Spotlight Cruise and Travel

02/14/2025

We've got a new Viator discount code for you!

Use code VIATORLUV10 at https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00003200&uid=U00260153&mcid=58086¤cy=USD
to save 10% on your tour, excursion, or transfer bookings!
Valid now thru February 28th.

02/14/2025

02/13/2025

Calving at Mendenhall Glacier today.

02/13/2025

"Want to avoid cruise scams? Be smart! If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Don’t get blinded by a “bargain.” Double-check everything. Call the cruise line yourself to make sure the offer’s real, and look up the company offering it – see what others say online.
This story also highlights that it often is best to book either directly with a cruise line or book through a trusted travel agent. This isn’t to say other sources aren’t trustworthy. Just make sure that website or person has a valid track record."

If a cruise deal makes you think, 'Wow, that's insanely cheap!' it probably is. And not in a good way. This was the painful reality for hundreds of

02/12/2025

Have you visted Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau? With the recent increase in significant calving, the US Forest Service says that the glacier is expected to collapse very soon.

01/22/2025

What to Do When Something Goes Wrong on Your Cruise
Even the best vacations can hit a snag, but knowing how to handle it can make all the difference. Here’s what to do...

01/06/2025

Booked your dream cruise and feeling a little overwhelmed with what to do next? Don’t worry—you’re not alone, and we're here to help!
If your cruise was booked within the last 30 days and hasn’t been paid in full yet, you can transfer it to our care at no extra cost.
We provide proactive price monitoring, take care of the pre- and post-cruise details, and offer ongoing support and assistance so you can enjoy peace of mind for a stress-free trip.

Ready to take the next step? Send us a message today, and let’s turn your cruise plans into something truly unforgettable—planned with care, just for you.

01/02/2025

Even if a passport isn’t *required* it’s smart to bring it along!
Passports are required for ALL international flights - including from Mexico or Canada, so having this document with you will make things SO much easier if you have to return home midtrip.

01/01/2025

This year reminded us that travel isn't just about the places we visit but the people we meet, the cultures we embrace, and the memories we create. Here's to a year of connection, growth, and adventure.

01/01/2025

Friends, we are in the last few hours of early bird pricing for our Quiltworx Journey Through the Hawaiian Islands cruise! Get your registration in today to save $250 per person on this awesome quilting adventure! Details below!

If you love quilting and love cruising, this may be JUST what you are looking for! Spotlight Cruise and Travel is teaming with Spumoni Garden Quilts by Carin and Granny Sassy Designs to offer the Quiltworx Journey Through the Hawaiian Islands quilting cruise on Celebrity Solstice September 21 - Oct 2, 2025.

Non-quilter but still love the idea of cruising to Hawaii? We've got a few extra staterooms set aside at discounted rates for non-quilters!
Early-bird pricing ends December 31st.

https://spotlightcruiseandtravel.com/quiltworxcruise

Join certified Quitworx instructor Caron Brimley and Lucy McKie aboard Celebrity Solstice for a 10 night QUILTING cruise through the Hawaiian Islands, September 21-October 2, 2025.

12/28/2024

Scam alert for travelers:
This has, unfortunately, become a regular occurrence. If you are working with a travel advisor it is highly unlikely that the tour company, cruise line, or airline would reach out to you for an underpayment, and it would NEVER be a phone call. PLEASE DO NOT GIVE PAYMENT INFORMATION OVER THE PHONE, and always call your travel advisor if something doesn’t seem right.

11/25/2024

Ireland Day 7 - On my way home!
It’s always sad to see the suitcases in the hallway on the final day. My first flight home was at 11:30 AM and we were watching the weather in the airline app closely as a big storm was blowing in. Fortunately, our flight made it out just fine. Some of our friends from the tour were not so lucky and got to spend a very long day at the Dublin airport. After a slightly delayed takeoff in Boston I finally landed in Seattle at about 11:45 PM, and arrived home close to 1AM. This lady was not built for 26 hour days! I’ve got a plan for breaking it up a bit more next time, but what are your best tips for loooong travel days?

11/25/2024

Ireland Day 6 part 4
Farewell dinner at Nancy Hands

Nancy Hands Public House is a historic and beloved pub located in Dublin, on the banks of the Royal Canal. Known for its traditional charm, rich history, and distinctive setting, Nancy Hands has become a landmark in the city’s cultural landscape.

The origins of Nancy Hands date back to the 18th century, with the pub itself officially opening in 1860. The story behind its name is steeped in local legend and Irish folklore. The pub is named after Nancy Hand, who, according to popular tales, was a prominent and well-loved figure in Dublin during the 18th century. Nancy was believed to be the proprietor of an earlier establishment, or alternatively, a regular visitor known for her spirited character and generous hospitality.

Today, Nancy Hands is known for its cozy atmosphere, delicious traditional Irish food, and wide selection of drinks. The pub also frequently hosts live music, often featuring traditional Irish folk bands.

11/24/2024

Day 6, part 3 Dublin Castle

We had some free-time this afternoon so a few of us decided to explore Dublin Castle, a site rich with over 800 years of history. Commissioned by King John of England in 1204, it was built atop a former Viking settlement to serve as a fortress and the residence for the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. While much of the original structure has been replaced, the Record Tower remains, standing as a testament to its medieval origins.

In 1684, a devastating fire led to significant reconstruction, transforming the castle into a Georgian palace. The addition of the State Apartments during this period reflects its evolution from a military stronghold to a center of British administration in Ireland. These opulent rooms were designed to impress visiting dignitaries and symbolize British authority.

The Chapel Royal, added in the 19th century, is a Gothic Revival gem, with intricate woodwork and breathtaking stained glass windows.

A fascinating detail: if you look closely at the Record Tower, you can see a line beneath the lower small window where the original tower ends and the newer construction begins, marked by a change in stone.

11/24/2024

Day 6, part 2 EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

Visited EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum today in Dublin, and it truly lives up to its name! Every Person Is Connected. Through interactive exhibits, it tells the stories of 10 million Irish emigrants and their impact worldwide in music, politics, science, and more.
If you're in Dublin, it’s a must-visit to understand Ireland’s resilience and global impact!