cruise Archives - Karee Russell

Memories Per Mile: A Journey of Family Adventures and Cultural Exploration

September 16, 2023September 16, 2023Karee RussellLeave a comment

Introduction

In the age of wanderlust and digital storytelling, “Memories Per Mile” was born from a passion for travel and a desire to share the joys of our family adventures. We embark on journeys not just to see new places but to make memories, learn about the world, and grow as individuals and as a family.

Section 1: Traveling the World with Loved Ones

Our journey began with a shared love for exploration. My husband and I decided to take our kids along, believing that travel would be an invaluable part of their upbringing. The experience of traveling with our children has been nothing short of transformative. From road trips across our home country to international flights to distant lands, we’ve embraced the world as our classroom.

The beauty of family adventures lies in the memories we create together. It’s in the laughter shared on long car rides, the excitement of discovering new cultures, and the shared wonder of witnessing breathtaking landscapes. These experiences are the heartbeats of our family, and they’ve become the foundation of “Memories Per Mile.”

Section 2: Cruising through Europe’s Rich Cultural Tapestry

One of the highlights of our travels has been cruising through Europe. There’s something enchanting about waking up in a new city or country every day, ready to immerse ourselves in the local culture and history. Whether it’s exploring ancient ruins in Rome, strolling through charming villages in the French countryside, or admiring the artistry of Barcelona, each European port has offered a tapestry of experiences.

Cruising isn’t just about luxurious amenities and stunning ocean views; it’s about the anticipation of learning. It’s about stepping onto foreign shores with open hearts and minds, ready to soak in the history, art, and traditions of the places we visit.

Section 3: Personal Growth and Travel

Travel isn’t just about visiting places; it’s about personal growth. It’s about learning history and culture firsthand and allowing it to shape our perspectives. As we’ve journeyed across the globe, we’ve absorbed the lessons of the past and woven them into the fabric of our lives.

One of the most remarkable aspects of travel is how it forces us to step out of our comfort zones. It challenges our preconceived notions and opens our eyes to the diversity and richness of the world. The knowledge we gain doesn’t remain confined to our travel diaries; it becomes a part of our daily lives, influencing the choices we make and the way we view the world.

Section 4: Inspiring Your Readers

Our hope for “Memories Per Mile” is to inspire you, our readers, to embark on your journeys of discovery and adventure. We want to share the lessons we’ve learned about financial freedom, investment, and traveling on a budget. We believe that exploring the world need not be a distant dream but an achievable goal for everyone.

We invite you to join us on our upcoming adventures. In the pipeline are visits to Estes Park, CO, the wonders of South America & Antarctica, the breathtaking sights of an Alaska cruise, and the magic of Australia and New Zealand. These journeys promise not only spectacular landscapes but also profound cultural experiences.

Conclusion

“Memories Per Mile” is more than a travel blog; it’s a celebration of the human spirit’s innate curiosity and the boundless wonders of the world. We invite you to join us in our quest for knowledge, adventure, and unforgettable memories.

As you explore the pages of “Memories Per Mile,” we hope you’ll find inspiration to set out on your own adventures, embrace financial freedom, and invest in experiences that enrich your life. Together, let’s travel to learn, grow, and create memories that last a lifetime. Welcome to our journey—welcome to “Memories Per Mile.”

Setting Sail on Family Cruises: Pros, Cons, and Packing Tips

September 10, 2023September 10, 2023Karee RussellLeave a comment

Introduction:
Family cruises offer an exciting and convenient way to explore multiple destinations while keeping everyone in the family entertained. However, like any vacation, there are pros and cons to consider. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the advantages and disadvantages of family cruises and provide essential packing tips, including items to bring and what to leave behind.

Pros of Family Cruises:

All-Inclusive Convenience: Most family cruises include meals, entertainment, and many activities in the overall price, making budgeting easier.
Variety of Destinations: Cruises offer the chance to visit multiple destinations on a single trip, allowing your family to explore different cultures and experiences.
Kid-Friendly Amenities: Cruise ships are equipped with facilities like kids’ clubs, water parks, and family-friendly shows to keep children entertained.
Family Bonding: Cruises provide ample opportunities for quality family time, from dining together to participating in onboard activities.
Safe Environment: Cruise ships are generally considered safe, with security measures in place, making them suitable for families.

Cons of Family Cruises:

Limited Time in Ports: While you can visit multiple destinations, you often have limited time at each port, which may not allow for in-depth exploration.
Crowded Spaces: During peak times, cruise ships can be crowded, leading to longer lines and busier areas.
Extra Costs: While many amenities are included, some activities, excursions, and specialty dining may come with additional charges.
Motion Sickness: Some family members may experience motion sickness, so it’s essential to be prepared with remedies.

Packing Tips for Family Cruises:

Items to Bring:

Travel Documents: Ensure passports, cruise tickets, and any required visas are packed and easily accessible.
Medications: Bring any necessary medications and motion sickness remedies.
Sun Protection: Pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for protection from the sun.
Swimwear: Don’t forget swimsuits for pool days and shore excursions.
Appropriate Clothing: Check the dress code for onboard dining and activities and pack accordingly.
Power Strips: Cabins may have limited outlets, so a power strip can be handy.
Reusable Water Bottles: Staying hydrated is crucial; refillable water bottles are eco-friendly.
Daypack or Beach Bag: Useful for carrying essentials during shore excursions.

What Not to Bring:

Heavy Luggage: Cruise cabins can be compact, so avoid overpacking.
Valuables: Leave expensive jewelry or items at home; most cabins have safes for valuables.
Too Many Clothes: Cruise ships often have laundry facilities, so you can pack light.
Illegal or Restricted Items: Be aware of what’s prohibited by cruise lines, such as weapons or illegal drugs.

Conclusion:
Family cruises can be a fantastic way to create lasting memories and explore new destinations. While they come with their share of pros and cons, careful planning and packing can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable voyage. So, get ready to set sail on your next family adventure!

Bucket List Attractions in St. Petersburg, Russia

November 7, 2020November 19, 2020Karee Russell7 Comments

Cruise into St. Petersburg, Russia with Royal Caribbean part 1

On our Northern European Cruise with Royal Caribbean we stopped at St. Petersburg, Russia.

It’s not often I visit locations and don’t find them fascinating. St. Petersburg, Russia is a unique modern city rich with history. We were only there for a day as our cruises left 12 hours later. The time we spent in Russia we learned a lot about the culture and history.

The State Hermitage Museum

We spent a good few hours walking around The State Hermitage Museum. The museum is one of the busiest and full of tourists which can drive you crazy. The museum is a large complex of six buildings, of those six only five are open to tourists. Don’t let the size fool you. You can spend days here and still not see everything.

As the second-largest art museum in the world, the museum houses several art collections from Catherine the Great whom purchased the impressive collection of paintings from the Berlin merchant Johann Ernst Gotzkowsky. Many of the art pieces still remain in great condition to this day.

The building occupies 233,345 sq. meters in total area. With over 1,014,806 works of art, 1,125,975 numismatic objects, 214,771 other items such as; Egyptian antiques, classical antiques (the Room of Great Vases), Italian renaissance, 808,695 Archaeological artifacts, and 14,016 arms and armory.

Like I said before you can spend days here and still not see everything.

We spent about 2-3 hours roaming the museum and learning much about each different unique piece within the walls of The State Hermitage.

If you want to visit the State Hermitage, I highly recommend you plan on spending a few days roaming the museum. However, if you were like us and could only stay for a little I would suggest finding what part of the museum you’d like to visit first and go from there. It’s full of amazing pieces of art and priceless artifacts, you will never want to leave… unless you’re being pushed around because of the many other tourists then you’ll want to walk through at a fast pace.