Booked at Sea: A Wander Lit Retreat

Apr 29 - May 3, 2027

Your next chapter begins at sea.

Be honest: all you've ever wanted is uninterrupted time to read. But life has other plans. The laundry piles up, work emails keep coming, and your TBR somehow keeps getting longer.

Until now.

Imagine four days where your biggest decision is whether to read by the pool, on your private balcony, or with an ocean view from the deck.

Booked at Sea: A Wander Lit Retreat is a 4-night Baja Mexico cruise aboard Carnival created for readers who dream of escaping into their books while surrounded by a community that gets it.

No cooking. No cleaning. No schedules.

Just endless ocean views, cozy reading nooks, bookish conversations, themed activities, author-inspired fun, and fellow readers who understand the feeling of saying, "Just one more chapter."

Spend your sea days reading in the sunshine. Join optional book discussions, make lifelong book friends, browse book swaps, and enjoy a vacation where you never have to explain why you'd rather stay in with a good book.

Whether you're traveling solo, bringing your partner, or cruising with your favorite reading bestie, you'll find your people onboard.

📚 Booked at Sea: A Wander Lit Retreat
🛳️ 4-Night Baja Mexico Cruise aboard Carnival Radiance
🇲🇽 Baja Mexico
📅 April 2027

Ready to trade your bookmark for a boarding pass?

Cabins are limited, and deposits are due by August 10 to reserve your spot. Pack your favorite books, leave the rest behind, and join us for four unforgettable days of stories, sunshine, and sailing.

Itinerary

  1. Thu, Apr 29: Long Beach, California, United States

  2. Fri, Apr 30

  3. Sat, May 1: Santa Catalina Island, California, United States

  4. Sun, May 2: Ensenada, Mexico

  5. Mon, May 3: Long Beach, California, United States

Full Itinerary

  • The Itinerary

    Day 1: Arrival + Welcome (Thursday, April 29th, 2027)

    Grab a morning flight from your closest airport to land in Los Angeles or Long Beach, California and make your way to the port as we set sail at 3:30pm!

    Afternoon--> Get Cozy in Your Cabin

    • Enjoy a welcome swag bag
    • Unpack, and explore the ship
    • Start your book (or continue reading if you started on the plane!)

    Evening --> Dinner and group meet up

    • Grab dinner and your book bestie to meet up with other retreat attendees for a book swap

    Day 2: Fun Day at Sea (Friday, April 30th, 2027)

    Morning --> Audiobook Walk + Reading Meet up

    • Enjoy breakfast, grab your book bestie, and join us for an optional Audiobook Walk around the ship
    • Meet up with other readers by the pool or beach (locations will be shared in the group chat)

    Afternoon --> Lunch, Read and Relax

    • Enjoy lunch poolside, hit the buffet or dine at one of the restaurants onboard
    • Continue reading, swim or enjoy some of the ships many amenities

    Evening--> Dinner + Cocktail Party + Book Discussion

    • After enjoying dinner, we will meet up for a cocktail party and book of the cruise discussion!

    Day 3: Catalina Island (Saturday, May 1, 2027)

    Morning --> Breakfast + Catalina Island

    • Enjoy breakfast then decide if you'd like to disembark to explore Catalina Island or spend your free time on the ship. The choice is 100% up to you!

    Afternoon --> Lunch, Read and Relax

    • Enjoy lunch on your own
    • Rent a golf cart and explore your way around the island and maybe a little shopping

    Evening--> Dinner + Resort Entertainment

    • Enjoy dining on your own
    • Enjoy meeting up for evening ship entertainment with the group or enjoy some solo reading time on your own.

    Day 4: Ensenada (Saturday, May 2, 2027)

    Morning --> Breakfast + Catalina Island

    • Enjoy breakfast then decide if you'd like to disembark to explore Catalina Island or spend your free time on the ship. The choice is 100% up to you!

    Afternoon --> Lunch, Read and Relax

    • Enjoy lunch on your own
    • Rent a golf cart and explore your way around the island and maybe a little shopping

    Evening--> Dinner + Resort Entertainment

    • Meet up with the group for a farewell dinner
    • Enjoy optional Book Bedazzling in pajamas or enjoy some solo reading time on your own.

    Day 5: Departure + Farewell (Monday, May 3, 2027)

    Morning --> Breakfast + Farewells

    • Enjoy your last breakfast for disembarking to head home!
  • Who is this retreat for?

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    Booked at Sea is designed for book lovers of all kinds. Whether you're an avid reader or just getting back into reading, you'll fit right in. This retreat welcomes solo travelers, friends, and book clubs looking to connect with fellow readers while enjoying a relaxing cruise filled with optional bookish activities, conversations, and plenty of time to simply read and recharge.

    If your dream vacation includes reading with an ocean view, meeting fellow book lovers, and finally having time to finish that TBR, then Booked at Sea was created for you.

  • Retreat Pricing (per person in USD)

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    Balcony – Category 8D

    • $686/per person (based on double occupancy - rate doubles for single occupancy)
    • Deposit (due at booking + NONREFUNDABLE) --> $150/per person or $300/per solo occupancy
    • Remaining Balance Due --> February 8, 2027

    Balcony – Category 8C

    • $676/per person (based on double occupancy - rate doubles for single occupancy)
    • Deposit (due at booking + NONREFUNDABLE) --> $150/per person or $300/per solo occupancy
    • Remaining Balance Due --> February 8, 2027

    Ocean View – Category 6C

    • $561/per person (based on double occupancy - rate doubles for single occupancy)
    • Deposit (due at booking + NONREFUNDABLE) --> $150/per person or $300/per solo occupancy
    • Remaining Balance Due --> February 8, 2027

    Ocean View – Category 6B

    • $556/per person (based on double occupancy - rate doubles for single occupancy)
    • Deposit (due at booking + NONREFUNDABLE) --> $150/per person or $300/per solo occupancy
    • Remaining Balance Due --> February 8, 2027

    Interior – Category 4G

    • $506/per person (based on double occupancy - rate doubles for single occupancy)
    • Deposit (due at booking + NONREFUNDABLE) --> $150/per person or $300/per solo occupancy
    • Remaining Balance Due --> February 8, 2027

    Interior – Category 4F

    • $501/per person (based on double occupancy - rate doubles for single occupancy)
    • Deposit (due at booking + NONREFUNDABLE) --> $150/per person or $300/per solo occupancy
    • Remaining Balance Due --> February 8, 2027
  • What your Booked at Sea Retreat Includes

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    This isn't just a trip - it's a fully taken care of escape where all you need to do is show up and get lost in the pages.

    Your Package Price Includes: 

    • Selected Cabin of your choice
    • All Food, Water, Tea, Coffee
    • All Bookish Group Activities
    • Bookish Swag Bag

    NOT Included in your Package: 

    • Flights & Transfers
    • Parking Fees
    • Gratuities
    • Travel insurance
    • Excursions
    • Wifi Packages
    • Premuium drink packages
    • Specialty dining & ship activities with an additional fee
  • Ship Included Experiences:

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    All-Inclusive Plan

    • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily --> 10 Restaurants to choose from
    • Water, Coffee, Tea (drink packages are available for purchase)

    Additional inclusions

    • Serenity Adult-Only Retreat
    • WaterWorks
    • Carnival Players Club
    • Playlist Productions
    • SportSquare
    • Ropes Course
    • Dive-In Movies
    • Pools
    • 80s Rock-N-Glow Party
    • Karaoke
    • Live Music
    • Nightclub
    • Mini Golf
    • Art Exhibitions
    • Jogging Track
    • Games
    • Art seminars
    • Twister Waterslide
    • Fitness Center
    • Art Games
    • Basketball
  • How to Book

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    Ready to join us?

    1. Click 'Claim Your Spot' under my name card at the top right.
    2. Fill out the booking form for everyone in your room. Please ensure your information matches your passport EXACTLY. If you do not have a book bestie and need a partner, please indicate this.
    3. Enter payment information for your deposit and submit! Payment information must match your name.
    4. Your spot is NOT confirmed until we have received the deposit for your room.

    If you have any questions at all please contact our Jess at hello@wildishwander.com.

    Spots are limited...Book now to secure yours!

  • FAQ

    Who can I bring with me?
    You are welcome to bring anyone 21+ on the retreat with you!

    Can I come alone?
    Yes! If you'd like to come solo, you will need to double the cabin rate and deposit amount to secure your spot. If you don't have a roommate and are comfortable sharing a bed we are happy to put you on a waitlist for a roommate.

    Do I have to participate in group activities?
    Not at all,  everything is optional! Join in when it feels fun, skip it when you’d rather read “just one more chapter.” There’s no pressure to do anything except enjoy yourself.

    What are “Silent Reading Parties”?
    Think: your dream reading environment, but better.
    These are quiet, dedicated group reading sessions by the pool or beach. Everyone brings their book, settles in, and reads - together, but in your own world.
    No small talk. No interruptions. Just pure, uninterrupted reading time.
    Locations will be based determined based on lounge chair availability and shared in the group chat!

    What kind of books should I bring for the book swap?
    Any book you no longer want or need of any genre. As a whole, most of the readers prefer fiction but feel free to sprinkle in a few non-fiction if you'd like. You must be okay with giving away the books without receiving the same number back or potentially any.

    Are flights included?
    No, you are responsible for arranging your own flights (and the additional cost) or rides to the port. Many of readers will be carpooling so you may be able to hitch a ride if you're within driving distance!

    Are payment plans available?
    Yes - because we love a flexible plot line. A deposit secures your spot, and the remaining balance can be split into scheduled payments, just let me know if you would like to make additional payments to break up the cost.

    What is the cancellation policy if I cancel?

    All bookings are subject to supplier cancellation policies:

    • Your deposit of $150 per person is NONREFUNDABLE
    • 55 – 30 days prior to departure 50% of the total package cost per passenger including taxes, fees and surcharges.
    • 29 – 15 days prior to departure 75% of the total package cost per passenger including taxes, fees and surcharges.
    • 14 days or less prior to departure --> 100% of the total package cost per passenger including taxes, fees and surcharges.

    We highly recommend travel insurance (including cancellation and emergency medical coverage), so you can book with peace of mind. If you don't currently have a preferred provider let us know when booking and we can help provide some options. Every traveler will be prompted to purchase travel insurance within 21 days of paying your deposit. You can decline this option.


    What happens if the retreat is cancelled?
    If we are not able to meet our minimum booking requirement for the group you will be notified by September 2027 and will receive a refund of your deposit, minus a $50USD/pp admin fee.

    What should I pack?
    Think cozy, breezy, and beach ready such as:

    • Swimsuits & cover-ups
    • Lightweight outfits
    • Sandals + something a little dressy for dinner
    • Sunscreen, sunglasses, a good tote
    • A fully loaded Kindle or suitcase of books to conquer


    Will there be Wi-Fi?
    Yes there is Wifi but it will be an additional cost based on what package your select - but consider this your permission to disconnect from everything… except your book


    How many people will be attending? 
    This is a larger retreat bringing together multiple book communities. Currently we have 100 spots reserved for the group.

    Is this a party trip?
    Think less spring break, more slow mornings and late-night reading sessions. There is entertainment and nightlife on the ship if you want it, but the overall vibe is relaxed, cozy, and book first.

    What makes this retreat different?
    This isn’t a jam-packed itinerary or a go-go-go group trip. It’s a thoughtfully curated escape for readers who want no pressure, no expectations. Just books, sunshine, and your next favorite story.

    What is the cancellation policy?

      • uninterrupted time to read
      • a beautiful, calming setting
      • and a community that gets it
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Your Advisor

Jess Holmes

Wildish Wander

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hello@wildishwander.com

8083471670