Author: northernvikingexplorer

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Carnival Jubilee Day 5: Rain, Reefs, and Dinner at Cucina del Capitano ๐Ÿšขโš“

Carnival Jubilee Caribbean Cruise: Mahogany Bay (Isla Tropicale) Snorkeling - Day 5 Vlog

If you have ever been on a cruise, you know that Mother Nature doesn’t always check your itinerary! โ›ˆ๏ธ On Day 5 of our Carnival Jubilee cruise, we arrived at Mahogany Bay (Isla Tropicale) and were hit by a massive rain storm as soon as we got off the ship. ๐ŸŒง๏ธ

We didn’t let the weather stop us from exploring! We spent the morning checking out the shops in the village and walking the nature paths. While the rain let up for a bit, it actually came back even worse after lunch. ๐Ÿ›๏ธ๐ŸŒฟ

Snorkeling at Mahogany Bay: A Hidden Gem ๐Ÿคฟ๐Ÿ 

Once the weather finally cleared, we headed straight for the water. If you are visiting Mahogany Bay and want to find some good snorkeling, here is our best tip: Head to the far end and out on the pier. ๐ŸŒŠ

People preparing to snorkel from the wooden pier at Mahogany Bay, Roatan, with a lifeguard station under a red umbrella in the center.
Getting ready to jump in! Head to the far end of the pier for the best snorkeling access at Mahogany Bay.

The reefs were beautiful and it was a lot of fun to watch the fish swimming through the reefs. It turned out to be a great way to spend the afternoon before heading back to the ship! ๐Ÿšโœจ

Dinner at Cucina del Capitano ๐Ÿ

Back onboard the Carnival Jubilee, we decided to change things up for dinner. We visited Cucina del Capitano for their included Italian dining. The atmosphere is cozy and the food is the perfect comfort meal after a long day at port. It is a great spot to enjoy a sit-down meal that feels like a specialty experience but is actually complimentary on the Jubilee! ๐Ÿ˜‹๐Ÿท

A Night of Celebration ๐ŸŽญ๐Ÿ’ƒ

The entertainment on the Jubilee continues to impress us! We ended our night at Center Stage for the “A Night of Celebration” featuring the Rio Carnival show. The energy, the costumes, and the aerial talent were top-notch. To top it all off, we headed to the theater for a round of Family Feud Live, which is always a highlight for a laugh. ๐ŸŽค๐ŸŽ‰

Watch the Full Day 5 Vlog ๐Ÿ“ฝ๏ธ๐Ÿฟ

Want to see the rain storms, the snorkeling, and the shows for yourself? Check out the full video below:

WATCH: Carnival Jubilee Day 5 – Mahogany Bay Snorkeling & Rio Carnival

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Unforgettable Day in Costa Maya: Nacional Beach Club & “Soulbound” on the Carnival Jubilee! ๐Ÿšข

Carnival Jubilee Caribbean Cruise: Costa Maya & Nacional Beach Club - Day 4 Vlog ๐ŸŒด

Join us for Day 4 on the Carnival Jubilee as we visit Costa Maya and the Nacional Beach Club! ๐ŸŒŠ After getting off the ship, we explored the Costa Maya port for a few minutes before taking a taxi over to the beach club. We booked our visit to the Nacional Beach Club through Resort for a Day. If you are looking for a day pass option in Costa Maya, here is how our day went.

๐Ÿ›’ Book the Nacional Beach Club Costa Maya with Resort For A Day (Affiliate) https://lddy.no/1maq3

A turquoise plunge pool in the foreground reflecting tall palm trees against a cloudy sky at the Nacional Beach Club in Costa Maya, Mexico.
Relaxing by the plunge pool at the Nacional Beach Club in Costa Maya. ๐ŸŒด๐ŸŒŠ

Our Day at the Nacional Beach Club ๐ŸŒด๐Ÿ–๏ธ

Once we arrived at the beach club, we settled in with our Resort Day Pass. This gave us dedicated loungers on the beach and access to a plunge pool to cool off. โ˜€๏ธ

The all-inclusive setup included fruit platters and unlimited drinks. For lunch, they served a spread of nachos, fajitas, and seasonal lobster. ๐ŸŒฎ๐Ÿฆž It was a good way to spend the day at the beach before heading back to the ship for sail away.

Evening on the Jubilee ๐ŸŽญ๐ŸŽธ

Once we were back on the Carnival Jubilee, we had dinner in the Pacific Restaurant. ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ

The evening entertainment was a highlight of the day. We went to the Jubilee Theater for “Soulbound” by Playlist Productions, which featured great singing and visual effects. We ended the night up on the Lido Deck for the 80s Rock and Glow Party. ๐Ÿ•บโšก๏ธ It was a solid end to our fourth day on the ship.

Click here to watch our Carnival Jubilee Day 4 Vlog: Costa Maya & Nacional Beach Club!

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Carnival Jubilee Day 3: Cozumel Snorkeling at El Cid and ChiBang! Dinner

Carnival Jubilee Caribbean Cruise: Cozumel El Cid & ChiBang! Dinner - Day 3 Vlog

Day 3 of our 7-night Western Caribbean cruise on the Carnival Jubilee brought us to the beautiful island of Cozumel, Mexico! ๐Ÿšข We had an incredible day exploring a local resort and enjoying the unique dining experiences back on the ship.

Easy Port Access to El Cid La Ceiba

For our Cozumel excursion, we decided to visit El Cid La Ceiba. One of the best parts about this location is how convenient it is. It was an easy 10-minute walk from the Puerta Maya port where the Carnival Jubilee docks. We booked our pass through Resort for a Day, which made the entire experience seamless.

๐Ÿ›’ Book the El Cid Resort Cozumel with Resort For A Day (Affiliate) https://lddy.no/1maq3

A sunny, wide-angle view of El Cid La Ceiba Beach Hotel in Cozumel, Mexico, showing blue lounge chairs lined up along a stone sea wall next to clear turquoise water, with a tall white hotel building and thatched-roof palapas under a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds.
Our home base for Day 3 in Cozumel! ๐ŸŒŠ El Cid La Ceiba is a beautiful resort just a short 10-minute walk from where the Carnival Jubilee docks. We had such a relaxing time enjoying the pools, the incredible ocean views, and some world-class snorkeling right off the shore. โš“๏ธ๐ŸŒด

Snorkeling and Relaxation

Our day pass included all of our food and drinks, allowing us to relax without a worry. ๐Ÿน๐ŸŒฎ We spent the afternoon enjoying the pools and jumping into the ocean for some fantastic snorkeling in the crystal clear Caribbean water. For lunch, we enjoyed a full spread of delicious fajitas and nachos right by the water before making our way back to the ship.

Evening Fun on the Carnival Jubilee

The excitement continued once we were back on board. We headed over to ChiBang! for a delicious Chinese dinner. During our meal, we were treated to a surprise performance by dancing dragons, which was a huge highlight of the night! ๐Ÿ‰ To wrap up an amazing Day 3, we joined the crowd at Center Stage for the Lone Star Tailgate party. ๐Ÿค ๐ŸŽธ

Watch the Full Day 3 Vlog

If you are planning a trip on the Carnival Jubilee or looking for a great Cozumel excursion, check out our full video including El Cid and our evening on the ship!

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/wvD5HbcBM_g

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Carnival Jubilee Day 2: Our First Sea Day Fun & Formal Night! ๐Ÿšข๐Ÿ‘”

Carnival Jubilee Caribbean Cruise: Sea Day Fun & Formal Night - Day 2 Vlog

For our first sea day on the Carnival Jubilee, we had a full schedule of activities and entertainment. We started the morning by heading to Center Stage to watch “The Morning Wave” show being filmed live on board.

Sea Day Brunch & Afternoon Activities ๐Ÿณโ›ณ๏ธ

We went for Sea Day Brunch in the Pacific Dining Room to start our morning. Afterward, we spent the afternoon enjoying the ship’s outdoor amenities, including a round of complimentary mini golf and some relaxation soaking in the sun on the lower decks. This was a great way to spend the afternoon at sea.

A family playing mini golf on the outdoor deck of the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship with the BOLT roller coaster track and the ocean in the background.
Testing our skills at the complimentary mini golf course on the top deck of the Carnival Jubilee! โ›ณ๏ธ๐Ÿšข

Formal Night Dinner & Entertainment ๐Ÿ‘”๐ŸŽญ

In the evening, we got dressed up for our first formal night on the Jubilee. Dinner in the main dining room featured favorites like the escargot and the duet of filet mignon and short rib.

We capped off the night with plenty of entertainment, including the “Dear Future Husband” production show and some laughs at the Punchliner Comedy Club. It was a busy first day at sea from start to finish.

Watch the Full Day 2 Vlog

You can check out our full experience of Day 2 on the Carnival Jubilee here:

Watch Our Carnival Jubilee Day 2 (Sea Day) Vlog Here!

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Carnival Jubilee Caribbean Cruise: Embarkation Day & Sail Away – Day 1 ๐Ÿšข๐ŸŒด

Carnival Jubilee Caribbean Cruise: Embarkation Day & Sail Away - Day 1 Vlog

If you have been dreaming of a vacation on the Carnival Jubilee, our Day 1 vlog is officially live and ready for you to watch! โš“๏ธ We are taking you along for our full 7-night Western Caribbean journey, starting right at the beginning in Galveston, Texas. ๐Ÿค 

From the second we stepped onto the newest ship in the Carnival fleet, the energy was incredible! ๐Ÿ›ณ๏ธ If you are planning your own cruise, this video shows you exactly what to expect on embarkation day. ๐ŸŒŠ

๐Ÿ‘‰ Watch Carnival Jubilee: Embarkation Day & Sail Away – Day 1 Vlog ๐Ÿ”—

Whatโ€™s in the Day 1 Vlog? ๐ŸŽฅ

We packed a lot into our first day on board:

  • Galveston Embarkation: A smooth start to the trip, including the Muster check-in process. ๐ŸŽซ
  • Exploring Center Stage: Taking our first look at the massive and beautiful heart of the ship. โœจ
  • Lunch at Summer Landing: We grabbed a delicious, complimentary BBQ meal at Guyโ€™s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouseโ€”a must-visit spot on the Jubilee! ๐Ÿ–โš“๏ธ
  • Ocean View Cabin Tour: We checked into Room 4293 on Deck 4. Weโ€™ll show you the full layout and the view from this stateroom. ๐Ÿ›๏ธ๐Ÿ™๏ธ
  • Sail Away Party: Saying goodbye to Texas from the Lido deck with plenty of music and fun! ๐Ÿฅณ๐ŸŽถ
  • Dinner & Entertainment: Finishing the night with a meal at the Pacific Restaurant followed by comedy and shows at Center Stage. ๐Ÿฅฉ๐ŸŽญ

Watch the Video Now ๐Ÿ“บ

Ready to see the ship for yourself? Click the link below to join us for our first day on the Carnival Jubilee:

Cruise Itinerary Details: โš“๏ธ

  • Ship: Carnival Jubilee ๐Ÿšข
  • Departure Port: Galveston, Texas ๐Ÿ“
  • Ports of Call: Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Mahogany Bay (Isla Tropicale) ๐Ÿ๏ธ
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Tour Our Carnival Jubilee Oceanview Cabin: Stateroom 4293 Revealed!

Carnival Jubilee Oceanview Cabin: Full Tour (Stateroom 4293) ๐Ÿšข

Planning your next cruise on Carnival’s newest Excel-class ship, the Carnival Jubilee? Choosing the perfect cabin is a huge part of your vacation experience, and weโ€™re here to help! We recently sailed on the magnificent Carnival Jubilee and are thrilled to share an exclusive look inside our Oceanview cabin: Stateroom 4293 on Deck 4.

If youโ€™re curious about what an Oceanview cabin truly offers on this brand-new ship, you’ve come to the right place!

Prefer to watch instead of read? Watch Our Full Carnival Jubilee Cabin Tour Here!

First Look: Step Inside Stateroom 4293

A modern cruise ship cabin on the Carnival Jubilee featuring a king-size bed, a large oceanview window with blackout curtains, a blue sofa, and a sleek white vanity with a large circular lighted mirror.
Our home away from home: A full look at the modern layout of Oceanview Stateroom 4293 on the Carnival Jubilee.

During our stay, we were genuinely impressed with the thoughtful design and fantastic amenities packed into this comfortable space. Here are some of the main features you can expect from an Oceanview cabin like ours:

  • Spacious Layout & King Bed: From the moment you step inside, youโ€™ll notice the intelligent use of space. Our cabin was configured with a plush king-size bed, providing ample room to stretch out after a day of fun. This can, of course, be converted into two twin beds if needed.
  • Massive Vanity Area with Ample Power: A common cruise complaint is a lack of charging options. Not here! The extensive vanity desk is a game-changer, featuring four USB ports and three North American 120V plugs. Thereโ€™s even a handy stool that doubles as storage. Perfect for getting ready or setting up your devices.
  • Generous Storage Solutions: We know storage is key on a cruise! This cabin offers plenty of closet space, drawers in the vanity, and convenient open shelving. Youโ€™ll also find an in-room safe to secure your valuables.
  • Upgraded Glass Door Shower: Say goodbye to clingy shower curtains! The bathroom in Stateroom 4293 features a modern, acrylic glass door shower that feels much more spacious and luxurious. Plus, we were thrilled to find an abundance of hooks โ€“ a small detail that makes a big difference!
  • Need more hooks? Check out our favorites (Affiliate)
  • Large Oceanview Window: The highlight, of course, is the expansive oceanview window. Located on Deck 4, it provides fantastic natural light and stunning views as you sail. Weโ€™ve even included some footage in our video to show you exactly what to expect.
  • Entertainment & Comfort: Relax on the comfortable couch while enjoying the large flat-screen TV. It features a variety of programming, including some complementary movies to enjoy. When itโ€™s time to sleep in, the blackout curtains ensure a peaceful, dark environment. This is perfect for catching up on rest between ports!

Is an Oceanview Cabin Right For Your Carnival Jubilee Cruise?

We hope this detailed look at Stateroom 4293 helps you envision your own Carnival Jubilee experience. Whether youโ€™re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, the Oceanview staterooms on this ship offer a fantastic blend of comfort, convenience, and those beautiful sea views without the balcony price tag.

Ready to see it all in action? Watch our full video tour below!

Let us know in the comments what your favorite feature is!

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10 Fears & Questions we had sailing on Carnival Jubilee (Answered!) ๐Ÿšขโš“

10 Fears & Questions we had sailing on Carnival Jubilee (Answered!) ๐Ÿšขโš“

Planning a cruise on a brand-new, massive ship like the Carnival Jubilee comes with a mix of excitement and a whole lot of questions. Before we set sail from Galveston, we had some genuine fears and uncertainties about what our experience would truly be like. Could a ship this big feel personal? Would the crowds be overwhelming? What about our Deck 4 Ocean View cabin? ๐Ÿ›ณ๏ธ

Well, we’re back, and we’ve put together our most honest and comprehensive review yet! We took all those anxieties and turned them into answers in our latest video. โœ…

The main pool area on the Carnival Jubilee Lido Deck, featuring the BlueIguana Tequila Bar and plenty of lounge seating under a bright sky.
Taking in the sun โ˜€๏ธ on the Carnival Jubilee Lido Deck! This massive pool area is the heart of the ship’s outdoor fun. ๐ŸŒŠโš“

Why You Need to Watch This Before Your Jubilee Cruise ๐Ÿ“ฝ๏ธ

We’ve been on many cruises, but the Jubilee, with its Excel-class innovations and sheer size, brought some new things we were curious about. In this video, we dive deep into the specific questions we had before boarding. These are the same ones we know many of you are asking as well. You’ll get the real scoop on:

  • Crowd Control: With over 6,600 passengers, does the ship feel overcrowded? We’ll share how Carnival manages the flow in common areas and dining. ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆ
  • Cabin Temperature: Can you really control the climate in your room? We discuss the reality of keeping your cabin comfortable. ๐ŸŒก๏ธ
  • Deck 4 Views: If you’re considering a lower-deck ocean view (#4293), what can you really expect for a view? We’ll show you exactly what it looks like. ๐Ÿ‘€
  • And More! From specific questions about dining limits to getting around the ship, we’re leaving no stone unturned to ensure you’re fully prepared. ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ

This video is packed with firsthand experiences and practical tips that we wish we had known before boarding. We want to make sure you have all the information you need to plan a great cruise vacation! โš“

Ready for the Honest Reality? โœจ

Stop guessing and start cruising with confidence! Grab a snack, settle in, and get all your Carnival Jubilee fears and questions answered by watching our full video below:

โžก๏ธ WATCH NOW: 10 Fears & Questions we had sailing on Carnival Jubilee (Answered!) โฌ…๏ธ

We truly hope this video helps ease any worries you might have and gets you even more excited for your upcoming Carnival Jubilee adventure. ๐Ÿšข๐ŸŒด

Follow us for more cruise tips:

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Step Back in Time: Exploring St. Augustine’s Castillo de San Marcos ๐Ÿฐ

Castillo de San Marcos | St. Augustineโ€™s Historic Fort

St. Augustine, Florida, is home to the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S. This iconic landmark is a must-see for history lovers and travelers alike!

To help you plan your visit, weโ€™ve put together a video exploring the fort’s incredible architecture and history.

๐ŸŽฅ Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/mTPOC_p8b7I

High-angle view of the Castillo de San Marcos interior courtyard and Plaza de Armas in St. Augustine, Florida, featuring the coquina stone walls, a Spanish flag flying, and the green lawn with visitors.
Exploring the heart of the fort! The central courtyard of Castillo de San Marcos is the perfect place to start your visit before heading up to the ramparts for those river views. ๐ŸŒŠโœจ

Why You Need to Visit

  • The Coquina Walls: Built from a unique shell-stone, these walls actually absorbed cannonballs instead of shattering! ๐Ÿงฑ๐Ÿ’ฅ
  • Life Inside the Fort: Wander through the Plaza de Armas and step into the old sleeping quarters and the heavily guarded King’s Coffer treasury. ๐Ÿ’ฐ
  • Epic Views: Head up to the Gun Deck for panoramic views of the Matanzas River and downtown St. Augustine. Don’t forget to check out the massive cannons! ๐ŸŒŠ๐Ÿ”ญ
  • National Park Perks: You can see live weapons demonstrations and get your National Parks Passport stamped here! ๐ŸŽซโœ…

Plan Your Visit! ๐Ÿ“

The fort is open daily from 9:00 AM โ€“ 5:00 PM. Be sure to check the official NPS website for the latest on tickets and program schedules before you go. ๐Ÿ›๏ธโœจ

Whether youโ€™re a history buff or just love a great view, the Castillo de San Marcos is an unforgettable stop in the “Ancient City.”

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๐Ÿ Get Ready to Rev Your Engines! A Visitor’s Guide to the Daytona International Speedway Daily Tour ๐Ÿ†

Daytona International Speedway Daily Tour: Join Us! (Track, Pit Road, Grandstands, & Hall of Fame) ๐Ÿ

There’s something truly electrifying about motorsports, and for fans around the globe, the Daytona International Speedway is hallowed ground. If you’ve ever dreamt of experiencing the legendary “World Center of Racing” up close, we’re here to show you exactly what to expect! ๐Ÿคฏ

We’ve just released our Daytona International Speedway Daily Tour video, giving you an insider’s look at the fantastic one-hour tram ride experience. This video is your ultimate guide for planning your visit and making the most of your time at the speedway! โฑ๏ธ

Daytona International Speedway grandstands view from the top rows showing the multicolored seats, the banking of the track, and the Pit Road area in Daytona Beach, Florida.
The sheer size of the Daytona International Speedway grandstands is unbelievable!

What’s Included on the Daily Tour?

Our video takes you behind the scenes, showing you all the unforgettable stops and sights that the tour included during our visit! Please Note: The tour itinerary and stops can change from day to day depending on the events that are happening at the Speedway.

Here’s what we got to see on the tour:

  • The Track & Pit Road: As we traveled alongside the track, we made a stop at the Start/Finish Line and worked our way through Pit Road. This gave us an incredible sense of the scale and the engineering of the track, including the massive grandstands! ๐ŸŸ๏ธ๐ŸŽ๏ธ
  • Stand in Victory Lane: We saw the iconic Victory Lane ๐Ÿฅ‚ where NASCAR champions celebrate their monumental wins. It’s a fantastic photo op and a moment to soak in the history!
  • Motorsports Hall of Fame of America: Your tour ticket also grants you access to the fascinating Motorsports Hall of Fame of America ๐Ÿ›๏ธ. This museum showcases a vast collection of racing memorabilia, iconic vehicles, and tributes to legends from all forms of motorsports.

Plan Your Visit!

This tour is a must-do for anyone visiting the Daytona Beach area! To ensure you secure your spot and have the most current information, always confirm tour availability and pricing on the official website before you finalize your plans.

๐Ÿ”— Click here to check current pricing and book your tickets! https://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/tours/

Ready to see it all before you go? Don’t forget to check out our video!

๐ŸŽฅ Watch the full Daytona International Speedway Daily Tour here: https://youtu.be/k9r3eS4XYTM

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Join Us for Belize Cave Tubing: Know What to Expect on Carnival’s Excursion ๐Ÿ›ถ

Belize Cave Tubing with Lunch Excursion (Booked Through Carnival Cruise Line) ๐Ÿ›ถ

Planning your day in Belize? We booked the popular Cave Tubing with Lunch Excursion directly through Carnival Cruise Line, and we’re taking you along so you know exactly what to expect! ๐Ÿšข

The Adventure Breakdown and the Reserve

Be prepared for the journey! The experience starts with a 75-minute bus ride ๐ŸšŒ to the outpost. Before you even start your hike, you’ll grab your tube and headlight ๐Ÿ”ฆ. Then, you’ll begin the 25-minute walk ๐Ÿ‘ฃ to reach the Caves Branch River entrance. This hike takes you deep into the Nohoch Cheสผen Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve, a dense tropical rainforest area. Your knowledgeable guide will share details about the surrounding jungle plants and animals as you follow the trail.

Two people carrying bright green inner tubes walk along the rocky, shallow Caves Branch River in Belize during the Carnival Cruise Line cave tubing excursion hike.
Carrying the tubes and crossing the shallow river is all part of the fun on the jungle hike! This crossing is near the exit point, showing the beautiful, clear water of the Caves Branch River.

Once you get in the water, you’ll float through the spectacular, dark limestone caves. You’ll be guided through mystical formations that have taken centuries to form. Afterward, a delicious Belizean lunch ๐Ÿ— is included at the Jaguar Paw Outpost. This 200-acre adventure park is the hub for many activities, including zip-lining and ATV tours, but the tubing is the main event!

Essential Tips: What to Bring

Since this is a water-based excursion, a little prep goes a long way! Wearing water shoes is required for this excursion, so make sure you bring a pair for the hike and the river! Also, be sure to bring cash for lockers and souvenirs and don’t forget the bug repellent for the jungle walk!

๐ŸŽฅ Watch Our Full Video Guide!

Join us so you know what to expect when you book this highly popular excursion through Carnival!

Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/1qyeOxzmcjk