5 Things NOT To Do When Sailing on The Sun Princess, Dallas Sandals Resorts Travel Agent Near Me-Luxury Advisor

A Texas-sized vacation for families and adults alike

If you’re searching for a family-friendly cruise from Texas that combines next-level thrills with relaxing, upscale spaces, sailing on Carnival Jubilee should be at the top of your list.

Launched in December 2023, this newer Excel-class ship sails year-round from Galveston, making it one of the most convenient cruise options for travelers in Texas and neighboring states like Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.

The Carnival Jubilee is a Texas-sized cruise experience! These highlights should get you excited about booking your own cruise. There is so much more to about the Jubilee and sailing with Carnival Cruises. Don’t get overwhelmed diving down the DIY online research rabbit hole! I’ve been on the ship and I’ve booked many clients onboard. I’ll use my knowledge and experience as well as what I learn about you and your travel vision to guide you to the right package. We’ll chat, I’ll research, and then together we will choose your perfect cruise vacation.

I was onboard shortly after she arrived in Galveston, and I can tell you — she’s stunning! Here are the top reasons why I believe Carnival Jubilee is the best ship sailing from Galveston year-round.

Why Sailing from Galveston Makes Sense for Texas Families

For Texas residents, cruising from Galveston is more affordable, less stressful, and easier to coordinate with school schedules.

🚗 Drivable for millions of travelers across Texas and nearby states

🅿️ Easy port access compared to flying to Florida

🛳️ Newest Carnival ship sailing from Galveston

🌴 Western Caribbean itineraries perfect for families

Best Family Cabins: Family Harbor Staterooms

The Carnival Jubilee offers some of the best family cabins for cruises out of Galveston. In particular, Family Harbor stands out above the competition.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What Makes Family Harbor Special?

Dedicated Family Harbor Lounge (exclusive access)

Complimentary breakfast served in the lounge

Snacks and drinks available throughout the day

Family concierge service

Kids sail perks (often including kids-eat-free in specialty venues)

Larger cabin configurations designed specifically for families

Family Harbor creates a true “family zone” onboard — convenient, comfortable, and designed with parents in mind.

The Havana Experience: A Boutique Retreat at Sea

For couples or families traveling without kids, the Havana section offers a beautiful balance between fun and upscale relaxation.

It’s essentially a boutique, adults-focused retreat onboard — a “ship within a ship” concept that provides privacy and exclusivity without luxury cruise line pricing.

🌴 What You’ll Love About Havana

Exclusive Havana pool area

Private bar

Limited-access sun deck

Stylish, tropical-inspired décor

Select cabins with private patio spaces

If you’re looking for a more elevated cruise experience while still enjoying all the energy of Carnival Jubilee, Havana is the perfect choice.

In my humble opinion as a Texas based travel advisor who specializes in ocean cruises, the Carnival Jubilee is best suited for the following types of travelers

✔️ Families with kids who want nonstop activities

✔️ Texas residents looking for a drivable cruise vacation

✔️ Couples wanting the exclusive Havana experience

✔️ First-time cruisers wanting a newer ship

The Sun Princess and Star Princess are the two ships in Princess Cruise Line's Sphere Class. I sailed on the Sun Princess, and since the ships are so similar, I think my experience can apply to both. they are both turning heads across the cruise world. If you want to make the most of your sailing, there are a few helpful tips based on my personal experience.

5. Don’t stress about getting your Medallion before you sail

It’s easy to think you need to have your Princess Medallion shipped to your home before departure—but you really don’t. There's no need to pay the $10 shipping fee or risk forgetting your medallion at home. You can simply pick it up when you check in at the port. Easy, smooth, and one less thing to worry about.

4. Don’t forget to bring your own soda or water if you skip Princess Plus or Premier

If you’re not a big alcohol drinker and choose not to upgrade to Princess Plus or Princess Premier, here’s a smart money-saving tip: Don't forget to bring your own soda. Princess Cruises allows each guest to bring a 12-pack of canned soda or water (bottles are not permitted) onboard, and it’s perfect for stocking your stateroom. This little trick keeps you refreshed without paying cruise-ship prices for every soft drink. I also recommend doing the math to see if Princess Plus or Premier is worth the cost to you! Sometimes it is, and sometimes it's not.

3. Don’t believe all the negativity about the new layout

You may have read complaints about limited seating in the Sun Princess’s new theater-in-the-round or other design changes—but in real life, it’s much less of an issue. We typically dined early and attended the second show, arriving about 15 minutes before showtime, and there were always seats available. Plus, with the circular layout, nearly every seat has a great view. The Piazza is set up a little differently, but personally, I loved it. There are a couple restaurants that flow right into the piazza area, and while I did not dine there myself, I can see how it can get a little loud! Check your schedule and choose dining times around the main events in the Piazza.

2. Don’t forget to pack your patience when you’re ready to embark

I sailed out of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale in November 2025, and while we arrived right at the start of our check-in window, the lines to get into the terminal were long. The slowest part was the security checkpoint, which only had two screening stations open at the time. Once we made it through the scanners and metal detectors, the process became much smoother. A little patience at the start of the day will set the tone for a much more relaxed embarkation experience.

1. Don’t wait to book your dining reservations

This is the big one. Book your dining as early as possible in the Princess app. If you’ve upgraded to Princess Premier, you’ll want to take full advantage of your specialty dining—but those restaurants fill up fast. While availability sometimes opens closer to sailing, if there’s a venue you’re excited about, reserve it as soon as you can to avoid disappointment. In most cases, dining reservations are available in the app as soon as your cruise is paid in full. Premium status and suite guests are able to make reservations immediately after booking their cruise.

The Sun Princess is a spectacular ship, and these small tips can go a long way toward making your cruise more enjoyable and stress-free.

If you’re thinking about sailing the Sun or Star Princess and want help picking the perfect itinerary or stateroom, I’d love to help! You can fill out my travel request and I'll be in touch. 🚢

As a travel advisor, I visit several resorts each year, and Secrets Vallarta Bay stands out for its blend of luxury, service, and location. Here are my top five favorite things about this adults-only, all-inclusive gem in Puerto Vallarta.

My Top 5 Favorite Things About Secrets Vallarta Bay

Stunning Oceanfront Location

Secrets Vallarta Bay is perched right on the beach, offering panoramic views of Banderas Bay. Waking up to the sound of waves and dining with the sunset as the backdrop are truly unforgettable. The resort’s design maximizes these views. Whether you are relaxing in your ocean view room, sitting by the pool, or dining at one of the oceanfront restaurants, you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of the Pacific.

The Adults-only Secrets Vallarta Bay shares the property with its sister resort, the family-friendly Dreams Vallarta Bay. The two resorts are split down the middle. Secrets guests can enjoy the dining and amenities offered at Dreams, which adds to the many options available. The family-friendly side did not disrupt our adults-only vacation at all! We could see the water slide and a few kiddos around the pool from our room balcony, but around the Secrets pool and beach, you would never know a family-friendly option was right next door. They do an excellent job of keeping the two distinct and separate.

Gourmet Dining Options

Food is a highlight here, with multiple à la carte restaurants serving everything from fresh seafood to authentic Mexican cuisine. I enjoy quality and variety, and Secrets Vallarta Bay did not disappoint. Highlights of where we dined during our stay:


Restaurant	Cuisine	Highlights
Himitsu	Asian Cuisine	Asian inspired décor: spicy edamame and sushi. Teppenyaki dining is the only place you’ll need a reservation
Bordeaux	French	Elegant atmosphere: pear salad with spinach, blue cheese and fois gras foam; Poisson Blanc Meuniere with zucchini and asparagus risotto
Oceana	Gourmet Seafood	Beachfront with spectacular ocean views: spinach salad with hearts of palm, bacon and a balsamic vinaigrette, grilled octopus with guajillo marinade, olive oil and sweet potato chip

Gentlemen, be sure to pack a pair of long pants, as many restaurants have a dress code in the evening.

Exceptional Service

From the moment we arrived, the entire staff made us feel relaxed and welcome. From the front desk and bellman to the room attendants and restaurant team, everyone was professional, polite, and truly seemed to enjoy what they do every day. The pool attendants were readily available but never seemed to be “hovering”. And the concierge team is particularly attentive and can help with everything from special occasion celebrations to local excursions.

Relaxed Yet Sophisticated Atmosphere

This resort strikes the perfect balance between laid-back beach vibes and upscale elegance. The pools are serene, the common areas are stylish without being stuffy, and there’s always a quiet corner if you want to unwind. It’s ideal for couples seeking romance, but also great for friends traveling together.

We enjoyed bingo around the pool and watched sunrise yoga and a pool golf game from a distance. The activities staff were friendly and engaging, but never pushy.

Thoughtful Amenities

Little touches make a big difference here. Complimentary minibars are restocked daily. Floats, activities and games are available poolside. I found the onsite app user friendly, and responses to my requests were prompt and attentive. There’s even a nightly entertainment program, so you’re never short of things to do.

For those staying in one of the Preferred Club rooms, you will have access to private check-in and check-out, a private lounge that offers hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, exquisite desserts and premium liquors.

My Personal Takeaway

Secrets Vallarta Bay is a destination where luxury meets natural beauty and outstanding service. My recent visit left me with fond memories and a desire to return. It’s a perfect choice for adult travelers seeking a sophisticated yet relaxed getaway.

If you’ve ever been to Maui—or are planning your very first vacation to this beautiful Hawaiian island—you may have heard about the iconic Mama’s Fish House.

Located on the north shore of Maui in Paia, Hawaii, Mama’s Fish House is about 20 minutes from Kahului Airport and sits right at the beginning of the famous Road to Hana. If you're staying in Wailea, expect about a 45-minute drive. If you're based in Ka’anapali, plan for roughly an hour on the road.

Mama’s Fish House got its start in the 1960s, thanks to the Christenson family and their first trip to Maui. When they opened the restaurant at its current location in 1973, most dining options on the island were steakhouses. They wanted guests to know that they served primarily fish. Not only fish, but LOCAL fish. Soon after, a loyal following began, and now some 50 years later, the restaurant is not only iconic, but very popular, and in my opinion worth a visit.

Over the past 50 years, Mama’s has developed a loyal following and has become one of Maui’s most popular and iconic restaurants.

We visited Mama’s most recently in February 2025. We were lucky enough to snag a reservation at 2:20 p.m. about a week before our arrival. Typically, reservations fill up six months in advance, so be sure to book yours as soon

I recommend a reservation before the sun goes down. The area is so beautiful, you won’t want to miss seeing any of it. I also recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before your reservation. Photo opportunities are endless, and you don’t want to feel rushed.

Something you need to know ahead of time. Mama’s Fish House is expensive. Dining anywhere in Hawaii is going to be a bit pricey, but you’ll need to find a little extra in your budget for a meal here. Our meal (two people) came to $300 including tip. We each enjoyed: A mocktail, appetizer, main dish, and we shared a dessert. We didn’t splurge on the most expensive items but didn’t hold back either.

Many people might gasp at the cost—and understandably so—but if you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a truly memorable and upscale Hawaiian dining experience, Mama’s is absolutely worth the splurge.

3 of My Favorite Things About Mama's Fish House

*The fish is incredibly fresh and delicious. The menu is printed daily and adjusted for the catches they received that day. They tell you exactly where the fish was caught. The chefs really know what they are doing. Everything is cooked to perfection and presented in impeccable fashion. My all-time favorite dish is the fish collar. Think of it like a seafood version of bone-in chicken wings. It varies depending on what they catch, and always delicious.

*The service is always impeccable. Starting with the valets, and all the way through dessert, everyone is always friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. Our server even knew that paprika is a form of bell pepper when discussing food allergies!

*The setting is as Hawaiian as you can get. From the minute you step out of the car, it feels a bit like you’ve been transported back in time to a very special Aloha era. The beach, the building, the décor, and the historical memorabilia are all worth savoring. So, take your time and enjoy it all.

Is Mama’s Fish House worth it? Absolutely.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience that captures the heart and spirit of Maui—perfect for a special night out during your Hawaiian vacation.

If you have any other questions about Mama’s Fish House or traveling to Maui, I’d love to hear from you!

Feel free to reach out to me at www.vincentvacations.com/agents/anneking.

🌺 Aloha and happy travels!

Anne King

5 Things NOT To Do When Sailing on The Sun Princess

Anne King

Sandals Resorts Travel Agent

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