The Sophisticated Life
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Wine
  • Travel With Me
  • Work With Me
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
The Sophisticated Life
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Wine
  • Travel With Me
  • Work With Me
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
The Sophisticated Life
No Result
View All Result
Home Blog

20 Awesome Cruise Tips for First-Timers

My Best Advice for Those on Their First-Time Cruise

by Nadeen
August 6, 2020
A A
cruise tips for first-timers, first-time cruisers, guide to cruising, Labadee Haiti, Caribbean cruise, Royal Caribbean, cruise tips, cruise travel guide

As many of my readers & followers know, my first trip of 2019 will be on the Girls Getaway Cruise on Holland America with O Magazine. Oprah and Gayle will be on the ship and I am beyond excited. I have taken numerous cruises on several different cruise lines and I can’t wait to add Holland America to the list. Because of this, I have decided to share 20 awesome cruise tips for first-timers. This new cruise travel guide will be a great addition to the cruise section of my blog. Even if you are not a first-time cruiser, I know you will find this comprehensive guide to cruising helpful. Be sure to follow my latest cruise journey on my social media accounts-Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. And, subscribe to the newsletter so you can receive my new packing & to-do lists for your international vacation.

1. Research Before Booking

When considering a cruise, you must first do your research. Take a look at this post “10 Things To Know Before You Book A Cruise”  I wrote this guest post for Kids Are A Trip family travel blog. It has awesome cruise tips for first-timers. This cruise travel guide will help you pick a cruise line, cruise ship, cruise destination, cruise length and much more.

2. Check Cruise Reviews

After booking your cruise, read detailed reviews of your ship. If it’s a newer ship this may be hard to do. But, check websites such as CruiseCritic and Tripadvisor. Important things to look out for are recommendations on dining and restaurants, shows, activities and excursions.

3.  Research Ports & Excursions

Unless you are doing a transatlantic cruise, you will have stops in different locations during your cruise. I suggest researching each port and the excursions offered. Check the meet up times and lengths for each excursion. You may want to alternate early wake up times and long tour days with shorter ones. In my Mediterranean cruise review I mention that the major cities were 1-2 hours from where we docked. Therefore, all our meet up times were very early. For first-time cruisers be aware that some ports are too small for large ships. In this case you will be transported by a smaller boat (tender) to shore. Most port stops are full days from approximately 7am or 8am to 5pm or 6pm. However, some docking times may be shorter or overnight.

woman on beach in St. Maarten
In St.Maarten while on RC’s Harmony of the Seas Cruise

4. Book Cruise Reservations & Excursions Early 

Another awesome cruise tip for first-timers is to set up your online account on the cruise ship website. 60-90 days prior to your cruise departure date you will be able to book reservations and excursions. From wine tastings to luxury spa treatments to fine dining to beach cabana rentals, there is a lot to choose from. Based on demand, these bookings can fill up quickly.

5.  Consult a Packing list

This would not be a comprehensive guide to cruising without a great packing list. For first-time cruisers do not forget to pack your passport. Since most cabins are not very big, pack your belongings in a small to moderate size suitcase. You will be able to unpack your things and place the suitcase under your bed. Consider your cruise destination, the weather and the activities you have planned while packing. Popular cruise items are flip flops, floppy hat, bathing suits, cover ups, gym clothes, sunglasses, insect repellent, sunscreen, beach bag, fanny pack, waterproof camera or case, portable chargers and hand sanitizer.

Most cruises will also have an optional cocktail attire or formal night. Cruise ships do not allow irons on board so keep that in mind. The Disney cruise ship had a public room with an iron available. Wear comfortable clothes on board and bring whatever you may need that day in your carry-on. Your suitcase will be delivered to your state-room but it may not arrive until later that evening.

6. Pack Wine or Champagne

Each cruise line has their own rules in regard to bringing alcohol on board. Most do not allow liquor. But you will be allowed at least 1 bottle of wine or champagne in your carry-on luggage without a charge. There may be a corkage fee if used in the dining room or if you choose to bring more than 1 bottle on board. For first-time cruisers, check Amazon for options on packing and carrying alcohol on cruise ships.

woman drinking champagne on the deck of a cruise ship
Enjoying a glass of bubbly on deck on the Disney Dream

7. Compare Dining Times & Packages

Early, Late, & Freestyle Dining Times

Years and years ago in the 90s when I was a first-time cruiser, there were three main dinner options. Early or late seating in the main dining rooms or the buffet. If you like the idea of having the same servers and eating with the same group every night, I suggest reserving a time in one of the main dining rooms. Families with younger children usually do the earlier dining time which is about 5pm. The later dining time is usually around 8pm. Although this option still exists on most cruise lines, there are now several freestyle options. You will find buffets and restaurants open throughout dinner time with no reservations required. However, there may be a wait time.

Here is another awesome cruise tip for first-timers: make reservations the day of via the cruise app. If you miss dinner, check out the 24-hour food locations or order room service. Sometimes I order room service just for the heck of it lol. It is usually free. But some cruise lines charge a service fee for certain times or items.

Dining Packages

Most cruise lines have specialty restaurants that charge a cover charge. You will find everything from Hibachi to sushi to Mexican to Italian to steakhouses. One of the best meals of my life was on Norwegian Epic at their steakhouse. The price will range depending on the restaurant. It is usually a fixed charge for several courses but does not include alcohol. If you prefer eating at the specialty restaurants, I suggest purchasing a dining package.

buffet on a cruise ship
One of several buffet stations on Harmony of the Seas

8. Choose the Right Drink Package

You can expect free water, iced tea or lemonade, hot tea and coffee on most cruise lines. Sodas are usually not free (my husband insists soda was free on Disney Cruise Line). Alcoholic drinks are not free (duh 🙂 Specialty coffees and smoothies are not free. Consider purchasing a drink package if you feel you or your family will benefit from it. Keep in mind that you usually have to purchase a package for each and all members of a cabin. Therefore, you can’t buy one drink package and share it among 2-3 people.

9. Don’t expect an “all-inclusive” vacation

Cruises are often described as all-inclusive vacations at sea. I used to feel that way. However, as mentioned in some of the awesome cruise tips for first-timers listed above, cruise ships have a lot of cover charges you should be aware of. Specialty food and drinks, spa treatments, wine tastings, dessert shops and certain activities such as bingo will have cover charges. But you can take a cruise and not spend money on any of these items. My Mother refused to pay for food on a cruise (lol)

FlowRiders surfing activity on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship
Go surfing on the FlowRiders on Royal Caribbean ships

10. Be Prepared for Embarkation

Get ready for boarding the ship by printing your online forms and luggage tags a few days before departure. Have your passport ready as well. If you haven’t done so online, you will need to present a credit card for purchases and charges on the ship. Cruise ships are cashless. You will use your room card or a wrist band for purchases. Expect to take a picture with the ship’s background when you board. There will be other photo opportunities with professional photographers on the ship. You can purchase these pictures on the ship.

For first-time cruisers, be aware that your room may not be ready when you board. After I board, I usually hit the buffets or walk around the ship. Listen out for the safety drill alerts. Your attendance at this is mandatory. Then, enjoy the sail away party on deck!

crowd at a sail away party on a Disney cruise ship
Sail away party on the Disney Dream

11. Decide if You Need WiFi, Computers & the Cruise App

Back in the day ships did not have WiFi packages available. I actually liked that because it was a great time to unplug. You can now purchase WiFi plans onboard. Computers are also available if you would like to check email or go online. There is a charge for the amount of internet time you need or spend. An awesome tip for first-timers is to use the cruise line app. It allows you to communicate with other passengers. There may be a small fee, or it may be free. Be sure to download the app prior to sailing if you do not plan on purchasing a WiFi plan.

12. Read the Daily Newsletters

One of the cool things that I still enjoy about cruising is evening turn down service with towel origami. Next to the towels every night you will receive the daily cruise ship navigator or newsletter. It lists the weather, activities, events, showtimes and restaurant dining times for the following day. It’s a great resource to keep in your pool bag. If you have downloaded the app you can also use it to keep track of daily activities.

13. Make Show Reservations

“Back in the day” cruises had one main show performed twice in the evenings. It was usually a musical variety show performed in a large theater on the ship. But now, ships have Broadway productions, live music spaces, comedy shows and more. On Royal Caribbean’s Oasis line of ships, they even have outdoor aquatic theaters with “Cirque de Soleil-esque” shows. Since many of these shows are in high demand, reservations are often required. You can reserve your spot on the cruise app or at a reservation desk onboard. However, even if the show is sold out, I recommend still going and waiting at the entrance. If there are “no-shows” you will be let in right before the show starts.

pool deck on a Disney cruise ship
Pool deck on the Disney Dream

14. Look for Shopping & Ship Specials

Besides traditional gift shops with cruise paraphernalia and basic necessities, you can expect to find high end designer shops. Look for sales, including sidewalk sales, while onboard. The cruise shops are closed while in ports. However, duty free shopping is available at most cruise ports. I am not a big shopper while on vacation so here is a great article from CruiseCritic.com on this topic. Here is another awesome tip for first-time cruisers, check the app or your daily newsletter for cruise deals.

For instance, if you are looking for free alcohol onboard, champagne is often served at the art auctions. The casinos often have drink specials. Spas have free demos and lectures to lure you into purchasing a spa treatment. However, the prices are often cheaper compared to booking a spa treatment in advance. The fitness center will also have complimentary classes. All these sales, deals and offers increase at the end of the cruise.

15. Try the Casino if you Enjoy Gambling (or Smoking)

Casinos are a staple of most cruise lines except for Disney. Disney Cruise Line does not have casinos and I have to say I did not miss it. But for those that enjoy gambling, try your luck in the casinos onboard. Be aware that smoking is allowed in cruise ship casinos.

miniature golf course on a cruise ship
The miniature golf course on Harmony of the Seas

16. Be Aware of the Standard Process for Tipping

Gone are the days of putting cash in multiple envelopes to give to your state room attendants and servers. However, these are still available if you would like to leave extra $ for exceptional service. There is now a standard process for tipping. The average cost is $10-$12 per person per day for tipping on cruises. So, for a 3-day cruise you should budget for at least $30 per person or $60 for a couple. This total is divided among your cabin attendants and servers. It is automatically charged to the credit card you have on file.

17. Don’t get sick

You may have read reports of cruise passengers getting sick and being quarantined in their rooms. You may have also read recently about 475 passengers and crew members on a Royal Caribbean ship becoming ill due to Norovirus. 475! The cruise ship returned to Florida and issued a full refund to the passengers. Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illnesses in the U.S. The symptoms consist of vomiting and diarrhea. It is spread by being in contact with someone who is contagious.

Over the years cruise ships have taken measures to reduce the incidences and spread of Norovirus on cruise ships. Handwashing stations are located outside of the buffet dining areas, hand sanitizers stations are all over the ship and some food items are held behind counters and must be handed to you by a server. As soon as you start feeling ill, you should report to the ship’s medical clinic. In terms of sea sickness, bring along scopolamine patches and Dramamine. You can also check out “Sea-Band”. This wrist band alleviates nausea and vomiting by acupressure. The larger the ship the less likely you will feel it moving.

Hand washing station on a cruise ship
Hand washing station at the entrance to the buffet on Harmony of the Seas

18. Don’t fall overboard

This one is self-explanatory. I am not sure what is going on a lately, but I have read several reports of people falling overboard on cruise ships. There was even a recent story of someone who purposely jumped off the ship to take pictures. Sadly, a teenager died trying to get to his room from jumping onto a balcony while the ship was docked. For first-time cruisers, do not “party” on your balcony or host a lot of people there. Do be aware there are life jackets in your room in case of emergency. I do not recommend wandering around on the outdoor decks late at night without someone else with you.

19. Bring Travel Insurance & Leave an Emergency Phone #

As for ALL travel, I recommend obtaining travel insurance. This travel insurance should include trip cancellation, interruption and medical evacuation. Travel insurance will be available through the cruise line or your travel agent. If you travel a lot, I suggest obtaining annual travel insurance from a company such as Allianz. Before you head out on your cruise journey, look up the emergency number for your cruise line or ship. You can give this number to loved ones back home so they can reach you on the ship in case of emergency. I think it’s a good idea to let them know the cruise line, the name of the ship, your room # and the emergency phone #.

St. Maarten beach with cruise ship in the distance
The beautiful island of St.Maarten with Harmony of the Seas cruise ship in the distance

20. Prepare for Disembarkation

Sadly, all cruises must come to an end. The night before disembarkation you will be given the option to pack your luggage and leave them outside your room by a certain time. Your bags will be waiting for you after you go through customs. Keep needed overnight items in your carry-on bag. You will disembark the ship in different time slots. If you have an early flight, you can request early departure. In this instance, you will keep your luggage with you for disembarkation. The lines can be very long so be sure to give yourself enough time to make it to airports/flights. If you have mobile passport or global entry, join those lines for quicker disembarkation. Bring your global entry card with you.

So, what do you think? Do you love to cruise? Did you find these 20 awesome cruise tips for first-timers helpful? What tips or advice would you add for first-time cruisers?

Pin this comprehensive guide for cruising. Before you go check out the cruise section of my website for other great cruise articles and reviews!

20 Awesome Cruise Tips for First-Timers

Sign up to learn about luxury travel with food + wine experts all over the world.

Curated small group trips where all you have to do is pack your bag, relax & enjoy!

+ Receive my free packing & to-do lists for International travel!

Thank you! Check your email for your checklists!

Tags: cruises
Previous Post

A Complete Guide for Surviving Long-Haul Flights: 12 Tips & Tricks

Next Post

Oprah’s Girls’ Getaway Cruise on Holland America: An Epic Recap.

Nadeen

Nadeen

Dr. Nadeen White is a "Blogger by Day, Physician by Night". She is an award-winning travel blogger, Amazon bestselling author and speaker. The Sophisticated Life Blog covers affordable luxury travel, culinary travel and wine. Her domestic and international travel guides gets people to the destinations of their dreams. So, if you are living the sophisticated life or desire to do so, this is the blog for you!

Related Posts

harmony of the seas cruise ship review, royal caribbean cruise ship, cruising, oasis line of cruise ships, cruise review
Blog

Harmony of the Seas Cruise Review: 50 Things You Should Know!

June 10, 2019
12 Inspiring Takeaways from Oprah's Girls Getaway Cruise, Half Moon Cay Bahamas, Oprah Winfrey, Gayle King, Holland America
Blog

13 Inspiring Takeaways from Oprah’s Girls Getaway Cruise.

September 18, 2019
oprah winfrey, oprah's girls' getaway cruise on holland america, nieuw statendam, girls trip, O magazine, bahamas, half moon cay,
Blog

Oprah’s Girls’ Getaway Cruise on Holland America: An Epic Recap.

September 18, 2019
Adventures by Disney, Travel, River Cruising, Europe, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line
Blog

Travel Around the World with Adventures by Disney!

September 18, 2019
Disney Cruise Line for Adults: 10 Things You Should Know. Disney cruises,
Blog

Disney Cruise Line for Adults: 10 Things You Should Know.

April 9, 2018
Thinking about taking a Mediterranean Cruise? If so read this!
Blog

Recap: 7 Day Western Mediterranean Cruise! Spain, France & Italy!

November 19, 2019
Next Post
oprah winfrey, oprah's girls' getaway cruise on holland america, nieuw statendam, girls trip, O magazine, bahamas, half moon cay,

Oprah's Girls' Getaway Cruise on Holland America: An Epic Recap.

12 Inspiring Takeaways from Oprah's Girls Getaway Cruise, Half Moon Cay Bahamas, Oprah Winfrey, Gayle King, Holland America

13 Inspiring Takeaways from Oprah's Girls Getaway Cruise.

Comments 11

  1. Patricia King says:
    4 years ago

    I love how comprehensive your tips are.

    • nadeen says:
      4 years ago

      Thank you!

  2. safaritravelplus says:
    4 years ago

    i don’t blame your mum for refusing to pay for the food. The first thing that comes to my mind when i hear all-inclusive is that all food and drinks should be included. lol

    • nadeen says:
      4 years ago

      lol I agree! I didn’t pay for any food on my recent cruise!

    • Nadeen says:
      4 years ago

      Lol I agree!

  3. Charna Island says:
    4 years ago

    Awesome nice post I really enjoy reading your article

    • nadeen says:
      4 years ago

      Thank you!

  4. Amanda says:
    4 years ago

    Great tips, especially since I’ve never been on a real cruise. It hasn’t really been anything I’ve wanted to do, but you’ve definitely got me thinking about it after reading your article!

    • nadeen says:
      4 years ago

      I hope you will give it a try! I love it!

  5. Ben says:
    4 years ago

    Love the don’t fall overboard advice, definitely a great idea. We never got checked for booze when we went to the different islands so we were lucky bringing it on the ship.

    • Nadeen says:
      4 years ago

      Oh yes you were lucky!

No Result
View All Result
Subscribe for updates!

Subscribe for updates!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Best-selling Travel Ebooks Available for Download

Travel Guides to Your Favorite Destinations

USA Wine Guide for Travelers

Culinary Travel Guides: Food & Wine

Recent Posts

Travel

How to Spend One Day in Milan Italy!

by Nadeen
March 4, 2023
Travel

Luxurious Adults-Only Resorts in Jamaica.

by Nadeen
February 16, 2023
  • Because of the earthquakes, I have not shared information about Turkey in a while. It was so devastating@to hear the news after spending time there in December. I continue to pray 🙏🏽 for everyone affected. Consider making a donation. I did to @doctorswithoutborders 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
But I did write 2 travel guides on Istanbul based on my trip there with @goturkiye. One is a comprehensive guide on Istanbul with information on luxury hotels, restaurants, shopping, museums, and my favorite neighborhoods. The other is a Turkish food guide. I was on a culinary trip, so as you can imagine, I ate it all!! You can find both at thesophisticatedlife.com
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Now if you are a shopaholic, beware of the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul! It has EVERYTHING your heart desires! I have never seen so many different stalls, from ball gowns to ceramics to sportswear. I bought myself a beautiful leather purse and was tempted to buy so much more. Credit cards and Turkish lira are accepted.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
As far as the Spice Bazaar, the aromas were captivating. I enjoyed just looking at the array of spices and sampling Lokum. There is a long swift line for purchasing packaged Turkish coffee, so have your lira ready!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#goturkiye #goistanbul #gogastro #ıstanbul #istanbulbazaar #istanbulturkey🇹🇷 #istanbulturkey #grandbazaaristanbul #spicebazaar
  • Always working. Always hustling. Always dreaming. Always striving. Always motivated. 

This time it’s an accelerated woman’s entrepreneur journey with a tourism focus aimed at increasing diversity in the travel industry. 
Thank you to @wearewmnswork 
For having me! 

@culinarytravels_thesophislife WILL be a force to reckon with in the marketplace! 

#travelandtourism #womenshistorymonth #womensupportingwomen #womeninbusiness #luxurygrouptravel #tslculinarytravels #blackwomentraveltoo #womentravelers #womentravellers #blackentrepreneurship
  • BLACK-OWNED WINE BAR IN LONDON!
***Save for your next trip to London! If you are in London-check it out this weekend!

Did you know the actor, DJ, humanitarian etc etc @idriselba is also the co-owner of a wine bar in London?!! 

@portenoirekx is a cozy wine bar in the Kings Cross neighborhood which is a major rail hub filled with cool restaurants and shops on a canal. Perfect for a romantic evening!

The wine menu is extensive! Red, white, Rose, Orange wines, Wine on Tap, and my favorite-BUBBLES! There also have Cocktails. 

I decided to try one of their wines-the Porte Noire "Vintage" Blanc de Blancs Grand cru 2010-100% Chardonnay from Champagne, France for 19 pounds per glass, 119 pounds per bottle. It was fresh, crisp, radiant..

The menu is limited but unique. We had the Sourdough with "Umeboshi butter", Charcuterie plate, Mushroom arancini with sun dried tomato pesto, roast pork belly with tamarind glaze and "peanut sambal". WHOA. Such an extraordinary combination of flavors!! And for dessert we shared the burnt matcha cheesecake! 

As I walked around my mouth dropped open at the wine cellar collection! 

These are the experiences I would like to share when you join me on @culinarytravels_thesophislife Sign up for my newsletter to get all the info!

Have you been to @portenoirekx ?

#portenoire #portenoirewines #kingscross #kingscrosslondon #kingscrossstation #londonwinebar #luxurytravelspecialist #luxurytravelstyle #blackownedlondon #blackwinelovers #sipconsciously #blackwineprofessionals
  • ***SAVE FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP TO NAPA!!
During my trip to Napa for the @blackvines_ weekend of events I stayed at this luxury Black-owned Bed & Breakfast in downtown Napa! @mcclellandhouse 

It was AMAZING! I have been to Napa several times including last year & didn’t know it existed so I’m so glad Black Vines introduced me to it! 

We spent 4 nights being pampered. The main house has 5 bedrooms with their own bathrooms and each had their own theme. Our bedroom and bathroom were HUGE and more like a suite. It was the master. There is also a separate house w a bedroom and bathroom that sleeps 4. Some of the rooms have terraces 😍😍. 

We had breakfast every morning made fresh by a chef and he even took recommendations 🥞 and we had delicious mimosas 🍾🍾

The location was ideal. You can walk to the shops & restaurants downtown. 

There was also daily housekeeping services. Parking right in front of the house. Easy access to the house. Living and dining room lounge areas. Tea & coffee in the room. Hermes lotions and soaps… 

I would love to go back next year with a group for @culinarytravels_thesophislife Who is coming with me? 

#luxurybedandbreakfast #downtownnapa #napahotels #napavalleylife #napavalleywine #blackownedhotel #grouptrips @blacktravelfeed @theblacktravelalliance @blacktravelgram @greenbookglobal @abctravelgreenbook
  • If you are going to Whistler BC, here are some essential packing tips! These tips can actually be used for most ski resort areas in Canada and the US.  Here is a tip-Early spring AKA as the “shoulder season” is a great time to go skiing. 
It’s less crowded, less expensive, warmer weather! 
I went to @gowhistler and stayed at @fairmontwhistlr in April last year and it was perfect! 

Back to packing tips: 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
1. Layers, layers, layers: Make sure to pack plenty of layers to keep you warm and comfortable on the slopes. This includes thermal base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof outer layer.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
2. Ski equipment: If you’re bringing your own ski equipment, make sure to pack skis or snowboard, boots, poles, helmets, and goggles. If you’re renting, double-check the rental equipment options at your destination to ensure availability.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
3. Accessories: Don’t forget to pack essential accessories like gloves, mittens, a hat, neck warmer or balaclava, and hand and feet warmers.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
4. Apres-ski wear: After a long day on the slopes, you’ll want something comfortable and warm to change into. Pack comfortable shoes or boots, warm sweaters, and pants for lounging around the chalet.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
5. Sun protection: The sun can be strong at high altitudes, so don’t forget to pack sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, and sunglasses or goggles with UV protection.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
6. Personal items: Pack your essentials, such as toiletries, medications, and any other personal items you may need for your trip.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
7. Travel documents: Make sure to bring your passport, visas, travel insurance, and other important documents.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
8. Backpack: A backpack is essential for carrying water, snacks, and other essentials while you’re on the mountain.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
9. Camera: Don’t forget to capture the amazing scenery and memories on your ski trip. Bring a camera or smartphone to take pictures and videos of your adventure.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
10. Emergency kit: Lastly, pack an emergency kit with first aid supplies, a flashlight, and extra batteries, just in case.

#gowhistler #whistlerblackcomb #luxuryski #blacktravelers #blacktravelfeed #blackluxurytravel
  • #throwbackthursday to @blackvines_ in February!! This is an annual event in Oakland so put it on your calendar. Celebrating Black-owned wines & artists. It’s also great for networking with people in the wine industry 🍷🍷

#blackvines #blackvines2023 #blackownedwines #blackwineries #winewithfriends #blackwinelovers #blackwineprofessionals #winebloggers

Black-Owned Businesses

black-owned businesses in asheville north carolina, hood huggers tours, black-owned business in asheville, asheville north carolina, black-owned restaurants in Asheville, downtown Asheville,

Black-Owned Businesses in Asheville, North Carolina.

September 22, 2021
black-owned rosé wine brands to sip on this summer, rosé wines, black-owned wines, rosé wines, summer wines, black-owned wines, black-owned wineries, mcbride wines, black girl magic wines, brown estate wines,

Black-Owned Rosé Wine Brands to Sip on this Summer.

April 27, 2022
atlanta black-owned restaurants, black-owned restaurants in atlanta, atlanta restaurants, brunch in atlanta, atlanta restaurants

45+ Black-Owned Restaurants in Atlanta You Should Support!

May 15, 2022
black-owned wineries, black-owned businesses, black-owned wines, black winemakers, black wines, black owned wines, black owned wineries, black podcasts, wine, wineries, winemakers. wine regions, napa valley, wine tasting

50+ Black-Owned Wineries & Businesses You Should Follow & Support.

March 15, 2022

Explore the U.S.A

san francisco golden gate bridge, most romantic cities in the us, valentines day

The Most Romantic Cities in the US for Getaways.

February 12, 2023
photo by Adam chandler courtesy of charleston wine and food festival

2022 Charleston Wine + Food Festival-Recap!

March 31, 2022
sonoma county wineries and restaurants, sonoma, california wine region, sonoma wines, wine tasting

Sonoma County Wineries & Restaurants.

December 13, 2021
things to do in malibu california, malibu restaurants, wine tasting in malibu, malibu beaches, shopping in malibu

Things to do in Malibu California this Weekend.

March 21, 2022
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Myrtle Beach Restaurant Guide for Foodies!

The Best Myrtle Beach Restaurants: A Guide for Foodies!

August 6, 2020
15 fun facts about quebec city canada, travel to canada, canadian

15 Fun Quebec City Facts

August 7, 2018
Diner en Blanc Guide for First-Timers! Everything you need to know to attend this magical event! Includes information on purchasing tickets, preparing for the event, costs and what to expect at Diner en Blanc!

Diner en Blanc Guide for First-Timers!

September 19, 2019
Dubai Trip

Dubai Travel Guide for First Time Visitors!

April 2, 2020
Dubai Trip

Dubai Travel Guide for First Time Visitors!

How I spent 5 Days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi! A Desert Safari, Camel rides, Burj Khalifa, High Tea at Burj Al Arab, Shopping in Souks, Visiting the Grand Mosque and so much more!!

How I Spent 5 Days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi!

Visit Jamaica: Land I Love!

Cruising the Mediterranean Sea on Norwegian Epic!

must-eat food in bologna, ragu bolognese

Must-Eat Food in Bologna Italy-the Culinary Capital of Italy.

March 16, 2023
venice italy, things to do in venice italy

Best things to do in Venice Italy!

March 9, 2023
Duomo in Milan italy, how to spend one day in milan

How to Spend One Day in Milan Italy!

March 4, 2023
adults-only resorts in jamaica, all-inclusive resorts, jamaica resorts

Luxurious Adults-Only Resorts in Jamaica.

February 16, 2023
The Sophisticated Life

  • About
  • Travel
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

© 2022 The Sophisticated Life

The Sophisticated Life

  • About
  • Travel
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • About
  • Travel
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

© 2020 The Sophisticated Life

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Wine
  • Food
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Travel With Me
  • Work With Me
  • Privacy Policy

© 2020 The Sophisticated Life