New to cruising and not sure what to expect? In this episode, Teena Dowd, cruise lover and owner of Vacations for Canadians  breaks down everything first-time cruisers need to know before they sail. From what’s actually included (and what’s not) to packing tips, choosing the right cabin, and how to avoid common rookie mistakes, Teena shares practical advice to help you cruise with confidence. She also tackles some of the biggest misconceptions about cruising and explains why it’s one of the easiest, most enjoyable ways to travel. Whether you’re already booked or just cruise-curious, this episode will leave you feeling excited, prepared, and ready to set sail.  

On this episode, we’re breaking down how cruise pricing really works and how to get the best deal on your next sailing. We’ll cover when to book, what actually drives cruise fares, how Wave Season fits in, the value of group space, and where you can save on extras so you can cruise smarter (and stretch your vacation budget further).

Join us for our launch episode, and discover how Vacations for Canadians is helping you travel smarter. We’ll chat about why we started the pod, how our team’s expertise shapes real advice, and what “getting real” looks like (hello, pros and cons). Owner, Teena Dowd shares fresh, first-hand impressions from inaugural sailings on Star Princess and Celebrity Xcel, from Sanctuary and Princess Premier perks to life inside The Retreat—plus candid misses (RIP Spa Café!). We wrap with our philosophy for crafting the right trip for your style. Honest insights, insider tips, and plenty of inspiration, welcome aboard.

If you want expert advice, real talk about travel planning, and tips you won’t find on big booking sites, this podcast is for you.