Mediterranean Cruise 2026: MSC Meraviglia with Stops in Marseilles, Livorno, Naples, Palermo, Tunis and Barcelona

Photo Cred: Cruise Industry News

There are moments in life that arrive before you feel ready for them.

This one arrived as a phone call from my sister Corrina on an ordinary Tuesday morning. A Mediterranean cruise. MSC Meraviglia. May 19th. Seven nights. Balcony suite. Full drinks package. With her Aoife! Would I come?

Reader, I bought the flowy dress.

Here is the thing about travelling with your sister & her daughter. Nobody else on this earth will laugh at the same things, notice the same details, or tell you the truth about whether the dress works. Travelling with Corrina and having nineteen year old Aoife alongside us adds something else entirely. Watching the next generation experience some of these places for the first time, through young eyes with zero agenda & pure excitement, is its own kind of magic.

Three women. Six ports. Seven nights. One balcony suite with my name on it.

Why MSC Meraviglia

I had been on one cruise before this, a press trip with Sun Princess that gave me a taste of what life on the water could look like. I came home knowing I wanted more of it. When Corrina called with this one I did not need much convincing.

MSC Meraviglia is one of MSC Cruises' flagship ships, and the reviews back up the reputation. Multiple pools, a vast entertainment programme, restaurants covering every cuisine you could want, and that balcony suite which I fully intend to make the most of every single morning with a coffee and the Mediterranean at eye level.

The value on this trip genuinely stopped me in my tracks. If you have been thinking about a cruise and talking yourself out of it, go and have a conversation with the Travel Centre Dundalk before you decide. They found us something that made the decision very easy indeed.

Photo Cred: MSC

Where We Are Going: The Full MSC Meraviglia Itinerary

Six ports across the Mediterranean and North Africa, and every single one of them has something different to offer. Here is what we are working with.

Marseilles, France. Our first port of call and where a certain flowy dress will be making its debut. France's oldest city and arguably its most underrated. The Vieux-Port, the Calanques, the bouillabaisse. I have wanted to come back to Marseilles for years and this is the trip.

Livorno, Italy. The gateway to Tuscany and one of the most strategically located ports on the entire route. From Livorno you can be in Florence in under an hour, which means this port day could easily double as a Tuscan day trip if that is your thing. It very much is my thing.

Naples, Italy. Where I fully intend to eat my body weight in pizza in its city of origin. Naples gets a bad press from people who have never been and glowing reviews from everyone who has. The energy, the chaos, the food, the proximity to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast. You might remember our 30k steps in Pompeii then back to the hot tub on board the Sun Princess where the steward immediately brought us cocktails! I'll remember that forever. One day is not enough but we will make it count.

Palermo, Sicily. Raw, real, and completely underrated as a Mediterranean destination. Palermo is the kind of place that gets under your skin in the best possible way. Street food markets, baroque architecture, Arab-Norman churches that will genuinely stop you in your tracks.

Tunis, Tunisia. The one that most people do not see coming on a Mediterranean itinerary, and the one I am most curious about. Tunis sits at the crossroads of Arab, Berber, Ottoman and French influences, the medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the food scene is extraordinary. This is the port that will surprise people most and I cannot wait to report back.

Barcelona, Spain. Finishing on one of Europe's greatest cities feels exactly right. Gaudí, the Gothic Quarter, La Boqueria, the kind of streets you could wander for days. Remember Corrina & I flew to Barcelona to see Kylie?? We WERE spinning around. Can't get it out of my head! Barcelona is always a good idea and an even better send-off.

Photo Cred: Me!

What Is Coming on the Blog

I will be sharing content from each port as we go across social, Insta , Facebook and in our Mums Group, and when we are back I will have full guides for every stop on the route. Real, first-hand, honest impressions from someone who was actually there, with accommodation options, things to do, where to eat, and practical tips for anyone planning the same trip.

I have also just upgraded the travel section of this blog with interactive maps and live accommodation search built into every post. So if any of these destinations are on your radar you can go from reading to booking without ever leaving the page. More on that very soon.

If you have been to any of these ports and have a tip I absolutely cannot miss, drop it in the comments below. Our community came up with some brilliant suggestions when I put the call out and I am taking notes.

The Mediterranean is waiting!

Watch this space. 

Sue x🍒

I Just Made My Travel Posts a Whole Lot More Useful (And Here's What's Coming)

If you've been around here for a while, you know I don't do things by halves.

So when I decided to properly invest in the travel content on this blog, I didn't just fire up a new notebook and start scribbling destination ideas. I went and overhauled the whole experience.

If you know me, you know my sister & I have been travelling and sharing those trips online for years, but I always felt like the blog travel posts could work harder for you. Reading about a hotel or a hidden beach is grand, but what if you could actually book it, map it, or find somewhere to stay nearby, all from the one page? Without seventeen tabs open and a minor breakdown?

That's exactly what I've just made possible.

I've installed Stay22 across the blog. It's a tool that embeds interactive maps and accommodation options directly into my travel posts, so when I'm telling you about a corner of the Algarve that will genuinely reset your nervous system, or a weekend city break that's worth every cent, you can actually act on it there and then. No faff. No disappearing down a booking rabbit hole. Just useful, joined-up travel content that respects your time. Given the vast majority of you are already Mums (HELLO Mums on the Run!) I know your time is in short supply & stretched thin as is. 

Here's a taste of what's coming to the blog in the next while:

Solo travel for women who have arrived at themselves and want holidays that match that energy. Weekend escapes that are genuinely worth leaving the house for. US Road Trips with the low down on how you too can follow in our footsteps for sheckles. And the kind of practical, honest travel tips that only come from someone who has actually done it, with and without children, on budgets big and small.

This is travel content with a bit of lived wisdom behind it. Not a press trip puff piece (would I ever?!) The real thing.

If there's somewhere you'd love to see covered, drop it in the comments below. I'm all ears, and the pipeline is filling up fast.

Watch this space. 

Sue x🍒

Visualise Your Highest Self & Show Up As Her! Women's Workwear Sales - January 2026

 

There is something quietly powerful about getting dressed with intention. Not for anyone else, not to prove a point, but because you know who you are becoming and you dress accordingly.

From timeless blazers to versatile dresses and tailored trousers, I have rounded up the best workwear deals you can shop right now. These are quality pieces that take you from desk to disco, as is your wont, all at genuinely good sale prices.

This is about building a wardrobe that works hard, feels good on your body, and supports the life you are living now.

The best women’s workwear sales right now

Mango
Up to 70 percent off gorgeous office looks, with an impressive size range from 2XS to 4XL. Think sharp blazers, elegant trousers and easy dresses that always look polished.
👉 https://bit.ly/3HPpxZ7

ASOS
A brilliant mix of workwear and smart dresses, perfect if you like options. Great for building a flexible wardrobe that can be styled up or down.
👉 https://bit.ly/3OarLYi

Next
Additional reductions on tailored trousers, ideal if you want classic pieces that last and fit beautifully.
👉 https://bit.ly/4c05J4v

Monki
Work trousers on sale with extra discounts when you buy two sale pieces. Modern cuts, comfortable fits, and a little bit of edge.
👉 https://bit.ly/4t8e5gs

Marks & Spencer
A reliable go to for smart workwear, particularly if you value structure, comfort and timeless style.
👉 https://bit.ly/4kgX1Rx

H&M
Affordable work staples that make it easy to refresh your wardrobe without overspending.
👉 https://bit.ly/4qMQHn9

River Island
Up to 40 percent off workwear and seasonal styles. Great for adding a little personality to your professional looks.
👉 https://bit.ly/3Z6BEZu

Arket
Stylish, timeless pieces on sale. Minimal, elevated and designed to be worn again and again.
👉 https://bit.ly/49YZZFt

& Other Stories
Curated, structured pieces with beautiful tailoring. Ideal if you like your workwear to feel intentional and grown.
👉 https://bit.ly/4rexWca

Why workwear matters more than we think

Quality pieces, proper fits, and prices that make sense. That is the sweet spot.

Because confidence is not just a mindset. Sometimes it is a really good blazer that makes you stand a little taller and trust yourself a little more.

If you have spotted any other great workwear sales, let me know. I am always happy to share the good stuff.💼✨

A Softer Way Forward: Nervous System Regulation, Soft30 & Lasting Change

If you’ve been reading CherrySue Doin’ the Do for a while, you’ll know this space has always been a place where I tell the truth as I’m living it.

Not the polished version.
Not the “five steps to fix yourself” version.
The real one.

You may have been here from my early days of working single mammyhood, sharing what worked for me, as I overworked myself. Over the past year, something has fundamentally shifted for me, thanks to Soft30.

I stopped using holidays as an escape.
I stopped pushing my body to comply.
I stopped treating rest like a reward.

And quietly, without forcing it, my nervous system began to settle.

That shift has impacted everything: my health, my weight, my energy, my creativity, my relationships, and how I show up in my own life. It wasn’t dramatic or extreme. It was steady. And it came from small daily practices and gentle structure, not burnout disguised as discipline. These small, consistant choices have changed my life beyond recognition. 

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Nervous System Regulation in Real Life

When I talk about nervous system regulation, I’m not talking about complicated techniques or perfect routines.

I’m talking about helping the body feel safe enough to rest, digest, recover, and be present.

For me, that looked like:

• Eating consistently instead of restricting

• Gentle, regular movement instead of punishment

• Time outside

• Breathing while I move

• Less rushing

• Letting my body come out of constant “brace mode”

Once your nervous system isn’t stuck in fight-or-flight, things like sleep, digestion, weight, mood, and enjoyment start to shift naturally. That’s been my lived experience, and it’s why I’m so passionate about a softer approach to health and change.

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Why I’m Writing Differently Now

I’ve realised that the conversations I want to have don’t belong in fast scrolling or soundbites anymore.

They need space.
They need nuance.
They need room to land.

I want to write about what it actually looks like to build a life your nervous system can live in. About consistency without punishment. About health and wellbeing without extremes. About real change that doesn’t require you to break yourself first.

That’s why I’ve created a new home for this work.

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Introducing Soft30 on Substack

Soft30 is where I’m now writing regularly about:

• Nervous system regulation and daily self-care practices

• Gentle structure that supports real life

• Health, weight, energy, and wellbeing without extremes

• Living, not escaping

• Becoming, not performing

It’s not a 30-day challenge.
It’s not a reset.
And it’s definitely not about fixing yourself.

It’s about learning how to feel safe enough to change.

The tagline says it best:

Daily practices. Gentle structure. Powerful change.

You can read Soft30 on Substack 👉 HERE 👈

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What This Means for CherrySue Doin’ the Do

This blog isn’t going anywhere.

CherrySue Doin’ the Do holds years of my life, my work, and my growth, and I still love it. I’ll continue to share practical resources here, Posts that make your life easier, Travel, Beauty & Lifestyle recommendations that resonate, including simple skincare cheat sheets under construction rn, gentle routines, & things that support everyday wellbeing.

But if you’ve found yourself resonating with my recent reflections on rest, nervous system regulation, and a softer way of living, you’ll find more long-form writing over on Substack.

That’s where this chapter is unfolding.

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An Open Doras

If any part of this resonates, you’re very welcome over at Soft30 on Substack.
No pressure. No urgency. Just an open doras. 

As always, thank you for being here, for reading, & for growing alongside me.

Sue 🍒

14 Years of Influencer Success: Insider Secrets to Consistent Brand Collaborations & Global Partnerships

In the ever-evolving landscape of influencer marketing, securing consistent and long-lasting brand partnerships can be challenging. With over 14 years of experience working alongside globally recognized brands, I’ve gained invaluable insights and strategies that have helped me establish myself as a valuable marketing partner. In this blog post, I will share proven techniques and industry secrets that will boost your value and ensure you become a top choice for prestigious collaborations.

Exceed Expectations with Extra Content: When collaborating with brands, demonstrate your dedication and professionalism by creating additional content beyond the agreed-upon deliverables. This showcases your commitment to their success and provides extra value. Monetize your efforts by offering watermarked additional footage as an exclusive bonus or selling it for future use.

Gather Valuable Feedback: Engage with your audience after posting sponsored content by asking questions related to the brand or product. Collect insightful feedback by taking screenshots of direct message responses and share them with the brand. This demonstrates your ability to collect valuable consumer opinions and helps brands refine their products or marketing strategies.

Offer Bonus Social Media Graphics: Showcase your creativity by offering to develop extra social media graphics or images for the brand's platforms. This not only highlights your skills but also provides additional assets for their future marketing campaigns.

Provide Detailed Performance Reports: Analyze engagement metrics of your sponsored content, including impressions, link clicks, and audience sentiment. Compile this data into an organized report, equipping the brand with a comprehensive understanding of your collaboration's impact.

Optimize Content for Diverse Platforms: Maximize reach and engagement by tailoring your sponsored content to suit various social media platforms. Offer to distribute content across multiple platforms, expanding the brand's audience and enhancing overall campaign results.

By implementing these strategies consistently, you'll distinguish yourself as a valuable and reliable marketing partner for world-renowned brands. It's time to elevate your influence, secure long-term collaborations, and thrive in the competitive world of influencer marketing.

Thanks for reading! I hope these insider tips help you achieve the same long-lasting success I've enjoyed in the influencer marketing world. If you're eager for more game-changing strategies, head over to the CherrySue Stan Store HERE for exclusive, in-depth guides that will supercharge your collaborations and turn you into a top choice for world-renowned brands. Let's keep raising that tide that raises all boats together!