About

Welcome!

I’m Tanya

Your go-to girl for all things travel

Hi, I’m Tanya — a travel writer and experienced cruiser with more than 20 years of family travel under my belt. Here, I share practical planning tips, port guides, and cruise advice to help you travel with confidence.

Discover inspiring stories, packing guides, and expert travel tips to help you dream big & travel the world with confidence.

Explore the Blog

Behind the blog

How it all started

Every voyage brings new stories, new lessons, and new moments worth sharing. Over the years, friends and family began asking for my tips — what to pack, which excursions are worth it, how to choose a cabin, and how to make cruising stress‑free.

I created Cruising to Sunshine to bring all of that knowledge together in one place. This blog is built for travelers who want:

clear, trustworthy information
family‑friendly advice
real experience from someone who’s been there
inspiration for planning their next adventure

If you love cruising, travel planning, or discovering new destinations, you’re in the right place.

Get to Know Me

tea order

chai latte

favorite destination

santorini, greece

always in my carryon

airpods + ipad

AIRBNB or hotel?

hotel girlie!

On my bucket list

bali, indonesia

Guilty pleasure

ben & jerry’s everything but…

Window or aisle?

aisle always

currently binging

virgin river

New here?

Explore the Most Popular

FAQ

I love both Caribbean and Mediterranean cruise travel! When I need pure relaxation and sunshine, the Caribbean is my go-to, offering gorgeous beaches and laid-back vibes. But when I’m in the mood for adventure, the Mediterranean is unbeatable—every destination is packed with rich history, vibrant culture, and endless opportunities to explore. No matter where I travel, there’s always something fascinating to discover!

I’m definitely a heavy packer, so I always factor in luggage fees when choosing flights. For domestic travel, Southwest had always been my go-to because of its free two-bag allowance and great prices—but with their recent changes to luggage fees, that might be shifting for me. When flying internationally, I tend to stick with Delta and United, as they offer solid routes and reliable service.

I’ve been blogging for over ten years, starting with my crafting blog, but cruise blogging is a new adventure for me in 2025! Since I already love cruising and have a passion for blogging, it just made sense to bring the two together. Now, I get to share my travel experiences, tips, and cruise insights with fellow enthusiasts—it’s been such a fun journey so far!

You’ll probably notice from my posts and photos that I’m an avid Royal Caribbean fan! Their loyalty program is one of the best, and I really appreciate the perks that come with it—it makes every cruise feel even more rewarding. Beyond that, I love the energy, entertainment, and overall experience Royal Caribbean offers, whether it’s relaxing at sea or exploring incredible destinations. That said, I sometimes choose other cruise lines simply based on the dates of the cruise or the port destinations they visit. If an itinerary aligns better with my schedule or includes a must-see destination, I’m always open to exploring a new ship or cruise line! Looking ahead, I plan to start venturing into river cruises when I retire. There’s something special about the idea of sailing through historic cities and picturesque landscapes at a slower pace, and I can’t wait to experience that side of cruising!

My dream cruise destination is Bali, Indonesia! There’s just something magical about the idea of sailing into Benoa Harbor and stepping onto this breathtaking island. Bali is known for its stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and rich cultural experiences, making it the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. I’d love to explore the island’s famous temples, take in the vibrant local markets, and enjoy the serene beauty of its coastline. Plus, the thought of watching a Bali sunset from the deck of a cruise ship? Absolute perfection. One day, I’ll make that dream a reality!