Cruising Archives - Alaska to Mickey

Caribbean June 7, 2021

5 Things to Do in Nassau, Bahamas

Nassau, Bahamas is a very popular cruise port. It is often on the itinerary of shorter-length cruises. Nassau is popular because it is a Caribbean destination that is not too far from the US. It has beautiful beaches, great food and lots of different things to do. So, what are some good things to do if you have a port day in Nassau, Bahamas? Read on and find out!

Many people head to Paradise Island for the beaches (Cabbage Beach has been named one of the best in the world) and to the waterpark, pools, aquarium and so much more at the Atlantis Resort. This is a great option if you want a full day excursion of sand, surf, thrills and fun. But, this article is going to point out a few other things in this port town that might be fun to do instead.

Walk Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle

Walking up the Queen's Staircase to Fort Faircastle is a great thing to do in Nassau, Bahamas.

These 66 steps (carved from limestone by slaves in the 1790s) lead from downtown to Fort Fincastle. The stairs were the main route between the two areas. The stairs have been over grown with lush vegitation so this is a beautiful place for pictures and nice to get out of the sun.

Fort Fincastle was also built in the 1790s on top Bennett’s Hill, the hights point on the island. Much of the fort and its 126 foot high walls are intact and can be easily explored without pre-booking a tour.

Eat Your Way through Arawak Cay

On a waterfront street about 10 minutes from the cruise pier you will find a bunch of places to eat. These restaurants are famous for their “fish fry”. Fish fry is their main and absolutely delicious food served along with conch salads and fritters. The fish served is freshly caught as well as other seafood options that are on the menu. You know that here is where you will find great food at good prices because this is where the locals eat too.

Visit Fort Charlotte

Fort Charlotte was built in the 1780s during the British colonial era. It is the largest in the Bahamas with 100 acres. This fort has a moat, underground passages, tunnels, dungeons, and cannons ready to be explored. Guided tours are available to really delve into the history of the fort. You will even find staff in period costumes demonstrating life at the time. Don’t miss the cannon-firing ceremony at Noon each day.

Pirates of Nassau Museum

Discover the pirate life at this interesting museum in downtown Nassau. Inside you will enter a model of the famous pirate ship “Revenge” and get to experience the life of a pirate. Wander through this interactive pirate experience and see a shantytown, the lower decks, cannons, and models of pirates doing their daily stuff. You will also get to learn about dreaded pirates of the seas, both men and women.

Ardastra Gardens and Wildlife Conservation Center

The Ardastra Gardens and Wildlife Conservation Center was the Bahamas’ first zoo. Though still small, it is the home of more than 200 animals including monkeys, Caribbean flamingos (the national bird), snakes, lorikeets, and other tropical animals. Visitors can get up close and personal with many of the animals, even feeding some. In addition to the animals and birds, you will also enjoy the lush tropical gardens throughout.

So many great activities to choose from on a port day in Nassau!

Thinking about a cruise to Nassau, Bahamas? Click on Contact Me above and let’s get started planning your next family cruise vacation.

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

3 Must-Haves on a Family Reunion Cruise

3 must-haves for a great family reunion cruise vacation.

So your family has decided to all get together for a fantastic cruise vacation. It has been so long since you have seen each other. All the family has decided that a cruise will be a perfect vacation. A cruise will give each family a chance to have fun together and then there will be time for the whole family to spend as a large group. But, before you book your cabins you are wondering if there is anything that you should consider. I am going to share with you what I think are 3 must-haves when you are going to go on a cruise with your extended family. So, here goes, my 3 must-haves for your family reunion cruise vacation!

#1 Book a Balcony Stateroom

I think that balcony staterooms are the Bomb! (Especially, if you have young children that need naptime or just time to get away from the hubbub.) Your balcony is the perfect place to get away and have a few minutes to yourself. Even if you love your family dearly it is nice to have a quiet, tranquil place to hang out where no one can find you. It is also perfect for when you want some interrupted time to connect away from the ship’s activities.

Now, if you have young children I think a balcony is a definite necessity. A balcony gives you the ability to have your child nap and you still get to enjoy the sunshine, warm weather, fresh air, and sounds of the ocean. It can be a wonderful relaxation time for you as well as the kids. If you only have an interior or oceanview room you might feel cooped up or resentful of not being able to enjoy outside.

#2 Linked Dining Reservations

One of my most favorite things to do on a family reunion cruise is to eat dinner all together as a family. Sitting in the dining room all together taking the time to eat a meal is a wonderful experience. Everyone has the chance to talk about their day, all the fun they had, and what they want to do tomorrow. It’s a great place to catch up together and enjoy each other’s company. But, in order to get tables together, you will want to have your dining reservations linked together when you book.

#3 Spirit of Compromise

This must-have is actually true for the whole planning and traveling process. Each family in your larger family will have specific needs and wants. Since it is everyone’s vacation, everyone should feel like their feelings are being considered. But this also means that everyone will need to give on some things. For instance, your family just cannot handle a late dinner seating but there is another family that really wants to do some excursions that will return during the early dinner time. So, maybe on those days, you all agree to meet for breakfast or just let them skip those nights and catch up the next day. If everyone has the spirit of compromise instead of just wanting their vacation their way then it can be more fun for all.

So, what do you think? Do you have another must-have for a family reunion cruise? I would love to hear your suggestion. Just comment below!

A cruise is a fantastic vacation for a family reunion but working out all the details can be quite hair raising. That’s where I come in! Let me help you handle all the tricky parts so that you can just enjoy the planning process. If you are thinking about planning a family reunion please contact me!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

Here are some other articles you might like to read:

Caribbean April 16, 2021

Spend a Perfect Day at Coco Cay with Family and Friends

Perfect Day at Coco Cay is a fantastic stop with family and friends on your Royal Caribbean Cruise.

Are you wondering where in the world is Coco Cay? And then wondering why would I ever want to go there? Well, let’s get those questions answered for you today! Coco Cay is a private island (owned by Royal Caribbean Cruise Line) in the Bahamas. As the title suggests it could be the perfect beach day for you and your family or friends to enjoy while you are cruising the Caribbean. There are so many things to do on the island it is truly a tropical island paradise for everyone. Want to know more? Read on! There is so much family fun to be had on Perfect Day at Coco Cay!

Beaches

What is a trip to a private island without a beach! Perfect Day at Coco Cay certainly will not disappoint. You will have a few beaches to choose from.

Chill Island

If you like to relax on the beach as well as explore what the ocean has to offer you might want to head to Chill Island. An abundance of lounge chairs await guests on one of the three ocean coves. Spend time soaking up the sun for a bit and then head out into the ocean with some rented snorkel gear, paddleboard, kayak, or maybe a jetski. When you get hungry, wander over to the Chill Grill for delicious Caribbean BBQ bites.

South Beach

Sports lovers will love South Beach. Yes, you will find beach chairs and plenty of ocean fun at South Beach. But, its real claim to fame is all the sports courts. Start up a game of volleyball or basketball for some extra fun. The nearby Snack Shack will satisfy your hunger with burgers, hot dogs, salads, and more.

Coco Beach Club

The Coco Beach Club is an exclusive part of the island. Day passes can be purchased by guests wanting a little bit more luxury on the island. With a day pass, guests enjoy the exclusive beach, clubhouse, infinity pool, towels, lounge chairs, and private Coco Beach Club restaurant. Guest also have the option of reserving cabanas on the beach or ultra-luxurious floating cabanas for an additional fee. The Coco Beach Club cannot be surpassed for peace, calm, and luxury.

Oasis Lagoon

This massive freshwater pool (the largest in the Caribbean) will be a destination your whole family will enjoy. On one cove there is a sloping entry perfect for young children and fun for older kids to swim about from island to island. Parents can watch from one of the pool loungers either in or out of the pool. The swim-up bar is also a favorite of the Oasis Lagoon.

For the Kids

Captain’s Jill’s℠ Galleon

Young ones will be clamoring to climb aboard this pirate ship of adventure and fun. With 3 slides, a splash pad, and hordes of water cannons, no one is coming out dry.

Splashaway Bay

Another splash pad parents will have to drag their kids away from. This area is sure to drench with two huge dumping buckets, sprayers, slides, and so much fun!

Where to Eat and Drink

The restaurants on Perfect Day at Coco Cay are a great place for family to gather. — _{Skipper’s Grill and Chill Grill with Daredevil Tower in the background.}

There are 3 complimentary places to eat while you are enjoying your Perfect Day at Coco Cay plus a few bars for getting something to drink. Drink plans can be used while on the island.

Chill Grill is near Chill Island
Skipper’s Grill can be found by Splashaway Bay
A few Snack Shacks can be found around the island
Captain Jack’s is near the entrance and is mostly a bar with a few snacky food items.
Coco Beach Club Restaurant for those with day passes

The restaurant areas have ample seating. This is a great place for your whole family or group of families to gather together and enjoy some time together.

Thrill Waterpark

Thrill Waterpark is one of the things to do on Perfect Day at Coco Cay that keeps guests booking cruises with this stop over and over again. The waterpark costs extra but it is a full day of fun and excitement. Devil’s Peak slide boasts being the tallest waterslide in North America at 135ft. Are you brave enough? You can also enjoy tube slides, racing slides, zero-gravity drops, and raft slides. Plus, they have a fantastic wave pool and you guessed it, it’s the biggest in the Caribbean. Kids of all ages won’t want to miss out on the obstacle course Adventure pool.

Other Excursions

Up Up and Away

Take a balloon ride 450 feet above the island for a birdseye view. This is taller than the Statue of Liberty and provides a gorgeous view of the ocean and the land below. This activity has an extra cost.

Zip Line

Soar along the 1600 foot long zip line across the island. You will even get a refreshing zip through the Harbor fountain just before you land. This activity has an extra cost.

How this is a good stop for your family or friend reunion vacation

As you can see there are things that will be enjoyable for everyone in the family. Above it talks about the different places for children. The waterpark is great for those of all ages loving a little thrill and excitement. The pool has a nice shallow area for kids as well as the two splash areas. So much for the kids in the family to do on their Perfect Day at Coco Cay and the parents get a little time to relax. What could be better than that!

How would Perfect Day at Coco Cay be for my family members who have less mobility? All of the beaches and pool areas have umbrellas available for those wanting to stay out of the sun a bit. There is a tram that provide transportation throughout the island for those who have difficluty walking long distances. The island is wheelchair accessible and pools also have lifts. The only stairs are to the tall waterslides and zip line.

For the families who want to make their day truly special consider renting a cabana on one of the beaches or a floating cabana at the Coco Beach Club. Multiple families can even pitch in and rent one together. There are cabanas that hold up to 8 people.

Your Perfect Day at Coco Cay will surely not disappoint your family! There is so much to do without whether you want to keep it simple or be a little more extravagant with the waterpark or a luxury cabana. There are multiple itineraries that make Perfect Day at Coco Cay one of their preferred stops. Talk with your travel advisor about which itinerary might be right for your family.

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

Here are some other links you might enjoy:

Alaska December 9, 2020

Top Activities in Skagway on an Alaska Cruise

There are many activites to do in Skagway while on an Alaska Cruise.

If you are planning to take a cruise to Alaska in the near future, you’ll find the port of Skagway on almost any itinerary, regardless of which cruise line you sail with. It’s a small town surrounded by stunning mountain scenery which comes to life when the cruise ships roll into town. With an exciting history centered around the gold-rush era and railroads, you’ll feel like you’ve headed back in time for the day. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much there is to do here. Keep reading for some of the best activities for your next stop in Skagway on your Alaska Cruise!.

Ride the White Pass & Yukon Railroad

This is by far the most popular excursion to enjoy in the area. If it’s your first time in Alaska, it would be my top recommendation. It’s an incredibly scenic ride that you’ll board in Skagway, and then travel by vintage car twenty miles to the summit, gaining 2,865 feet in elevation. With wide windows that are perfect for admiring the sights, you’ll enjoy the narration from your local guide during the relaxing trip. You’ll retrace the original route on your journey, and admire mountains, waterfalls, glaciers and historical sites along the way.

Go Hiking

If you’ve been overindulging on your ship’s delicious food, consider going on a hike and enjoying your time in port immersed in an active adventure. Skagway offers a great selection of hiking trails, and you’ll find one to suit your fitness level. Quick to access from the downtown area, the Dewey Lake Trail System features five different trails of varying lengths. Alternatively, take an excursion to enjoy part of the Chilkoot Trail, which retraces the route of the gold seekers of the past.

Ziplining

For a fun adventure that teens and kids will love, take the whole family ziplining through the area’s incredible scenery. The Grizzly Falls ziplining adventure will take you through the Alaskan rainforest and is great for thrill-seekers and nature lovers. Your time on the course will involve a whole series of ziplines as well as suspension bridges where you can take amazing photos of you and your family.

Take an adventure boat ride

This is definitely one of the favorite activities in Skagway during your Alaska Cruise! For a unique view of the area, join Ocean Raft Alaska’s adventurous boat ride which explores Skagway’s beaches, coves and waterfalls. You’ll get up close and personal with the local wildlife during this two-hour tour. It’s a fun adventure for the whole family, and you’ll have a comfortable yet thrilling ride through the incredible scenery of Alaska.

ATV Exploration Trail

For an adrenaline-filled day out, join an ATV tour with Glacier Point. You’ll start the excursion with a boat ride down the Lynn Canal, where you should keep your eyes peeled for seals and whales. After this, you’ll be ready to hit the trails on your ATV. You’ll drive through the forest, admiring the beaches and mountains in the area. It’s a unique way to see the scenery of Skagway, and you’ll enjoy the challenge of this ATV drive on the area’s varied terrain.

Helicopter Ride

If you are looking to splurge on your day out in Skagway, consider booking a helicopter ride. While they are certainly not a cheap day out, they offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you’ll get incredible photos and memories to last forever. You’ll land on top of a nearby glacier, where you can also add on an optional dog sledding ride.

Gold Panning

The perfect excursion for all ages, head to the Klondike Gold Fields where you can enjoy gold panning and learning more about the Klondike Gold Rush Era. Staff are dressed up to recreate the times of the past, and you’ll enjoy the varied activities that are on offer here. This is one of many excellent activities for families in Skagway on an Alaska Cruise!

Dining around Skagway

If you fancy a more relaxing day out in the port or are traveling on a budget, you’ll still be able to enjoy a wonderful day walking around the downtown area. There are so many great options for local restaurants and bars to while away a couple of hours in. I’d highly recommend the historic Red Onion Saloon for a locally brewed beer, or if you are keen to try some local seafood, enjoy lunch at the Skagway Fish Co.

An Alaskan cruise offers many incredible stops on each itinerary, but Skagway is undoubtedly one of my favorites. Whether it’s your first time stopping here, or you’ve visited many times before, there’s always something new to see and do.

When you are ready to plan your next cruise to Alaska (or anywhere in the world), feel free to contact me with any questions you may have or to receive a quote.

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

How to Spend a Port Day in Falmouth, Jamaica

If you are headed to Jamaica on a cruise ship there is a good chance you will be docking at Falmouth. The port at Falmouth was updated in 2011 into a fantastic place to eat, shop, and play. For some visitors, the port area is as far as they go. They find enough shopping (common international port shops and a few craft booths), restaurants such as Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, shaded areas to relax, and a pool area. But, for the adventuresome, there are some great things to discover once you step outside the gates. So, read on and find out a few terrific things to do while you spend a port day in Falmouth, Jamaica!

By the way, these activities are also great for those planning a resort vacation near Falmouth.

Rafting Martha Brae River

Rafting down the Martha Brae River is an hour long rafting trip that is fun for the entire family. You ride down the river on a 10-foot long bamboo raft, which is stable enough for those who don’t swim. The 3-mile journey will take you through a scenic mangrove forest. The river is quiet and peaceful creating a experience your family will remember for a long time.

If you are short on time, this is a great excursion. It is fairly close to the port. You will even be able to visit Miss Martha’s Herb Garden and still return to the ship on time.

Swamp Safari

Do you love crocodiles? How about a snake or two? At Charles Swaby’s Swamp Safari or Crocodile Farm that is just what you will find. So, if holding a baby crocodile or boa constrictor has been on your bucket list then this is the place for you. If you aren’t particularly a fan of reptiles, I will say it is pretty cool to watch them be fed. Oh, James Bond lovers, you will also be really interested. After the tour you get to see a reenactment of a scene from “Live and Let Die,” the one originally shot there.

This excursion is only 5 minutes west of the pier. It’s a nice close activity for those who just don’t want to adventure out too far. This is a great way to spend a port day in Falmouth, Jamaica.

Jamaica Culinary Tours

The Jamaica Culinary Tours serves the best of two worlds: food and history. On the tour you expert guides will lead you through the streets of Falmouth. As you walk you will hear about plantation life, local cuisine, Jamaican cooking methods, and a bit of history thrown in there too. You will also stop along the way with a couple of street vendors for a sample and then in a restaurant for a couple more.

The samples are usually enough to make up lunch. They are able to make accommodations for vegetarians but not for other dietary needs such as vegan, gluten, or dairy-free.

River Tubing the Rio Bueno

The Rio Bueno River is over near Montego Bay so you get to start off your adventure with a ride over there. You will get to hike through the forest before reaching the river. Once at the river, you will get into your tube. Let the fun begin!

Currents propel you down the river past many scenic sights in the surrounding jungle–Old Colonial Bridge, the Bengal Beach, and others. If you really want to up the action you can opt for white-water rafting. Bengal Beach is the ending spot where you can then relax on the beach, swim, or get something to eat. This river tubing adventure is another fun way to spend a port day in Falmouth, Jamaica.

Burwood Beach

Would you just like to relax on the beach in Jamaica? Burwood Beach is only 10 minutes from the port. This beach is one of the only public beaches available. But you will not be disappointed! The beautiful white sands and ocean waves are the perfect place to relax or swim. There is bathrooms, showers and a changing area available. There is even a lifeguard on duty. But, there isn’t a whole lot of shade and the beach can get pretty hot. Don’t forget the sunblock! The cost is only $5 per person which makes this a really affordable excursion.

Have you been to Falmouth, Jamaica on a cruise? How about for a resort stay? If you have, what was your favorite way to spend a port day in Falmouth, Jamaica? Let me know in the comments below.

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

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Cruising October 20, 2020

Experience the Culture of Costa Maya, Mexico

Costa Maya, Mexico is a great place to experience the Mayan culture. The port of Costa Maya is fairly small and the fishing village of Mahahual is just a short ride (2 miles) away. As you get off your ship you will find yourself in a delightful shopping/dining/entertainment area. Right here there are 3 swimming pools and just a quick walk to a beach. You could easily spend all your time in the port area of Costa Maya but there is quite a bit more out there with just a little bit of planning and a sense of adventure.

Costa Maya is a great place to experience Mayan culture watching the hanging acrobats spin around the very tall post. — Hanging acrobat show you can watch right after exiting your cruise ship

The people of this town are more than ready to show you a little bit about their culture. Let’s explore some wonderful activities to experience the culture of Costa Maya, Mexico.

Visit Mahahual

This fishing village is only 2 miles from the cruise ship port. Many visitors feel this is where you see the real culture of this area. Only about 1000 people live in Mahahual and their living is dependant on tourism. You will find beautiful beaches and beach clubs, restaurants, bars, shopping and people ready to help you learn about their culture.

Cooking Classes

One excursion that many guests love is the cooking classes taught by local residents. Guests are taught traditional cooking techniques of the Yucatecan Mexican people. Guests might learn to cook foods like tortillas, empanadas, flautas, pico de gallo, tamales, coconut helado, jicama salad and even more. This is definitely an excursion that you can take home with you and bring back fond memories when you cook the foods at home. Ask your travel advisor for help finding a great cooking class.

Visit the Mayan Ruins

One of the most popular cultural activities is to visit Myan ruins. You will find ruins from as early as 200 BC.

Chacchoben Ruins

Visiting Chacchoben is a great way to experience Mayan culture in Costa Maya, Mexico.

Chacchoben is the closest ruin site to Costa Maya. It is about 50 minutes away. You can schedule an excursion ahead of time or hire a taxi or shttle when you get to the port. Renting a car is also a possibility. The roads are clearly marked.

Chacchoben includes two main temple pyramids dated 200 B.C. to A.D. 700. These ruins are relatively newly discovered as they weren’t found until 1941. The site was opened to the public in 2002 after 8 years of restoration. You can either take a guided tour or explore the area on your own. There isn’t much signage so you will learn a lot more about the history and Mayan culture if you have a guide. The surrounding jungle gives this area a very ancient feel. And, because the nearby jungle is lush you might spot a spider monkey. Note: you are not allowed to climb up the ruins.

Dzibanche and Kohunlich Ruins

These two ruin sites are less traveled as they are a bit farther away. A guided tour will really bring the Mayan history and their culture to life for you. Vegetation enveloped this area at one point so the archeological history is also very interesting. Both sites can be visited in one day.

Dzibanche was a large city between 300 and 900 A.D. There were plazas, palaces, temples, homes, and public buildings that you see remnants of today. The most impressive pyramid is the Cormoranes Pyramid from the 5th Century A.D. You are allowed to climb these ruins to get a bird’s eye view of the surrounding jungle and archeological site. Be careful and watch your footing!

Kohunlich is the largest and most spectacular site. It isn’t as busy as it is about an hour and a half away. You can also climb to the top of the temples here for another beautiful view of the jungle. You are most likely to see those pesky spider monkeys here.

Today was all about the Mayan Culture that you can discover in when your cruise ship docks in the port of Costa Maya. But, this certainly isn’t all there is to do in Costa Maya. Oh no! Stay tuned for a future post about all the adventureous activities available in Costa Maya!

Have you visited Chacchoben? Is this ruin site or one of the others on your bucket list for your next cruise to Costa Maya?

If you would like more information about cruise lines and intineraries that visit Costa Maya I would love to point you in the right direction. Contact me and we can get started planning right away.

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

Other links that might be interesting to read:

Alaska September 26, 2020

Discover the Difference of an Alaska Cruise!

Almost every cruise line has a cruise that visits Alaska. That’s because Alaska is AWESOME! No really, it is. It is so different from most places. A beauty that is unmatched and begging to be explored. But, a cruise to Alaska is quited different from one to the Caribbean or other warm destination. Read on and find out the difference of an Alaska cruise!

The Alaska Cruise Difference

The weather

The rainy cold weather of Juneau is one difference of an Alaska cruise

Alaska is much colder than many travelers are used to. Plus, there is no predicting what the weather will be like when you cruise. Some years July is beautiful and August is rainy. Other years June will be spectacular and July is just so-so.

Be prepared for anything! Pack that pair of gloves and warm coat. Bring along a raincoat and waterproof shoes. You might be very glad to have them when you want to be out on the windy or rainy deck viewing the glacier.

Something to look at all the time

On Caribbean or other cruises (probably not European) you spend a lot of time looking at the wide open ocean. Miles and miles of blue sea. Not so on an Alaska cruise. Once you hit the coastal waters of Alaska there is beautiful scenery to watch go by. Sailing the inlets toward the different towns are a treat and the fjords headed to the glaciers are nothing short of breathtaking.

It’s about the ports not the ship

On an Alaska cruise it’s all about the ports. You certainly don’t want to be hanging around the ship when you could be out discovering Alaska. Each port along the way has its own character. Juneau is a thriving small city. Skagway is a frontier town. Icy Strait Point (Hoona) is a typical native fishing village on the coast. Ketchikan has a wonderful Native Alaskan flavor. Each one is too diverse to miss.

The focus on the ports like frontier Skagway is a difference of an Alaska cruise.

Every port has awesome, once in a lifetime, Alaskan experiences. Land in a helicopter on a glacier. Go halibut or salmon fishing. Ride a dog sled. Eat fresh salmon at a salmon bake. Take a flightseeing tour in a bush plane. Ride a train following the treacherous path miners hiked during the Gold Rush.

There is one thing I hate to mention but I feel I must. As much as I love Disney Cruises I am not sure that an Alaska cruise is the best time to sail a Disney ship. Especially if it is your first Disney Cruise. There is so many amazing things to experience on a Disney ship and a limited amount of time to do them on a Disney Cruise. You might find yourself torn between the ship and the Alaska port. Clearly, this is just my own experience and opinion. There are many people who would disagree with me and that’s okay!

The pool deck might be quite empty

Since the outside temperature isn’t very warm already the movement of the boat can make the pool deck downright chilly. Generally a hot day in Alaska is around 70 degrees. On a really hot day it might go closer to 80 degrees but that is rare (unless the summer is like 2019 and there were quite a few days hovering around 90 degrees). But most likely the weather you will experince on your cruise will be somewhere in the 60’s. Beautiful for walking around but on the verge of chilly on a swiftly moving ship and even chillier in a swim suit.

The pool deck is a less utilized space (well at least by swimmers and sunbathers) on many Alaska cruises. It does make a great spot to have some quiet relaxation as long as you have a warm coat or blanket. Definitely a difference of an Alaska cruise!

You will possibly have cell service

When you are on a most cruises you are always out of the country. Not so on an Alaska cruise. Now you might not have any service while in Canada. But, once you get into Alaskan waters you might get coverage once in a while. You’ll know if texts start pinging your phone. And then if you have a nationwide plan you will have plenty of coverage while in port. Three cheers for being connected!

Almost all the ports are US ports

You will probably have to tell yourself over and over again–I am in the United States. When we cruise we have a tendency to fall into the mindset of exploring other countries. Just another way an Alaska cruise is different. You are in the magnificent 49th state of the United States almost the whole time!

Alaska is not international. Alaska uses the same currency. There is no exchange rate. Alaskans speak English. Our food is American but there is probably better salmon and halibut here. You will notice houses not igloos, and cars not dog sleds (just having a little fun with you).

September cruises are an excellent time to get great deals

The cruising season in Alaska is only from May through September. In September things start winding down. Pretty soon all the tourist shops will close up and many of the people will leave for the winter. That means great sales for you! Want that special piece of jewelery at a great price? Just plan a September Alaska cruise!

By the way, Alaskan ports have the required Dimonds International and other jewelers you find in any other cruis port destination throughout the world. In addition there are many local people who own tourist shops and tour companies. Please, shop local!

Have you been on an Alaska cruise? What did you think was different from other cruises? Is an Alaska cruise in your future for the first time or a repeat trip? Let me know in the comments below!

If you would like to explore booking an Alaska Cruise please contact me! I would love to get you started and on your way to Alaska!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

Here are some other posts you might like to read:

Cruising September 8, 2020

5 Activities in Grand Cayman NOT on the Beach

Grand Cayman is more than just 7 Mile Beach and Stingray City

Many tourist and cruise passengers spend their day on Grand Cayman at either 7 Mile Beach or Stingray City. Don’t get me wrong, these are awesome places. Seven Mile Beach is absolutely gorgeous even if it is quite crowded. And how could getting up close and personal with real live Stingrays be anything thing but amazing? But, Grand Cayman is so much more than just these activities. Let’s explore the Grand Cayman that’s not on the beach!

A very beautiful but crowded 7 Mile Beach

5 Intriguing things to do in Grand Cayman not on the beach

Mastic Trail

The Mastic Reserve was created to protect the rugged interior of Grand Cayman. This area is home to some of the last examples of a Caribbean lowland, semi-deciduous dry forest. Many kinds of animals and plants unique to the Cayman Islands live protected in this reserve.

The 2.3-mile walking trail is part of a 120-year-old well-traveled trail but was abandoned when the coastal roads came about. A guided tour (about 3 hours) will take you through an ancient dry forest of rare trees such as Cedar and Mahogany, as well as the Mastic tree. Through your exploration deep into the wild interior, you might see Wild Banana Orchids, native parrots, West Indian Woodpeckers, Caribbean Doves, butterflies, frogs, snakes (harmless), and more. This hike puts you in touch with the real, untouched Grand Cayman.

This rugged trail requires stable hiking shoes, lots of water, bug spray, and be in reasonably good shape. Hike not recommended for children under 8 or the elderly. A guided tour (Tue/Thurs mornings–highly recommended for all of the knowledge they can bring to the hike) costs $65.50 for adults/ $37.50 for children.

See a Blue Iguana in Grand Cayman as an activity not on the beach. — A Blue Iguana at Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Park

Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Park

This botanical garden is a rugged, wooded land that is home to many special species of reptiles, plants, and birds. You might see some chickatees (freshwater turtles native to the Caymans and Cuba), a rare Grand Cayman parrot or possibly an anole lizard but the highlight of your visit will probably be the blue iguana’s in their habitat. As you wander down the 1 km path viewing the local birds and plants you will marvel at the diversity of this lovely little park. You can also visit the visitor’s center, a heritage garden, a re-creation of a traditional Cayman home, garden, and farm. This botanical park is a lovely way to spend a couple of hours on Grand Cayman beyond the beach. Admission is $10 for adults/$5 for children. Guided tours happen on Tues/Thurs afternoons at an additional cost.

The Turtle Farm

The Grand Cayman Turtle Center is a great family-friendly port excursion. The whole family will enjoy getting up close to and even getting to hold some endangered turtles. Educational programs teach you about the turtles, their preservation and protection. But, turtles aren’t all you will see! You can see crocodiles, iguanas, and sharks darting through Predator reef. There is also a small splash area with a waterslide for young kids. The Turtle Adventure Tour (includes all activities) is $45 for adults/$25 for children (you can get it all done in about 2 hours but you could also spend as many more). The Turtle Safari includes many activities but not all and is $30 for adults/$20 for children (usually takes an hour for tour).

Crystal Caves

Crystal Caves opened to visitors only a couple of years ago. Guided 1 1/2 hour tours take you through the three different caves–the open ceiling cave, the roots cave, and the lake cave. In these caves you will see limestone gardens of glittering stalactites and stalagmites, underground lakes, amazing examples of flowstone and shaped rock formations. Your guide will share a lot of information about the caves, their formation, and they fun nicknames they have give them. Reservations must be made in advance (a job for your travel advisor) and cost $40 for adults/ $30 for children under 12. What an awesome geology lesson!

Pedro St. James National Historic Site

Twenty minutes outside of George Town sits Pedro St. James Historic Site or Pedro Castle to the locals. This “Castle” is an elaborate three-story restored former Great House (built in the 1800s) that is best know as the birthplace of democracy in the islands. This historic building has taken many roles throughout the years–cotton plantation, courthouse, jail, and Government Assembly. Take a step back in time as you tour the authentic period rooms, learn about its’ history of pirate raids, tragedy, and triumph in the idyllic ocean setting. Part of a tour will include a 3D movie that will really help to bring the past alive. Guided tours cost $15 for adults/$5 children 6-12 (Self Guided are $10 for adults

Do you have a favorite activity that you have done in Grand Cayman? Is there something in Grand Cayman that you are dying to do? Let me know in the comments below.

If you are interested in learning more about cruises that go to Grand Cayman or a resort vacation just contact me above.

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

How to Spend a Port Day in Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel, Mexico is an extremely popular cruise ship port of call with almost every Western Caribbean cruise stopping here. There are a great number of ways to spend a port day in Cozumel. You barely even have to leave the ship to go shopping, find a beach, or a bite to eat. But, you will be very pleased if you venture outside of the cruise port to see more of what Cozumel has to offer.

Ways to spend a port day in Cozumel, Mexico--a picture by the sign on the pier.

Cozumel is actually on a small island right of the coast of mainland Mexico. Some cruisers enjoy taking the ferry over to Playa del Carmen and spend the day there. There are two different piers at which your ship might dock.

Punta Langosta–This the closest pier to downtown, only a 5 minute walk away. If you would like to just walk around and discover the town on your own this would be a great pier for you.
International Pier–This is the oldest of the three and is about 3 miles away from downtown. Not a bad walk if you are so inclined. The larger ships will dock here such as Royal Caribbean Oasis Class and Norwegian’s larger ships.
Puerta Maya–This pier was built by Carnival and is only used by Carnival cruise ships. There are so many shops, restaurants, and other amenities at the end of the dock that they call this area “Little Cozumel.”

As I said before, Cozumel is visited on almost every Western Caribbean itinerary. So, some days can be pretty busy (7 or 8 ships in port) and your ship might have to anchor a ways away. You will most likely tender into one of the smaller piers outside of downtown.

Ways to spend your port day in Cozumel

There are so many things to do in Cozumel I certainly cannot list them all. I have picked a few that might be interesting to you. Some are typical excursions and some are a little more out of the way.

Chankanaab National Park

The Chankanaab “National Park” is not what we might think of as a National Park but it is within the Marine National Park of Cozumel. Officially, and more aptly described, it is called the Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park. This place is full of adventure and fun for everyone. There is so much to do and will fill up an entire day.

Each cruise ship will have an excursion available here but it is also easy to do it on your own. It is only a short taxi ride away from the port. The cost of entering the park is $25 for adults and $18 for children. It may seem steep but there is so much included in the price even a sea lion and dolphin show. You also have beach access.

Some other activities include (not all are included in the cost):

Swimming Pool
Snorkeling (not the best on Cozumel as there are other awesome places but it’s decent)
Scuba diving
Crocodile exhibition
Free sea lion and dolphin show
Mayan ruins (replica) walk
Spa (with massage)
Zipline experience
Shopping
Tequila tasting experience (supposed to be excellent)

Don’t forget the beach. Yes, it will be busy but most likely you will be able to find a nice spot to relax for the day.

Ways to spend a port day in Cozumel, Mexico--map of Chakanaab Adventure Beach Park — From cozumelparks.com

San Gervasio Ruins

While Chichen Itza (recently named one of the 7 wonders of the world) and Tulum are the main Mayan sites to visit while in Cozumel they will take up your entire day since they are at least an hour and a half away. San Gervasio Ruins gives an excellent glimpse into Mayan culture without the drive.

This site has been considered the Mayan pilgrimage destination to worship the goddess “Ixchel.”

The cost to visit the ruins is $10.75. You definitely can tour the ruins on your own but many have appreciated having a guide as they learned more about the area and culture. Make sure that you wear proper footwear as the ground is sandy and sometimes unstable. There are also little creatures running around. Water and bug repellant are also recommended.

Punta Sur Eco Beach Park

Nature lovers will really enjoy Punta Sur Eco Beach Park. These 2,500 acres are home to exotic birds, crocodiles, sea turtles, flowers, and vegetation just waiting to be explored. You can also dabble in a little history at the two lighthouses (one from the pre-Hispanic era), and the history museum about the Mayans and pirates that sailed the nearby waters.

White sand beach are another draw for this park. It is a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere to spend the day.

The cost to enter the park is $18 for adults and $11 for children. For an extra cost, you can take a guided Catamaran tour. This is another place that your cruise line probably has an excursion available but you can also take a taxi the 20 miles to the park.

Snorkeling

The snorkeling in Cozumel is fantastic and is an awesome way to spend a port day! This island is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second-largest coral reef system in the world. You don’t even have to go far to find amazing sea life. Here are a few great places to dive in:

Chakanaab Reef–Part of the Adventure park about 300 yards offshore.
Paradise Reef–Close to the marine park about 600 feet from the shore. You might even see some small sharks or stingrays here.
Palancar Reef–Great for diving and exploring the caves and drop-offs.
El Cielo Reef–A shallow area that is great for beginners.
Colombia Reef–Another fabulous area for diving with huge towers of coral, caves, caverns, and sea life.

Ways to spend a port day in Cozumel, Mexico--snorkeling

Beach Day

There are number of beautiful beaches to visit on a port day in Cozumel. A few have been covered above but there are even more great places to go. If you want a more luxurious experience with many amenities then you will want to go to one of the nearby resorts. But, if you want a gorgeous beach setting you certainly can do so without spending a fortune.

Paradise Beach–A beautiful beach with lots to do. This can be an all-inclusive destination ($64 for adults, $44 for teens, and $35 for kids) or just a $3 entrance fee and then you need to purchase food or drinks. An additional Fun Pass can be purchased ($18) for the inflatable water park, trampolines, kayaks, and paddleboards.
Palancar Beach–One of the best all-around beach days on Cozumel. This beach is free but you will most likely want to spend the $10 (or so) on an umbrella and lounger and also food. Since this beach is about 13 miles away it is a little less busy but it still has all the great stuff available–shopping, restaurants, bars, and water sports. Awesome diving beach with many guides (very recommended) available.

Buy some Vanilla

In almost every store you will find some Mexican Vanilla. Shop a little carefully as the prices and quality vary greatly. Bringing home some vanilla will make for a delicious souvenier!

Do you have a favorite thing to do while in Cozumel? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

Cruise The Iron Gates of the Lower Danube

The “Lower Danube” might be a little less traveled but it has a majestic beauty that is not to be missed. The Lower Danube flows from Budapest, Hungary southeast through Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. Prior to the fall of the Iron Curtain, this part of the Danube was off-limits to tourists. Then the Balkan conflict kept the river locked off for another decade. But now, this gorgeous area is open to discovery. Taking a river cruise is a fantastic way to see the Lower Danube.

What are the Iron Gates of the Lower Danube

One of the natural wonders you will encounter on a scenic cruise down the Lower Danube is the Iron Gates. As the Danube winds its way southward it narrows down. The river flows through a magnificent gorge, the Iron Gates, between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains and forms the border between Serbia and Romania. The spectacular cliffs reach up to 130 feet high dwarfing ships in the river below.

The legend of the King

Cruise past a sculpture of King Decebalus stares out over the Lower Danube at the Iron Gates.

As you cruise down the Lower Danube you will encounter the Dacian King Decebalus staring out from above at the Iron Gates. On the Romanian side of the river, the sculpture of the last king of Dacia (modern-day Romania) looks like it has been there for centuries. But it is actually a recent addition.

The sculpture took 12 sculptors over 10 years to complete the 130 foot tall, 82 food wide visage of the king. A controversial Romanian billionare and buisnessman spearheaded this larger-than-life creation that took over one million US dollars to finish in 2004.

Across the river from the face of the last Dacian King is the Tabula Traiana plaque. The plaque commeorates the Roman Emperor Trajain’s march on Dacia. The Romans built a bridge (the first across the Danube) at this location specifically to get the troops across the river. The Romans were victorious and took charge of Dacia, treasures and all. It took many years but King Decebalus was defeated.

But now, the King has risen again! Serbia was invited to answer with their own sculpture of Trajan across the river. Then the two warriors could meet again, face-to-face, on the battlefield. Serbia was interested so the King of Dacia now reigns supreme, at least metaphorically.

Have you had a chance to see the King Decebalus in person? If not, has sailing the Lower Danube made it onto your bucket list?

If you have any questions about which itinerary to book in order to see the Iron Gates, just contact me! Click here to get answers.

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

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