Cruises: Stories, Tips & Adventures
From meeting at sea to crossing oceans together, cruising might just become our lifestyle!
Cruising didn’t just take us from place to place. To tell you the truth, it became part of our journey. From our first meeting (in person) at sea to crossing the Atlantic years later, we’ve learned what works, what matters, and what enhances life on board. This page brings together our insights, preferences, and recommendations, shaped by real moments at sea and shared to help you cruise with confidence and clarity.
Life at Sea
A glimpse into our cruise experiences, ship life, and time at sea.
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Our Cruise Story
The moment we met, the voyage that shaped us, and the crossings that followed.
We met for the first time in person aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise sailing from Sydney, Australia.
That voyage didn’t just take us across the ocean—it set our future in motion. Several years later, we celebrated our 6th anniversary (and our 4th year of full-time travel) on a Princess Cruise crossing the Atlantic from Florida to Southampton.
Cruising has been there for our beginnings and our milestones. For us, it's not just a way to travel—it's a special part of our love story (find out more here).
Why We Love Cruising
Cruising blends adventure, comfort, and community in a way nothing else can.
Effortless Exploration
Unpack once, see the world. Cruises let us experience multiple destinations without the constant rush of flights and hotel changes.
Accessibility Matters
Many cruise lines, especially Princess, offer excellent wheelchair accessibility—smooth decks, accessible cabins, and attentive service.
Entertainment & Connection
From theater shows and poolside movies to trivia and dance classes, there's something for every energy level,and an onboard community to match.
Foodies at Sea
Dining on a cruise is a highlight! Buffets, specialty restaurants, and desserts that rival five-star resorts.
A Surprisingly Smart Budget Choice!
With lodging, transport, meals, and entertainment bundled together, cruising often costs less than independent travel.
Why We Choose Princess Cruises
What makes Princess our top choice?
Our transatlantic cruise with Princess Cruises gave us a new appreciation for life at sea. The ship was stunningly accessible, the entertainment was top-notch, and the atmosphere was calm, romantic, and warm.
Whether lounging on a sun deck, enjoying world-class cuisine, or watching live performances, Princess struck the perfect balance of luxury and comfort.
From embarkation to disembarkation, we felt truly looked after. If you're considering your first cruise, we can't recommend Princess enough.
Cruise Tips & First-Time Guides
We’re building a hub of honest, useful cruise content. Here’s what’s coming up:
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Choosing the Right Cruise Line
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Inside, Oceanview, or Balcony? Picking Your Cabin
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Transatlantic Cruising: What to Expect
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What to Pack for a Cruise (Checklist Download)
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Food & Dining Highlights
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Onboard Activities and Entertainment
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Wheelchair-Friendly Cruising: Real-Life Tips
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GigSky vs Ship Wi-Fi: Our Connectivity Guide
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eSIM vs Ship Wi-Fi: Real Comparison
Why we skipped the ship Wi-Fi package and put GigSky to the test on our transatlantic cruise.
When we boarded our Princess transatlantic cruise, we decided to skip the pricey ship Wi-Fi package and rely completely on GigSky to see how well an eSIM would perform at sea and in ports.
We wanted to test real signal availability, upload speeds, and overall reliability while saving money in the process. This comparison table breaks down exactly how GigSky compared to standard cruise Wi-Fi—what worked beautifully, what didn’t, and why we’d make the same choice again.
Feature | GigSky eSIM | Ship Wi-Fi Package |
|---|---|---|
Coverage at Ports | ✅ Full 4G/LTE | ❌ Only on ship |
Price | 💰 Affordable | 💸 Often expensive |
Reliability | ✅ Great in port areas | ⚠️ Slower and varies by ship |
Setup | ⚡ Quick via app | 🔒 Requires onboard login |
Work from Ship? | ✅ Supported at ports/coastal areas | ⚠️ Limited or unstable |
Cruise Vlogs
See our cruise adventures come to life through our vlogs and walkthroughs.
Popular Videos
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FIRST CLASS Vande Bharat Express Indian Train Travel 🇮🇳 New Delhi to Agra
FIRST TIME trying RAMLY BURGER in KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA 🇲🇾 Is it really the BEST in THE WORLD!?
If you enjoy our video and want to follow more of our adventures, please like and subscribe!
Your support truly is invaluable to us, and we will always strive to produce the best content we can from around the world!
Cruise Resources
Hand-picked tools and services we use at sea—curated for your next cruise.
FAQ: Common Cruise Questions Answered
Cruising comes with plenty of excitement but also plenty of questions, especially if it’s your first time.
We’ve put together a more complete, experience-based FAQ to help you plan with confidence.
Have a question we haven’t covered? Get in touch with us here.
Jenn & Leon at Closer Lives
Closer Lives was created to bring people, places, and stories closer together. Through travel, culture, history, poetry, and personal experience, we share the moments that shape how we see the world, and ourselves.
If you enjoy thoughtful travel guides, real experiences, and creative storytelling, you’re in the right place. You can also explore our Travel & Lifestyle Emporium, featuring inspirational travel pieces designed by us and shipped worldwide.
