Cruise Planners - Yourjourneymaker.com

06/19/2024

Is this Heaven? No, it's math and physics. Five floors of early experimentation, wonder and advancement.

The Museo Galileo was Matthew’s excellent choice.

High society in this age was celebrated innovation as entertainment. They were fascinated by the phenomena of experimental physics. In salons and courts, the laws of nature were illustrated by lecturers who taught science through spectacular demonstrations. It was a theatrical performance that used pumps, the planetarium and solar microscopes to each without getting too deep into the math.

I could only wish that all of my Mathnasium instructors were with us on this day. They would have celebrated it too!

06/19/2024

Embark on epic journeys with our exclusive travel deals! 🌍✈️ Discover new destinations and unforgettable experiences. Book now and let the adventure begin!

http://YourJourneyMaker.com//WeeklyTravelDeals/source:fb_weekly/campaign_id:187a27ba

06/17/2024

Galleria dell Accademia di Firenze

On our first day in Florence, we met with an art historian before walking to the Galleria dell Accademia di Firenze. Lines for the Accademia were around the large building. It is a bit of a thrill to, once again, walk past the large crowd and sail into the museum with our skip the line guide. And we were greeted by art. All the wonderful art that you learn about in humanities. I had to pinch myself to confirm I’m really here!

Next, we went through the Hall of Prisoners with the incomplete Michelangelo sculptures. Michelangelo believed each figure was in the marble and it was his life's work to release them. Keeping that idea as we looked at all of his work, it is an amazing thought! Especially when you gaze on the Pieta in Rome and David here in the Accademia or the prisoners trying to break free.

And there he is in all his glory: David!

It really is amazing to view this sculpture from all angles, to see how realistic the work is, and to comprehend the tools Michelangelo worked with in the 16th century to bring this form from the marble. We spent a lot of time here and took too many pictures. This area is called the Tribune and it also houses many beautiful paintings.

Around the corner is Gipsoteca or Hall of Models. This is a plaster reproduction of Bartolinis art studio. This technique is an old and delicate process artists performed as they prepared to sculpt in marble. The elegant plaster models are obtained by clay. Nails are inserted at regular intervals to give precise references for the depths to obtain in the rough-hewn marble. Patina was used to give the effect of terracotta, marble or bronze.

Grand Prince Ferdinando Medici, son of Cosimo III, combined his passion for music and art into one of the most extraordinary collections in Europe. They were entrusted to the Music Conservatory of Florence. I liked the hurdy-gurdies best, partly because they were so pretty, but also because it is fun to say, “Hurdy-gurdy!”

Tomorrow is a glimpse of one of my favorite days!

06/17/2024

Medieval castles 🏰 French delicacies 🥐 and mesmerizing tulip fields 🌷 All of this and more on your river cruise through Old Europe. Save big with these special savings and experience the charm of places like Lisbon, Vienna, Bordeaux, and beyond.

06/17/2024

Dive into the adventure of a lifetime with Expedition Travel! 🚢⛰️ From the rugged landscapes of Antarctica to the lush rainforests of the Amazon, our expertly curated expeditions will ignite your wanderlust and leave you awe-inspired. Explore remote corners of the world, encounter fascinating wildlife, and immerse yourself in diverse cultures like never before.

06/16/2024

I just booked a client on Celebrity. Their ships offer a taste of luxury and they now sail out of Port Canaveral.

I have Group Rate for a December 3 cruise to Bimini and the Bahamas, (4-nights) with excellent rates for Balcony Rooms.

Celebrity now sails to Perfect Day at CocoCay! Come relax in your own Overwater Cabana or cool off in the Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool. For a taste of adrenaline, hit the tallest waterslide in North America. It’s all here! 🏖️☀️

http://YourJourneyMaker.com//partner/cruise/brandCEL/source:fb_partner/campaign_id:18156edd

06/16/2024

Bright and early, we put the luggage outside of our hotel room door and went to the delightful breakfast buffet. More coffee cake, please.

We took a water taxi and a 10-minute comfort van ride to the high-speed rail. The high-speed rail took us through Tuscany and into Florence. We passed small towns and rolling hills and it is a pleasant, two-hour trip. I spent a lot of time looking at the map of Florence and the suggested activities and planning our days.
Our Florence stay is at Hotel Bernini Palace. This beautiful 15th century building is a 5-star hotel is in the heart of Florence, just down the alley from Palazzo Vecchio (officially, Piazza della Signoria) with Piazza Santa Croce on the other side. We delightedly walked everywhere!

We met with an art historian who provided insight to the history of Florence, the Medici family, and the sculptures that we would see on the churches, in Palazzo Vecchio, and basically everywhere else that we looked. We learned why some statues are made of marble and the ones on the side of the churches are bronze. It's a status factor. We were well prepared for our museum visit!

After lunch, we did a walking tour of the city as we made our way to the Galleria dell Accademia di Firenze, where Michelangelo's David is on full display. We started at Palazzo Vecchio with its many outside statues and restaurants, passed Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Duomo, and learned about the construction from 1286 to its opening day in 1436.

The streets are narrow compared to our standards, full of pedestrians and the sidewalks are even more narrow. There are few cars, a couple motorbikes and bikes. Most traffic in the area is pedestrian.

I've saved the Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze and Michelangelo's David for tomorrow's post. So much to see!

06/15/2024

🌟 Exclusive Travel Deal 🌟
I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve completed the Tauck Specialist training! Tauck, known for its unique and immersive experiences, is one of my favorite travel suppliers. I’m excited to bring this expertise to you.

I earned a certificate to offer my clients for a pre or post-stay hotel night (4- or 5-star accommodations) if you book a qualifying Tauck journey for 2024 or 2025 by July 6, 2024.

While I can reserve a multitude of land and cruise tours, I chose Tauck for their after-hours museum tours and immersive experiences for my own travel.

06/15/2024

If you plan to visit Venice anytime soon, this restaurant was delicious! Be sure to order their caramel cake!!

Typical Venetian and Veneto cuisine, wide choice of meat and fish dishes, excellent Frittura Reale (mixed fried fish) and meat and fish carpaccio on request.

06/15/2024

When in Venice...
My favorite part of this first full day was touring the less crowded part of Venice where the military museum is housed. We passed local school children and realized that some of the little narrow cobblestone streets we were navigating were Venetian neighborhoods.
We met up with our group for a sunset gondola ride and dinner afterwards. There were onboard serenades as we flowed past waterfront restaurants. We dined at Ristorante Carpaccio, just a few steps from our hotel. Venice is known for fish, so that night, we enjoyed salmon. I had a delicious gnocchi appetizer, but the top culinary experience of the evening was the caramel cake (more like a pie) that Matthew ordered. My strawberries and cream (fragole panna cotta), while refreshing, paled in comparison to Matthew's dessert. I didn't order a fruit dessert the rest of the trip. Ho delle fragole a casa.
https://ristorantecarpaccio.it/en/home-2/

It was an early night... The high-speed rail to Florence is in in the morning!

06/14/2024

Booking with a travel advisor means you get to experience expert advice, stress-free planning, unbeatable deals, and support every step of the way! It is still Your vacation, Your agenda, and You are get the perk of being high informed of every bit of the plan.

Who wouldn't want that? Let's start planning your stress-free getaway!

06/13/2024

This May, I was blessed to take our son with me on a tour of Venice, Florence and Rome. I am still smiling with wonderful memories. I'd like to share this lovely tour with you.

We start in Venice. Our airport transfer was by private water taxi, a teakwood boat that delivered my son, myself, and four other guests on our tour, across the waterways, through the canals and to our hotel door. Our luggage was ported from the hotel throughout the tour for the entire journey. I never rolled my suitcase farther than the hotel room to the front of our hotel room door until it was time to board the plane home.

It was early, about noon, but our room, at the Ca di Dio (House of God), was ready, enabling us to sleep off the jetlag and arrive at our Get to know you cocktail hour and dinner refreshed. This 5-star hotel was, in 1272, a hostel for pilgrims on their way to the Holy Land, so technically, it is Venice's oldest hotel. Over the centuries, it was repurposed for the Venetian military and also as a convent and a convalescent home. The chapel turned lobby houses two statues and a 14,000 piece Murano glass chandelier. Gabriela, one of the friendly reservation clerks was more than happy to answer questions and help me perfect my Italian.

We had a walking tour of the city, across many bridges as Venice is over 1,000 islands. We toured Doge's gilded palace, learned about the history of the Bridge of Sighs, and visited St. Mark's Basilica (skip the line tickets) and a naval museum that was fascinating. And the food! Don't get me started - there are too many pictures! Day 2 was a special treat... stay tuned!

06/12/2024

Oh, hey vacay! 🌊🍹 Dive into paradise with our irresistible travel deals. Time to sun, swim, and unwind!

http://YourJourneyMaker.com//WeeklyTravelDeals/source:fb_weekly/campaign_id:1791ac73

06/11/2024

I’m excited to share this stunning vacation I’ve just booked for one of my clients! Uniworld Boutique River Cruise’s “Castles along the Rhine” river cruise will take them from Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam. They will sail through vineyard-lined valleys, passing dozens of medieval castles and breathtaking landscapes.

As experienced travelers, they are particularly excited about their 3-day pre-cruise stay in beautiful Lake Lucerne.

I’m honored to be "Your Journey Maker" and to help create unforgettable travel experiences. Ready to plan your next adventure? Let’s make it happen!

Experience four different countries as you sail by dozens of German castles, vineyard-lined riversides, and quaint towns with fascinating histories along the...

06/11/2024

☀️ SPOTLIGHT: SUN PRINCESS 🏝️🤿🛳️ The Dome on the all-new Sun Princess® is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced on a cruise ship. It’s a transformative venue that features a pool by sunlight and an entertainment stage by starlight. Now sailing the Caribbean and Med.

http://YourJourneyMaker.com//partner/cruise/brandPRI/source:fb_partner/campaign_id:17710da8

06/10/2024

✨ Top 5 Reasons to Use a Travel Advisor ✨🌍

Planning your next adventure? Here’s why working with a travel advisor can make all the difference:

1. Expert Knowledge: We enhance your travel dreams! Benefit from extensive knowledge and insider tips. We know the best destinations, accommodations, and activities to make your trip unforgettable.

2. Exclusive Access: Gain access to exclusive deals, upgrades, and amenities.

3. Personalized Itineraries: We tailor every trip to your unique preferences, ensuring an experience that perfectly matches your travel style and desires.

4. Time Savings: Leave the research and booking to us. We handle all the details, so you can focus on enjoying your journey.

5. Peace of Mind: Travel with confidence knowing that we’re here to support you before, during, and after your trip. We handle any issues that arise, so you can relax and enjoy your vacation.
Ready to start planning your next adventure? Contact us today and let’s make your travel dreams a reality! ✈️🌟

06/10/2024

Escape to paradise with our adults-only getaways! Whether you're thinking of serene beachfront retreats or thrilling adventures, we've got you covered. Indulge in gourmet dining, sip cocktails by the pool, and soak up the sun without a care in the world.

Ready to plan your escape?

06/09/2024

My love of travel is fueled by a deep curiosity about the world and the incredible people who inhabit it. There’s nothing more exhilarating than exploring new places and meeting new friends along the way. Sharing ideas and experiences is a joy that I want to pass on to others, which is why I have become a travel advisor.

Over the years, I’ve learned so much about the world and the diverse travel experiences it offers. Travel styles and dream vacations are as unique as our personalities. Whether you seek the structured guidance of a tour group or the freedom of independent travel, I am here to help you build the perfect vacation. From land tours, river cruises, and ocean voyages to ticking off your bucket list with far-off destinations, remote locations, or the stunning beauty of our own country, I've got you covered.

As "Your Journey Maker," it is my honor to craft personalized travel experiences that cater to your individual preferences and desires. Let’s turn your travel dreams into reality and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Follow us for travel inspiration, tips, and exclusive deals. Feel free to reach out with any questions or to start planning your dream vacation.
Happy travels!
Lisa Luciani – Owner, Cruise Planners, YourJourneyMaker.com

06/07/2024

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime with Carnival Cruise Line's Alaska voyage! From breathtaking scenery to exciting onboard activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy:

Fun Onboard Activities: Experience amazing stage shows, live musical performances, and hilarious stand-up comedy. Dance the night away at clubs and lounges, or join in deck parties and trivia contests for non-stop fun!

Delicious Food & Drink: Indulge in six meals a day, including breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks. From the full-service Main Dining Room to specialty food spots and self-serve soft-serve, there's a culinary delight for every taste bud.

Very Comfy Staterooms & Amenities: Relax in cozy staterooms equipped with soft linens, ample storage space, and in-room amenities. Your stateroom attendant ensures your comfort with daily turn-down service and beach towels ready for your excursions.

Don't miss out on this unforgettable journey to Alaska with Carnival Cruise Line!

Book your adventure today and get ready for an experience you'll cherish forever. 🐳

06/05/2024

Uncover incredible travel deals that make your dream vacation a reality. 🌍✈️ Ready, set, explore! Book now and start your adventure.

http://YourJourneyMaker.com//WeeklyTravelDeals/source:fb_weekly/campaign_id:17213387

06/04/2024

DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT: ITALY Unlock the breathtaking beauty of Italy with Trafalgar, from the canals of Venice to the hills of Tuscany. Stroll historic sites in Vatican City, enjoy some retail therapy in Milan, and explore a remarkable world of cathedrals and culture.

http://YourJourneyMaker.com//deals/TTCTrafalgar/source:fb_partner/campaign_id:1716c2c5

06/03/2024

Dive into the magic of theme park travel! Experience the thrill of roller coasters, the enchantment of fairy tale lands, and the excitement of live shows. 🎉✨

From iconic characters to heart-pounding rides, there's something for everyone! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Whether it's Disney, Universal, or any other theme park, we've got you covered! 🌍

05/31/2024

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Mount Fuji! 🌸

Whether you're a thrill-seeker craving an adrenaline rush on its slopes or a nature lover seeking serenity amidst its breathtaking vistas, Mount Fuji promises an unforgettable adventure. Embrace the majesty of Japan's iconic landmark and let its towering presence inspire your wanderlust soul. 🇯🇵

05/29/2024

From Madrid to Barcelona, Seville to Granada, experience Spain's rich history, iconic landmarks, and delectable cuisine. This "Best of Spain" guided vacation from CIE Tours launches for sale June 4th!

http://YourJourneyMaker.com//deals/CIETours/source:fb_partner/campaign_id:1682cc22

05/28/2024

Revel in onboard lectures, cooking demonstrations, and destination performances as you sail with Viking and discover stunning scenery of the Rhine, explore the rich history of the Mediterranean, or unlock the beauty of Hawaii. Isn’t it time to discover more of the world?

http://YourJourneyMaker.com//partner/cruise/BrandViking/source:fb_partner/campaign_id:169733e9

05/27/2024

Today we remember and honor. Wishing everyone a peaceful Memorial Day filled with gratitude and reflection. 🇺🇸

05/24/2024

Sail with Regent Seven Seas Cruises and explore the world a little deeper with Immersive Overnights, a transformative new experience with overnight stays in every destination. Enjoy seaside dinners at Michelin-star restaurants, private piano concerts, and so much more!

http://YourJourneyMaker.com//deals/RSSC/source:fb_partner/campaign_id:1658e3c9

05/22/2024

Here comes the SAUN-AHHHH! Welcome to the breathtaking Mandara Spa aboard Norwegian’s new Prima Class ships, where the healing waters of the ocean meet soothing spa experiences and the tranquility of a cascading indoor waterfall. Isn’t it time to spoil yourself?

http://YourJourneyMaker.com//partner/cruise/brandNCL/source:fb_partner/campaign_id:163239ba

05/22/2024

The world is waiting for you! 🌟🌎 Let's get going with unbeatable travel deals that make your next trip unforgettable.

http://YourJourneyMaker.com//WeeklyTravelDeals/source:fb_weekly/campaign_id:1611c877

05/21/2024

Yearning for white sand beaches and tropical waterfalls? Escape to the Caribbean with Celebrity Cruises for a quick 3- or 4-night getaway and dive into turquoise waters, explore natural wonders, or simply find a piece of paradise and soak up the sun. 🏖️

http://YourJourneyMaker.com//partner/cruise/brandCEL/source:fb_partner/campaign_id:162c09f5