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!
Embark on a virtual tour of the Grand Princess Casino, a vibrant venue offering a variety of gaming options. Located on Deck 6, this lively casino features numerous slot machines and table games like blackjack, roulette, and craps, along with a full-service bar to enjoy your favorite drinks while you play.
In our latest video, we take you inside the Grand Casino to showcase its layout and the gaming experiences it offers. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or a curious newcomer, this walkthrough provides a comprehensive look at what to expect when you visit the casino aboard the Grand Princess.
If youโre visiting Skagway, Alaska on your cruise, one of the best ways to dive into the townโs rich history and charming sights is the Skagway Street Car Tour. Join us as we take this fun and informative 90-minute ride aboard a classic streetcar, exploring all the key points of interest in Skagway, including historic landmarks and scenic lookout spots ๐๏ธ.
The narrated tour is perfect for history buffs and casual explorers alike, bringing to life the story of the famous Klondike Gold Rush and the vibrant culture that shaped this beautiful Alaskan town ๐๏ธ. Itโs a unique way to see more of Skagway beyond the typical cruise port experience.
Watch the full tour here to get a front-row seat on the Skagway Street Car and see why thousands of visitors recommend this excursion!
Sailing on a cruise out of Vancouver? If you’re arriving a day or two early, finding a comfortable and convenient hotel can make your pre-cruise experience smoother and more enjoyable. We spent two nights at the River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond, part of Metro Vancouver, and it was the ideal place to kick off our Alaska cruise adventure.
Just a short ride from Canada Place, where cruise ships depart, this resort offers everything from easy SkyTrain access to fine dining at Gordon Ramsay Steak. We filmed our full stay so you can see what itโs like:
The River Rock Casino Resort is located just three SkyTrain stops from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and about a 20-minute ride to Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver. From there, itโs just a short walk to Canada Place, where most Alaska cruises begin.
The resortโs location in Richmond makes it a smart and accessible choice for cruise travelers looking to stay near Vancouver before boarding.
๐ฅฉ Gordon Ramsay Steak: An Unforgettable Dinner
During our stay, we had an incredible dining experience at Gordon Ramsay Steak, located right inside the resort. Our meal featured:
๐ Warm artisan bread ๐ฆ A flavorful crab cake ๐ Perfectly cooked sablefish ๐ฅฉ Tender Wagyu beef ๐ฅง Classic Beef Wellington ๐ฎ And the famous sticky toffee pudding
This restaurant was a highlight of our pre-cruise stay and the perfect way to start our vacation.
The River Rock Casino Resort has everything you need to relax and recharge before setting sail. Amenities include:
๐ฆ A pool with water slide ๐ช A fully equipped fitness center ๐ฝ๏ธ Chairmanโs Room Lounge and Buffet ๐ ฟ๏ธ Complimentary parking โ Starbucks ๐ฌ An in-house theater ๐ฐ A full-service casino
Whether you’re winding down before your cruise or looking for something fun to do, this resort has it all.
๐ Booking Your Stay at the River Rock Casino Resort
If you’re planning a cruise out of Vancouver and looking for a convenient and comfortable place to stay nearby, consider booking your stay at the River Rock Casino Resort through Hotels.com. Itโs a great way to secure a room close to the airport, SkyTrain, and cruise port, while taking advantage of flexible booking options and rewards. ๐ Check current rates and availability on Hotels.com (Affiliate)
๐ณ๏ธ Final Thoughts
If youโre planning to sail from Vancouver, the River Rock Casino Resort in Metro Vancouver is a top-notch place to stay. With quick transit to the port, luxury amenities, and a memorable meal at Gordon Ramsay Steak, this spot checks all the boxes for a perfect pre-cruise experience.
If you are planning a trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico, or visiting on a cruise, one of the top things to do is to explore the historic forts that overlook the coastline. In our latest video on Northern Viking Explorer, we take you along as we visit Castillo San Cristรณbal and Castillo San Felipe del Morro โ two iconic landmarks that are just a short walk apart.
These two Spanish-built fortresses are part of San Juan National Historic Site and are packed with rich history, breathtaking ocean views, and beautiful colonial architecture. Built to defend Puerto Rico from invaders, they now offer visitors a unique look into the island’s past.
We begin our adventure at Castillo San Cristรณbal and continue on to Castillo San Felipe del Morro, located at the tip of San Juan and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Inside the forts, we explore the grounds, step inside tunnels and guard towers, and take in the incredible ocean views and historic architecture that make these landmarks a must see.
What Youโll See in the Video
๐ Walking through the grounds of Castillo San Cristรณbal ๐ Exploring the views and structure of El Morro ๐ The scenic walk between the forts ๐ Ocean views and historic architecture
Whether you are arriving by cruise ship or staying in San Juan, these forts are easy to get to and worth the visit. If you love travel, history, and beautiful views, this video is for you.
If youโre looking for one of the best free things to do in Catalina Island, you wonโt want to miss this short and scenic hike to the Chimes Tower and Leeโs Scenic Overlook in Avalon. Whether youโre visiting for the day or arriving by cruise ship, this hike offers incredible views and a peaceful escape just minutes from downtown.
Our journey began in downtown Avalon, the charming main hub of Catalina Island. The hike to the Chimes Tower is a moderate 0.6-mile walk each way, taking about 15 minutes depending on your pace. The path includes some uphill sections but is short and well-paved, making it accessible for most visitors.
As you ascend Chimes Tower Rd, youโll enjoy unique views of the harbor and colorful hillside homes. The Chimes Tower itself is a historic structure built in 1925 and still chimes regularly, adding a magical soundscape to your visit.
๐ Leeโs Scenic Overlook โ A Hidden Gem
Just a little further up from the Chimes Tower is Leeโs Scenic Overlook, one of the best panoramic viewpoints on Catalina Island. From here, youโll get sweeping views of Avalon Bay, your cruise ship anchored in the distance, and the Pacific Ocean beyond.
Itโs a peaceful spot to snap some incredible photos, relax on a bench, and take in the beauty of Catalina without spending a dime.
๐ต Totally Free and Worth Every Step
One of the best parts about this hike? Itโs completely free! In a destination where many activities come at a premium, this hidden gem gives you unbeatable views and a memorable experience without touching your wallet.
If youโre arriving via cruise, this is an excellent DIY cruise excursion that you can do on your own, with no need for a tour group or transportation.
๐ Know Before You Go
Distance: Approx. 1.2 miles round-trip
Time: About 15 minutes each way
Cost: FREE
Best for: Cruise passengers, photographers, hikers, and budget travelers
Trail: Follows Chimes Tower Rd
Tip: Bring water and wear comfortable shoes โ some parts of the trail are steep
๐บ Donโt Miss the Video!
See the full hike, views, and experience in our YouTube video here:
Subscribe to our channel for more cruise port guides, free travel ideas, and adventure vlogs!
If you’re planning a cruise to Ensenada, Mexico with Carnival Cruise Line, one of the most popular and talked-about shore excursions is the La Bufadora Blowhole Tour. Known as the largest marine geyser in North America, La Bufadora is a natural wonder that attracts visitors from around the worldโand for good reason!
On our recent Carnival cruise, we booked the “Ensenada Famous Blowhole Excursion” directly through the cruise line. This 3โ4 hour guided tour begins at the Ensenada cruise port, where you’re picked up by a comfortable, air-conditioned tour bus. The scenic drive takes you along the rugged coastline of Baja California, offering beautiful ocean views and insight into local culture from your onboard guide.
Once you arrive near La Bufadora, the real adventure begins. To reach the blowhole, you’ll walk about a third of a mile down a lively street lined with local vendors selling everything from fresh baked goods and Mexican candy to hand-painted pottery, jewelry, and unique souvenirs. It’s a colorful and vibrant experience, perfect for those who love to explore local markets and try traditional snacks.
At the end of the path, you’ll find a viewing area overlooking La Bufadora itself. When the ocean swells hit the underwater cave system just right, the blowhole erupts dramatically, shooting water high into the airโsometimes over 60 feet! It’s an impressive sight and a great opportunity for photos, videos, or just soaking in the natural beauty.
We filmed our entire experience so you can see what itโs like before you go! Check out our full video tour here: ๐บ Watch on YouTube
Is the La Bufadora Excursion Worth It?
Absolutely! Itโs a great mix of scenic views, cultural experiences, and natural wonder. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, La Bufadora offers something for everyone. Plus, booking through Carnival ensures a smooth, hassle-free experience with round-trip transportation and a reliable itinerary.
Will you be visiting Harvest Caye, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island in Belize? In this video, I’ll take you on a guided Harvest Caye walking tour, familiarizing you with the island’s layout and what to expect. Harvest Caye boasts pristine beaches, a refreshing pool, thrilling ziplines, and delicious restaurants. Explore the vibrant shops and unwind at one of the many bars. Seeking adventure? Take to the skies on the zipline! This Harvest Caye walking tour equips you with everything you need to know. So join me and discover Harvest Caye in Belize!
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