Booked at Sea : A Wander Lit Retreat

April 2027 • Carnival Radiance • Baja Mexico

A Reading Retreat at Sea

Spend four unforgettable days with fellow readers cruising to Baja Mexico!

Who Is Booked at Sea For?

OPEN TO READERS 21+ YEAR OLD

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.

The Locations

CATALINA ISLAND, CALIFORNIA | ENSENADA, MEXICO

Set sail on an unforgettable 4-night getaway from Long Beach, California to the stunning shores of Baja Mexico. Whether you're soaking up the sunshine with a book in hand, exploring colorful coastal towns, or making memories with fellow readers, this cruise is the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and connection.

Catalina Island: This gem just off the Southern California coast, feels like stepping into a Mediterranean seaside village. With crystal-clear waters, charming boutiques, waterfront restaurants, and scenic walking paths, it's the perfect place to slow down and soak in island life.

Ensenada: Nestled along Mexico's Pacific coast, Ensenada is known for its colorful streets, fresh seafood, local wineries, artisan markets, and breathtaking ocean views. Spend the day shopping, exploring, tasting authentic Mexican cuisine, or joining one of the many optional shore excursions.

Bookish Activities

WHAT’S A BOOK RETREAT WITHOUT A LITTLE BOOKISH FUN?

Reader Meet & Greet
Daily Reading Time
Book Discussions
Optional Book Swap
Games & Trivia
Book Dedazzling in Pajamas
Audiobook Walks
Potential Surprise Author Guest joining us!

Your Cruise Host

YOUR TRIP HOST WILL BE WILDISH WANDER FOUNDER JESS HOLMES

Jess Holmes is a travel advisor, community builder, avid reader, proud mom and CEO of Wildish Wander (as seen in Time Magazine, Phoenix Voyager, Sun City Times, & more). Jess has traveled through many countries hosting getaways and loves embracing the culture of every new location she visits.

Jess Holmes | Founder of Wildish Wander & Wander Lit Retreats

Trip Itinerary Overview

*more itinerary details are on the booking page when you secure your cabin

Day 1 – Arrival in California:
Arrive at the port in the early afternoon and get ready to board and set sail for Baja Mexico! Once everyone is settled in, we will meet up for dinner, including a book swap, and everyone will grab their swag bags!

Day 2 – Fun Day at Sea:
Join us for an Audiobook Walk before spending the afternoon soaking up the sun. Later we will meet up for dinner, a cocktail party, and a book discussion.

Day 3 – Catalina Island:
Enjoy a free day for optional activities and exploring Catalina Island or staying on ship and getting some quality reading time in.

Day 4 – Ensenada:
Enjoy a free day for optional activities and exploring Catalina Island or staying on ship and getting some quality reading time in. In the evening, join us for an option pajama and book bedazzling meet up!

Day 5 – Long Beach:
Pack up, say your farewells, and we will see you next time!

✅ Inclusions:

Selected Cabin of your choice & Included Ship Activities
Meals, Water, Tea, Coffee
All Bookish Group Activities
Bookish Swag Bag

❌ Exclusions:

Flights & Transfers
Parking Fees
Gratuities
Travel insurance
Excursions
Wifi Packages
Premium drink packages
Specialty dining & ship activities with an additional fee

Pricing & Details

Dates: April 29th - May 2nd, 2027
Trip Length: 4 Days, 3 Nights
Accommodation Types: Balcony, Ocean View, Interior
Retreat Price: (payment plans available)

Double Occupancy (Shared room with 2 beds): starting at $501 USD per person
- Price is per person, based on sharing a room. Bring your book bestie or join our roommate list)
- $150 USD non-refundable deposit due at booking to secure your spot.
- Final Payment --> Due February 8th, 2027
Single Occupancy (Private room all to yourself): starting at $1,002 USD total
- Enjoy your own private space for the full retreat
- $300 USD non-refundable deposit due at booking to secure your spot.
- Final Payment --> Due February 8th, 2027

SECURE MY CABIN

Frequently Asked Questions

Once your submission is received and accepted, a non-refundable $500 deposit is due immediately to secure your place on the trip. Once this has been paid, you will receive an email confirming your booking.
The balance of the payment is due 90 days (3 months) before the trip start date.
Once your booking is confirmed you will receive an email with a link to our payment page. You will then have the option to pay in full or choose a payment plan which you can pay via debit card or credit card.
Step 1: Complete this booking form to apply to join this trip. Once approved a confirmation email will be sent to you with payment options and an invoice to pay your deposit.
Step 2: Once we’ve received your deposit, you’ll receive a confirmation email, how to purchase travel insurance (required), and suggested flight details. You will also receive information on how to download the apps and join the group chat. We will stay in touch with you leading up to the trip and you can always reach out with questions to hello@wildishwander.com
Step 3: If you chose the payment plan option, your balance payment will be due 90-days before the trip start date.
- Cancellation 90 days or more prior to departure: Deposit paid will become a Lifetime Deposit and stay on file in your name to use on a trip in the future.
- Cancellation between 60 and 89 days prior to departure: Lifetime Deposit + 50% loss of all payments
- Cancellation within 45 days of departure: 100% loss of all payments and deposits
Yes. You are responsible for obtaining travel insurance coverage. We require that you purchase travel insurance before attending a group trip with us. This is so that you are insured should unforeseen circumstances prevent you from attending the trip. Wildish Wander is happy to quote you options, however, it is your responsibility to research travel insurance companies and select an insurer that suits your needs and coverage requirements if you choose to forgo the quoted options. Proof of insurance will be required.

Absolutely! Many guests travel solo, and we intentionally plan activities that make it easy to meet people.

All rooms are shared double occupancy with one other female guest. However, there is an option to pay double the cabin rate for your very own solo cabin.
Yes! Jess of Wildish Wander can arrange pre and post night accommodations for you if requested. When filling out the booking form, let us know if you’d like to stay in Costa Rica longer and she can share detailed options and pricing with you.
Though we will have an optional ‘book of the cruise’ to read, it is never mandatory. You can read whatever you want! This retreat celebrates reading, not one required title.
Yes, plus plenty of free time to enjoy your vacation however you like. However, like all of our retreats, activities are always optional!
No! Many readers attend on their own without any connection to a book club. However, you may leave finding yourself in a club full of bookish besties!