Question from a Client: What's the Best Balcony Location on a Cruise Ship

Balcony View

I recently was asked this question from a newer to cruising client as well as my response below it:

"What deck should I get my balcony room on the Utopia of the Seas? This is my first time getting a balcony and I do take about 12 hours to get my sea legs so a less rocky part of ship the is better for me." -CrusingGirl96

Great question — getting the right balcony really does make a big difference, especially when it takes you a little while to get your sea legs. Here’s the best, most solid advice:

Top Pick:

Choose a mid-ship balcony on a lower-to-mid deck, ideally Decks 7–10. Midship + lower deck = the least motion.

Why this works:

• Midship is the most stable part of the ship. You’ll feel less rolling there than in the very front or back.

• Lower-to-mid decks feel less sway than higher decks. The higher you go, the more motion you may notice.

• Avoid forward (front) and aft (back) balconies if you’re sensitive to motion — those areas feel movement more.

• Avoid balconies directly over busy venues like the Boardwalk or AquaTheater if you want quiet. Midship ocean-facing or Central Park–facing balconies tend to feel calmer.

• Try to pick a cabin away from elevators and stairwells for less noise and traffic.

Central Park Balcony Rooms 

Practical recommendation for Utopia of the Seas:

Midship balcony cabins on 

Decks 8, 9, or 10 

are a great sweet spot — 

stable, quiet, and not too high up.

To my Frequent Cruisers out there reading this:

==> How would you answer this question? 

==> What deck do you like your balcony on?

If you want, I can also help you narrow it down to specific cabin number ranges or exact rooms that match what you need. Just let me know your sailing date or which side of the ship you prefer!

mspanostravels@gmail.com

-Michelle Spanos

Travel Agent and lover of... tugboats

Why Negril, Jamaica Is Exactly What Your Heart Needs Right Now

I want to talk to you today about a place that feels like exhaling — Sandals Negril and Beaches Negril. If you’ve been carrying stress, or you’re craving sunshine, peace, laughter, and luxury without having to think too hard… Negril is calling your name.

And yes, after the 2025 hurricane, people have been asking, “How are the resorts doing?”
Here’s the truth: they’re doing beautifully.

Sunset at Beach Resort Negril, Jamaica

Sandals and Beaches Negril experienced mostly cosmetic damage — downed trees, landscaping loss, some outdoor cleanup — but the buildings, rooms, restaurants, pools, and core amenities remained solid. Their teams worked day and night, and the properties have fully reopened, refreshed, strong, and ready for guests. Jamaica is resilient, and these resorts came back with even more warmth, heart, and purpose.

Now let’s talk about why YOU might need to be there.

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Unlimited Water Sports That Meet You Where You Are

One thing I love about Negril is that you can be as calm or as adventurous as you want.

For the adventure side of you:

My first time paddleboarding at Beaches Negril

• Scuba diving (included!)

• Snorkeling over the reefs

• Wakeboarding, tubing, kneeboarding

• Paddleboarding and kayaking

• Windsurfing

• Sailing and Hobie Cats

• Glass-bottom boat rides

• And yes… those big colorful aquatrikes

All included. No surprise charges. No “add-ons.” Just pure Caribbean fun. 

For the peaceful side of you:

Star fish and waterskiing

• Floating in that calm turquoise water

• Early morning paddleboarding while the sea is still

• Quiet swims at sunrise

• Gentle waves setting your whole nervous system at ease

It’s a reset button for your body and your mind.

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Food That Feels Like a Vacation All By Itself

Both Sandals Negril and Beaches Negril have amazing dining, but Sandals really shines with its mix of cozy, elegant, and toes-in-the-sand restaurants.

Some favorites you’ll love:

Dinner, breakfast or lunch with a view

• Fresh seafood right on the beach

• Caribbean jerk dishes with that irresistible smoky flavor

• Brick-oven pizza under the palm trees

• Italian favorites with ocean views

• Teppanyaki dinners full of laughter and connection

Plus the bars — swim-up bars, beach bars, lounges, and your own in-room minibar. It feels like ease. It feels like luxury without being stuffy. It feels like someone finally said, “Relax, we’ve got you.”

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Luxury Relaxation for Any Season of Life

If it’s you and your girls:

Sandals Negril is effortless. Beach hammocks, quiet nooks to nap, butler suites if you want them, and that laid-back Negril vibe that whispers, “You’re safe here. Rest.”

Can you say lazy river? Yes please.

Spa days, sun-soaked mornings, late-night laughter… it’s the kind of trip that refills your soul.

If you’re taking the family:

Beaches Negril is the place.
Waterslides, lazy river, splash park, endless activities for kids and teens — and still that classic Negril beauty for you. The whole family feels seen and cared for.

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Travel That Helps Jamaica Heal

Choosing to visit Negril this season isn’t just about treating yourself — though you absolutely deserve that. It also supports resort staff, local families, and the Jamaican tourism economy as they continue rebuilding after the storm. Your presence helps. Your visit matters.

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My Personal Invitation to You

Picture this…
You step off the plane and the warm air wraps around you. You’re driven along the coastline, past palm trees and pastel buildings, until you reach a place where the ocean is a color so blue it looks unreal.

You drop your bags in your room, walk straight to the beach, and let the water roll over your feet. And for the first time in a long time… you breathe. 

Whether it’s with your girlfriends, your family, or just you needing space to recharge — Negril is the kind of place that meets you right where you are and reminds you you’re still held, still called to joy, still allowed to live wildly and beautifully.

If you want help planning a girls’ getaway or a family vacation to either Sandals Negril or Beaches Negril, I’m here — and this is the kind of travel planning I love. Just tell me what you’re thinking, and we’ll build something beautiful together.

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If you want, I can also create a perfect 3-night or 5-night sample itinerary for either resort — just say the word. mspanostravels@gmail.com

-Michelle Spanos

Travel Agent and lover of ...a comfy bathrobe

The Perfect 10-Day - 5 National Parks Road Trip

If you’ve been craving wide-open spaces, quiet mornings, and the kind of scenery that reminds you how small your problems really are, this road trip is the one. It’s simple, doable, and packed with some of the most beautiful places in America. This is the kind of adventure that resets your soul.

Here’s the exact route I recommend, along with realistic drive times and things to do along the way.

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Day 1 — Medford to Crater Lake

Drive: About 75 miles — roughly 1.5 hours

Fly into Medford, pick up your rental car, and make a quick stop at Walmart for a styrofoam cooler and simple groceries.
Then head straight for Crater Lake National Park. The drive is peaceful, full of pines, and gets prettier the closer you get.
Settle in for the night near the park so you can wake up early.

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Day 2 — Crater Lake to Crescent City, CA

Drive: About 140 miles — around 3 hours

Start your morning with those deep-blue Crater Lake views. Walk the rim, take pictures, breathe it in.
By early afternoon, hit the road toward Crescent City. This drive is gorgeous—mountains, forest, and that feeling of crossing into the Redwood region where everything suddenly feels ancient and enormous.

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Day 3 — Explore the Redwoods, then Crescent City to Eureka

Drive: Around 85 miles — about 2 hours

Me enjoying the California Redwoods

Spend your morning among the Redwoods. You can easily stop for:

• A short nature walk among the giants

• A scenic pull-off for photos

• A quiet picnic under the trees

Continue south to Eureka for the night. This stretch isn’t long, so take your time and enjoy the coastal views.

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Day 4 — Eureka to Yosemite Valley

Drive: This is your long-haul day — roughly 350–400 miles, about 7–8 hours

Leave early and settle into the drive. This is a day of changing scenery: ocean, farmland, foothills, mountains.
Arrive in Yosemite Valley for the night—welcome to one of the most breathtaking places in the country.

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Day 5 — Yosemite National Park

A full day to soak it in.
You can choose from:

• A valley walk to see El Capitan and Bridalveil Falls

• Tunnel View for sunrise or sunset

• A calm riverside picnic

• Biking or a gentle hike if you want more activity

• Watch the sunset while looking east, yes I said east, at Glacier Point

This day will fill your camera and your heart.

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Day 6 — Yosemite to Lee Vining, Mono Lake, then Death Valley, ending near Las Vegas

Lake Mono

Drive: Yosemite Valley to Lee Vining is about 80 miles (2 hours depending on Tioga Pass conditions).
Lee Vining to Death Valley is roughly 150–180 miles (3.5–4.5 hours).
Death Valley to Las Vegas area is around 140 miles (2.5 hours).

Make the short drive over to Lee Vining and stop at Mono Lake—an otherworldly place worth stretching your legs and snapping a few pictures.
Then continue south toward Death Valley National Park. By evening, stay near the Las Vegas area so you’re rested for the next day.

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Day 7 — Vegas to Grand Canyon (South Rim), stopping at Hoover Dam

Drive: About 275 miles — roughly 4.5–5 hours

Leave Las Vegas and stop at Hoover Dam—it's a quick visit but worth seeing, even if just for some photos.
Then continue to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Settle in for your first Canyon sunset.

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Day 8 — Grand Canyon

Slow down. Take it in.
Walk the Rim Trail, sit at an overlook, or ride the shuttle to viewpoints.
There’s no rush here.

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Day 9 — Another Day at the Grand Canyon

Use this day for whatever your heart needs:

• A gentle hike

• A sunrise moment

• A slow day reading or journaling by the canyon

• Or simply more wandering and exploring

Two days here feels perfect.

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Day 10 — Grand Canyon to Flagstaff and Fly Home

Drive: About 80 miles — roughly 1.5 hours

Take one last look at the canyon before making the short drive to Flagstaff to catch your flight home.

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Want This Planned Out Perfectly for You?

If you want help picking the right hotels, knowing exactly where to stop, choosing the best trails, or planning daily activities, I’d love to put together a customized road trip plan for you.

Glacier Point view of Half Dome

I charge a small planning fee only for my road trip services because these itineraries take time to map out—but this is the only time I charge a fee. Once you’re booked, everything else I do for you is completely free.

If you want a trip like this (or any route across the U.S.), I’d love to help you plan it from start to finish.

mspanostravels@gmail.com

Reach out and let's start planning your National parks Road trip,

Michelle Spanos

Travel Agent and lover of the outdoors.

Outdoors Mt Washington, NH

The 7 Mistakes Most People Make at Magic Kingdom and How You can Avoid Them

Magic Kingdom is one of the most joyful places on earth… and one of the easiest places to feel overwhelmed if you don’t go in with a plan. I plan Disney trips for busy women — especially moms who already have a lot on their shoulders — and I see the same mistakes over and over.

Here are the seven biggest mistakes families make at Magic Kingdom… and exactly how to avoid them so your day feels magical, peaceful, and unforgettable.

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Mistake #1 — Thinking “I’ll just wing it.”

Why it hurts:
Magic Kingdom changes constantly. Ride availability changes. Wait times shift by the minute. Certain areas get crowded fast. Trying to figure everything out on the fly almost always leads to frustration, missed experiences, and a lot of walking in circles.

What to do instead:
Go in with a simple, flexible plan. Identify your top 2–4 must-do rides, know when they typically have lower waits, and understand how Lightning Lane options work for the day you’re visiting. A little bit of prep gives you hours back in your day.

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Mistake #2 — Skipping Early Entry or arriving after the crowd rush

Why it hurts:
The first hour of the day is pure gold. Many people don’t make it for rope drop, which means those who do enjoy noticeably shorter waits and a calmer atmosphere.

What to do instead:
Arrive early and hit your top rides while the crowds are still light. If you’re staying at a Disney resort, use Early Theme Park Entry — it can make your entire day flow smoother. Moms tell me all the time, “This one tip changed everything.”

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Mistake #3 — Trying to power through the entire park without a break

Why it hurts:
Magic Kingdom is huge. Without intentional breaks, the joy turns into exhaustion — especially for moms with preteens or teens. And tired kids rarely make magical memories.

What to do instead:
Build margin into your day. That might mean a mid-day pool break, a quiet sit-down lunch, or choosing a slower attraction to refresh. Rest is not wasted time — it’s the key to lasting joy.

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Mistake #4 — Not planning food ahead of time

Why it hurts:
Hangry kids. Long food lines. Nowhere to sit. Enough said.

What to do instead:
Decide ahead of time where you’ll eat for at least one meal. Make table-service reservations early. Use mobile ordering for snacks and quick-service meals. Food is a major part of the experience, and planning for it creates calm moments.

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Mistake #5 — Assuming you can leave right after fireworks

Why it hurts:
When the fireworks end, 10,000+ people move toward the exit at the exact same moment. Transportation lines get long, and the night ends with stress instead of magic.

What to do instead:
Choose your exit strategy. Leave 10 minutes early, linger in a shop until crowds thin, or watch from a spot that gives you quicker access out of the park. Make the end of your night feel peaceful.

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Mistake #6 — Not checking for ride closures before your visit

Why it hurts:
Nothing is worse than promising your child a favorite ride… only to find it closed for refurbishment or weather when you arrive.

What to do instead:
Check the daily refurbishment schedule as your trip gets closer. I always create backup plans for clients so no one feels disappointed if something is down.

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Mistake #7 — Trying to plan everything yourself when your life is already full

Why it hurts:
Disney planning is a full-time job on its own. Policies change, reservation windows open and close, and families end up spending hours researching instead of enjoying the anticipation.

What to do instead:
Work with a travel agent — especially if you’re a busy mom. I help with every detail: resort choices, dining reservations, ride strategies, fireworks plans, and a calm, step-by-step itinerary. My clients often say, “I don’t know how people do Disney without a travel agent.”

Because the truth is: it’s not about booking a trip — it’s about creating memories that last.

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Quick Pre-Trip Checklist

Here’s what I recommend before your Magic Kingdom day:

• Pick your top attractions.

• Make one table-service reservation early.

• Use mobile ordering for quick-service meals.

• Bring a small “mom kit”: portable fan, sunscreen, snacks, water bottle, band-aids, and a phone charger.

• Plan a break — even a 20-minute one — during the hot part of the day.

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Final Word — You Deserve a Trip That Actually Feels Magical

Disney shouldn’t feel overwhelming. With the right plan, you and your daughter can spend the day laughing, exploring, and building a memory she’ll tell her kids one day.

If you want help planning your own stress-free Magic Kingdom day, I’d love to create your personalized itinerary — dining, rides, fireworks, and all the special moments in between.

Just reach out, and we’ll make it happen. 🌟✈️💛 mspanostravels@gmail.com

-Michelle Spanos

Travel Agent and lover of The Castle at Christmas!

Disney’s Riviera Resort: 7 Reasons Why This Is Disney’s Most Relaxing Escape for Moms

If you’ve ever walked through a Disney vacation feeling like you needed another vacation afterward, you’re not alone. Magic Kingdom days are beautiful and full, but they can also be loud, busy, and exhausting — especially for moms who carry everything from the sunscreen to the emotional load of keeping everyone smiling.

That’s why Disney’s Riviera Resort has become one of my favorite recommendations for women who need Disney magic and true rest at the same time.

This resort feels different the moment you step inside. Inspired by the European coast — slow mornings, balconies, warm breezes, and gentle elegance — Riviera gives moms permission to exhale in ways they didn’t even know they needed.

Let me walk you through what makes it the most relaxing escape on Disney property.

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1. The Peaceful Atmosphere (Yes, Even at Disney)

Riviera is quiet in a way that surprises most people.
The pathways are open and airy, the courtyard is serene, and the background music feels more like a European café than a theme park.

Whether you're:

• a single mom catching her breath,

• a woman healing from a breakup or divorce,

• or a mom who hasn’t had a peaceful morning in years…

…Riviera wraps around you like a warm, gentle reset.

There are soft seating areas, hidden corners to read, and patios perfect for morning coffee while the sun comes up over the property.

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2. Board the Skyliner and Be at Magic Kingdom’s Sister Parks in Minutes

One of the most magical parts of Riviera is the Disney Skyliner — a peaceful, airy gondola system that glides over Disney property.

You can be:

• at EPCOT in minutes

• at Hollywood Studios before your coffee cools

• or simply enjoy the ride as a quiet moment above the world

It’s one of the least stressful transportation options on Disney property, and for moms who already manage so much, that matters.

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3. Quiet Pool Time Without the Crowds

Riviera’s pools are some of the calmest at Disney.
There’s a dedicated quiet pool that offers a true escape — perfect for:

• journaling,

• prayer time,

• reading,

• or simply floating without thinking about anything at all.

If you’re a mom who rarely gets silence, this resort gives it to you generously.

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4. The Beauty of the Grounds Feeds the Soul

For women walking through healing seasons, beauty matters.
Riviera offers:

• soft landscaping

• European-style fountains

• gardens made for slow walks

• beautiful artwork throughout the halls

It feels like the kind of place where God whispers, “Rest. I’m still holding you.”

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5. Food That Feels Like a Treat (Without Leaving the Resort)

Topolino’s Terrace — Riviera’s rooftop restaurant — is a guest favorite for a reason.
Breakfast with Disney characters is joyful and magical, but dinner is where the calm sets in.

Picture this:
A warm evening breeze.
A rooftop view of the property.
A table where no one needs you for anything.

For moms who rarely get to sit and eat, this is sacred.

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6. Rooms Designed for Rest, Not Just Sleeping

The rooms at Riviera feel airy, fresh, and peaceful — especially the Deluxe Studios and 1-Bedroom Villas.

You’ll find:
✔ Plush beds
✔ Beautiful balconies
✔ Clean color palettes
✔ Large showers and deep soaking tubs in many rooms

It feels like stepping into a soft, private retreat after a long Disney park day.

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7. Perfect for Moms Who Need Both Magic and Peace

This resort is especially ideal for:

• Moms in a season of rebuilding

• Women healing from relationships with addiction

• Empty nesters taking a long-overdue trip

• Moms who want Disney but not chaos

• Women of faith seeking joy and rest in the same trip

Riviera isn’t loud magic.
It’s quiet magic — the kind that fills your heart without draining your energy.

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Ready to Stay at Disney’s Most Peaceful Resort? I Can Help.

Planning a Disney trip can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to handle every detail alone.

As a travel agent who specializes in helping women create life-giving trips, I can help you design a Riviera stay that gives you the magic, the rest, and the memories you’re craving.

If you're feeling the tug to take a break… this might be exactly where God is inviting you to breathe again.

📩 Email me at: mspanostravels@gmail.com

🎥 Follow my YouTube for restful faith + travel content:

• Come Have Coffee With Me: Stories of Faith Over Fear

• Michelle Spanos Travel Agent

I would love to help you plan your restful, joy-filled Disney escape.

-Michelle Spanos

Travel Agent, and lover of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge