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, weโve put together a video exploring the fort’s incredible architecture and history.
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. ๐โจ
Why You Need to Visit
The Coquina Walls: Built from a unique shell-stone, these walls actually absorbed cannonballs instead of shattering! ๐งฑ๐ฅ
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. ๐ฐ
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! ๐๐ญ
National Park Perks: You can see live weapons demonstrations and get your National Parks Passport stamped here! ๐ซโ
Plan Your Visit! ๐
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. ๐๏ธโจ
Whether youโre a history buff or just love a great view, the Castillo de San Marcos is an unforgettable stop in the “Ancient City.”
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! ๐คฏ
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! โฑ๏ธ
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! ๐๏ธ๐๏ธ
Stand in Victory Lane: We saw the iconic Victory Lane ๐ฅ 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 ๐๏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.
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! ๐ข
The Adventure Breakdown and the Reserve
Be prepared for the journey! The experience starts with a 75-minute bus ride ๐ to the outpost. Before you even start your hike, you’ll grab your tube and headlight ๐ฆ. Then, you’ll begin the 25-minute walk ๐ฃ 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.
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 ๐ 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!
๐ฅ Watch Our Full Video Guide!
Join us so you know what to expect when you book this highly popular excursion through Carnival!
Planning a cruise can be both exciting ๐ and a little overwhelming, especially with so many amazing ships and itineraries to choose from. If the Carnival Dream has been on your radar, you’re in luck! We recently embarked on a 6-Night Western Caribbean adventure โ๏ธ aboard this popular ship, and we’ve put together a comprehensive review focused on Our Likes & Wishes to help you decide if it’s the perfect fit for your next getaway.
We’re all about giving you the real scoop โ what we Liked โค๏ธ and what we Wished could have been better ๐ค. Our goal is to provide you with the insights you need to make an informed decision by covering all the highlights and areas for improvement based on our experience.
Caption: The Lido Deck is ready! โ๏ธ This is the main pool area on the Carnival Dream before the crowds arrive. Perfect spot for a sea day movie!
Dive Deep into the Carnival Dream Experience ๐
Our video review, “Carnival Dream Review: Our Likes & Wishes!”, breaks down the entire cruise experience into four key categories:
1. Layout & Amenities: What’s on the Dream? ๐บ๏ธ
We showcase the key features and common areas that define the Carnival Dream experience. From the vibrant Atrium and pools to the tranquil Serenity Deck and other onboard facilities, we talk about what amenities are on the ship. Were the facilities impressive? Did the offerings meet our expectations? We share our thoughts on the features and overall quality of the amenities provided.
2. Our Cabin (Deluxe Ocean View Cabin 1402): A Room with a View (and Two Washrooms!) ๐ฟ๐
One of the most unique features we encountered was our Deluxe Ocean View Cabin 1402, specifically its two-washroom setup. Was this truly a game-changer for cabin comfort and convenience? We provide an honest assessment of the cabin’s size, amenities, and whether this unique feature lived up to the hype. A comfortable retreat is key to a great cruise, and we let you know how this cabin measured up.
3. Complimentary Food & Dining: A Taste of the Dream ๐๐ฝ๏ธ
Food is often a highlight of any cruise, and Carnival is known for its diverse dining options. We dive into the world of complimentary food and dining on the Carnival Dream. From quick bites to main dining room experiences, we share our honest thoughts on the quality, variety, and overall satisfaction of the included culinary offerings. We reveal what hit the spot and what left us wanting more.
4. Entertainment & Activities: Keeping the Party Going ๐ถ๐ญ
What’s a cruise without some fun and excitement? We recount our experiences with the various entertainment options and activities onboard. Were the parties lively? Did the shows impress? What unique activities kept us entertained, and what did we feel the ship might have been missing to truly elevate the experience?
Our Final Verdict! โ
Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or planning your very first voyage, our aim is to provide you with an honest, balanced perspective on the Carnival Dream. Our 6-Night Western Caribbean itinerary took us from Galveston, Texas, to beautiful ports of call including Costa Maya, Belize, and Cozumel ๐ด, offering plenty of experiences to evaluate.
Ready to find out if the Carnival Dream is your next dream vacation?
Planning your cruise? This video is your complete guide! Our Carnival Dream Ship Tour is a Full Walk-Through of the entire cruise ship, starting high and working our way down. This is the perfect video to watch Before You Sail so you know where everything is located!
Upper Decks: Sun, Fun & Dining โ๏ธ๐
We begin on the upper decks, showcasing the tranquil Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, the Cloud 9 Spa and Fitness Center, and the Carnival WaterWorks. We feature all the pools, hot tubs, the running track, the Deck 10 Lido Marketplace Buffet, and quick-service dining like Guy’s Burger Joint and Blue Iguana Cantina.
The Lido Deck is ready! โ๏ธ This is the main pool area on the Carnival Dream before the crowds arrive. Perfect spot for a sea day movie!
Lower Decks: Entertainment & The Atrium ๐ญ๐น
Next, we head down to explore the main interior decks. You’ll find the elegant Main Dining Rooms, the Dream Atrium, the Encore Theater, and the Burgundy Lounge. We make sure to walk through the Warehouse Arcade and shops so you can see the entire Carnival Dream! Join us for this full ship tour on the Carnival Dream!
Lights, camera, action! ๐ญ Get a look at the massive Encore Theater, where you’ll catch the evening production shows and comedy acts.
Wondering what food is REALLY included with your cruise fare? Our ultimate Carnival Dream Food Tour is here! We take you on a complete tour of the complimentary dining options so you know what to expect from your cruise fare.
We dive into the best quick service spots located right inside the Lido Marketplace Buffet area: the Carnival Deli and the Mongolian Wok! You’ll also see how to build your perfect meal at the nearby Blue Iguana Cantina.
Time for tacos! ๐ฎ This is the famous Blue Iguana Cantina, where you can customize your perfect breakfast burrito or lunch taco with fresh toppings and salsas. It’s one of the best complimentary dining spots on the entire Carnival Dream! ๐ถ๏ธ
Featured Complimentary Venues ๐ฅฉโ
The video features the incredible burgers at Guy’s Burger Joint (Lido Deck) and the delicious slow-smoked meats at Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse (Deck 5). We also cover late-night options like the Pizzeria Del Capitano, which stays open late into the evening.
Sit-Down Dining & Full Scope ๐ฝ๏ธ๐ฅ
The video covers all three meal times, from the elegant Sea Day Brunch in the Main Dining Room to the traditional three-course dinners. This video is your comprehensive guide to eating your way through the Carnival Dream!
Complimentary luxury! ๐ฆ This beautiful lobster tail was served during our second Formal Night dinner in the Main Dining Room. It’s one of the best included options of the entire cruise and a definite highlight of the evening!
Our Carnival Dream Caribbean Cruise is wrapping up, and we’re sharing all the highlights from our fantastic Final Sea Day! Day 6 was a perfect mix of thrilling activities and relaxing moments before heading back to Galveston.
Daytime Fun and Serenity โ๏ธ๐น
Our morning started with a delicious Sea Day Brunch. After that, we split our time between relaxation and thrills: we found sunshine and peace on the Serenity Deck and then headed to the water slides for some high-energy fun!
Carnival Dream Waterslides ๐ฆ
For lunch, we indulged in a final feast, enjoying a custom creation from the Mongolian Wok and a classic from Guy’s Burger Joint. The afternoon kept the fun going with shows like The World Works Here and the popular Q&A session, Q & Awesome.
Formal Farewell and Hilarious Show ๐ฅ๐คฃ
Our cruise concluded with a final, memorable dinner in the Crimson Dining Room. The highlight? Enjoying that amazing braised beef brisket! After dinner, we went for one last show, the hilarious Love and Marriage Show in the Encore Theater, which was a perfect end to our six nights of fun!
Cruise Details
๐ข Ship: Carnival Dream
โ Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line
โญ Departure Port: Galveston Texas
โจ Itinerary: 6-Night Round Trip Western Caribbean Cruise
๐ Ports of Call: Costa Maya, Belize, Cozumel
Ready to see how we spent our last day? Watch our full vlog below!
Let’s rewind the clock! We’re celebrating a fantastic throwback to August 2024 with the release of our ultimate Carnival Firenze Mexican Riviera VLOGATHON! If you’re planning this cruise, this massive video is your new best friend. We packed all seven days into one epic guide.
The Ship: Fun Italian Style & High Ropes Thrills โ๏ธ
The Carnival Firenze is gorgeous, bringing its unique “Fun Italian Style” to the West Coast. We show you the elegant Teatro Rosso and the stunning Piazza Duomo atrium. But it’s not all formal; you’ll see the thrills of the Carnival WaterWorks park and the dizzying High Ropes Course! For relaxation, we feature the tranquil Serenity Adult-Only Retreat.
Authentic Port Adventures in the Mexican Riviera ๐บ๏ธ๐ฎ
We take you beyond the cruise terminal on all three port days:
Puerto Vallarta: Join us as we ditch the big tours and take the city bus into Old Town, hike up to a beautiful Lookout Point, and explore the city like locals. ๐
Mazatlรกn: We hit the lively Malecรณn, watch the dramatic Cliff Divers plunge into the ocean, and explore the historic Old Town. A must-see! ๐
Cabo San Lucas: We find a perfect, beautiful beach and explore the bustling boardwalk and shopping area. A great mix of relaxation and action! ๐น
Whether you’re sailing soon or just dreaming of the sun, this video is the complete guide to the Carnival Firenze experience!
Planning your cruise workouts? This video is your complete guide to the Cloud 9 Fitness Center on the Carnival Dream!
The best part? It’s complimentary to use! We take you on a quick tour of the gym, located at the front of the ship on Deck 12, and showcase all the equipment available:
Ready for a workout at sea! ๐ช This is the Life Fitness machine area in the Carnival Dream Gym. They have everything you need for both upper and lower body strength training! #CruiseGym #LifeFitness #CarnivalDreamThe Cloud 9 Fitness Center is fully stocked with free weights and benches, all complimentary to use during your cruise! #FreeWeights #CruiseFitness #CarnivalCruiseCardio with a view! ๐โโ๏ธ Treadmills and ellipticals at the Carnival Dream Gym. Best view at sea while getting your morning run in! ๐ #TreadmillView #CruiseGymTour #CarnivalDream
Treadmills and Ellipticals
Exercise Bikes
Free Weights and Benches
We show you what the gym looks like, where it’s located, and remind you of the hours (6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.). If you’re sailing on the Carnival Dream, this tour will help you plan your fitness routine!
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