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7 types of cruises to avoid for a stress-free vacation

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7 types of cruises to avoid for a stress-free vacation

A cruise vacation is one of the most sought-after holiday experiences. One can explore multiple destinations without the hassle of packing and unpacking and enjoy the amenities and entertainment options available onboard. They are also a fantastic choice to unwind over a weekend and hop on for shorter vacations. However, not all cruises offer the same level of experience. Check out a few types of cruises to steer clear of:

Cruise lines with poor safety records
Before booking a cruise, research the safety record and reputation of the cruise line. Cruise lines with a history of safety incidents or regulatory violations must be avoided, as these have poor passenger safety or industry standards. Research thoroughly, read reviews, and take recommendations beforehand. One must opt only for reputable, well-established cruise lines for a more enjoyable vacation experience.

Short cruises in the middle of spring break
Spring break is an excellent opportunity to relax and enjoy a vacation. Although several cruises are available during this time, it also means many passengers are on board. College students, in particular, get a break from their studies and often choose these short cruises, which can make the ships crowded and lively. Those who prefer a more peaceful atmosphere and want to avoid the chaos of crowded decks and parties should avoid short cruises. Instead, one can consider Caribbean cruises during January for a more relaxed experience. If one must vacation during spring break, they can opt for cruise lines that are not typically party-centric.

First or last cruises of the season
Destinations like Alaska have lush green mountains and pleasant rainy weather, which makes it a magnetic pick for tourists who love nature. Cruises that set sail in May and September offer cheaper deals than peak season months like June, July, and August. However, travelers who aren’t used to cruises may make the mistake of booking the first or last cruises of the season. Travel during May and September can be more challenging due to the colder temperatures and increased risk. Additionally, September may experience heavy rainfalls, making it a riskier time to sail. Limited shopping options could be encountered at the beginning or end of the season due to the unavailability of new stocks or the fact that the latest trendy shopping items are sold out at the destination. Therefore, the best time for first-time travelers to book a trip is during June, July, or August when the weather is more stable.

Peak season cruises
The months between January and May are typically considered popular for cruises due to good weather and abundant flight bookings. However, this high season can often result in inflated prices and overcrowded destinations. It’s a personal decision but worth considering off-season cruises to secure better deals.

Inaugural cruises
The first image one might get in their minds about inaugural cruises is pristine interiors, untouched spaces that meet all hygienic standards. However, opting for inaugural cruises can be a mistake since new vessels are bound to have issues. For instance, the staff may not be well-equipped with operations, which could lead to potential delays, technical glitches during shows, or inadequate customer support. Also, newer ships usually spend little time on the dock to maximize their profits and recover costs early, so ongoing maintenance work may occur onboard. While not all factors hold for all inaugural cruises, it’s still best to avoid them, especially for first-timer cruise travelers, to ensure a smoother experience.

Repositioning cruises
These cruises are incredibly cheap and can be ideal if one wants to embark on a budget-friendly adventure. However, one must remember that repositioning cruises is a one-way ship that relocates from one region to another. They usually cover vast expanses of the Atlantic or Pacific oceans and do not spend much time at ports to maximize travel time. Booking these cruises, especially at the start or end of a season, means the sea can be rough and unpredictable, and there may be limited recreational activities for everyone aboard.

Cruises during the hurricane season
Hurricane season lasts from June to September, so those who opt for such ship cruises, especially those heading to the Caribbean, may face unexpected weather, delays, route changes, or even cancellations at the last minute from August to November. So, it’s best to schedule one’s cruise by considering all these factors for a memorable and hassle-free experience.

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Health

4 healthy foods for nursing mothers

Mothers who have recently delivered babies don’t have sufficient nutrition due to the loss of blood and lactation. As a result, they have to carefully choose foods that are rich in calcium, carbohydrate, unsaturated fat, iron, folic acid, protein, and vitamins B6, B12, C, and D. Thankfully, healthy foods and supplements can help them regain strength and supply breastmilk to their newborns. The top four superfoods that can help nursing mothers include: Bananas Bananas are less expensive, available throughout the year, and considered a superfood for nursing moms. They are rich in nutrients, healthy carbs, vitamin B, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. Bananas are also abundant in potassium, calcium, and pectin, a source of energy. Experts claim that having a banana every day can help moms regain the energy they need to take care of the baby and breastfeed. Potassium is crucial for maintaining fluid balance in the mother’s body and aids in the rampant transmission of nerve impulses.  Bananas can also aid in regulating blood pressure. It can prevent constipation, aid in regular bowel movements, and promote healthy gut bacteria. These fruits can provide about 1/4th of the vitamin B6 required for nursing moms, which is crucial for hemoglobin production and fighting antibodies.
02
Health

6 toxic plants to keep away from dogs

It has become the norm to keep ornamental at home, especially since they beautify the space tremendously. But, if you are a pet parent, you must exercise caution in picking the potted plants you want. While some plants can cause vomiting or dysentery, a few can cause respiratory, digestive, neurological, or cardiac problems, leading to death. If you have become a pet parent recently, here are six plants toxic to dogs to note: 6 plants that dog parents must take note of Sago palm Sago palm is a very popular ornamental plant for indoor and outdoor spaces. It is known by many names like coontie palms or cardboard palms and is part of the Cycads group of plants. It contains multiple toxins, including cycasin and BMAA. Every part of the sago palm is toxic for your dogs, and the seeds can be the most dangerous. If a dog ingests even a small amount of any part of a sago palm plant, it can affect its nervous system, liver, or gastrointestinal system. You may see symptoms within 15 minutes or many hours. The most common reaction is gastrointestinal irritation, with initial symptoms like drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also lead to serious complications like neurological problems, resulting in weakness, seizures, and tremors.
03
Pets

6 human foods that cats can safely eat

Cats are picky eaters, but they may jump with glee if you share a titbit from your plate. Felines love variety in food, and you can share some of your food if it is nutritious and non-toxic. Moderation is the key when you feed human food to your cat so that it does not cause any allergies or digestive issues. Here is a list of six human foods that are safe for your cats: Eggs Small quantities of cooked eggs are good for cats. You can set aside a tablespoon of scrambled egg or a piece of a boiled egg while you cook some for yourself. Don’t season it, add any oil or butter, or  feed raw eggs or yolks. Eggs contain a protein called Avidin that may prevent the absorption of Vitamin B. Raw eggs could contain Salmonella, a bacteria that can infect the GI tract of both cats and humans. Severe infection may lead to death in cats, while humans may need hospitalization. Vegetables Cats are carnivores and are partial to meat; a non-meat diet may not excite them as much. However, you can feed small portions of a few vegetables that can supply your cat’s fiber, protein, and nutrition requirements.
04
Pets

4 tips to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs

Dogs get affected with fleas or ticks due to spending time on grassy trails, lush parks, or moist areas. And these pests can cause itching and skin damage if not controlled in time. Flea and ticks leave eggs and larvae on the coat, which can be challenging to eradicate. They can also lead to Lyme disease and other debilitating conditions. Following are tips to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs: Consider the following treatment options Bravecto chew Bravecto chew is a chewable treatment option that you can administer along with your dog’s food. It contains fluralaner, an active ingredient that spreads quickly through the dog’s tissues and the skin. Fleas and ticks in the coat ingest minute amounts of fluralaner, which affects their central nervous system, killing them within 12 hours. One dose of Bravecto is effective for about 12 weeks. If your dog is sensitive to the treatment option and vomits within three hours of ingestion, contact your vet, as it may be less impactful in killing the ticks and fleas. Bravecto is also effective in preventing heartworms and intestinal worms. Simparica This prescription treatment option is ideal for dogs over six months and can be administered monthly.

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