Jill Nagel - Travel Specialist

12/27/2024

This past week, I had the opportunity to sail on the Scarlet Lady, and it was an outstanding experience. Virgin Voyages' number one ranking for large ship food and beverages is well-deserved. Having sailed on 50+ cruises, I appreciated the various entertainment options, which strayed from the conventional cruise show format. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and am ready to plan another sailing onboard another Virgin Voyages cruise! Have an interest in sailing on this unique cruise line? Check with me first! I have some agency exclusive rates and bonus “Sailor Loot” promotions available!

12/24/2024

I am currently onboard the Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady, cruising through the Caribbean. This cruise line, designed exclusively for adults 18 and above, offers a refreshing departure from traditional cruise experiences. It is primarily all-inclusive, with the exception of premium beverages, shore excursions, and spa treatments. The adults-only ambiance is clearly evident onboard. Here are some photos from around the deck areas and in port in Costa Maya (next to Icon of the Seas!). Happy Holidays!

12/19/2024

If you have plans to visit the UK in 2025 and beyond, you will now need a visa to enter. The process is fairly quick and is recommended to be completed before departing the US. Once approved, it’s good for 2 years.

Did you know? U.S. citizen tourists will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for traveling to the United Kingdom starting January 8, 2025! See full ETA Guidance at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-when-you-can-get-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

11/30/2024

November is the perfect time to discover Europe's hidden gems, with affordable airfare, fewer tourists, and shorter queues, allowing for a more authentic experience! It's also the beginning of the festive European Christmas Market season, a treat for anyone who loves shopping and trying new foods! Pics are from a recent trip to Paris in Nov. 2024. Which European destination is at the top of your bucket list?

11/13/2024

“The internet is for looking, an agent is for booking.” Here’s an example why you should always book travel with a reliable agent. Thrilled to have been able to assist my clients so they may continue on their vacation worry-free!

11/11/2024

There’s so many AMAZING Black Friday/Cyber Monday travel specials dropping now! I also have agency exclusive perks through lots of my suppliers. If you’re thinking of a cruise, all-inclusive, or custom itinerary abroad now is a great time to start looking and booking!

Where do you want to travel in 2025/2026? Let’s talk!

All 📸: Jill Nagel - 2024

11/03/2024

10/16/2024

A well-deserved accolade!

We’re delighted to announce that we have been awarded the Gold Magellan Award for Best Cruise Cuisine, presented by Travel Weekly. ​

Culinary experiences are at the heart of our guest experience. Our culinary philosophy blends global flavours with locally sourced ingredients, offering a variety of restaurants and bars that celebrate the finest in food and beverages. From elegant fine dining to laid-back al fresco options, every meal is crafted to exhilarate the senses.​

We're extremely proud of our talented culinary team!​

And of course, thank you to our wonderful guests who inspire us to keep raising the bar.​

# OceanStateOfMind

07/12/2024

Four ships in port today in . Carnival Freedom, Disney Magic, Carnival Celebration, and Celebrity Reflection. Have you sailed on any of these?

07/10/2024

I’m currently onboard the Celebrity Reflection. Feel free to send along any questions about the ship or cruise line!

07/08/2024

Five ships departing this morning from Port Miami. Have you cruised from here before?

06/18/2024

As this journey on the beautiful Explora I comes to the end, its time to admire the exterior of the ship. Some Explora I stats: Guest decks are 4 through 14. 63,900 gross tons. Inaugural sailing August 1, 2023. 461 all oceanfront suites. (No interior or window only rooms.) 922 max capacity. Passenger to crew ratio - 1:1.25. Explora II (sister ship to Explora I) launches this July with 4 more ships to join the fleet over the next few years!

06/16/2024

Explora Journeys - Sakura is the Pan-Asian restaurant onboard Explora I and is excellent! Reservations required for this experience but they are also open for lunch most days. Sakura also has a full sushi menu which changes, based on local availability. A beautiful way to dine among the cherry blossoms at sea!

06/14/2024

Casablanca, Morocco - Medina Market

06/11/2024

Explora Journeys - Explora I ship. On a 19 day journey, laundry must be done! This ship has 2 launderettes each with 2 washers, 2 dryers, and ironing (on deck 9 & 10). Serviced laundry and dry cleaning are available onboard as well.

06/10/2024

Explora Journeys - Entertainment! With 6 days on this crossing, I’ve never been bored! Very pleasantly surprised by the amount and quality of activities onboard at any time! With an average age of 57, the entertainment has reflected this demographic of guests. Some experiences have been daily guest lecturers called luminaries onboard, art classes, live music, trivia, DJ sets, silent discos, outdoor movies, casino, social get-togethers, and more! Pictures can’t capture it all! (Including one sea day and one port day schedule from this sailing in the photos.)

06/09/2024

Explora Journeys doesn’t have a traditional cruise ship buffet. It has the Emporium Marketplace (open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with a variety of stations to get freshly prepared dishes! Guests never handle serving utensils and the excellent service continues with beverage service. Homemade pasta, sushi, seafood, salads, carving station, Asian wok, charcuterie, sandwiches, pizzas, burgers, desserts and changes up daily - including Sunday sea day brunch!