Let's Chat | The Mediterranean

Hey friends, and happy Monday. Well, it’s happy over here this morning because the kids just realized that thanks to the Memorial Day holiday, there’s only two more Mondays left of school! They are literally counting down the days until Summer break.

Mr. SP and I are counting down ourselves, but for a different reason…a dream trip we’re taking later this month!

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I don’t know how we came upon such good fortune, but Princess Cruises has invited us on another trip of a lifetime, this time to the Mediterranean! It starts in Barcelona, and cruises the Mediterranean Sea, stopping in Spain, France and Italy. #Icanteven #pinchme

At first we thought there was no way we could do it…the timing is bad (the last week of school), and it’s longer than we’ve ever been away (13 days!). But the more we talked about it, we realized this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and we had to find a way. And then all the pieces with work, school, and the kids just fell into place…and now here we are, leaving in 10 days!! Is this even real?!?

Once I recovered from the shock, of course I started planning what I’d pack! #priorities I’ll probably stick with my travel uniform for the long flight over. (See How I Pack for 10 Days in a Carry-On here.)

Black Maxi Dress (this one is super comfy, too) | Scarf (similar) | Hat | Striped Bag | Sandals

Then I’ll keep it comfy and casual for exploring ports during the days, and dress it up a bit for evenings on the ship. I looked through some of my previous cruise posts for inspiration, and because it’s pretty much all I can think about now!! I’ll probably bring some of these pieces, but let’s be honest, if there’s an opportunity for a new dress, I’m going for it!

Stripe & Floral Dress (similar) | Nude Sandals | Watch | Clutch (similar)

Cuff Bracelet | Earrings | Bar Necklace

Black & White Pleated Dress (similar) | Leopard Heels | Geo Clutch (similar)

Similar Ribbed Top | Similar Pink Skirt | Geo Clutch (similar) | Leopard Heels | Sunglasses

Of course my stand-by travel dress will come.

Racerback Dress | Similar Shoes | Similar Clutch | Sunglasses

Mr. SP always opts for casual, too, with tees and tennies any chance he gets. He brought his suit on the last cruise, but realized he could get by with just jeans and and a sport coat or collared shirt for evenings, so I have a feeling he’ll leave the suit behind this time. He usually packs the same essentials…jeans, tees, polos, slim button-downs, sport coat, and sneakers.

Long Sleeve Tee (half-off!) | Jeans | Shoes

Button Down | Sport Coat

He has such an emotionally stressful job with long hours, so I can hardly wait to get him away for some one-on-one time. Travel is a huge passion for both of us, and we’ve always made it a priority to get away together at least once a year…it’s the best kind of marriage therapy! We’re so grateful to have family and friends willing to help make it happen!

I also caved to my brother’s incessant pressure, and joined Snapchat! So far, Maggie has been the subject of my limited posting, but I thought it would be a fun way to share more unfiltered, behind-the-scenes of this travel experience with y’all (I’m CassieSugarplum). But of course I’ll recap everything here, and continue to post on Instagram and Facebook.

So let’s chat…who’s been on a similar cruise, and what tips do you have for us? What about recommendations for excursions at each port? I’m not a big fan of group travel, so what’s the best way to explore each stop on our own, in the limited time we’ll have? We’re adding on a few days to the Amalfi Coast at the end of the cruise, and I’d love any suggestions and tips for that area, too! And even more important, which dress should I get?!

*This post is created in collaboration with Nordstrom, but all clothes, ideas, and overwhelming gratitude are my own. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors!*