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!
Cruise Overview
About Booked at Sea
Imagine waking up with coffee on your balcony...
Reading your current obsession while the ocean rolls by...
Meeting women who understand why "just one more chapter" turns into 2 AM...
Spending evenings talking about books instead of work.
That's what Booked at Sea is all about.
Whether you come with your book club or arrive solo, you'll leave with new friendships, unforgettable memories, and probably a much longer TBR.
Trip Basics
Dates: April 29th - May 2nd, 2027
Trip Length: 4 Days, 3 Nights
Group Size: 50 cabins total
Accommodation Type: Balcony, Ocean View, Interior
Host: Jess Holmes
Price: Starting at $501 (payment plans available)
The Locations
CATALINA ISLAND, CALIFORNIA | ENSENADA, MEXICO
Costa Rica’s lively capital offers a dynamic mix of culture, history, and local flavor—perfect as a gateway to the country’s natural wonders.
La Fortuna: Nestled beneath the iconic Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna is a lush rainforest destination known for hot springs, waterfalls, and endless outdoor adventure.
Monteverde: Famous for its misty cloud forests, Monteverde is a haven for biodiversity, where hanging bridges, ziplining, and wildlife encounters await.
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.
Bookish Activities
WHAT’S A BOOK RETREAT WITHOUT A LITTLE BOOKISH FUN?
Reader Meet & Greet
Meet fellow book lovers on embarkation day.
Daily Reading Time
Book Discussions
Optional Book Swap
Games & Trivia.
See below for a more detailed itinerary
Your Cruise Host
YOUR TRIP HOST WILL BE WILDISH WANDER FOUNDER JESS HOLMES
Jess Holmes | Founder of Wildish Wander & Wander Lit Retreats
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.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in California:
Arrive at the port in the early afternoon and get ready to board and set sail for Baja Mexico!
Day 2 – Fun Day at Sea:
Join us for an Audiobook Walk before spending the afternoon soaking up the sun before meeting 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
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
What’s Included
✅ Inclusions:
8 night accommodations
1 meals total: 1 lunch
All transportation and transfers between location
Entrance fees and permits for national parks
All activities listed in the itinerary above
Local Costa Rican Guide
Connection with a small group of travelers (max 16)
❌ Exclusions:
Flights to/from Costa Rica
Travel insurance (required)
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Alcoholic beverages and personal snacks
Tips for food, drinks, services, guides, and drivers
Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)
Pre/post night hotel stays (this can be added when booking)
Optional Add On activities
Airport transportation if you decline to have it added to your itinerary
Early Bird Pricing:
USD $1,850
Payment Plans Available
(Inclusive of $500 non-refundable deposit)
*early bird pricing ends August 1, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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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.
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Once your spot is secured, you can notify us of dietary requirements. Though we cannot guarantee accommodated meals, we will relay the information to the correct contacts.
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The activity level is rate a 2 out of 5 including light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels, surfing, paddle boarding, yoag, etc. While this is an slightly active trip, it not a physically strenuous trip, and all activities are optional.
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Absolutely! The retreat is an opportunity to connect with a group of women from all over the world and make new and lasting friendships. The majority of our travelers come solo on our trips.
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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.
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All rooms are shared occupancy with one other female guest. However, there is an option to pay a single supplement fee to have your own room. When filling out the booking form, let us know if you would prefer to have your own room and we will do our best to accommodate your request depending on availability.
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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.
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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.
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Yes, there is a minimum group size. We require a minimum of 8 confirmed participants to run the trip. As per our terms & conditions if the running of the trip is not deemed financially viable we reserve the right to cancel the trip. Please see our Terms & Conditions to review our cancelation policy.
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At this moment in time, a visa is not required for USA based travelers. If you are outside of the US, please check with your countries requirements.
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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
Ready to Book?
Ready to make it official? Click below to complete the booking form and secure your spot on this co-ed Costa Rica Adventure Quest. Submitting your form is the first step to reserving your place—and locking in the limited early bird rate before it’s gone. Spots are intentionally limited so book now to reserve your place and give yourself the reset you’ve been craving!