Simply Mouse Vacations by Stefanie

06/13/2026

After touring a cruise ship all day, I had one night to spend at Disney.

Not three nights.
Not a week.
One night.

And I chose Port Orleans French Quarter.

That's probably the best review I can give it.

When travel advisors spend their own money and personal time, we tend to be pretty selective. For me, French Quarter checks all the boxes: quiet atmosphere, compact layout, updated rooms, and some of the best resort snacks at Disney.

Sometimes the most popular resort isn't the best fit. Sometimes the hidden gems are.

Thinking about Disney? Let's talk about which resort actually fits YOUR vacation style.

06/12/2026

One of the things that impressed me most during my tour of Star of the Seas was the way Royal Caribbean designed the ship's neighborhoods.

Want excitement? You've got Thrill Island, Surfside, incredible entertainment, pools, and activities happening all day long.

Need a break from the action? Central Park offers a peaceful escape, while the adults-only Solarium and Hideaway provide kid-free spaces to relax and recharge.

Adventure Ocean gives kids a vacation of their own with dedicated activities, games, and programming.

That's what makes Royal Caribbean such a great choice for families and multigenerational groups. Grandparents can relax, parents can enjoy some adult time, kids can explore, and everyone comes back together for dining, entertainment, and adventures.

Tours like this remind me why firsthand ship knowledge matters. The best cruise isn't always the newest ship or the cheapest sailing; it's the one that best fits your family's vacation style.

Thinking about a Royal Caribbean cruise? I'd love to help you find the right ship for your crew. 🚢✨

06/07/2026

🚢 FALL BREAK ON STAR OF THE SEAS 🚢

Looking for the ultimate fall break vacation? Sail aboard Royal Caribbean's newest mega ship, Star of the Seas, departing October 4, 2026 from Port Canaveral!

🌴 Itinerary Highlights:
• Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas
• San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Philipsburg, St. Maarten
• Plus plenty of sea days to enjoy one of the largest and most impressive ships in the world

💥 Current Promotion (Book by July 2):
• 60% OFF the 2nd guest
• Kids Sail FREE (3rd & 4th guests)

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Sample Pricing for a Family of 4
(2 adults + 2 children)

🌊 Infinite Ocean View Balcony **$4,657**

Or upgrade to a suite....

🏄 Surfside Family Suite **$7,892**
✔ Extra space for the family
✔ Surfside neighborhood location
✔ Views of both the Boardwalk and the ocean
✔ Perfect for families wanting room to spread out

And here's my favorite cruise travel tip...

Invite the grandparents, cousins, or your best friends' family to come along!

Cruises are hands-down one of the best multi-family vacations. Everyone can do their own thing during the day—water slides, pools, shows, spa time, excursions, kids clubs—and then meet up for dinner and incredible evening entertainment.

This is just one of the many sailings currently available with this promotion, but these offers expire **July 2**.

Let's get those Fall Break plans locked in before the best cabins disappear! 🚢☀️🌴

06/06/2026

Happy travel day!

Today I'm headed to Orlando... but NOT for Disney!

Well, I'll definitely squeeze in a little Disney because I cannot be in Orlando without visiting Disney. But the real reason I'm flying down is that I've been invited on a private ship tour of Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas!

Star of the Seas is currently the largest cruise ship in the world, holding that title until next month when Legend of the Seas makes her inaugural sailing in Europe. Star is the second ship in Royal Caribbean's groundbreaking Icon Class.

Some quick stats on Star of the Seas:
• Nearly 250,000 gross tons
• Over 1,190 feet long
• Capacity for more than 7,500 guests at full occupancy
• 20 decks packed with activities, dining, entertainment, and accommodations
• 7 pools, including the largest pool at sea
• The largest waterpark at sea
• More than 40 dining and drinking venues

Royal's Icon Class ships are the hottest ships in cruising right now for families. These ships are essentially floating cities with something for everyone. Rock climbing, ice skating, water parks, shopping, AquaTheater shows, Broadway-style entertainment, specialty dining, adults-only spaces, family activities, kids clubs, and so much more.

There is absolutely nowhere on this ship to be bored. Unless being bored is your goal for the day, and honestly, no judgment there. Sometimes a lounge chair and an ocean view are exactly what vacation should be!

Tomorrow I'll be touring a variety of stateroom categories, including some of the infamous suites that have everyone talking. I'll be sharing photos, videos, and plenty of behind-the-scenes looks.

If you've been thinking about a cruise, let's chat about Royal Caribbean and why it's our family's favorite cruise line!

05/30/2026

POV: I can walk from my perfectly shaded pool deck spot to my stateroom in literally seconds. 👏

This is why you book with a travel advisor who actually knows the ships.

Most people booking this ship have no idea there are TWO decks of completely brand new rooms added during a major renovation a few years ago. Not refurbished. Not refreshed. NEW.

These rooms are 15 years newer than the rest of the ship, just steps from my favorite pool spot, and in one of the most convenient locations onboard.

This is the kind of insider info that can completely change your cruise experience. Same ship. Totally different vacation depending on where your room is.

Anyone on the internet can book a cruise.
A great travel advisor knows the secrets of the ship. 🚢

05/26/2026

Just got back from another sailing on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas, and somehow this ship continues to be our family’s favorite.

There is just something special about stepping onboard and feeling instantly welcomed. The crew remembers your name from day one and goes out of their way to make every trip feel personal and memorable. Those little moments are what keep us coming back.

Freedom has the perfect mix of fun and relaxation. Plenty to do without feeling overwhelming, great entertainment, amazing food, and so many spaces that just feel easy and comfortable after a long day in port or at the pool.

And knowing the secret to booking one of the new remodeled rooms on an older ship where I am literally steps from my favorite spot on the pool deck is absolute perfection. The combination of updated spaces, convenience, and the classic Freedom vibe is hard to beat.

Some ships are beautiful. Some ships are exciting. But every once in a while, you find a ship that just feels like home at sea. ❤️

05/03/2026

Senior Sunday 🤍

Now that May has arrived, every day until graduation feels like another reason to celebrate this year’s seniors.

This year, I had the blessing of taking another group of seniors on their Senior Disney trip over spring break. Maybe it’s because I’m only a few months away from being a mom of a senior myself, but this one hit a little differently. Watching these senior moms and their babies recreate childhood Disney memories and make a few extra sweet ones together as this chapter begins to close was just really special.

One mom told the boys, “Senior year isn’t about you...it’s about your mom. Be nice to her and hug her when she cries.” Honestly, that says it all because there were lots of tears.

Senior moms and dads, you’ve done well. Now enjoy watching those babies cross the stage.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026. I pray God continues to guide and use each of you in every season ahead. 🦅💙

04/28/2026

It’s almost that time of year again!! Halloween Party dates have been released, and tickets go on sale next week for guest who already have a Disney vacation booked!

If you are already booked with me, I will be in touch to book your tickets as soon as they’re released.

If you are ready to book your Halloween stay, let me know 🎃

The dates for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom have materialized 👻 The party runs select nights from August 7 - October 31 🎃 http://di.sn/6003BBzmXW

04/26/2026

Let’s be real. The hardest part of a cruise isn’t the packing...it’s getting to the port. ✈️

Miami. Fort Lauderdale. Port Canaveral.
Some are drivable, but for most of us, it’s a flight (and lately, those prices are 😳).

But there’s one port that doesn’t require a flight for many of us in the South…

👉 New Orleans

From Jackson, it’s an easy drive and only about a 6-hour drive. No airport stress, no baggage fees, no delays.

But here’s the catch 👇
Cruises out of NOLA are limited.
Most major cruise lines only send ships a few times a year.

However, those sailings often happen during the holidays which is a huge bonus🎄✨

And with holiday flights already high, sailing out of New Orleans could make your holiday travel easier and cheaper.

💡 If you want an affordable family vacation without insane airfare, this is your move.

Here’s a real example on the Norwegian Breakaway (all prices are for a family of 4 in a balcony, with Free at Sea included):

🚢 Thanksgiving Week: $4,535
🎄 Christmas Week: $5,675
🎉 New Year’s Week: $5,835

These fares include Free at Sea, which means:
✔️ Unlimited open bar
✔️ Specialty dining
✔️ WiFi
✔️ Shore excursion credit

Other than gas/parking + gratuities, your trip is basically paid for.

No flights. No airport chaos. Just drive, park, and cruise.

For families in this area, the simplicity of sailing out of New Orleans honestly can’t be beat. 🙌