Travel with Lindsay - Certified Cruise Counselor

04/07/2026

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02/16/2026

Perfect finale port — Athens brings the whole journey full circle with that “once-in-a-lifetime but also can’t believe we’re leaving” energy. Here’s your FB post 👇

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Day 8 – Athens, Greece 🇬🇷
Disembarkation Day… but we’re going out on a historical high.

We arrive early into Piraeus, the port of Athens — gateway to one of the most iconic cities in the world and the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and the Olympics.

If Rome felt powerful… Athens feels legendary.

Must-See Highlights in Athens

🏛️ The Acropolis & Parthenon
The crown jewel of Greece — towering above the city and visible from almost everywhere.

🏺 Acropolis Museum
Modern, stunning, and filled with artifacts that bring the ruins to life.

🏙️ Views Over Athens
Climb Lycabettus Hill or enjoy rooftop dining with Acropolis views.

🛍️ Plaka Neighborhood
Charming streets, cafés, souvenirs, and that classic old-world Greek charm.

🌅 Cape Sounion (Temple of Poseidon) (If staying longer)
Clifftop ruins overlooking the Aegean — one of the most beautiful sunset spots in Greece.

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Athens is the perfect closing chapter to this sailing — a blend of ancient wonder and vibrant modern city life.

Some guests head straight to the airport…
Others extend a night or two to soak it all in a little longer.

Either way, it’s an unforgettable final stamp on the passport. 💙

02/15/2026

Day 7 – Mykonos, Greece 🇬🇷

If Ephesus was about history… Mykonos is about energy.

Whitewashed buildings. Blue domes. Bougainvillea everywhere. Beach clubs, boutiques, and sunsets that feel like a movie set.

We dock early and stay late — which means we get the full Mykonos experience from laid-back daytime exploring to glowing nightlife harbor views.

How to Spend Your Day in Mykonos

🌬️ The Windmills
The island’s most famous landmark — perched above town with panoramic views.

🌊 Little Venice
Colorful buildings right on the water — perfect for cocktails or sunset photos.

🛍️ Old Town Wandering
A maze of chic boutiques, art galleries, and hidden cafés. Dangerously good shopping.

🏖️ Beach Club Scene
From chill loungers to DJ day parties — Paradise Beach and Psarou are top picks.

🍽️ Seaside Dining
Fresh seafood, Greek salads, chilled rosé… vacation food at its finest.

🌅 Late Sailaway Energy
Since we’re in port until evening, you get sunset views + lit-up harbor magic as we head back to sea.

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Mykonos is equal parts relaxed and electric — you can beach all day, shop all afternoon, and toast the sunset before heading back onboard.

It’s the kind of port where everyone finds their version of fun.

Flip flops or heels… both are equally appropriate. 💙

02/13/2026

Day 6 is a big one historically, so this post leans into the “bucket list” energy of Ephesus while still keeping it social-friendly 👇

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Day 6 – Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey 🇹🇷

Today’s port isn’t just beautiful… it’s legendary.

We dock in Kusadasi, the gateway to one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world — Ephesus — and it’s the kind of place that gives you full body goosebumps the second you step onto the marble streets.

Why Ephesus Is So Incredible

🏛️ Library of Celsus
The iconic façade you’ve seen in photos — and somehow even more jaw-dropping in person.

🎭 Great Theatre
A massive amphitheater that once held 25,000 spectators — acoustics still work today.

🚶‍♀️ Marble Curetes Street
Walk the same roads Romans did 2,000 years ago… heels not recommended 😄

🏺 Terrace Houses (Excursion add-on)
Think ancient luxury villas — mosaics, frescoes, indoor plumbing… Roman wealth was next level.

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Other Ways to Spend the Day

🛍️ Kusadasi Bazaar – Rugs, ceramics, spices, Turkish delight
🧿 Evil Eye Souvenirs – You’ll see them everywhere
☕ Turkish Coffee Stops – Strong, rich, unforgettable
🌊 Beach Clubs – If you want a more relaxed port day

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Ephesus is one of those places that makes history feel real — not textbook, but tangible.

It’s grand, emotional, and surprisingly well preserved… the kind of port you talk about long after the cruise ends.

Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and camera storage are all highly recommended. 📸

02/13/2026

Book directly with me using the link below and get my services for free!

Explore Virgin Voyages’ luxury cruises – from short getaways to epic sea voyages – browse destinations, & durations to find the perfect cruise vacation.

02/12/2026

Day 5 – Sea Day 🚢☀️

By Day 5, something magical has happened…

You’ve stopped checking emails.
You’ve forgotten what day it is.
And ship life? Fully unlocked. 😌

Another gorgeous day sailing the Mediterranean aboard the stunning Sun Princess means more time to enjoy everything you didn’t get to (or want to repeat) from our first sea day.

How to Spend Day 5 at Sea

☀️ Pool + Lounge Rotation
Today’s agenda: claim a lounger, order something fruity, rotate between pool dips and naps.

🍳 Leisurely Brunch
No alarms, no rushing — just coffee, ocean views, and ordering whatever sounds good.

🧖‍♀️ Spa Day Energy
The Lotus Spa is calling — massages, facials, thermal suite… the full vacation reset.

🛍️ Shopping + Piazza Time
Browse boutiques, listen to live music, grab a cocktail, and people-watch from the heart of the ship.

🎭 Matinee Shows & Activities
Cooking demos, enrichment talks, trivia, dance classes — sea days are packed if you want them to be.

🍷 Specialty Dining Night
Perfect evening to book steakhouse, seafood, or sushi and make it a “date night at sea.”

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Sea days hit different by this point in the cruise.

You’re relaxed.
You know your favorite bar.
The bartender knows your drink.
And suddenly… you wish the trip was longer. 💙

02/11/2026

Day 4 – Chania, Crete 🇬🇷

If there’s one port that instantly slows your heart rate (in the best way), it’s Chania.

We dock on the gorgeous Greek island of Crete and step straight into a harbor that looks like it hasn’t changed in centuries — Venetian buildings, pastel facades, lighthouse views, and bougainvillea spilling down stone walls.

What to Do in Chania

🏛️ Old Venetian Harbor
The heart of Chania — waterfront cafés, the iconic lighthouse, and the kind of views you’ll want to bottle up and take home.

🛍️ Old Town Wandering
This is a “get lost on purpose” kind of place — leather shops, local olive oils, handmade jewelry, and tucked-away bakeries.

🍽️ Long Greek Lunches
Fresh seafood, dakos salad, grilled meats, local wine… this is a sit-down-and-stay-awhile port.

🏖️ Beach Escapes
If you want scenery that doesn’t look real:
• Balos Lagoon – turquoise water + white sand
• Elafonissi Beach – famous pink-tinged sand

☕ Harborfront Coffee or Wine
Perfect for people-watching and soaking in that laid-back island energy.

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Chania feels slower… softer… like the Mediterranean exhale you didn’t know you needed.

It’s colorful without being chaotic, historic without feeling heavy — and it’s the perfect contrast to our bigger city ports.

One tip? Leave room in your suitcase… because Crete shopping is dangerous in the best way. 😉

02/08/2026

Day 3 = Sea Day… and honestly? These end up being everyone’s favorite days. ☀️🚢

When we’re sailing on the stunning Sun Princess, the ship is the destination — and she’s built for every vacation style: pool loungers, spa lovers, foodies… and yes — families too.

Sea Day Highlights Onboard

✨ The Dome – Glass-enclosed, Santorini-inspired, and one of the most unique spaces at sea. Chill poolside by day → aerial/acrobatic shows at night.

🛍️ Next-Level Piazza – Three stories of ocean views, cocktails, live music, and the social heart of the ship.

🌊 Infinity & Wake Pools – Perfect for sun, swims, and sail-away views.

🧖‍♀️ The Sanctuary – Adults-only quiet space when you want to fully unplug.

🍝 Dining, Dining, Dining – From sushi to steakhouse to gelato runs… sea days are for grazing.

🎭 Shows & Entertainment – Broadway-style productions, comedians, live bands, game shows — it’s nonstop options.

🎢 Park19 / Family Fun Zone – This is where Sun Princess really shines for kids & teens. Think climbing structures, splash areas, ropes courses, and outdoor adventure spaces designed just for them.

🧒 Kids & Teen Clubs – Age-grouped programming, games, crafts, tournaments, and hangout lounges so kids make friends while parents get downtime.

🎮 Teen Spaces – Gaming, music, and social areas built to keep older kids entertained (and off your Wi-Fi plan 😄).

Sea days are your permission slip to do everything… or absolutely nothing.

Sleep in. Balcony coffee. Pool time. Spa. Kids at clubs. Afternoon cocktails. Sunset shows.

Because sometimes the best port of call… is the ship itself. 💙

02/07/2026

🏛️ Step Back in Time — Pompeii

Walking through Pompeii is one of those “goosebumps” travel moments. You’re literally strolling ancient streets frozen in time — villas, bathhouses, bakeries — all preserved from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. It’s surreal, fascinating, and 100% one of those “I can’t believe I’m actually here” experiences.

🍕 The Real Reason We’re All Excited — Pizza in Naples

Let’s be honest… this is a pizza pilgrimage. Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and once you’ve had authentic Neapolitan pizza — blistered crust, fresh mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes — there is no going back. Add a glass of wine or Aperol spritz and suddenly you’re fully living your Eat, Pray, Love era.

Whether you’re wandering ancient ruins, staring into a volcano crater, or savoring the best pizza of your life… Naples is one of those ports that delivers a little bit of everything — history, scenery, and indulgence.

And honestly? That’s exactly the kind of energy we want on Day 2. 💁‍♀️✨

02/05/2026

Rome is basically the “main character energy” of pre-cruise cities — equal parts bucket-list iconic and “girl, we deserve this.” 🇮🇹✨

Picture this: morning espresso in hand, strolling into the Colosseum like you’re on the set of Gladiator (but with better shoes), wandering the Roman Forum, then making your way — gelato stop optional but encouraged — past the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Pantheon at your own pace. No rushing. No schedules. Just vibes… and maybe a spritz or two calling your name along the way. 🥂

And the food? Life-altering. We’re talking cacio e pepe that makes you question every pasta you’ve ever eaten, carbonara done the right way, wood-fired pizza, and long, laugh-until-you-snort dinners at cozy trattorias where nobody’s checking their watch.

As the sun sets, we head to Trastevere — twinkle lights, cobblestone streets, aperitivo hour, and gelato in hand while we soak in that warm Roman glow. It’s the perfect exhale… the shift from work/life chaos into full vacation mode before we even step on the ship.

Because honestly? If we’re cruising the Mediterranean… we’re doing Rome first — and we’re doing it right. 💁‍♀️🚢

02/04/2026

🚢 I’m hosting a group trip on the brand‑new Sun Princess, sailing May 30, 2027 from Rome to Athens with stops like Naples, Crete, Mykonos, and Ephesus. We’ve got special group pricing, Princess Plus (drinks, Wi‑Fi, tips) included, and on select cabins the 3rd and 4th guests sail for free on the cruise fare – message me if you want details or a quote for your family/friend group.