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Welcome to Cheryl's Travel Blueprint! I’m a former Spanish teacher turned travel advisor, passionate about curating unforgettable experiences. My expertise lies in European adventures (with a special love for Spain), cruising, and all-inclusive Caribbean getaways. I specialize in creating tailored trips for families, multi-generational groups, and teachers—whether they’re traveling solo, with colleagues, or leading student groups.
In this podcast, we celebrate the joy of travel, uncover hidden gems, share practical tips and tricks, and embrace the spirit of adventure. Each episode features inspiring conversations with fascinating guests from all walks of life as they share their unique travel stories, lessons, and favorite destinations. Whether you're planning your next getaway or simply love to dream about the possibilities, this is your place to explore the world from wherever you are.
Let’s embark on this journey together! 🌍✈️
Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please. Ready for an adventure? Whether you're revisiting cherished moments or planning new escapades, Nostalgic Travel Talks is here to inspire your wanderlust. Let's take off. Hey travelers and dreamers, welcome back to Nostalgic Travel Talks. I'm Sheryl Johnson, your host and personal travel advisor. This is the podcast where we blend meaningful adventures with a splash of fun, a pinch of mischief and yes, a glass of champagne if you're cruising virgin voyages. Today's episode is for the cruise curious. Maybe you've heard about Virgin Voyages. Maybe you've seen their sassy ads, or maybe you're just wondering what makes it different from your typical cruise experience. Spoiler alert, it's not your grandma's cruise, but she'd probably still have a great time. Let's dive in. Let's start with the big question. What is Virgin Voyages? Richard Branson decided to throw his hat into the cruise ring and surprise surprise he made it cool. Think adults only, elevated dining with zero buffets in sight, live entertainment that ranges from sexy to surreal, and ships that feel more like boutique resorts than floating theme parks. The beyond the glam. What really stands out? There's three things. Number one, no kids allowed. Yep, 18 plus only. Whether you're a child free by choice, an empty nester, or a parent needing a guilt-free getaway, this cruises your sanctuary. Number two, no nickeling and diming. Gratuities, Wi-Fi, fitness classes, all included, so your wallet can breathe. And number three, the vibe. There's a reason Scarlet Night is legendary. It's playful, immersive, and unapologetically different. And now for my personal favorite feature, drum roll please, that red hammock on the balcony. I fell head over heels for that iconic red hammock. It quickly became my nightly ritual. Picture just looking out at the sea, the moonlight bouncing on the waves, and me cocooned in that cozy little net with a good book and maybe a glass of wine. It was the perfect wind down ritual. They do sell them on board too, but until I decide to bring one home, I'm going to keep chasing that hammock life, one cruise at a time. Okay, you're curious, maybe intrigued, but you're wondering, is Virgin Voyages my kind of cruise? So here's the thing, Virgin is perfect for a few different types of travelers. Solo sailors, Virgin makes it easy in welcoming the cruise alone, with solo cabins, hosted meetups, and zero awkward dinner tables. Couples. The romantic vibes are chef's kiss. From shake for champagne to spa days and moonlit lounges. It's a real vibe. And girlfriend getaways or adult groups. There's no kids, no drama, just grown-up fun in the sun and maybe a few espresso martinis. So these are my pro tips. Book early for dining and entertainment reservations but don't stress if you don't get them because you can always change them when you're on board. Download the app it's your cruise control center. Check your phone plan or just lean into airplane mode and disconnect. Explore the ship early especially if you're camera happy like me. Try the splash of romance package. Now if you're looking to add a little extra sparkle to your sailing, whether you're honeymooning, celebrating something special, or just in the mood to treat yourself, let me tell you about one of Virgin's most underrated gems. It's called the splash of romance package. It is basically the cruise equivalent of rose petals on the bed and room service at midnight, but better. Here's what it comes with. Shake for champagne. It's as fun as it sounds. You open the app, you give your phone a shake and poof, a bottle of bubbly magically appears wherever you are on the ship. A daily decadent treat. Each day, you get a little sweet surprise delivered to your cabin. Pastries, chocolate, whatever delight the chef's dreaming up. It's like a love letter in dessert form. You get a private sailor only cocktail party. You'll be invited to an exclusive gathering where the drinks are just flowing and the ambiance is all kinds of elevated. It's the perfect way to mix, mingle, or just sip something fancy under the stars. You get thermal spa access. This is where things get dreamy with this package. You'll get entry to Virgin's luxurious thermal spa experience. There's steam rooms, heated marble benches, a mud room. There's a sauna, a salt therapy room, your chance to fully unwind, and priority boarding. You can skip the lines and start the vacation vibes early. You get to be one of the first on the ship, drink in hand before most people have even cleared security. Here's where it gets good. When you book your Virgin Voyages trip with me, not only do you get my planning expertise and all the tips from someone who's actually sailed, but you also score a few extras. Think shipboard credit, a curated travel guide, and even a little surprise in your cabin upon arrival. Plus, I'll help you pick the right itinerary, the best cabin, and make sure you avoid rookie mistakes, like waiting until the last minute to book your favorite restaurants. So, are you cruise curious or cruise ready? Whether you're ready to shake for champagne or still have questions, I'd love to help you explore virgin voyages in a way that fits your travel style. Check the show notes for my let's go link. You can browse itineraries or book a call with me. Let's turn that daydream into a sea day reality. Until next time, stay curious, stay nostalgic, and stay ready for your next great escape. Thank you for tuning in to Nostalgic Travel Talks. I hope today's episode inspired you to dive deeper into your next journey. If you enjoyed our conversation, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review. It really helps others discover the show. And if you want even more insider tips, exclusive travel deals, and personal stories, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Just head over to my website nostalgictravelco.com and hit subscribe. Until next time, keep exploring and keep making those subscribe. Until next time, keep exploring and keep making those unforgettable travel memories.