MY WORST CRUISE ITINERARY!! Channel Update & Subscriber Q & A (Plus Next Cruise Reveal)

[@LifeWellCruised]

*Travel agency I recommend - MEI Travel (no fee): bookmeicruise.com/lifewellcruised

[@grammiegale]

@@LifeWellCruised I already registered with mei travel 😊

[@sthomas711]

I just wanted to share: I'm 74, have had 2 strokes, q heeart attack, on my 2nd round with chemo and just completed my 1st EVER cruise wit my sister just before Christmas as a celebratin of life (Sis is 82)Thankfully stumbled across Life Well Cruised; think I watched every vidoe youmade. You are so adorable & upbeat , you make me smile, plus I learned so very much from you that I believe made my cruise easier and more enoyable .. THAN YOU!! Keep up the awesome work as we're already booked for our next cruise in May!

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@sthomas711 thanks so much for leaving your comment! I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed your first cruise, and that my channel gives you some enjoyment & ease as you get excited for your future cruise 😊

[@PatriciaNMassie]

I’m so sorry for your loss I lost my grandmother in the same manner in the same time of year Christmas time is hard but I kind of celebrate it with a weird aggression bc it was her favorite time of the year and loved Christmas more than anyone 😂

[@Freein2024]

A blessing!!! I'm so glad you enjoyed your 1st Cruise! I pray your story inspire others who may fewl like ir is too late. 🙏🏿

[@LIZBETH97341]

Our loved ones never pass “away”, I think of them as “passing ahead”❤

[@mhairifox7753]

That's sweet.

[@peter_bazinet]

I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother-in-law. It's obvious she was so loved by you and your family. My heart and love are with you and those around you at this time.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thank you

[@tokyorosa]

I'm so sorry. I lost my older brother on December 28th, not quite 2 weeks ago, and the grief is profound. May your mother-in-law's memory be a blessing.

[@cathyisgrigg1813]

So sorry. The lord has him in his care and you will be together again. May your precious memories keep you in peace❤

[@pdallen5801]

Sorry for your loss. Sending my condolences.

[@pinksnoopydancer]

My condolences to you and your family

[@dond.200]

Your personal life update about your mother in law was heartfelt and precious. She sounds like she was a wonderful person who had such a full life and touched your family deeply. God bless all your memories of her.

[@davis9971]

Sorry for your loss. As Justin Cronin wrote, "As long as we remember a person, they're not really gone. Their thoughts, their feelings, their memories, they become a part of us"

[@FraserAtSea]

Ilana, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss, and hope you're all doing OK now. I just wanted to say that I've found such HUGE inspiration in your channel. Meeting you on Rotterdam in 2023 has been one of the highlights of my KZbin life - it's amazing to see how your channel has grown and evolved since that point. Thanks for everything!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks Fraser! Enjoyed meeting you and spending time as well. Congrats on your KZbin journey & success. 20,000 K & some big hits 👏👏👏

[@beckym3650]

I’m so sorry about your loss. I lost my mother on December 27th seven years ago. I’m so glad you had one more Christmas, what a blessing for all of you. Remember your cruise family is here to support you and your family in any way we can.

[@brendafournier2252]

So sorry for your whole family's loss, Ilana. My deepest condolences to all of you.

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@brendafournier2252 thanks very much Brenda :)

[@sanieldarwish4342]

I just saw your update. I never leave comments but felt compelled to say that I am so sorry for your family’s loss. You do a great job with your channel and you honor her memory with your wonderful travel content and bubbly attitude!

[@BeefromSC]

Sadden to hear of your mother in law passing, and so happy you’ll got to celebrate her and the holiday the way she usually does during her last days 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 I watch livestreams sometimes. I usually enjoy the ones onboard the cruise ships, giving a walkthrough of the ship and cabin! Thanks for sharing

[@TRUTHisTRUTH70]

So very sorry for your loss. It's so, so hard to lose someone so close. It sounds like she had a long, full life and left you with lovely memories. May she rest in peace. ❤

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thank you & yes :)

[@arbonneladyTN]

@@LifeWellCruised Prayers of strength for you & the family. You will have a new angel with you on your travels. My father loved to travel, we lost him many years ago on Dec 23rd. I always feel him on our trips, you will too. Blessings!

[@briancostlow2054]

I'm so sorry for your family's loss. May your memories with her always be a source of strength and blessings to you.

[@kathywillmott1420]

I am so very sorry for your family's loss. I lost my dad on Christmas Eve so I know the emptiness you are feeling. Sending prayers for you and the family during this difficult time. Just remember, love never dies

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@kathywillmott1420 I’m so sorry to hear of your loss as well 🥲

[@anne-marievr5710]

Condolences for your mother-in-law. Difficult time of year. I concur with your least favourite ports…I also avoid the Western Caribbean. We are more focused now on cruises around the world…Baltic, Hawaii, transpacific were recent voyages. We now have Africa, Singapore, and Japan in our future. We are off for a Panama Canal cruise at the end of February.

[@mhairifox7753]

hugs

[@amywarren7052]

I am so sorry to hear about your Mother-In-Law. Those relationships can be so special and leaves a huge hole in our lives. Prayers

[@Honolulu-Blue]

I'm sorry to hear about your mother-in-law. I know everyone grieves in different ways, but I'm impressed that you could keep yourself together throughout the whole video.

[@emilypanderson]

So sorry for your loss Ilana. This was a great video! Thank you for sharing all of this. A live stream would be so great!!! ❤

[@jacquelineprimack1543]

We booked the Celebrity Silhouette for 4 nights last year to go to Key West. Absolutely loved Key West and recommend the hop on hop off bus. We are older and usually sail Royal… this was our first Celebrity cruise and it was love at first sight!! We had gone on Oasis for 8 nights first, but had one night in between. We are in Nova Scotia and it’s a long way to travel for a short cruise so our next one on the Silhouette is 10 nights… love the ship!!

[@srclemmo]

So sorry to hear about your mother-in-law passing. 96 years old! What a blessing.

[@kookaburralaughs1869]

Yes life well lived, it is when we lose loved ones when they are far too young gone before they have a chance to live life, it is hard to move on after that especially your own child, they shouldn't go before us parents.

[@terrymurphy9054]

Sorry for your loss. Give my condolences to your husband.

[@TheOnlyLilithcat]

My condolences on the loss of your mother-in-law. So fortunate that you postponed your trip and were able to be with her.

[@indianasunshine833]

I’m glad she got to leave the hospital and be with her family. My condolences. She had a long blessed life. I’m sure she will be greeting you all when it’s your time. Prayers to you and your family.

[@MtPleasantMichele]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Your cherished memories of her will always be a blessing. I love the idea of a live stream! Chatting with you would be so enjoyable and late mornings for those of us that are retired would be a great time. Thank you for all your content, so informative and fun!

[@MoonstoneSummer]

My deepest condolences to you and your family Ilana. That was a sweet and moving tribute that you shared and your mother-in-law sounded like a remarkable woman.

[@peggysue9443]

You and your family have my condolences and sympathy for your Mother in law. I’m so thankful that she got to spend Christmas with you all.

[@justinepousen8144]

I'm so sorry for the loss of you mother in law. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[@chch1059-u7b]

Seemed like she lived a long and happy life sorry for you and your family's loss. Prayers to you all

[@kwamen5047]

Sending my condolences to your family about your mother-n-law.

[@ArizonaGal84]

My favorite drink on a cruise is either a virgin piña colada or a virgin strawberry daiquiri, while sitting in the sun on deck.

[@LindaBryant-Choate]

I'm so sorry for your loss - my prayers are for you and your family. It was great that she was able to be with the family in her last days. Bless you

[@jimdatlenRealEstate]

Thank you for sharing about your mother-in-law, I could tell you were a bit teary @5:00 as you described her. She sounds like she was an awesome lady. RIP belle-mere, and I'm glad she's left you with many happy memories.

[@TeresaReynolds-fd6kb]

I’m so sorry for your loss. I know you will always treasure every moment spent together, but especially knowing how much she wanted that family time at Christmas. Praying for you all for comfort and peace

[@carried809]

So sorry about your mother-in-law's passing but glad you and your family got to travel with her. Have the best time with your family/friends on your three day cruise!! Value your channel and much continued success.

[@Mari-Qui]

I am so sorry for your loss, Ilana! May your MIL rest in eternal peace!! 🕊️❣️🥺

[@jillparrott3485]

So very sorry for your families loss. Prayers for healing for you all during this hard time.

[@janehargis9301]

Ilana, I think I most enjoy just listening to you doing and sharing your cruising experiences. You’re clear, principled, and charming. I’m afraid most guests would diminish that.

[@CruisingwithCrystalandMarshall]

Our condolences and hope that her memory continues to be a blessing for your family. Cruise-wise, we have fallen in love with transatlantic cruises and this fall have booked a 10 day Mediterranean cruise as a back to back with a transatlantic back to the states. All told, it will be a 24 day dream cruise on Odyssey of the Seas. We are also excited with the new videos we can shoot from that itinerary. Thanks for the content and happy sailings to you this month!

[@chatterfun6162]

So sorry for the loss of your MIL. It is wonderful that you have special memories with her and she has inspired you. 💜

[@julieodell9279]

Sorry for your loss. She sounds like she was a huge blessing for your family. Lots of great memories to cherish.

[@maryg4551]

Thank you for your video Ilana! Sincere condolences on the passing of your mother-in-law. So nice that you were a close family and you were able to share some wonderful experiences with her. Keep your memories close to your heart during this difficult time...take care.

[@thedirectress1712]

I'm so sorry for your loss. It's a blessing to have so many precious memories to comfort you!

[@julief.3]

We will be taking our first ever cruise to E. Caribbean on NCL Encore but on 2/9/25. We are well prepared from watching your videos. I also bought your cruise planner . Thank you for all your hard work for the channel.

[@Bonnie-mn5sk]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I've been watching you for a little while and I enjoy your content. Losing a loved one takes a toll on you. She looked very happy. Again so sorry for your loss..

[@reillydog11]

We did a four night on Silhouette last January. Key West and Nassau. It was NOT the booze cruise we heard it might be. That’s was a good thing! It was simply a time filler, as we transported my husband’s sister to her place in Florida, and stopped in to visit some relatives. We thought we might as well do a short cruise since we were there. Probably would not do one again, just because it was so short, felt like we just got to the groove and had to pack up. But then again, when is a cruise a bad thing!

[@michaelmajesty]

I personally would really love to see you do more MSC Cruises. They are really a phenomenal cruise line, I have been on quite a few and another coming up in march! I’d love to see you experience the different fleets they have to offer and especially their destinations.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks for the suggestion! I'm definitely looking into that. Hoping for World America

[@sarapugh6700]

I've been so curious to try them! But i dont know much about their ship classes/sizes and experience. I usually prefer a larger or mid size ship with plenty of dining options.

[@V-wu3ny]

So sorry for your loss, thankful you had your family with you and for your many memories.

[@arobinson7563]

I’m so sorry for your loss. I am happy that you guys had that family time with her.

[@CarboneCat]

My condolences for the loss of your mother-in-law. You’re right about cherishing the memories and the legacy that a dearly departed gave as it’s a great way to keep them alive in one’s heart.

[@kendrawhittaker193]

Losing our parents is so very difficult. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hugs!

[@scook326]

So sorry for loss. As a nurse, I understand the importance of being with family during holidays and grateful you were able to make that happen for her. Was glad to hear you mention Azamara. My husband and I are not pro cruisers having been to Alaska on HAL and Canada New England on Princess. We are booked on a Greece intensive sailing Azamara Pursuit in August. I watch all your videos to prep for our cruises and they have all been wonderful due to my preparedness.

[@chrisharris-bolding823]

I’m very sorry for the loss of your mother-in-law. I’m hoping that you and your family are helping each other during this difficult time. My sincere condolences.

[@monabendin3121]

I totally enjoyed this whole video - thanks so much for all your posts! You really helped me for my very first cruise in June 2023 (Celebrity Solstice to Alaska) and I’ve been on 2 more since then. I’m 70 now and am trying Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady in April (Western Caribbean) and in January 2026 I’ll be on the new Celebrity Xcel followed immediately by a 4-night on Celebrity Reflection because it goes to Key West - I thought it was funny that you also chose that cruise because of Key West! I’m hooked on cruising!

[@JylPhipps]

Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I'm so glad she was able to be home for Christmas so your family have that lovely memory. Take care of yourselves.

[@teleensantillan3947]

So sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace in God's sweet embrace and her memories lighten your heart.

[@marlenejohnston9046]

So sorry to hear of your mother-in-laws' passing. She was blessed to have had a long life. Happy you and the family were able to be there with her during her last days .

[@kati7082]

I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It sounds as she was truly loved and will be missed it also sounds as she had a wonderful and fulfilling life. May she rest in peace. Live streams are fun and I will join when I can.

[@jrx6374]

So sorry for your loss. Your tribute in words to her was beautiful. So true we need to live life now, and not put it off.

[@Freein2024]

My condolences to you name twin. 🙏🏿 I thank you for your videos! As I completed my very 1st Cruise this past December, your videos helped ALOT!!! I told other Cruisers about your channel!

[@CTheKat]

Sending so much love to you and your family. May she travel in your hearts and with you all forever. We love your videos and can’t wait to see the new studio remodel! Make it show YOU and your personality. No matter what you decide, it will be lovely. Much love from Seattle, WA.

[@mayraacosta4924]

So sorry for your lost, love watching your videos, your voice is so relaxing❤

[@carlosborges9292]

I'm so sorry for your loss. That's an incredible long life. Yes I would love to see a live show. It's so nice to ask questions and answers live. Love your channel.

[@veeda67]

Very sorry for the missing piece your family now has. Thank you for pushing through and sharing with us! I don’t necessarily get much from live streams. I enjoy direct videos. I 💯 percent appreciate the attention to detail and one-on-one feel of your videos! Keep up the amazing job and congratulations on the subscription level. Enjoy a needed vacation with your family.

[@laurenravit-franceskin8238]

I'm so sorry for your family's loss. It is making me grateful I just booked a family cruise with my in-laws for February. Yes!!! I'd love to love chat with you and can't wait to meet you on some upcoming cruise!

[@CharleneHinkson-z5g]

My condolences to you and the family...I am happy that you got to spend her last days with her.🤗

[@jamesT-fn8wl]

Thank you so much for your time and effort in creating these videos, they are truly amazing. So sad for your recent loss but so glad you chose to share something so deeply personal with us. All the best to you and your family from my wife and I in sunny Australia 🎉🎉❤❤

[@esophagealmusings50]

My favorite drink on a cruise, and my favorite drink at home, is tap water! I generally drink plain black hot tea at breakfast, and after that, I just drink water.

[@AccordingToRobin]

I’m sorry for your loss. It’s always great to have nice in-laws. Yes, I’d love to see the live chats. Mondays or Saturday’s would be a great day.

[@jocelynking6473]

Sorry for your loss. Glad you had those last moments together😢.

[@DavidBurton-x2h]

Thanks for this. It was a good one! I really appreciated the tips for hotels in Fort Lauderdale and also give a big thumbs up to the Marriott Fort Lauderdale Hotel at Dania Pointe. That hotel has a special class of rooms that gives you access to a private lounge area with food, a bit similar to an airport lounge. We have stayed there several times and have enjoyed it. Free shuttle van to the airport. No shuttle to the cruise port unfortunately, but they will arrange one for you. We just use Uber. I agree that the Mediterranean was a tremendous experience. I would recommend getting a guide at each port of call. You can wander around looking at the buildings, but a guide will provide you with so much more information and lots of times skip the lines at museums and attractions. We always combine land activities with cruises both before and after the cruise. And we also love Florida as a vacation destination. It's particularly wonderful after the holidays because our days are incredibly short and dark and rainy here in the Pacific Northwest.

[@zaidagarcia8369]

And about the cruises we avoid is mainly the Caribbean! Jamaica and Costa Maya are two we avoid! Totally agree with you!!

[@caseycb79]

So sorry for your loss. She looked like an amazing wonderful woman. My family and I will keep you and your family in our prayers.

[@robbyg1219]

I am sorry for your loss. Your description of your MIL was lovely. May her memory be a blessing,

[@Cruise-hair-why-care]

So sorry about the loss of your mother in law. So glad you have vacation memories with her. I know those are some of my best memories I have with my mom. We lost her 6 years ago this month and miss her every day. Thanks for all your informative videos. Safe travels!

[@marthagrant143]

So sorry about your mother-in-law. Glad she was able to be with her loved ones for Christmas.

[@Valdal98]

God bless her. She had a good, long life. So sorry for your loss.

[@colleenh2939]

I’m so sorry for your loss. Memories are so special and we often take the. For granted. You were given a gift of ha ing her home for one last Christmas and that will last a lifetime.

[@sherrym7324]

Be strong. You have a lot of people rooting for you. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[@jillladd2756]

I'm so sorry for your family's loss. What an incredible gift that not only did you have her in your life, but you got to share one last holiday . what a beautiful gift . ❤‍🩹

[@agneslamer1128]

My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Her Life Well Cruised was a life well lived!

[@jturie]

Was on NCL Encore to Alaska last year. Beautiful ship, but crowded with kids (600 over double occupancy capacity). Tough to get a seat at the buffet unless you got there early. Crew was fabulous, shows were great (but may not be there anymore, i.e. Choir of Man). Obviously West Carib will be different. My biggest tip? Pool area was pretty small, so get a lounger early or you will be out of luck on a warm weather cruise (Alaska was not a problem of course). Specialty dining was fantastic--even better than Holland America in my opinion. Observation lounge was our favorite place to hang out.

[@lorettasegura4091]

Prayers to your family. Sorry about your MIL.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thank you ☺️

[@LynetteScharlach]

I am so sorry for your loss. May her memory always be a blessing.

[@102810281028nl]

So very sorry for your family’s loss. Sending hugs.

[@ElisaLemieux-vv8lw]

First I would like to send my condolences to you and your family for the loss of your mother in law. I lost my mom 3 years ago this month and I still can't believe she is gone, but I carry her close to my heart still. And I defiantly agree to not put off travel and do it while you can! Which is why I am wondering as I am watching your channel from a cold winters day in Vermont, why I am not on a tropical cruise right now! Anyway I would like to thank you so much for all the hard work you do to bring all your great videos to this channel. I recently started a career as a travel advisor and you have been an important part of my education. You have inspired me and on these cold winter days you bring some light into my life and it really helps get me through the winter. I would love to see a live stream! Take care, safe travels on your next cruise!

[@annenorthman8154]

What a beautiful tribute for your mother-in-law. This Q&A has been really interesting and fun, thanks! Live Streams sound fun. For me, anyday from Noon-3:00 EST are best.(Although I'm sure I'm an odd-ball on those times!) Congrats on your 300k! ❤

[@mamasipe430]

Condolences to you and your family. I love watching your channel! To answer your question at the end of this video, I would love to see live vlogs. Special guests are always fun to watch. Thank you for all of the videos you do. They're great.

[@johnflack4241]

Glad we didn't get a drink package on our recent RCL cruise. Also glad we have the Princess Plus package on an upcoming trip, because of benefits in addition to drinks. Looking forward to spending some time in Vancouver before a cruise - never been there before. Enjoyed your video on that city.

[@tywork]

I watch live streams from other creators and enjoy them. I often miss the live broadcast but still learn a lot from the replay. Go for it!

[@sadiegirl5312]

Viking Hawaii 15 day cruise from LA. YAY!! We are headed to Hawaii after living there for 25 years. Looking forward to it for our 50th wedding anniversary. Try it!

[@deenacaldwell4415]

Sincerest condolences to your husband and you, as well as the rest of the family on the loss of Mom.

[@KarenHartt]

So sorry for your loss. I lost my dad at Thanksgiving, made the holiday's tough!

[@LifeWellCruised]

I’m so sorry to hear. Definitely difficult 😥

[@tikinut3458]

Be sure to check out Captain Tonys and Sloppy Joe's when your in Key West. Dont forget to have key lime pie. If you can find it, they have key lime pie dipped in chocolate on a stick! I think a live stream would be great. As a guy, itd be nice to hear from Frank and packing tips for guys!

[@larrys2554]

1/19 Key West, Matheessen’s has key lime pie dipped in Belgian chocolate. I’ll be having key lime pie at Moondog cafe & Kaya Island eats. Both are rated the best by many reviewers.

[@maryminoff4353]

I loved the Encore, the racetrack was so much fun. Observation lounge is a wonderful spot to just relax

[@robinschannelmcconnell5575]

We have done a 4 day on Celebrity Reflection which is similar. But our Key West was canceled due to a Hurricane (October 7-10) and replaced with Nassau. We also did a 3 night on Ascent but it was a B2B with a 4 night. Shorter cruises are a different animal, but with Celebrity I don't see how you can lose. Don't miss the ABBA dance party if there is one!

[@carolbostick414]

I’m so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with your family.

[@Dclark905]

I am so sorry for your family’s loss, Ilana. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[@frankcutronijr]

Thanks for sharing about your mother-in-law. It was very nice to share something from your personal life.

[@spmarsh3747]

My deepest sympathy for you and your family. By the way you talked abou her and the beautiful pictures you shared, it's obvious how much your mother-in-law was loved. Sending love and prayers!! Susan

[@bon-dpart]

My deepest sympathies to you and your family for your loss, Ilana.

[@c0rnd0g_19]

Thank you for the video, my wife and I unintentionally started a group cruise in February '26... We booked, told my folks, they booked, then all our friends booked, it's been insane. I believe the current count is 20 of us going....and so far we're all on the same deck (NCL Joy). Really looking forward to it!!

[@sarapugh6700]

i hope you have a good travel agent so that they helped you at least get a free room for all the bookings! You can get some awesome deals doing group ;D