Hi, I'm Jessica Hetherington
But most people know me as Cruise Director Jess.
I didn’t set out to become a cruise expert. I kind of stumbled into it.
I started cruising a lot while helping my grandmother make the most of her last few years. We cruised together as a family, finding ways to keep her engaged and happy, playing cards, singing karaoke, and making sure she was part of everything.
Cruises gave us comfort, accessibility, adventure, and something meaningful to look forward to during a really tender season of life. Those trips shaped how I think about travel, time, and what really matters both in life and on a vacation.
During that same season, my husband and I were cruising too, right alongside her. Some moments were quiet and intentional, others were glitzy and fun. Heels at dinner, late nights, then slower mornings, making sure everyone was cared for.
Experiencing cruising in that way taught me that the same ship can meet very different needs at the same time, depending on who you’re traveling with and what season of life you’re in.
Not long after, my grandmother passed away. But what she gave me through those years was a deep understanding of how powerful cruising can be when it’s done thoughtfully and intentionally.
That foundation is what I carry into every trip now.
What I Do (and What I Don’t)
I’m not a travel agent.
I won’t book your trip or sell you a package.
What I do offer is honest, lived-in advice from someone who’s cruised through very different seasons of life.
I share:
Practical cruise tips that actually matter once you’re onboard
Real talk about what’s worth it (and what isn’t)
Packing advice that goes beyond Pinterest checklists
Family cruising insights, including babies, toddlers, and “this phase of life is chaos” seasons
Alaska cruise guidance, where details really matter
Think of me as the friend you text before you hit “book,” not someone trying to upsell you after.
Why People Follow Along
Somewhere between cruising with my grandmother, cruising with my husband, and now cruising as a mom, my relationship with travel has evolved.
I still love a little glam.
I still love good food and great views.
But I care way more about comfort, flexibility, and actually enjoying the trip instead of recovering from it.
People come to me because:
I don’t sugarcoat things
I don’t judge how you vacation
I understand that cruising looks different at different stages of life
Whether you’re cruising solo, with a partner, with kids, or just trying to figure out if cruising is even your thing, I’m here to help you feel confident about it.
Cruising has allowed my family to explore the world together while still keeping things manageable. It’s given us a way to be present, to slow down, and to create memories without turning vacations into logistical marathons.
It’s not the only way to travel, but for us, it’s been a really meaningful one.
Join the Crew
If you like practical advice, honest opinions, and someone who understands both heels at dinner and diaper bags at sea, you’re in the right place.
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New posts delivered straight to your inbox
Cruise tips you’ll actually use
Stories from life onboard, ports, and everything in between
Fair warning: cruising is contagious. Once it clicks, you might never travel the same way again.
Welcome aboard 💙
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