Cruises
Stories, Tips & Adventures
From Our First Date at Sea to Crossing Oceans Together
Cruising has always meant more to us than simply traveling from one port to another. Our first date began in Sydney and continued aboard Royal Caribbeanโs Ovation of the Seas. Years later, we crossed the Atlantic together on Regal Princess. Along the way, we learned what makes a sailing memorable, which extras are worth considering, and what can make life on board easier. Here, we share firsthand cruise stories, honest ship reviews, port guides, and practical advice covering planning, packing, costs, connectivity, and life at sea. Whether you are preparing for your first cruise or choosing your next one, our goal is to help you sail with greater confidence and fewer surprises.
Life at Sea
A glimpse into our cruise experiences, ship life, and time at sea.
AFFILIATE PROMOTION
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 didnโt 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. โCruising 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.
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.
โAccessibility 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
โDining 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.
AFFILIATE PROMOTION
Cruise Tips & First-Time Guides
We’re building a hub of honest, useful cruise content. Here’s what’s coming up:
โ Choosing the Right Cruise Line
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โ Inside, Oceanview, or Balcony? Picking Your Cabin
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โ Transatlantic Cruising: What to Expect
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โ What to Pack for a Cruise (Checklist Download)โ
โ Food & Dining Highlights
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โ Onboard Activities and Entertainment
โ Wheelchair-Friendly Cruising: Real-Life Tips
โ GigSky vs Ship Wi-Fi: Our Connectivity Guideโ
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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 | โ
Full 4G/LTE | โ Only on ship |
Price | ๐ฐ Affordable | ๐ธ Often expensive |
Reliability | โ
Great in port areas | โ ๏ธ Slower and varies by ship |
Cruise Vlogs
See our cruise adventures come to life through our vlogs and walkthroughs.
Popular Videos
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FIRST TIME trying RAMLY BURGER in KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA ๐ฒ๐พ Is it really the BEST in THE WORLD!?
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Cruise Resources
Hand-picked tools and services we use at sea—curated for your next cruise.
Cruise FAQs: Plan with Confidence
From choosing the right sailing to understanding costs, connectivity, and life on board, the right information can make every stage of a cruise easier.
Explore our firsthand answers about cruises, eSIMs, and travel insurance, created to help you prepare well, avoid unwelcome surprises, and enjoy the journey with greater 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, youโre in the right place. You can also explore our Travel & Lifestyle Emporium, featuring inspirational travel pieces designed by us and shipped worldwide.