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Showing posts with the label cruise ports

San Juan, Puerto Rico: 5 Things to See Near the Cruise Port

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If your cruise docks in Old San Juan, you don’t need an excursion to experience historical Puerto Rico!

All Aboard the Brightline Train

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We recently took the Brightline from Miami to Orlando after our cruise so we could visit  Universal, which is in Orlando. The train connects Orlando to South Florida with a relaxed transit. Many cruise passengers traveling to/from Orlando or Central Florida may find this easier than balancing airport-to-port ground transfers. I stepped of my cruise ship and within 5 minutes I was at the Brightline Miami Central station at 9:00 a.m. with 3 kids and luggage in tow. We checked our bags quickly, and breezed through the security check (no need to unpack or remove electronics.) Checked bags are allowed on Miami, FLL and Orlando, and it closes 30 minutes before boarding. We chose the 9:45 a.m. train. The station was sleek and modern, with a bar/cafe. You don't have to be 2 hours early like for a flight.  Once onboard, we settled into our seats in coach, car #2. It was roomy, with generous legroom and a wide tray table. Our seats faced the seats on the other side of the table. There w...

St. Thomas Excursion: Mountain Top & Coki Beach

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Stopping in the beautiful Virgin Islands while aboard your next cruise? I just visited on the Carnival Celebration. Our ship docked at Havensight in Charlotte Amalie. This is the dock where Disney, Carnival and other ships port. There is another dock in Crown Bay for Royal Caribbean ships, among others. We took a "sightseeing tour" with VI Top, booked through Viator (it's also available through the ship's excursions, TripAdvisor and more.) There are many tours to choose from here. They are mostly group tours in open-air "safari style" trucks or buses. You can also book a private tour for a higher price. This tour went to St. Peters Mountain, a.k.a. The World Famous Mountain Top, Drake's Seat and Coki Point Beach.   Here are my thoughts — what worked well, what was a bit of a headache — plus a few tips.  There are 2 cruise docks in Charlotte Amalie Our tour truck Once we debarked the ship, we were led to a small vendor area full of taxis, jeeps, and safar...

Complete Guide to Carnival's Celebration Key

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Everything you need to know for a fantastic day on Carnival’s brand-new private island destination in the Bahamas.

Sailing to Alaska on Celebrity Cruise Line: photo tour

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Join us for a breathtaking photo journey through Alaska with Kingdom Konsultant travel agents Maci and Marie as they sail aboard the luxurious Celebrity Edge!

Disney's Private Island Showdown: Lookout Cay vs. Castaway Cay

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Disney Cruise Line has long been known for its magical experiences at sea, and its private islands are no exception. With the introduction of Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point , Disney now offers two exclusive Bahamian destinations, each with its own unique charm. How does the newest island compare to the beloved Castaway Cay ? Let’s dive into the details! Getting Around Castaway Cay : This island is compact and easy to navigate, with trams running between key locations. Guests can step directly off the ship onto the island without needing tender boats. The tram ride to Serenity Bay takes about 5 minutes, making it a quick and convenient way to reach the adult beach. Lookout Cay : While it also has a dedicated dock, the walk from the ship to the tram station is longer than at Castaway Cay. The curved pier is half a mile long, resulting in a 10-15 minute walk. After reaching the tram station, guests board a tram that takes about 10 minutes to reach the beach and amenities area. Fortunat...

Ketchikan: Adventure, Culture, and Rainforest Wonders

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Ketchikan, Alaska, is often the first stop on many Inside Passage cruise itineraries, welcoming visitors with misty fjords, towering evergreens, and a rich cultural heritage.

Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas Review

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Royal Caribbean Cruise Line has many different ships, and the Ovation of the Seas truly stands out as a Quantum Class ship.

Juneau, Alaska: Glaciers, Wildlife & Adventure

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I recently sailed on the Celebrity Edge to Alaska. Among our ports stops was Juneau, Alaska’s capital city, which is unlike any other state capital in the U.S.—you can’t reach it by road!

A Week on the Disney Treasure: A Magical Family Cruise Experience

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Cruising is our family’s favorite vacation, as there is so much to do!

Skagway: Gold Rush Legends & Scenic Rail Journeys

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Stepping into Skagway feels like stepping back in time to the Klondike Gold Rush era, where fortune-seekers once flooded this town hoping to strike it rich. Today, this historic Alaskan port offers visitors a mix of rugged adventure, preserved gold rush history, and breathtaking landscapes . Whether you’re drawn to thrilling outdoor excursions or a leisurely ride along one of the most scenic railways in North America, Skagway guarantees an unforgettable port day. Skagway was the gateway to the Klondike , where thousands of prospectors arrived in the late 1890s, eager to trek the treacherous Chilkoot Trail in search of gold.  Visitors can relive the excitement of the Gold Rush era through these immersive experiences: Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park – Learn about Skagway’s pivotal role in the gold rush through restored buildings, exhibits, and ranger-led tours. Red Onion Saloon – Originally a brothel during the town’s wild frontier days, this historic saloon off...