We cruised on the Carnival Luminosa for an Alaskan cruise. We cruised for 35 days in July and the first part of August on a five-week back-to-back cruise. This was my first time on a cruise ship for a month and my first time in Alaska, and I did find several surprising Alaskan cruise things to pack. This post contains affiliate links to items I used on my Alaskan cruise. I never promote an affiliate link to an item I have not used or loved. In this post, I will share 7 Surprising Alaskan Cruise Packing List Items. Sunglasses It was surprising for me to note that sunglasses should be essential on my Alaskan packing list, especially when cruising in July and August. Well, what surprised me was that sunglasses were needed on the foggy days. We had some foggy days at sea when we could barely see the water. Even though it was so foggy out, it was super bright. Another reason to bring sunglasses is to vie icebergs and glaciers. We went through Tracy Arm Fjord every Monday, and we were out bright and early looking at the icebergs as we approached the glacier. The sun reflecting off the icebergs and the glaciers made for a really bright morning that definitely needed sunglasses. If you plan on doing a glacier excursion, you will definitely want sunglasses. Unfortunately, my glacier excursion was canceled, but I would have been thankful to have my sunglasses if I could go. Sunscreen This may not surprise you if you are thinking, well, it's July and August, and of course, you need sunscreen, but if you are like me and think of icebergs, glaciers, and anything cold when thinking of Alaska, you may not be thinking of sunscreen. I checked the weather before going, and it was anywhere from the mid-50s to mid-70s. Now, the sun can be pretty harsh in the summer, especially in July, and expect to see some upper 70s to low 80s sometimes. We did have a few days in Juneau and Skagway that reached the low 80s. The days are longer in Alaska in the summer months. The end of June in Juneau will have some of the longest days, with 18 to 19 hours of daylight. Going into July, you will still have 18 hours of sunlight, then it will go down to around 15 to 16 hours toward the end of July and the first of August. That is still a lot of sunlight hours. So, you definitely want to make sure you are protecting your skin and wearing sunscreen. Mosquito Repellent Oh, my goodness, another item I didn't bring and wish I had. Once again, when thinking of Alaska, I was thinking of the cold things and not even thinking about bugs and mosquitoes being a thing in July and August. We tried to take a hike in Juneau in July, and just wow, the mosquitoes were awful, and I am pretty sure the flies were biting, too. I spoke to our naturalist on the cruise ship, and first, let me just say that Emily, the naturalist, is amazing and full of so much information. I told her about the mosquitoes, and she said they can be pretty aggressive. We just could not do the hiking trip we set out to do on our 4th Juneau day in Alaska. We did get to see some gorgeous sites on the way up, but we just weren't going to make it through the woods. Also, we had an excursion in Skagway, the White Pass train, coupled with a visit to Liarsville, and it was a little miserable in Liarsville as it was smack in the middle of the woods. Sadly, I couldn't wait to get back on the bus and get out of there. So, don't be miserable on your Alaskan cruise in the summer; be sure to bring mosquito repellent. Gloves Well, once again, this might seem like a no-brainer when packing for Alaska. I think my mind was just all over the place when packing. I definitely was not prepared or organized when packing for this trip. I looked at the weather and saw that it was in the mid-50s to mid-70s the entire time, and I didn't think that warranted needing gloves. I was wrong! We were out early from 6:30 to 7:00am every Monday morning to watch the icebergs as we went through the fjord, and taking pics and holding the binoculars made my fingers cold. I did tell myself if I get to come back, I am not just bringing gloves, I am bringing tech gloves so I can still access my phone and camera while viewing the gorgeous sites. Plus, apparently, if I had gotten to go on my glacier excursion, I would have definitely needed them then. So, don't forget to bring gloves even if you are cruising in the summer months. Sleeping Mask Okay, okay, this isn't really a surprising factor as much as it is preference. Remember I mentioned how much sunlight you can get in the summer months of Alaska. Well, a sleeping mask helped me if I was trying to go to bed before midnight or if I wanted to sleep past 4:00 a.m. Yep, you read that right. There were some nights that the sun sat at 11:00 p.m., but you could still see the glow of the sun in the sky at midnight, and then the sun started coming up at 4:00 a.m. It is really hard to get on a sleep schedule while cruising in Alaska since 10:00 p.m. at night can easily feel like 7:00 p.m. Now, if you don't care about the sleep schedule and what time it is because you are on vacation, then totally skip past this one. Bathing Suit When on an Alaskan cruise, swimming might not be the first thing on your mind, especially if you are cruising in the early part of the season of March and April or the later part of September and October. I didn't do any swimming in Alaska, but I did swim while on the cruise ship and was happy I brought my swimsuit. Many cruise ships, such as the Carnival Luminosa, have not only heated swimming pools but also enclosed swimming areas. It was always a comfortable 80 degrees on the lido deck. The pools were always empty, so that was definitely a plus to have the chance to enjoy. I also was happy I brought my swimsuit so I could enjoy the aromatherapy spa pool in the Cloud 9 Spa area. Shorts and Flip Flops Yep, shorts and flip-flops in Alaska. I am so glad I had these with me. I definitely did not think I would need shorts and flip-flops. After reviewing the weather, I thought even if it got to the mid-70s, I would still be comfortable in my jeans. Well, I did wear my jeans most days, but on those days, the weather reached the low 80s in Juneau and Skagway, I was happy I just so happened to fly to Vegas before flying to Seattle to port out. Obviously, I am bringing shorts and flip-flops to Vegas. It was 115 degrees there on the first of July, but I didn't think I would need my shorts while in Alaska. In fact, in some of my vlogs, I started mentioning I wish I had worn my shorts and that it was pretty warm walking around the port. 6 Things You Don't Want to Forget Binoculars - Used them every day. Camera - Don't be like me and forget your SD card Rain gear/ Raincoat or umbrella - August and September are the rainiest months. Hiking Pants - I loved these pants. Some of the tour guides even wore the same ones. Hiking Shoes - Very comfortable, and you need sturdy shoes. Sling Backpack- My hubby carried it, but he loved it, especially on excursion days. I did have all 5 of these things with me, and I realized how much they were needed, and I was thankful I had them all. I do wish I had bought a better pair of binoculars, but my cheap ones got the job done. If you forget yours, they do sell some on the cruise ship. I wore my hiking pants even when I wasn't hiking, and my hiking tennis shoes were comfortable, waterproof, and nice to have when it rained. Alaska is a bucket list destination for many people, so don't do what I did. Just throw a bunch of stuff in your bag, and I hope you got it all. You will more than likely forget something or several things like I did. I have a packing list here that you can download for free to help you plan and organize your trip. Don't forget to check out YouTube for all my Alaskan cruise vlogs.

6 Things to Know if you are caught in a hurricane on your cruise. Hurricane and tropical storm season months are June through November. Cruising is fun and a great way to travel, but it is important to stay informed when cruising during storm season. Cruising during hurricane season can be a bit tricky. The good news is cruise ships are designed to handle rough seas and storms, and your crew members are trained to ensure the safety of all passengers. Watching the weather and choosing not to book during the stormy season or purchasing travel insurance just in case you feel you will be caught in rough seas and don't want to chance it are great ways to prevent being caught in a hurricane on a cruise ship. However, if you are caught in a hurricane or heavy tropical storm weather, here are 6 tips to help you stay safe and comfortable. #1 - Stay Informed Listen to the captain and crew announcements and pay attention to any updates about the storm's progress. This will help you to make informed decisions about what to do next. Listen for any changes in safety measures provided or any changes to the itinerary. If the seas are too rough, the captain might call to divert the ship to another port location or cancel port day altogether, giving you another sea day. Remember that storms can disrupt schedules and cause delays. Be patient and trust the crew's expertise in safely navigating the storm. If you booked an excursion through your cruise line, check with guest services for a refund for any excursions canceled due to weather-related issues. #2 - Stay in Your Cabin In the event of a hurricane or rough seas, it's best to stay in your cabin. The ship's interior is designed to withstand strong winds and waves, and you're safer there than on the deck. High winds and rough seas can be extremely dangerous.  During high winds, cruise lines will usually rope off areas on the top decks or doors leading to outer areas for your safety. Use handrails to maintain your balance if you need to move about the ship. Elevators may be temporarily unavailable due to the rough conditions, so be prepared to use stairs. #3 - Secure Your Belongings Make sure all loose items in your cabin are secured or stored away. This will help prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles in the event of high winds. Close and lock balcony doors, windows, and curtains to prevent water and debris from entering your cabin. #4 - Stay Hydrated Hurricanes and rough seas can cause seasickness, so staying hydrated is important. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Crew members usually place vomit bags around the ship during rough seas, such as in stairwells and restrooms. If you need anything for your room, your steward can bring some. #5 - Follow Crew Instructions The crew is trained to handle emergencies, so following their instructions is important. They will tell you what to do in the event of an emergency.  Keep your mobile phone charged and connect to the ship's communication channels for updates and instructions. *Note- This is also why attending your muster station before sailing away is important and mandatory. Your crew members will give you a rundown of what to expect if an emergency situation were to occur. #6 - Stay Calm Most importantly, stay calm. Panicking will only make the situation worse. Remember that the captain and crew are doing everything possible to keep you safe. Have you cruised in a tropical storm or hurricane? I have cruised in a tropical storm and lost one of the ports on my itinerary as the captain diverted from the heavy waves. If this happens to you, you will get your port fees back and a chance to either gain a new port or an extra sea day. Check out my YouTube channel for more cruising tips and fun.

The Caribbean is a very popular cruising destination for many cruise lines. If you are headed to the Western Caribbean, chances are Cozumel is on your itinerary. In this post, I will share with you Cozumel's popular excursions you won't want to miss. 3 Popular Shore Excursions in Cozumel Plus, something you will want to avoid when visiting Cozumel. Mr. Sanchos Beach Mr. Sanchos Beach is a very popular destination when visiting Cozumel. If you have done any research looking for what to do in Cozumel, you probably saw Mr. Sanchos pop up. I found Mr. Sanchos offered through a couple of private entities, but definitely check with your cruise line to see if Mr. Sanchos is available to book through your cruise line. Book with caution if you book through a private group. * See my 'what to avoid' later in this post. Mr. Sanchos is pretty inexpensive, coming in at around $60 per person (prices are subject to change). When visiting the beach club, you will get the chance to enjoy different activities offered, food, and lots of drinks. They will keep you full of drinks, for sure! I also found that Mr. Sanchos offers an all-inclusive romantic day pass, including a cabana on a private section of the beach. This package comes in around the $250 mark. Standup Paddle Board and Snorkeling Adventure I found this particular package on Carnival cruise lines. Still, snorkeling and paddleboarding in the Caribbean are very popular activities, and I found similar shore excursions offered through Celebrity and Royal Caribbean. You can definitely find snorkeling of some kind on any cruise line! Pricing varies by cruise line, such as if you choose to book a package to do multiple activities or separate activities. This particular package offered by Carnival is around $60 per person. It is an activity level of difficulty due to the trickiness of staying on your paddle board. I always fall off! It's a lot of fun, but you need balance. Tulum Ruins Another popular destination in Mexico is visiting the Mayan ruins. I have not had a chance to do this myself, so it is on the top of my list when I return. You can find the Tulum Mayan Ruins excursions on any cruise line. In fact, I found it on Carnival and Royal Caribbean. Carnival offers the Tulum Ruins excursion with the Cenote. It is recommended to wear slip-resistant shoes when walking through the Cenote. You do get a chance to relax and swim while there. Time from Cozumel is approximately a 45-minute ferry ride. I like this idea. For me, I would much rather be on a boat headed to my excursion than a bus for sure. Always double-check the time it takes to get to times to your excursion, as this will take away from the overall duration of the excursion. I like to pick excursions less than an hour from the port. The ferry ride can heighten that sensitivity if you are prone to motion sickness. Be sure you are taking precautions when riding the ferry so it doesn't ruin your day at port. What to Avoid Arriving at the ship late! You don't want to arrive late. You can avoid this by booking excursions through your cruise line. Now, I know I mentioned private shore excursions, and there is nothing wrong with that, but you should always be aware of the ship's time. The ship does not have to wait for you! Don't be a pier runner! I see this EVERY time I visit Cozumel. If you are booking your first trip to Cozumel, stand out on the ship's deck and watch for late arrivals. I am sure you will see one or two pier runners. Be sure to visit my YouTube channel for more fun in Mexico.

Enjoying St. Thomas U.S. Virgin Islands without an excursion. St. Thomas was on our itinerary when cruising Carnival Celebration, and we wanted to explore the beautiful scenery without booking an excursion, so we bought a ticket and took the Skyride to Paradise Point. But was it worth it? The Top 3 things you can do at St. Thomas Paradise Point. Things to know before you go. The Skyride is just a short walk from the boat. Approximately 3 miles with a 10-minute walk. You can get a taxi from the port area if you don't want to walk. The Skyride opens at 9:00 am. Cost $24.95 (adult) and $16.95 (child) as of May 2023 Some cruise lines offer a discounted rate if you book the tickets through them. 7-minute tram ride to the top of Paradise Point They will operate rain or shine but may shut down if winds are too strong. 3 Things You Can Do at Paradise Point 1. Enjoy the Beautiful Scenery from the Skywalk. As soon as you reach the top, you are immediately engulfed in the beautiful views and scenery all around. Paradise Point is a couple stories high, and the gondola will drop you off at the highest point. You can see the views from anywhere at Paradise Point or walk out on the skywalk and get some breathtaking unobstructed views of St. Thomas. The Skywalk, is it scary? Paradise Point is approximately 700ft above the town. The Skyride has been around since 1981 and is a top scenic attraction for viewing the St. Thomas Virgin Islands. However, you might not want to walk out on the skywalk. 2. Restaurants and Bar Area Paradise Point offers one restaurant, Taste, and bar area to enjoy. At Taste, you can enjoy delicious Caribbean food and their signature drink, the Bushwacker. Along with their delicious food and drinks, you can sit and enjoy the beautiful views of St. Thomas. The Bushwacker is a frozen coffee-flavored drink with rum and Kahlo. St. Thomas is known for their Bushwackers, as the famous drink was invented in St. Thomas in 1975. 3. Souvenirs and Shops Paradise Point has several shops where you can purchase souvenirs from St. Thomas or buy that cute Caribbean handbag or dress. Is it Worth It? For many people, Paradise Point is worth it, as it is the top scenic attraction in St. Thomas. However, on average, people stay anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and a half, usually enough time to take a few pics, eat lunch, and grab a drink. The Skyride is open from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm, and you can stay as long as you would like; just be sure you have enough time to get back to the ship before departure. Will this be on your agenda when visiting St. Thomas? To see more things to do on your Caribbean cruise, visit my YouTube channel.

Cruising to your favorite destinations is a dream, but back-to-back cruising is definitely living the dream for a traveler. On the last day of your cruise, have you ever said to yourself, I wish it wasn't ending, or I wonder what it would be like to stay on the ship? I love cruising on back-to-back cruises! So, let's talk about what back-to-back cruising is and 5 reasons why your next cruise should be a back-to-back cruise. Back-to-Back cruising and 5 reasons you should book this regardless of your cruise line choice. What is a back-to-back cruise? Back-to-back cruising, also referred to as B2B in many social media platforms such as Facebook, is booking two or more consecutive cruises, one right after the other. Typically, a back-to-back cruise is booked on the same ship. You can book a repositioning cruise right before or after another cruise. What is repositioning cruise? A repositioning cruise is a one-way cruise when a cruise ship leaves one port and docks at another. You can choose to fly home from there or take another cruise with a different itinerary. itinerary 1. Back-to-Back Cruising Can Save You Money Back-to-back cruising can save you money in the long run rather than booking two or three separate cruises individually.  For instance, you will save on airfare and hotel stays since you only have to book that once. Let's face it that can really add up. Plus, you might be able to get a better choice of cabins. Tip: When booking your back-to-back cruise, talk to the cruise line or your travel agent and let them know you want to book a back-to-back cruise and see if they have any deals or special rates you can take advantage of. 2. You Will Have More Time to Explore the Ship Let's face it: even if you're on a seven or eight-day cruise, there's a lot to see and do on a cruise ship. Booking a back-to-back cruise will allow you to relax and take it all in as you choose without feeling rushed. If you are on the ship for another week, you won't feel like you have to see and do everything all at once, leaving you more time to live the dream. Now, I will say when I did my back-to-back cruise on the Carnival Liberty, we were the only ones on the ship for almost an hour before everyone else started coming on. Tip: Take advantage of this time being on the ship with fewer people. This is a time you can take pics or just look around the ship. 3. Opportunity for a Different Itinerary Back-to-back cruising can allow you to see new destinations by choosing two cruises with different itineraries. For example, you could find a cruise ship headed to the Western Caribbean one week and then to the Eastern Caribbean the next. There are a lot of destinations to see in the Caribbean alone. So, if you cruised to the Eastern Caribbean the first week and headed there the second week, you might still hit a different port in that area. What if I can't get a different itinerary? Unfortunately, sometimes cruise ships have the same itinerary back-to-back weeks, and if you don't have the flexibility to change those travel days, you might end up with the same itinerary both weeks. Is this a bad thing? Absolutely Not! I love getting the same itinerary and visiting the same places multiple times. In fact, I did it for five weeks when we did our five-week back-to-back Alaskan cruise. The same itinerary can offer you the following: Save money on excursions. Book one excursion for one week, then the next week, explore the area without an excursion. Explore New Entries: Returning to the same port allows you to explore new places to eat. Stay on the Boat: Many avid cruisers will say they love the opportunity to stay on the boat on port day and enjoy the boat with fewer people. The cruise ship usually still offers different activities on port days for those staying on, such as trivia. 4. Unpack Once The benefit of back-to-back cruising is that you only have to unpack once. However, if you have to change staterooms, you must pack up to move rooms. Unfortunately, this is always me on a back-to-back cruise. Since I book my cruises with casino cruise offers, I book at the last minute and rarely can find the same room available two weeks in a row. Tip: Let your steward know you are doing a back-to-back cruise. If you have to change staterooms, they will take your luggage to your next room. Tip: You can request to have the same room when booking your cruise Tip: If you want to try and get the same room, I recommend booking early 5. Earn Cruise Loyalty Points You can rack up your cruise points for that cruise line when back-to-back cruises. For instance, we went from a Red card to a Gold card while doing our back-to-back cruise on the Carnival Liberty. Loyalty points and rewards are different for each cruise line. What should I expect on Debarkation Day? This day is really exciting when you are doing a back-to-back cruise. You don't have to pack up and wait in lines to leave the ship. So, what is the process for back-to-back cruising? My process when back-to-back cruising with Carnival: They will leave you a letter in your stateroom or mailbox the day before about debarkation day. Usually, all back-to-back cruisers meet in a central location like the theatre. On a couple of my cruises, we had to wait until all passengers were off the ship. When cruising out of Seattle, that was not the case. We were already checked back into our next week of cruising while passengers were still disembarking. When walking off the ship, we walked back through the terminal, passports were checked, and then we walked right back on. That's it! - Sometimes, this process can take a few minutes or a couple of hours. My B2B on my Alaskan cruise was a little different. We cruised out of Seattle for our Alaskan cruise, and you don't have to leave the ship at all if you are cruising out of Seattle. The great thing about this is you can go right back to your room and relax once you have scanned your sail and sign card; you're all good. I was really impressed with the back-to-back process on our Alaskan cruise out of Seattle. Carnival Treats Their Back-to-Back Cruisers When we returned to the ship, we received a mimosa from the bar. Carnival will also take your picture. When we were on the Liberty, they took it right before we went off and back on the boat, and when we did our B2B on the Celebration, they gave us a voucher for a free picture. Later that day, champagne and fruit were delivered to our room. Ready to book your B2B? Check out my YouTube channel for more cruising fun and tips, along with ship reviews to help you decide if a B2B is right for you.

Four popular shore excursions that are all close to the Costa Maya port of call. Costa Maya is located on the Yucatán Peninsula and is known for its beautiful turquoise waters. There is a lot to see and do just at the port, but if you are looking to book a shore excursion when cruising to Costa Maya, then I have four popular shore excursions I want to share with you, plus one that you won't even have to leave the port for. Let's talk about some of Costa Maya's best shore excursions available to book through your cruise line. All of these excursions are close to the port, which is a big deal as you don't want to spend too much time with transportation; this way, you can get to your excursion and let the fun begin. Chacchoben Mayan Ruins When looking up what to do in Costa Maya, you might have seen the Mayan Ruins come up. The Mayan Ruins are a very popular destination when visiting Mexico. In fact, multiple cruise lines offer Mayan Ruin excursions. This popular excursion can be booked privately or through your cruise line. I have seen the Chacchoben Mayan ruins offered on cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity, and NCL just to name a few. Prices do vary by the cruise line and the packages they offer for the excursion. Carnival's Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Uchbenkah Lake offer is considered a difficult activity level. It is highly recommended to wear sturdy walking shoes when visiting any Mayan Ruins shore excursion. You will be doing a lot of walking! Carnival offers its ruins excursion package at approximately $140 per person, including snacks and time to relax on the beach after walking around the ruins. ATV Jungle and Beach If you are looking for an adventurous excursion, you might like the ATV excursion. Offered on multiple cruise lines in various packages, the prices range within the $100 a person range. Carnival Cruise Lines offers an ATV Beach Break with a chance to go off-roading on your ATV and enjoy an open bar after riding ATVs. Norwegian Cruise Line offers an ATV Jungle Beach Adventure where you can go off-roading through Costa Maya's jungle. Mexican Salsa Experience If you are more of a foodie and looking for a food experience while visiting Costa Maya, you can find lots of chances to taste some delicious authentic Mexican cuisine. Celebrity Cruises offers a Mexican Salsa Experience and Beach Break. Here, you will get the chance to learn how to make delicious salsa and learn how to Salsa dance as well. Celebrity's excursion offers the chance to relax by the beach after enjoying making salsa and learning how to dance. Not cruising Celebrity? Don't worry. A lot of other cruise lines offer salsa or guacamole-making excursions. This is also a very popular excursion offered when visiting Cozumel as well. Swimming with the Dolphins Swimming with the dolphins is a very popular excursion to book when visiting anywhere in the Caribbean. However, I chose this excursion as the best shore excursion for Costa Maya due to its close proximity. Dolphin Discovery is located at the port of Costa Maya. With the Cruise ships behind the pool, you will swim with the dolphins overlooking the cruise ships, and you are sure to get the most out of your time when visiting Dolphin Discovery at the Costa Maya port. You don't have to book through your cruise line. You can book straight through Dolphin Discovery and usually receive a cheaper price. I usually don't recommend booking through a private entity, but with the close proximity to the ship, you won't have to worry about being late. You don't want to be a pier runner, so the Dolphin Discovery Excursion might be the best way to optimize your time at the port. For more excursions and fun things to do in Mexico, be sure to visit my YouTube channel.

Haines, Alaska, nestled in the stunning southeastern region of the state, charms visitors with its small-town allure. During our five-week back-to-back Alaskan cruise, we had just one port of call in Haines, highlighting its rarity on typical Alaskan itineraries. Nevertheless, when the opportunity arises to visit this gem of a town, I wholeheartedly advocate for seizing it and immersing yourself in its beauty. Therefore, if you're considering exploring Haines excursions on your Alaskan cruise journey, allow me to present three popular shore excursions that are sure to enrich your bucket list cruise experience. Bear and Eagle Sightings Excursion The perfect way to explore Haines on your Alaskan Cruise is by booking one of the top shore excursions, a bear and eagle sighting experience. Alaska is home to one of the largest congregations of eagles in the world, and you can witness these magnificent creatures up close. Whether you visit in October or any other time of the year, you are guaranteed to encounter these majestic birds. During our summer visit to Haines, Alaska, we spotted an eagle right at the port, just in front of the cruise ships. The sight was truly awe-inspiring. Check with your cruise line to find out what bear and eagle sighting shore excursions they offer. From personal experience, I can recommend the options available on Royal Caribbean, Holland America, and Carnival Cruise Lines. On these excursions, you'll embark on a bus ride to the Chilkoot River, accompanied by a knowledgeable naturalist who provides fascinating insights about the local wildlife. As you gaze out of the bus windows, you can spot bears and eagles in their natural habitat. To top it off, a picnic lunch awaits you at the end of the excursion, making it a perfect day trip for nature lovers. Eagle Preserve Rafting Excursion If you're looking for a more relaxed excursion, consider the Eagle Preserve Rafting experience. Carnival Cruise Lines offers this unique opportunity to float through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. While leisurely cruising along the river, you can simply sit back, unwind, and watch the bald eagles soar through the sky. The breathtaking scenery of the preserve adds to the tranquility of the experience. If this specific excursion is not available on your chosen cruise line, be sure to inquire about other bald eagle excursions they may offer. You won't want to miss witnessing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Davidson Glacier Wilderness Safari An excursion that should be on every nature enthusiast's list is the Davidson Glacier Wilderness Safari. Offered by Carnival Cruise Line, this adventure takes you on a cruise along the scenic Lynn Canal, where you'll be treated to stunning views and sightings of bald eagles in flight. The highlight of the excursion is the opportunity to hike to your canoe and paddle your way to the majestic Davidson Glacier. Imagine getting up close and personal with a glacier, surrounded by the breathtaking wilderness of Alaska. To make the experience even more memorable, a beach picnic lunch is provided at the end of the excursion. Alaska is a place of incredible natural beauty, and planning your excursions is essential to fully immerse yourself in all it offers. Whether you choose a bear and eagle sighting adventure, enjoy a leisurely rafting trip through the Eagle Preserve, or embark on a wilderness safari to the Davidson Glacier, each excursion promises to be a unique and unforgettable experience. Make sure to plan ahead and book your preferred excursions so that you don't miss out on any of the wonders that await you in Alaska. For more Alaskan shore excursions, check out my Shore Excursions Around the World for ideas to help you plan your perfect bucket-list Alaskan cruise. What's your must-see and do when visiting Alaska?

Nassau, Bahamas is a gorgeous and beautiful area known for its crystalline waters. As the capital of the Bahamas, it is one of the most popular cruising destinations in the Caribbean. In this blog, I will explore some of the top shore excursions and discover different things to do in Nassau, Bahamas, that you won't want to miss. Top Things to Do in Nassau, Bahamas 1. Atlantis Looking for some things to do when visiting Atlantis in Nassau? You can easily book a day pass from your cruise line, as it is offered on all cruise lines. The day passes range from around $100 to $300, depending on your chosen package. At Atlantis, you can enjoy water rides, multiple pools, and the iconic marine life. Don't forget to explore the beautiful beaches surrounding Atlantis. It is a breathtaking and relaxing way to spend your day. 2. Snorkeling Excursion If you're a fan of snorkeling and want to experience the pristine waters of the Bahamas, a snorkeling excursion is a perfect choice. All cruise lines offer various snorkeling excursions with different options, such as catamaran sailings and lunch included. Take the time to explore the reefs and encounter tropical fish. It's a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy the underwater world. 3. Pearl Island If Atlantis is not your cup of tea, or if you're not into snorkeling, then Pearl Island is another fantastic option. Just a 30-minute boat ride from the port, Pearl Island offers a beautiful beach area where you can relax and unwind. You can book additional activities such as snorkeling or even swimming with the pigs. It's a serene and picturesque location that is definitely worth a visit. Whether you choose to visit Atlantis, embark on a snorkeling adventure, or relax on Pearl Island, there are plenty of exciting shore excursions to enjoy in Nassau, Bahamas. The crystal-clear waters and beautiful beaches make it an ideal destination for cruise travelers. Which shore excursion will you choose? Check out my YouTube channel for more of the Bahamas and other Caribbean fun.

We are headed to Seattle for a 5-week back-to-back Alaskan cruise on the Carnival Luminosa. My husband and I live in Florida and decided to fly to Vegas for a few days before heading to Seattle for our month-long Alaskan cruise. We always enjoy visiting Vegas; it is a great way to break up the long flying time from Florida to Washington. How did we stay so long for our Alaskan cruise? This is the number one question I got. Well, that and how did you get the time off work to cruise for over a month? Well, long story short, we gambled. We cruised and gambled a lot in the Carnival casino on our previous cruises, which allowed us to receive cheaper cruising offers. For instance, we only paid taxes and gratuities for this 5-week back-to-back cruise. So, we actually saved over $20,000, including the stay and amenities we received, and three of our five weeks were an Elite cruise. If you want to learn more about what an Elite cruise is or the offers we receive when gambling, be sure to check out my post on how I save money when cruising. As for the question of how I was able to take so much time off work, well, I am fortunate to work remotely, and this affords me the flexibility of traveling. In my vlogs throughout my trip, I mentioned several times having to log on to a Zoom call early in the morning. Flying Out We flew from Vegas to Seattle very early in the morning to have ample time to make it to the ship for our 10:00 am boarding time. It is NOT recommended to fly out on the day of your cruise. You should always ensure you allow plenty of time when flying and the unfortunate possibility of flight delays and cancellations. Definitely don't risk flying out the same day during the holiday season. I guess we just wanted to continue gambling, but luckily for us, we were much luckier with on-time flight departures than we were in the Vegas casino. Two Things to Do as Soon as You Board: Go to Muster: It is mandatory for everyone. The ship cannot sail away until everyone goes to muster. So, just go when you first board and get it over with! 2. Eat: You may be tempted to explore the ship when you first board, but if you're hungry, go eat. Many cruise ships close buffets and some restaurants when sailing away. If you don't eat, you will have to wait for dinner, which may be a different option. Things You Can Do on Embarkation Day Sail Away Party Explore the Ship Make Dining Reservations for your stay. Make Spa Reservations for your stay. Lounge by the Pool Unpack and Unwind Since our first week on the Luminosa was an Elite week, we attended the private Sail Away party they offered Elite cruising guests, and then we turned in and called it an early night. After waking up early to catch our flight, we were exhausted. - Flying always exhausts me. I actually hate to fly, which is why I cruise so much, especially out of Florida. Elite cruising guests can take advantage of free room service, so yep, you guessed it. It was room service and movies in bed before passing out! Excited about day 2 of our journey and the first full day at sea. For more of my month-long Alaskan cruise journey, check out my YouTube.

Top 3 Popular shore excursions you can do when visiting Progresso in the Yucatan Peninsula. Progreso is one of the newest ports in Mexico for cruise ships located on the northern end of the Yucatan Peninsula. In fact, the pier is famous for being the longest in the world at four miles long. Luckily, when your cruise ship docks, there is a shuttle waiting to take you down the long pier to the city. The shuttle ride will take you about 10-15 minutes to get to the city. Once you have been dropped off in the city, you can walk around and explore or walk to some of the nearby beaches. If an excursion is what you are looking for when visiting Progreso, then that is what I have for you here. Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins Anywhere you go in Mexico, you will have the opportunity to book a Mayan ruins excursion. The Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins are very popular to visit when in the Yucatan area. All cruise lines offer a variation of excursions to see the ruins. For example, you can book a Chichen Itza Mayan Ruin excursion coupled with the Sacred Cenote. After visiting the capital of the Mayan empire and walking around all of the ancient pyramids, you can take a dip in the cool waters of the cenote. Caveat: There is a lot of walking when you book an excursion like this, and this particular excursion is typically 2 hours from the Yucatan Progresso port. So, you will want to keep in mind that the majority of your excursion will be traveling there and back. Food Excursions If you are more of a foodie and would like to experience some of the authentic food in the area, then you may want to look into booking a food excursion. Several cruise lines, such as Carnival, will offer a food experience. Take a walking tour through "Paseo de Montejo" and experience and learn about the culture while tasting some great food. Segway Beach Tour If you are into lounging a little more, then this might be for you. Once you get into the city, your tour guide will provide you with a segway, and you will ride down the Progreso boardwalk and take in the beautiful views. Don't worry if you have never ridden a Segway before; they will teach you. After riding your segway down the boardwalk, you can enjoy the beach pass to lounge at the beach for the remainder of your time. These excursions have been found to be offered by all cruise lines. However, you can also book each of these through a private entity. I always warn you to proceed with caution when booking with a private group. Just be sure to keep track of the ship's time. You don't want to be late, and be a pier runner, LOL. That is a super long pier to run down! To see more Caribbean fun and shore excursions, you can book when cruising to the Caribbean, be sure to check out my YouTube channel. ,

Setting Sail on the Carnival Legend Arriving at Reagan International Airport We just arrived at the Reagan International Airport after a long journey from Vegas to Charlotte and then to Reagan International Airport. It's early morning, around 9:30, and we are exhausted from our overnight flight. Our Journey Cruise doesn't depart until 2:30, so we have time to kill. Waiting for an Uber to pick us up and take us to the port. Once we arrive, we'll sit at the port, hoping they let us on the ship early. Have you ever arrived at the cruise port several hours early, hoping for the chance to board early? Welcome Aboard the Carnival Legend Journey Cruise After a long wait, we finally got into our room. We have a basic balcony room with a king bed. The tables in the room are lower than I'm used to, so I may need to adjust them. Unfortunately, there are no USB ports or outlets beside the bed, which is inconvenient. The balcony offers a nice view, and the room has standard storage space. The bathroom is bright and similar to what you would find on older ships. Overall, the room is comfortable and will be our home for 14 days. Exploring the Ship on Embarkation Day I'm really enjoying the Legend so far. The Italian-themed decorations are beautiful, and everything is laid out well. I can't wait to share more about the ship with you. After settling into our room, I decided to grab a bite to eat. We still have time before we set sail, so I'll take this opportunity to fill my stomach. Do you like to eat before setting sail on embarkation day? Enjoying the Evening After a quick nap, I woke up to a stunning sunset. We're not far from Baltimore, and we've been sailing for a little over an hour. Embarkation day has been smooth overall, despite waiting an hour outside the port in the hot sun. The temperature is still in the low 80s but feels like 90. I quickly changed into shorts to beat the heat. For the rest of the evening, we plan to explore the ship and see what it has to offer. We're looking for the perfect spot to relax, have a drink, and enjoy the evening hours. With so many different places on the ship, it's a bit overwhelming, especially since we were used to a particular spot for relaxing on the previous ship. However, the vibe here is already relaxed and laid back, perfect for our six sea days ahead. Have you ever cruised on a Journey Cruise? Getting to Know the Ship We've enjoyed walking around the ship and familiarizing ourselves with its layout. One highlight of the evening was the piano bar. Unlike the one on the previous ship, this piano bar is enclosed, giving it a different ambiance. We had a great time there, and we may return tomorrow night. Tomorrow will be our first sea day, and I can't wait to see what the ship has in store for us. It's a 14-day journey, which may seem long, but it will fly by. We're determined to make the most of every moment and find the perfect spot to relax and enjoy our time onboard. If you want to see more on my Greenland cruise, check out my vlogs on YouTube.

What to do on your Carnival Legend Journey to Nanortalik, Greenland? Journey Cruise to Nanortalik We find ourselves in the picturesque village of Nanortalik, located in Greenland. Exploring this quaint little town, home to around 800 people, Nanortalik Greenland offers breathtaking views of icebergs and natural beauty. Our journey to Nanortalik took us approximately five and a half days at sea, covering a distance of about 2,000 miles from Baltimore. As we approach the town, we are greeted by numerous icebergs floating in the water, starkly contrasting to what we encountered in Alaska. Exploring the Village in Nanortalik Once we disembarked from the ship, we took a water shuttle to reach the town port. The village's small size creates a close-knit community atmosphere, and we can't help but be charmed by the cafes, shops, and the cozy one-stop grocery store. Walking through the village, we passed by charming houses that encircle the entire village. The longest road in Greenland is only 22 miles, and none of the towns are accessible by land. The only way to reach Greenland is by boat, plane, or birth, haha. Our interactions with the friendly locals leave a lasting impression on us. Discovering the Local Delights During our day in Nanortalilk, we sampled some of the local delicacies. We purchased two local beers and delicious chocolate milk at the local grocery store, all of which cost us $20 in American currency. The village also offers handmade crafts and souvenirs created by the talented locals. One of the highlights of our visit was visiting a local hotel restaurant, where we indulged in a delightful Irish coffee. The cozy bar provided a perfect relaxing spot to enjoy the local beverages. We also discovered that purchasing a beer at the hotel bar granted us access to free Wi-Fi. Whale Blubber and Seal While savoring the ambiance of the cozy hotel bar, locals shared insights into Arctic delicacies: whale blubber and seal. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to try traditional Arctic cuisine? Intrigued, I ordered a sampler platter featuring seal meat, whale blubber, cod, and salmon. As I surveyed the array of bites, I deliberated between starting with fish or seal. Opting for the seal, its initial jerky-like taste surprised me, offering a tender yet chewy texture. Conversely, whale blubber lacked discernible flavor. The small portion made it like a blubber pill - quite hard to bite into! Fortunately, the Arctic fish provided a delightful contrast, with a subtle smokiness that served as a refreshing palate cleanser after the seal and I highly recommend trying the whale blubber and seal if you visit Greenland. A visit to the town's museum is a must, as it grants access to breathtaking views of the surrounding area, including icebergs, rolling green grass, and stunning landscapes. Farewell to Nanortalik After a day filled with exploration and cultural immersion, it was time for us to bid farewell to Nanortalik. We thoroughly enjoyed our time in the charming village and cherish the memories we made. It is absolutely gorgeous countryside. We were grateful to experience the beauty of Greenland and interact with its welcoming residents. Looking Ahead Preparing to leave Nanortalik, we were left with much anticipation for the next day when we would arrive in Qaqortac. What will Qaqortoc have to offer? If you are planning a journey cruise to Greenland, click the YouTube video to see more of Nanortalik.