Moms At Sea Travel by Kelsi Beach

Moms At Sea Travel by Kelsi Beach Hi! I’m Kelsi Beach- a wife, mom, cruise & travel lover, and Independent Travel Advisor with Moms at Sea Travel.

I specialize in helping families create unforgettable vacation memories without all the added stress 😜Let’s plan your next adventure! 🛳️💃☀️

🛳️ MYTHBUSTER MONDAY 🛳️❌ “Cruises always end up costing WAY more than the price you originally pay.”The truth? They can,...
09/21/2026

🛳️ MYTHBUSTER MONDAY 🛳️

❌ “Cruises always end up costing WAY more than the price you originally pay.”

The truth? They can, BUT they don’t have to 😆

Your cruise total already covers quite a bit: your stateroom, taxes and port expenses, plenty of food, entertainment and many (most) of the activities happening around the ship.

Could you board the ship, eat only at included restaurants, drink the complimentary beverages, enjoy the included entertainment and have an amazing vacation without spending a fortune onboard?

Absolutely!

However, there are additional expenses that can catch first time cruisers off guard if no one helps them plan ahead and that’s when a $5,000 vacation can suddenly start feeling like a $10,000 vacation. 🫣

Here are some of the big ones:

💰 GRATUITIES
On Royal Caribbean, guests who don’t prepay gratuities currently have $18.50 per person, per day added to their onboard account or $21 per person, per day for suites. These can be adjusted/removed at Guest Services before disembarkation, but I prefer to explain them ahead of time so you can budget for or prepay them instead of being surprised onboard.

✈️ GETTING TO THE PORT
Flying? Remember airfare, baggage fees, transportation once you arrive and possibly a hotel the night before. Driving may save money, but don’t forget gas, tolls, a hotel and port parking. Parking at the cruise terminal is not free and it adds up!

🍹 DRINKS
Basic beverages are included, but soda, specialty coffee, bottled water, mocktails, alcoholic drinks, etc generally cost extra unless you purchase a package.

Royal Caribbean currently allows each stateroom to carry on up to 12 standard cans, bottles or cartons of nonalcoholic beverages- no larger than 17 ounces each. Each guest of legal drinking age may also bring one sealed 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne on embarkation day.

🍽️ SPECIALTY DINING
You absolutely do not need specialty dining to eat well on a cruise! There are plenty of included options. But if there’s a restaurant you really want to experience, that’s another expense we should plan for and purchasing ahead of time may offer better pricing.

🏝️ PORT DAYS
You can explore independently or enjoy some ports without purchasing an excursion, but excursions, taxis, beach passes, food, drinks and souvenirs can quickly increase your total.

📸 PHOTOS
Corey and I learned this lesson the hard way. We skipped the photo package once thinking we wouldn’t need it. Then we got dressed up, took a bunch of pictures and wanted them all. 😂

I love dressing up, I love a good theme, and we genuinely enjoy having someone capture those memories. If you even think you may want the photos, look at the packages beforehand. Buying individual pictures onboard can become expensive very quickly!

📱 AND THE OTHER LITTLE EXTRAS
Wi-Fi, travel protection, spa treatments, the arcade, casino, shopping, room service and other add ons can all affect your total…but most of them are choices, not requirements.

That is one of the biggest benefits of having a travel advisor in your corner. My job isn’t finished when your vacation is booked. I help you understand what is included, what isn’t, which extras may actually be worth it for your family and what costs to expect before you ever step onboard.

A cruise doesn’t have to become unexpectedly expensive. You simply need someone to help you see the full picture and plan accordingly and that’s exactly what I’m here for. 💙🚢

🌴 Sandals & Beaches are just the start!I can help with all kinds of all-inclusive getaways - adults-only, family-friendl...
09/20/2026

🌴 Sandals & Beaches are just the start!

I can help with all kinds of all-inclusive getaways - adults-only, family-friendly, romantic, relaxing, adventurous… whatever kind of trip you’re dreaming about…I’d love to help you plan it ✨

I also have access to lots of resorts, promotions & deals, and my help is completely FREE to you.

Thinking about an all-inclusive? Send me a message and let’s see what we can find! 🏝️💌

Inquiry Form: https://traveljoy.com/a/kelsi-beach?fbclid=IwVERDUAUcG0FwZG9mAWZkaWQWUOszE5k3B1S53DsBLxZKas978XEySmV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR6oTBYDpMAe3mjaoHVLj94jU9fikglTYzVDMdPB-MKhenKw56beshq0ztcmzQ_aem_pOLmBynCM63EVKtmaHLZqQ

⚓️ FAQ FRIDAY! ⚓️Fridays are all about YOU and your travel questions! Whether you’re wondering about cruise cabins, drin...
09/18/2026

⚓️ FAQ FRIDAY! ⚓️

Fridays are all about YOU and your travel questions! Whether you’re wondering about cruise cabins, drink packages, kids’ clubs, passports, all inclusive resorts- or whether your child can turn an entire cruise ship into her personal tumbling mat 😂🤸‍♀️ask away!

There truly are no silly questions when it comes to planning a vacation. Drop yours in the comments or send me a private message, and it may be featured in an upcoming post!

And while I’m here, I want to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who follows my page, likes or shares my posts, asks questions, sends friends my way, or trusts me to help plan their vacations. Every little bit of support means more to me than you know! 💙

Now…what travel question can I answer for you? 👇✈️🚢🏝️

🚢✨ LET’S TALK STATEROOM UPGRADES! ✨🚢Did you know there are TWO different ways you may be able to upgrade your Royal Cari...
09/17/2026

🚢✨ LET’S TALK STATEROOM UPGRADES! ✨🚢

Did you know there are TWO different ways you may be able to upgrade your Royal Caribbean stateroom after booking?

The first is RoyalUp, Royal Caribbean’s bidding program. If your reservation is eligible, you may receive an invitation to bid on a higher stateroom category. You choose how much you’re willing to pay, and if Royal Caribbean accepts your offer, your card is charged and your reservation is upgraded! There will be a ‘minimum’ bid on each category and it will be different each time.

RoyalUp bids are priced per person but based on two guests, so a $200 bid would cost $400 total. You may submit bids on multiple categories, but you can only win and be charged for one. If none of your bids are accepted, you keep your original room and pay nothing extra.

We have personally won a RoyalUp! 🙌

For our Star of the Seas cruise, we originally booked an Ocean View Balcony GTY. We received a RoyalUp offer and bid a little above the minimum on a Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony- and we won several months before our cruise! 🎉

Because the new stateroom was larger and could accommodate an additional guest, we were later able to add our teenage niece to the reservation, making the upgrade even more exciting for us! Of course, adding another guest still depends on the room’s capacity, overall ship availability and current pricing.

RoyalUp is never guaranteed, and an offer can be accepted anytime after it is submitted- even as late as the day you board. If your bid is accepted, it is final and nonrefundable, and you cannot choose the exact room or location. That’s why I always recommend booking a stateroom you’ll be happy with even if your bid doesn’t win!

The second option is a regular paid upgrade, which is completely separate from RoyalUp.

On another cruise, I continued watching the prices after final payment and noticed an opportunity to move from an Ocean View Balcony GTY into a Suite GTy for only $150 more total! We took the chance, and Royal Caribbean eventually assigned us a Junior Suite. It wasn’t one of the massive suites, but for only $150, we were thrilled with the extra space and upgraded experience! 🥳

These are exactly the kinds of opportunities I can help my clients navigate. RoyalUp decisions are handled entirely by Royal Caribbean, but I can help you understand your options and the risks involved. I can also keep an eye on regular pricing to see whether a paid upgrade becomes available at a price that makes sense.

Neither kind of upgrade is ever guaranteed but sometimes taking the chance pays off! 😉

If upgrading is something you’d like me to watch for when you book with me, just let me know! 💙🚢

🚢 Travel Tip Tuesday: The biggest or newest ship isn’t automatically the best fit for every family!This is especially tr...
09/15/2026

🚢 Travel Tip Tuesday: The biggest or newest ship isn’t automatically the best fit for every family!

This is especially true for families of five or more. Icon Class ships are incredible, but finding one stateroom that fits a larger family can be trickier and those options can get expensive. Many Oasis Class ships offer more options for larger families to consider.

That doesn’t mean I automatically rule out Icon Class or choose one room over two! I compare:

✨ One larger family stateroom
✨ Two separate or connecting staterooms
✨ Different ships and ship classes
✨ How the current promotions apply to each setup

Sometimes two rooms are actually cheaper and give your family more space, storage and an extra bathroom. Other times, keeping everyone in one room may be the better deal- especially when Kids Sail Free applies!

Under that promotion, qualifying children booked as the third guest and higher can receive a $0 cruise fare. That can include the fifth and sixth guests too 👏 not just guests three and four! Taxes, fees and port expenses still apply, and there are restrictions and blackout dates.

The best cruise isn’t necessarily the one everyone is talking about. It’s the one that fits your family, your budget and the kind of vacation you actually want! 🩵

That’s why I don’t stop at the first option that pops up…I compare the possibilities to find what makes the most sense for your family.

☀️ SATURDAY PORT-DAY SHOWDOWN! ☀️When the ship pulls into port, which one are you choosing?🏖️ Team Beach Day- give me a ...
09/12/2026

☀️ SATURDAY PORT-DAY SHOWDOWN! ☀️

When the ship pulls into port, which one are you choosing?

🏖️ Team Beach Day- give me a chair, a cold drink, and a beautiful view!

🤿 Team Adventure-snorkeling, zip-lining, exploring, and making the most of every minute!

I’m a little bit of both, depending on the port! 😂 Which team are you? Tell me below! 👇

🇺🇸 Never Forget. 9/11/2001 🇺🇸I was only in the fifth grade, living in Charlottesville, Virginia, when everything changed...
09/11/2026

🇺🇸 Never Forget. 9/11/2001 🇺🇸

I was only in the fifth grade, living in Charlottesville, Virginia, when everything changed.

I remember sitting at school and watching classmates slowly get picked up one by one. We didn’t really understand what was happening, but we knew something was wrong. The teachers were acting differently, some were crying, and even at that young age, I remember feeling scared and confused.

Then I remember going home and seeing the images on our television and beginning to understand just how devastating that day had been.

I was young, but I will never forget where I was or how that day felt.

Today, I’m remembering the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the first responders and everyday people who showed incredible courage in the middle of unimaginable tragedy.

We will never forget. ❤️🤍💙

09/11/2026

🥤 Feature Friday: Let’s Talk Drink Packages!

“Should I buy a drink package?”

First, let’s start with what already comes included with your cruise fare. You can enjoy:
☕ Coffee (regular)
🧃 Select juices (at breakfast)
🥛 Milk
💧 Water (not bottled)
🍋 Lemonade
🧊 Iced tea

If you’d like more options, Royal Caribbean offers three drink package tiers:

🥤 Classic Soda Package
Perfect if you’re a soda lover! Includes fountain soda and a souvenir Coca-Cola cup for use at Freestyle machines on ships that have them.

☕ Refreshment Package
Everything in the Soda Package PLUS specialty coffees, premium teas, bottled water, fresh squeezed juices, mocktails, smoothies, and more. This is a great option if you don’t drink alcohol but still enjoy specialty beverages.

🍹 Deluxe Beverage Package
The all-inclusive package! It includes nearly all alcoholic beverages up to the package’s price limit per drink, plus everything included in the Refreshment Package. && it’s truly unlimited! I’ve heard that other cruise lines have a 15 drink limit…I’ve personally tested this theory and there is no limit! Be responsible with it please!

💰 Here’s my biggest tip:
Drink package prices are dynamic, meaning they go up and down just like airline tickets.

Once you’ve booked your cruise, keep an eye on the Cruise Planner. If the package goes on sale:
✅ Buy it if you like the price.
✅ If you already purchased it and the price drops, simply cancel it and rebook at the lower price.

You can usually do this up until about 48 hours before your sailing, and it can save you a surprising amount of money!

Two more things. For the Deluxe Beverage Package specifically. If you purchase this, all adults over the age of 21 that are staying in the same stateroom HAVE to purchase as well. This is strictly enforced by Royal to prevent drink sharing. Also, gratuities will be added on automatically when you purchase. Corey and I enjoy grabbing this package. It’s not necessarily about the unlimited alcohol 😅 but more about peace of mind when we’re vacationing. I love going to grab a specialty coffee to get my day started, a smoothie later on, then maybe a few bottles of water, a Red Bull, then a couple powerades and eventually probably a cocktail or two. We don’t have to sit and crunch the numbers on how much we’re spending this way- you just order it and go because it’s already been paid for!

Are you team drink package? Or do you like to pay as you go? Tell us below 👇 have questions? Please feel free to ask away!

✨ FAQ FRIDAY ✨“Is a cruise actually relaxing when you’re traveling with kids?”As relaxing as any vacation with kids can ...
09/11/2026

✨ FAQ FRIDAY ✨

“Is a cruise actually relaxing when you’re traveling with kids?”

As relaxing as any vacation with kids can be! 😂 You still have to keep everyone alive of course but there’s no grocery shopping, cooking, dishes, cleaning or figuring out how to entertain everyone all day.

Your biggest decisions are usually: pool or water slides? Buffet or dining room? Nap or another fruity drink? 😅🚢

That’s my kind of vacation! Who else is ready to wake up on a cruise? 🙋‍♀️

Don’t forget Friday’s are for YOU 👏 Drop all your travel related questions below, shoot me a message or feel free to use the inquiry form link in my profile ✨

🏖️ Travel Tip Thursday: Leave your beach towels at home…and here’s why 👇Beach towels take up SO much room in your luggag...
09/10/2026

🏖️ Travel Tip Thursday: Leave your beach towels at home…and here’s why 👇

Beach towels take up SO much room in your luggage, and Royal Caribbean provides them for you! You can check them out with your SeaPass card to use by the pool or take them off the ship for your port-day adventures. There are towel stations all over 👏

They typically have a towel station near the gangway on port days, along with bottled water, Powerade, Red Bull and other drinks. We had the drink package, so ours were included, but without one, the drinks will be charged to your account.

This is also why I prefer carrying a backpack on port days! We load it down with our towels, drinks, sunscreen and everything else we need. When we return, we turn in our wet towels and grab fresh, dry ones if needed.

Just make sure they scan your SeaPass card when you return your towels so you aren’t accidentally charged for one that’s still showing on your account!

And one silly little Suite perk we loved: Our suite SeaPass cards were a different color, and on our sailing, we didn’t even have to check the towels out- they just looked at our cards and handed them over. 😂 Such a tiny thing, but it made us feel extra bougie and like we were really living large! 👑

Most major cruise lines provide beach towels too, although the exact checkout process can vary. So save that suitcase space and leave yours at home! 🙌

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