic cruising , giving you countless ways to soak in the natural beauty: The Waterfront® : Dine oceanside as you glide past glaciers Observation Lounge & Spinnaker Lounge : Panoramic views day or night Thermal Suite : Relax after shore excursions in ultimate comfort Glacier Bay Access : Select ...

  A destination wedding isn’t just about a beautiful backdrop and a romantic escape—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create unforgettable memories with the people you love most. While traditional weddings often mean quick hellos and rushed goodbyes, destination weddings offer something richer: time, connection, and shared experiences that build lasting family bonds. Here’s how saying “I do” in paradise can strengthen relationships and leave a lasting impact on everyone involved. 🌺 1. More Than a Day—It’s a Shared Experience Traditional weddings last a few hours. Destination weddings? They’re a multi-day celebration. That extra time gives family and friends the chance to relax, connect, and enjoy each other’s company without the pressure of a tight event schedule. From beachside welcome dinners to poolside brunches and group excursions, these moments go beyond the ceremony—they create core memories for the whole group. 🏖️ 2. Built-In Family Vacation Let’s be honest...

                       Juneteenth isn’t just a day off—it’s a celebration of freedom, resilience, and unity. Observed on June 19, it commemorates the moment in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. As more people seek to honor this important day, travel can be a beautiful way to reflect, celebrate, and connect. Whether you're looking for a local weekend trip or planning something bigger, here are a few meaningful destinations worth visiting this year. 🇺🇸 1. Galveston, Texas – The Heart of Juneteenth Galveston is the birthplace of Juneteenth, making it one of the most symbolic places to visit during this holiday. Each year, the city hosts events and celebrations that highlight Black history, freedom, and culture. ✨ Must-See Spots: Juneteenth Freedom Walk & Parade Reedy Chapel AME Church Absolute Equality Mural ...