Talk Travel To Me

The drink package, lets do the math.

In this episode Kristy continues the conversation about the drink package on Royal Caribbean and this time she brings the receipts. Breaking out her trusty calculator she does the math so you don't have to and explains the breakdown of the spirited beverage package and the soda beverage package. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2444341/fan_mail/new] 🔗 Explore More on Beacon [https://beacons.ai/mickeygurutravel] 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @TalkTravelToMePod [https://www.instagram.com/TalkTravelToMePod/] 🎙️ Hosted by Kristy Ouellette [https://www.instagram.com/mickeygurutravel/] ✨ Powered by Mickey Guru Travel Company [https://mickeyguru.com]

Is the Cruise Drink Package a Trap or a Total Steal?

Is the Cruise Drink Package a Trap or a Total Steal? That pre-cruise email hits your inbox offering a beverage package, and suddenly you're picturing a week of endless, relaxing poolside drinks. It sounds like a no-brainer, but is the cruise drink package actually a good deal, or is it a carefully designed tourist trap? In this episode of Talk Travel to Me, host Kristy Ouellette (Founder of Mickey Guru Travel Company) runs the real numbers so you don't have to. Every time a client asks if the drink package is worth it, Kristy’s answer is always: "It depends." Today, she is breaking down exactly what it depends on, from your specific itinerary to the sneaky fine print the cruise lines don't want you to focus on. (Note: Kristy gets a little creative with her vocabulary in this episode to keep the podcast platforms happy—listen closely as we discuss "spirited beverages"!) In this episode, we unpack: * The Fine Print: We break down the sneaky rules on major lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian (NCL). We cover daily drink limits, price caps, private island rules, and the dreaded "everyone in the cabin must buy" policy. * The Real Math: Hitting your break-even point sounds easy until you factor in busy 8-hour port days and the automatic 18–20% gratuity tacked onto your package price. * Who Should Actually Buy It: Kristy reveals the specific types of travelers (and itineraries) where the package does pay off, and the undeniable value of the "all-inclusive feeling." * Alternative Options: From coffee cards and refreshment packages to embarkation day bring-on allowances, learn the alternatives to dropping $100+ a day. Next Week's Tease: Make sure you are subscribed because next week we are tackling the ultimate family vacation challenge: What Is a Realistic Souvenir Budget for a Family Trip — and How Do You Stick to It? Connect with Kristy & Book Your Trip: * Ready to stop crossing your fingers and let a pro handle the heavy lifting for your next family getaway? Visit us at mickeyguru.com [https://mickeyguru.com] * Got a travel stumper you want answered on the show? Send a text to the show! * Join the conversation and tell us about a travel moment you wish you'd had someone in your corner for over on Instagram and TikTok at @TalkTravelToMePod. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2444341/fan_mail/new] 🔗 Explore More on Beacon [https://beacons.ai/mickeygurutravel] 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @TalkTravelToMePod [https://www.instagram.com/TalkTravelToMePod/] 🎙️ Hosted by Kristy Ouellette [https://www.instagram.com/mickeygurutravel/] ✨ Powered by Mickey Guru Travel Company [https://mickeyguru.com]

Could the Right Travel Agent Have Rescued Your Last Family Vacation?

Could the Right Travel Agent Have Rescued Your Last Family Vacation? What if the difference between a ruined trip and the vacation of a lifetime was one phone call - to the right person? In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on what a travel agent actually does for your family when things go sideways. And trust me, things go sideways more often than you think. From a honeymoon resort shut down by a hurricane to a daughter who needed to get off a cruise ship and fly home to her father's ICU bedside, these are real stories from real clients and every single one has a happy ending because one of the travel advisors from Mickey Guru Travel Company  was already on it before the panic could set in. We'll talk about the Spirit Airlines shutdown that left travelers stranded, the Disney dining reservation that vanished from an app, the blizzard that grounded flights home - and how, in every case, our clients never had to scramble, never had to panic, and never had to figure it out alone. But it's not only about the emergencies. I'll also share how the right advice before you book can save your family serious money. Like how steering one family away from Alaskan cruise dates that happened to overlap with World Cup events in Vancouver, slashing their hotel costs and making the whole trip fit their budget. In every single story, our clients only had to make one good decision. All they had to do was say yes to booking their travels with the team at Mickey Guru Travel Company. If you've ever booked a family vacation on your own and held your breath hoping nothing would go wrong - this episode is for you. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2444341/fan_mail/new] 🔗 Explore More on Beacon [https://beacons.ai/mickeygurutravel] 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @TalkTravelToMePod [https://www.instagram.com/TalkTravelToMePod/] 🎙️ Hosted by Kristy Ouellette [https://www.instagram.com/mickeygurutravel/] ✨ Powered by Mickey Guru Travel Company [https://mickeyguru.com]

Is the Disney Lightning Lane Premier Pass worth it?

Episode Title: Is Disney’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass Worth the Money? Disney’s newest skip-the-line option costs how much?! In this episode of Talk Travel to Me, host Kristy Ouellette gets brutally honest about Walt Disney World's Lightning Lane Premier Pass. If you are tired of spending your entire theme park day staring at your phone to book ride times, the Premier Pass offers the ultimate convenience—but it comes with a massive price tag. Kristy breaks down everything you need to know about this premium service, the real-world math for a family vacation, and why she thinks your money might actually be better spent elsewhere. In this episode, we unpack: * What is the Premier Pass? How it differs from Single and Multi-Passes (hint: no time slots, no phone stress, just walk up and ride!). * The Rules & Restrictions: What's included (the 19 big attractions at Magic Kingdom) and what isn't (character meet-and-greets and certain classic rides). * The Sticker Shock: A look at the variable date-based pricing, including peak season costs that can top $449 per person, per day—on top of your park ticket. * The VIP Alternative: Kristy reveals the ultimate hack. When you compare the cost of a Premier Pass for a larger family to the cost of a private Disney VIP Tour... the VIP Tour might actually be the better value! (Note: This episode was recorded on April 8, 2026. Disney prices and policies are subject to change!) Next Week's Tease: Make sure you are subscribed because next week we are doing the math on another major travel expense: Is a cruise drink package a total math fail? Connect with Kristy & Book Your Trip: * Ready to let a pro handle the heavy lifting for your next getaway? Visit us at mickeyguru.com [https://mickeyguru.com] * Join the conversation and share your thoughts on the Premier Pass over on Instagram and TikTok at @TalkTravelToMePod! Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2444341/fan_mail/new] 🔗 Explore More on Beacon [https://beacons.ai/mickeygurutravel] 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @TalkTravelToMePod [https://www.instagram.com/TalkTravelToMePod/] 🎙️ Hosted by Kristy Ouellette [https://www.instagram.com/mickeygurutravel/] ✨ Powered by Mickey Guru Travel Company [https://mickeyguru.com]

Can I Have Fun on a Cruise With a Baby?

Season 4, Episode 8: Can I Have Fun on a Cruise With a Baby? Hey, traveler! If you are a new parent desperately in need of a vacation, you have probably asked yourself this exact question: Can I actually have fun on a cruise with a baby in tow? In this episode of Talk Travel to Me, host Kristy Ouellette (Owner and Founder of Mickey Guru Travel Company) tackles this common listener question with a resounding YES! Cruising with an infant is absolutely doable and incredibly fun, as long as you know the rules of the sea and set the right expectations. Kristy breaks down everything you need to know before you set sail with your littlest sailor. In this episode, we cover: * Age Requirements: Did you know your baby needs to be a certain age to cruise? We cover the 6-month rule for standard sailings and the 1-year rule for trans-oceanic and longer itineraries. * Baby Gear & Packing: What you can get for free on board (like Pack 'n Plays and bottle warmers) versus what you must pack yourself. Plus, crucial rules about bringing baby food and formula on board! * Childcare at Sea: A breakdown of drop-off nurseries (like Disney's It's a Small World Nursery), including costs, age limits, and how to take advantage of free "Open House" family playtime. * Onboard Activities: How to entertain a baby on a ship! From the hilarious "Jack-Jack Diaper Dash" to the adorable themed splash pads (and why un-potty-trained babies are strictly prohibited from the main pools). Whether you want to drop your baby off at the nursery for a quiet adults-only dinner at Palo, or keep them with you 24/7 for maximum family memories, this episode is your ultimate guide to cruising with a baby. Next Week's Tease: Make sure you are subscribed because next week we are tackling a massive topic: Is Disney's Lightning Lane Premiere Pass actually worth the money? Special show links: It’s a Small World Nursery : https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/onboard-activities/its-a-small-world-childrens-nursery/ [https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/onboard-activities/its-a-small-world-childrens-nursery/]   Royal Caribbean Baby & Tots Program: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-activities/babies-and-tots-programs [https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-activities/babies-and-tots-programs] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2444341/fan_mail/new] 🔗 Explore More on Beacon [https://beacons.ai/mickeygurutravel] 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @TalkTravelToMePod [https://www.instagram.com/TalkTravelToMePod/] 🎙️ Hosted by Kristy Ouellette [https://www.instagram.com/mickeygurutravel/] ✨ Powered by Mickey Guru Travel Company [https://mickeyguru.com]