Jessica Priem, Orange Grove Travel Company

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Jessica Priem, Orange Grove Travel Company

Bringing all of your vacation dreams to life. Whether it is once a year, or once in a lifetime, trust your vacation memories to a seasoned pro!
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After spending countless hours planning our first big family vacation to Disney World, we had an absolutely magical time! I realized that was due to the amount of planning that went into it. I also realize not everyone has the time (or desire) to do that part of the vacation planning process. This is where I come in. I can help you every step of the way, from making resort reservations, fast pass+

selections, and dining reservations! Best part is - my services cost you nothing! I want to make sure your visit is so magical that you will refer me to your friends and family!

11/08/2024

Day 16/16 to celebrate our 16th anniversary -

Rome wasn’t built in a day. It probably shouldn’t be visited in a day either. We gave it a good day and a half, but could have used another day.

But we DID Rome! And almost exclusively by foot. Rome hands down has the worst public transportation we’ve seen in Europe this summer, so don’t plan on that as your go to. I do have some alternative suggestions if we plan a trip to Rome for you, don’t worry!

We saved the Vatican and a tour of the Colosseum for next trip with the kids. But everything else we came, we saw, we conquered.

We capped it off tonight with the best Gluten Free pizza! (Chris said it was even better than the traditional) The owner opened it for his wife who has Celiac, and they have 2 different kitchens.

Early flight tomorrow, the 3am wake up call is going to be rough, but I’m ready to get home to the kids!

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09/08/2024

Day 15/16 to celebrate our 16th anniversary -
Today is the last day of our cruise. We’ve met some nice people, and seen some amazing places.

We wrapped up port stops today with La Spezia. We headed by train to Cinque Terra National Park. Which is really 5 costal cities that have be designated as a National Park. They are beautiful, but H.O.T. in August. {100+ at times today} Not ideal.

We decided to head to the furthest city away first and work our way back, while getting a treat in each city. {first 3 were adult beverages, but the 3rd one was so strong, that game had to come to an end. 🤣 so then we switched to frozen treats.} Real fun blooper - when my Gelato was served as soup instead of frozen. That shirt went straight into the trash, and the bathing suit was put on right there on the train platform. Messes happen.

Today we hiked up mountains, walked through tunnels, and around piers. Lots to see, and you could easily spend a week just in that area. {We also ran into the LSSU Basketball team, and possibly a Cal Neighbor, so it is a small world after all!}

Now getting glammed up for our last dinner on board. Even though it isn’t a formal night - something happened the first week, and they didn’t have 2 formal nights, and all I have left is a formal dress, so we are having our own fancy night!

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08/08/2024

Day 14/16 to celebrate our 16th anniversary -
Ok, 🏳️ I’ll admit that I am tired after today! {back in the stupid boot today because I pushed too hard yesterday 🙇🏻‍♀️}

Today we ported in Genova, Italy. Many people take excursions to Portofino, but we heard that if you visit the seaside town of Camogli, you get all of the charm, with FAR less tourists. We took the regional train from near our port to Camogli. We saw a Princess excursion when we first arrived, but they must have just been making a short stop, because they disappeared quickly.

Chris swam for a little while, and I had seconds on the Aperol Spritz, followed by gelato.

Then we headed back to Genova by train, and went to the Museum Strada Nuova, which is part of a series of Rolli. We visited 3 places that were each full of different art formats. Plus saw the Palazzi del Roli, which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We saw the Piazza De Ferrari, walked through a maze of back alley looking streets of Genova, however, the gluten free focaccia bread and pesto eluded us on this visit, but if you go, you should eat some! This is where they both originate from!

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07/08/2024

Day 13/16 to celebrate our 16th anniversary -
We originally had other plans in Marseille for today, but when we realized that the Olympics Sailing Marina was in the same town, we purchased tickets, and take in this once in a lifetime opportunity.

It was fun to be in the Olympic venue, however, sailing is a sport that requires a certain level of weather cooperation, and unfortunately, today the conditions did not cooperate until about 10 minutes before we needed to head back to the ship. We should have been able to see 3-4 races, but we were only able to see the Women’s Dingy medal race.

But we had a fun morning. We took the metro, to the bus, to the marina. Then we were able to hold one of the Olympic torches for a photo, and then they had dingy boats (and paddle board) available for people to take out for free. So, with very little wind, Chris and I tried our luck at the boats. It was fun, because the wind wasn’t strong enough to flip us over.

Can you think of a more awkward sport to watch at the Olympics? Probably the last time I would attempt to watch Sailing unless we knew someone sailing. Still fun memories, and a second Olympics attended for me.

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06/08/2024

Day 12/16 to celebrate our 16th anniversary - today was our last sea day already believe it or not!

I guess - womp, womp, it was bound to happen…but proof that I do leave my cabin. (Though, I can’t say I’ve left the 9th deck very often 🤷🏻‍♀️) We met a lovely couple in the hot tub that was also on our first Princess Cruise. We chatted, then had hors d’oeuvres and a drink with them on the Sun deck. Sunscreen was clearly an after thought 😬

Since we really didn’t do much today, enjoy a portfolio of our dining experience tonight.

Off to another cirque du Soleil show this evening, followed by a comedian.

“Early” to bed, because tomorrow is the OLYMPICS!! 🇺🇸

05/08/2024

Day 11/16 to celebrate our 16th anniversary - Back in the UK today. Gibraltar. I wish I could say things went perfectly, they did not. That’s why I’m here. We are trying things out for you, so that we can give honest recommendations.

Does this mean our day was ruined? Not really, we are good at pivoting. Would we do it differently next time? Absolutely.

Our plan was to take the cable car to the top of “The Rock” and then walk back down, taking in the 17 attractions along the way back down the rock path.

When we got to the cable car queue, it was HOURS long. And that was because we followed the “tips,” and repurchased our tickets online. 🤦🏻‍♀️

After waiting about a half an hour, and not moving (because there was only 1 cable car working - and it held 20 people) we bailed, and bought a city bus pass for the day and just rode around the island.

It wasn’t the most thrilling day, but we did help a couple of dads and their kids navigate back to the cruise port, so maybe that is good Karma for later in the week.

But look! 2 feet today!!!!! I decided to give it a try today without the “boot” - It’s a little sore, but I did it!

Captains Circle Cocktail Hour tonight for some pre dinner drinks. 🍹

Now off to dinner and shows!!

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04/08/2024

Day 10/16 to celebrate our 16th anniversary - gotta stop and rest every few days! Today was a Sea Day, which meant more chillin’ on our private Cabana, watching the Olympics, hot tub, and good intentions of continuing that cross stitch.

We had a wine tasting at 1:30, and met a retired couple from Australia, and before we knew it, it was nearly 4:00, and they were setting up the dining room around us for dinner. It was nice and unexpected to just sit and chat with strangers for so long.

Then it was time to get ready for formal night, acrobatics cirque show, and comedian before bed.

03/08/2024

Day 9/16 to celebrate our 16th anniversary - today we were in Barcelona. Quasi early morning, but we had VIP port passes that got us around all of the people disembarking the ship today.

Using public transportation we started our day at La Sagrada Familia with a self guided audio tour. Then wandered around the non-tourist area of Barcelona until we landed at Park Güell.

Afterwards we found a local Spanish Aldi, and did what we do in an Aldi. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Followed by a nice walk through the marina area. I am (embarrassed) and proud to say that we returned back to the ship in time. 3:58 for a 4:00 all aboard time. Maybe don’t push it that close 😳 (it did have to do with the route of the city cruise port bus, and we were in good company, but man that was an uneasy feeling! )

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02/08/2024

Day 8/16 to celebrate our 16th anniversary - today was a sea day. While some people were packing, because their journey is coming to an end, we are just catching our stride. We’ve seen what the ship has to offer for entertainment for a week, we’ve seen all of the menus, and we know our room steward. We are ready to kick off leg 2 of this cruise tomorrow in Barcelona.

But today was for relaxing. A LOT of time on the Reserve Collection sun deck, in the hot tub. (Luckily it’s not too hot).

I also brought along a cross stitch that has been hanging around our house for a few years, and I will add this to my classroom in the sewing section next year (if I finish it - that G took a long time!)

While stitching, we watched the Olympics. It has been a very different viewing experience watching on a non-bias sports news channel. There might be some events that I will come home and rewatch with some good ‘ol NBC color commentary.

We ate our lunch and dinner in the Reserve Collection Dining Room today, before taking in the late night comedy show.

01/08/2024

Day 7/16 to celebrate our 16th anniversary - Sticking with Italy, today we ported in Naples.

We had a 10:30 guided tour at Pompeii, so it was an early wake up in order to make sure we were there in time. We took the train from Naples to Pompeii, and actually arrived about an hour early, but that gave us time for some coffee and water before our tour.

Pro tip: don’t just show up with a ticket to Pompeii. Book a guided tour. Trust me. Even if you have taught the subject many years, the grounds have different rooms open each day, and without a guide, and in our case a working archeologist, you will truly have no idea what you are looking at, and you will likely miss anything worth learning about.

From Pompeii, we headed back to Naples, and had a chance to FaceTime with each of the kids, one of them for literal seconds before he went off to play with cousins.

In Naples, we found some gluten free pizza. Seriously, Italy makes it so easy to be gluten free 🤷🏻‍♀️.

Then we walked around town checking out the architecture, and all of the “real” designer goods being sold off the sidewalks and garbage cans around town.

Tomorrow is a sea day, so we shall see what we get into!

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31/07/2024

Day 6/16 to celebrate our 16th anniversary - Our port today was in Sicily - Messina, Italy. We made the decision prior to today to not go to Taormina, which is about an hour away from the port. Word has it that it’s beautiful there, but with 2 ships in port, it was going to make that town a tourist nightmare. Judging from reports on our cruise Facebook group, that is exactly what happened. So maybe think twice if multiple ships will be in port.

We decided instead to meander around Messina. The plan was to go to the Museum, however, when we arrived there was a picket protest, and as a card carrying union member myself, I decided that I didn’t feel right crossing an international picket line to go into an art museum.

We decided instead to head back to Piazza Duomo to see the 12:00 showing of the largest astronomical clock in the world. At noon each day, the clock puts on a 12 minute show of the clock animals that tells the history of the city. It was pretty neat to see.

Then we headed off to follow the gluten free Italy app - in search of Gluten Free Cannoli!

After that, we did attempt to find the viral McDonalds Towels that apparently were in the Italian kids meals this summer, but were unsuccessful. (Sorry Sparky!)

Then back to the ship with some hot tub time before dinner.

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30/07/2024

Day 5/16 to celebrate our 16th anniversary - Our port today was Corfu, Greece. We started our day with a classic beach morning at Dassia Beach. I was able to get a chair and umbrella for just 4 Euros, which always extends our beach time, because I am not a sun worshiper, but I did get in the water for a while.

We then headed to Old Town. (yes, beginning to think every Mediterranean town has an “old town”) Walked around a bit checking out the Old Fortress, and New Fortress (that honestly looked almost identical 🤷🏻‍♀️), wandered through the maze of old buildings which is where we stumbled upon a Cafe specializing in Gluten Free items. (I saved the pastry for dessert tonight) but an ice cream in a GF cone AND a cold beer? Yes, please. We then finished making our way back to the ship in plenty of time. Rumor has it we left 6 people behind today. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Don’t risk it!
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29/07/2024

Day 4/16 to celebrate our 16th anniversary - Our port was supposed to be Kotor, and we had some beautiful excursions planned, however, last minute they changed our port to Bar Montenegro, that IMO is a manufactured tourist cruise port. We made the best of it, and went to Stari Bar Old Town, and visited the Stari Bar Castle Ruins, the most important Medieval archaeological site in the Balkans which is not yet archaeologically researched.

We then walked through Old Town, stopping for a drink, Gelato, and then a taxi back to the port.

There is a beach within walking distance from where the port shuttle drops you off. It is ALL ROCKS, so you would really have to want to get in the ocean to visit this beach. We headed back onto the ship for pools and hot tubs instead

28/07/2024

Day 3/16 to celebrate our 16th anniversary - Today was a sea day, and I’ll be honest, the entertainment didn’t really speak to our generation. That’s ok, because we splurged on our room for this cruise, so today we chose to enjoy our extended balcony with private cabana while watching the Olympics and listening to the ocean. Then we spent some time on the Reserve Collection Private Sundeck and hot tub. Then it was time for our first of four formal nights, followed by some live entertainment.

27/07/2024

Day 2/16 to celebrate our 16th anniversary - We rope dropped the Acropolis, and that turned out to be the best decision. It was pushing 90 degrees by the time we left at 8:40. Then a swing by the Panathenaic Stadium to complete our Athens Olympic tour.

26/07/2024

Kicking off Athens with a nod to the Olympic Games that also kick off today, by visiting the Ancient site of Olympieion. This begins 16 days to celebrate 16 years!

17/07/2024

Interested in an Alaskan Cruise? There are several cruise lines that will take you there. I can help you determine which cruise line is the best fit for your group.

I might not be able to tell you where you can catch the fish, but I can help you with a packing list. {Sorry, I can’t make your teenager listen to the advice, even mine is wearing an extra layer from the guide.}

21/06/2024

Well it happened. Just not the way I saw it playing out in my head 🤣 (No, not a divorce) My “Spring Break Cruise Dreaming” got the best of me.

If you can travel April 6-13, and your kids are 12 or under, 4 people can cruise for less than $475 per person for 7 days.

I couldn’t pass that up, but also realized that because Spring Break is a week later, it will be hockey tryouts for our oldest. (He’s over 12 anyway) So he and I will stay home this year, and Chris will take the littles.

If you want a ticket to that show, let me know! I can hook you up! 🤣

19/06/2024

Did you know that many of my adventures are inspired by my research while looking for YOUR perfect vacation?

I may have spent the afternoon wanderlust texting my husband about spring break cruises.

But if you are a family of 4 (specifically with kids 12 and under) I have some great ideas for you for Spring Break 2025! Curious? Send me a message!

13/06/2024

Are your passports up to date? Did you know for most destinations, your passport needs to be valid for 6 months after your intended return? If your passport isn’t up to date, today might be a good day to do that.

Last week my daughter and I jetted off to Europe very last minute, and we were able to do that because we had valid passports.

We hung out in London, tried out a hotel in a great location, and tested an app that helped us navigate the city like locals.

Travel doesn’t have to be intimidating. Reach out to me with your travel dreams, and we can work together to make them come true!

04/05/2024

Do you have a favorite Star Wars memory to share with us?

05/04/2024

We had too much time to head straight to the airport, but not enough time to really make anything worth paying to do, so we used our ASTC reciprocal membership benefits at the Houston Space Center for a quick look inside the Space Shuttle Independence.

My favorite part of the ASTC reciprocity program, is that we can hop in for a sample of many excellent museums around the country, and decide if we want them to be on the list for our next trip.

If you have a space enthusiast (or your own ASTC membership) the Houston Space Center might be worth a stop. Otherwise, the price seemed a little steep for what they had to offer compared to similarly priced museums around the country.

We met a family while on our cruise, and they said the breakfast with an astronaut was amazing for their budding young astronaut hopeful.

05/04/2024

If you like Trivia, Bingo, Karaoke, Piano Bars, Comedians, and production shows, you will always have something to look forward to on a cruise.

We really love the production shows each night. On the last night, they tend to showcase their entire ship crew. This was a nice celebration of the 37 different countries represented throughout the crew.

04/04/2024

Looking to splurge a little on board? Carnival offers a Build a Bear Workshop. Tip: if it says it starts at 4:30, arrive at least a half an hour early. We arrived 15 minutes early and there were 98 families ahead of us. 🤪

Meet Stanley Bear (the Princess Mascot on a Carnival vacation apparently) and Taylor the Bunny.

Addison’s T-shirt is an onboard fundraiser for the families at St Jude. All of the proceeds go directly to families at St Jude. (I completely forgot to bring my Groove for St Jude T-Shirt)

03/04/2024

Carnival partners with Dr Seuss to bring you Seuss at Sea, and many fun opportunities that come with that, including a Cat in the Hat and a Thing 1 and Thing 2 Birthday Breakfast.

My Thing 1 and Thing 2 may have appreciated sleeping in this morning, since we stayed up late for the 90’s party last night, but as our Cruise Director says “You can always sleep when you get back to work.” 🤣

02/04/2024

High above the sea is where she likes to be! Once you get harnessed into the ropes course, they let you go around as many times as you would like.

This was one of the bonus activities they opened today in lieu of our port adventure.

02/04/2024

Have you done Cozumel? We have a fantastic recommendation for an excursion company in Cozumel. However, yesterday we made the choice not to do an excursion so that we could splurge in Progresso. {womp womp} But we did get off the ship and walk around for a few minutes.

Did I lose a kid? No. He’s the reason we waited until last minute to book this cruise based on his hockey schedule. Then once we learned hockey was taking a break, we pounced on a cruise, only for him to say that staying home to train with his trainer was more important to him this week. 😳 {Kid’s got big goals}

So we ditched him and Chris, and YOLOed our way onto a ship with Grandma only this time.

02/04/2024

And some days are just like that….

This is our first ever canceled port of call. I know it happens, and was for our safety, but man it’s a bummer!

We had an AMAZING excursion booked for today that I was so excited to share with the kids and then with you! It had Mayan Pyramids, Cenote’s and an authentic meal made by a Maya Family.

Next time Progresso, next time.

{so the kids stand at 19 countries and 21 ports of call.}

So instead, while we wait for the Cruise Director to update the onboard activities, our ducks are in a row and ready to be hid around the ship!

01/04/2024

Family Dr Seuss Trivia is way more fun when you have 2 former Kindergarten teachers on your team. We pulled off the win!

Trophy is a 24 karat gold colored little piece of ship on a stick.

And he is THRILLED!

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Videos

Your health is a top concern for all cruise lines. Washy washy your hands is something you will hear ALL the time on any cruise ship. Royal almost always has a crew member who can jam out to popular songs while reminding you to wash those hands! Enjoy! #springbreak2023 #exploreroftheseas #royalcaribbean #kidsoforangegrove #orangegrovetravel #cruisingwithkids #familytravel #washywashy #washyourhands #healthyatsea

Back at Magic Kingdom tonight to watch Enchantment again. Last night weather conditions in the area scared Tinkerbell away, and she didn’t make an appearance at the fireworks. Addison REALLY wanted to see Tink fly, so we are back front and center. So enjoy the ending of Enchantment. {I do not own the rights to the music.} #kidsoforangegrovetravel #travelwithkids #orangegrovetravel #ogtc #waltdisneyworld #enchantment #disneyfireworks #tinkerbell

The Ultimate Abyss!! 10 story dry slide. You can tell they loved it! Don’t be intimidated, it is SO tame! You ride down in a very high tech burlap sack (if you are familiar with state fairs of the 80’s, you will understand). Even Mom rode it! #travelwithkids #familytravel #cruisingwithkids #springbreak2022 #orangegrovetravel #theultimateabyss #wonderoftheseas

Can you hear the music playing? ‘Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue’ Returning June 23 to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort! You don’t have to be staying there to take in this fun filled show! #disneyworld #hoopdeedoorevue #disneydining #familytravel #orangegrovetravel

Kids in bed yet? Dreaming of warm weather and family fun? Today is plan for Vacation Day! This year has been tough on us all. It really does help to have a vacation countdown on your calendar! When would you like to use your vacation days this year?

You guys, my Disney guests are the best! Word on the street is that someone from their party hung out in this spot pretty much all day to make sure they had the best viewing for the new Enchantment fireworks! I’d say it paid off. {and how super sweet to send me a video text of some Disney fireworks!} Great way to end a 50th Birthday celebration for both my guest, and that beautiful castle!

Curious what the Peabody Duck March looked like? #thepeabodymemphis #fountainducks #memphis #memphiswithkids #orangegrovetravelcompany #kidsofOGTC #springbreak2021 #springbreak #roadtrip #roadtripusa #travelwithkids

Experiencing new and exotic places is what I am missing most about the current travel bans. What are you looking forward to doing once we “return to normal?” Enjoy a fish pedicure - only Addison was brave enough to give it a try!

*click play* Did you know that I can also help plan a very special vacation to Universal Studios? Where else can you see a dragon breath fire several times a day? Let’s plan your vacation to Universal Studios Orlando, and then get swept up in the magic of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

Want to hear me babble for just over a minute? 🤣 I am on location not only talking about, but SHOWING you why it is important to get to the park EARLY!!!! ***if I look distracted half way through, it is because I just realized my group is no where to be found 🤣 **ok I guess FB decided you only needed to see the first 60 seconds, but you get the jist!

**The music in this video is not mine, it is that of a parade at Disney’s Hollywood Studios** I’ve mentioned that though Magic Kingdom isn’t currently doing their big Festival of Fantasy parade right now, each of the parks have stepped it up with these mini Character Cavalcades. What I love about them is that they are often, and not planned. (Which means you don’t have to plan around them!) I was in line at the Trolley Car Cafe for an afternoon coffee, and we suddenly heard one approaching. Yes, my friends, I jumped out of the coffee line just for you! Enjoy Fancy Nancy and friends!

The new promo yesterday stole the thunder of National Bird Day....I often get asked if there is still magic at Disney World with all of the restrictions and masks. Enjoy this video from our most recent trip. Xander was chosen to be part of the bird show at Animal Kingdom! The show is currently not Up! themed, but the cast member who ran the show were funny and engaging. I learned a few things too!