Tag: cruise tips

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10 Questions We Had Before Sailing Celebrity Solstice (Answered)

10 Questions We Had Before Sailing Celebrity Solstice (Answered)

Planning a Celebrity Solstice cruise? Before sailing on the Celebrity Solstice, we had plenty of questions about what to expect onboard. From dropping off our carry-on bags and charging our devices to formal night, complimentary dining, cabin amenities, and whether we’d sail the Celebrity Solstice again, we wanted to know the answers before stepping onboard.

After spending a week aboard the Celebrity Solstice on a 7-night Alaska cruise, we’re answering the 10 biggest questions we had before sailing. If you’d like to see everything in more detail, be sure to watch our full video below.

🎥 Watch the full video here:

1. Can You Drop Off Your Carry-On Bags Before Your Cabin Is Ready?

Yes! Shortly after boarding the Celebrity Solstice, we were allowed to leave our carry-on bags in our cabin while our stateroom attendant finished preparing the room. It made embarkation day much easier since we didn’t have to carry our bags around the ship for a couple of hours.

2. What Charging Options Are Available?

The vanity includes two North American outlets and one European outlet, while the bathroom has a shaver outlet. One pleasant surprise was discovering USB-A and USB-C charging ports beside the bed after the ship’s refurbishment. Bringing a European adapter is still a great idea for adding even more charging options.

Celebrity Solstice vanity power outlets with two North American outlets and one European outlet.
The vanity includes two North American outlets and one European outlet, making it easy to charge multiple devices.

3. Will You Get a Table for Two?

We had an assigned dining time of 8:15 in the Grand Epernay Restaurant, but we weren’t sure if we’d be seated with other guests or have our own table. To our surprise, Celebrity had already assigned us a window table for two for the entire cruise, making every dinner feel a little more special.

4. Can You Request a Fan, and Is the Cabin Cool Enough?

Our inside cabin stayed comfortable throughout our Alaska cruise, especially with the thermostat turned down. We also requested a fan through Guest Services, and one was delivered to our stateroom shortly after boarding. If you enjoy sleeping with a fan, it’s worth asking because they’re available on a first-come, first-served basis.

5. Does the Shower Have a Door, and What Amenities Are Included?

The Celebrity Solstice features an acrylic shower door instead of a shower curtain, which we really appreciated. The shower also included shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. In addition, the bathroom offered liquid hand soap, body lotion, and a hair dryer, so there were fewer toiletries to pack.

6. Does Celebrity Solstice Feel Crowded?

Even though our sailing was completely sold out, the ship rarely felt crowded. We usually found seating in the buffet, elevator waits were short, and there were plenty of quiet places to relax throughout the ship.

Celebrity Solstice Resort Deck featuring the main pool, hot tubs, lounge chairs, and Alaska scenery.
Even on a sold-out sailing, we found plenty of space to relax around the Lido Deck.

7. What Is Chic Night Really Like?

Celebrity’s Chic Night was much more relaxed than we expected. While many guests dressed nicely, very few men wore full suits on the first Chic Night. On the second Chic Night, more passengers dressed up, and yes, complimentary lobster tail was served in the Grand Epernay Restaurant.

Grand Epernay Restaurant aboard Celebrity Solstice featuring elegant dining room décor.
Chic Night in the Grand Epernay Restaurant included elegant dining and complimentary lobster tail.

8. What Complimentary Dining Is Included?

There are plenty of complimentary dining options aboard the Celebrity Solstice. During our cruise, we enjoyed the Oceanview Café buffet, Mast Grill, Sunset Park Café, Spa Café, Café Al Bacio, and the Grand Epernay Restaurant, giving us lots of variety throughout the week.

9. Can You Relax in the Buffet Between Meals?

Yes! One thing we really appreciated was being able to stop into the Oceanview Café between meal times for a coffee, lemonade, iced tea, or juice while enjoying the incredible scenery through the large windows. It became one of our favorite places to unwind.

Seating area inside the Oceanview Café aboard Celebrity Solstice with large panoramic windows overlooking Alaska.
The Oceanview Café isn’t just a great place to eat. It’s also the perfect spot to relax with a drink and enjoy the incredible Alaskan scenery between meal times.

10. Would We Sail Celebrity Solstice Again?

Absolutely. We loved the elegant atmosphere, relaxing pace, beautiful public spaces, and overall adult-focused experience. If you’re looking for a cruise that feels refined, comfortable, and relaxing, we wouldn’t hesitate to sail on the Celebrity Solstice again.

Adults-only Solarium aboard Celebrity Solstice featuring the indoor pool and lounge chairs.
The adults-only Solarium was one of our favorite quiet places to relax aboard the Celebrity Solstice.

Watch the Full Video

Want the complete answers along with cabin footage, dining, ship tours, and our firsthand experience?

🎥 Watch the full video here:

Ready to Sail on Celebrity Solstice?

If you’re planning your own Celebrity Solstice cruise, check the latest pricing and availability below.

👉 Book a Celebrity Solstice Cruise Here (affiliate) Celebrity Cruises Website

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MSC Seascape Day 5: Roatan Snorkeling, West Bay Beach & Love Blooms Show 🐠🌴🚢

MSC Seascape Caribbean Cruise: Roatan Snorkeling & Bananarama Beach Day - Day 5 Vlog

Day 5 of our MSC Seascape Caribbean cruise brought us to the beautiful island of Roatan, Honduras. From relaxing at West Bay Beach and snorkeling along the reef to enjoying one of the best evening shows of the cruise, this turned out to be an unforgettable day aboard the MSC Seascape.

Arrival in Roatan & Heading to West Bay 🌴☀️

We started the morning with breakfast at the buffet before disembarking in Coxen Hole, Roatan. After meeting our private excursion driver outside the port, we made the scenic drive across the island to West Bay Beach, where we had booked the Bananarama Resort Beach Day Pass through Shore Excursioneer.

The drive over gave us a chance to see more of the island’s lush scenery before arriving at the beach resort. Once there, we got settled into our loungers under the palm trees and explored the beautiful beach area and resort amenities.

Snorkeling at Bananarama Resort 🐟🌊

One of the highlights of the day was definitely the snorkeling. We headed down toward the reef area near the far end of West Bay Beach, where the snorkeling conditions were fantastic. There were plenty of colorful fish, coral formations, and even a large puffer fish hiding among the rocks.

The water was warm and easy to access from the beach, making this a great snorkeling spot for both excursions and independent travelers. We brought our own snorkeling gear, but there were rental options available nearby for visitors who needed equipment.

As the afternoon went on, clouds and rain started moving into the area, so we decided to cut our beach day a little short and return to the cruise port early with another excursion group. Even with the weather changing, it was still an amazing experience.

Beach loungers lined up in front of the colorful Bananarama sign at West Bay Beach in Roatan, Honduras during an MSC Seascape cruise excursion.
Relaxing beach loungers at Bananarama Resort in West Bay, Roatan before an afternoon of snorkeling and beach time during our MSC Seascape Caribbean cruise.

Sailaway & Dinner on MSC Seascape 🚢

Back onboard the MSC Seascape, we enjoyed watching the sailaway from Roatan before getting ready for another evening of dining and entertainment. We returned to the Cala Jondal Restaurant for dinner, where we had another excellent meal and outstanding service from our dining team.

For appetizers, Andrea enjoyed the broccoli cheddar soup while I ordered Caesar salad and escargot, which turned out to be one of the best escargot dishes I’ve had on a cruise. For the main course, I tried the fish and chips while Andrea enjoyed the roast beef tenderloin with potatoes and vegetables.

Dessert included a dulce de leche cream cake and a layered apple cake with cinnamon sauce, both paired perfectly with coffee after dinner.

Love Blooms Show at Chora Theatre 🎭✨

The evening wrapped up with the Love Blooms production show at the Chora Theatre, which ended up being our favorite show of the cruise so far. The performance combined singing, dancing, aerial acts, colorful visuals, and a nature-themed love story that was captivating from start to finish.

The aerial performances and stage production were especially impressive, and it was one of those shows we almost wanted to watch a second time before the cruise ended.

Tomorrow, we arrive in Cozumel, Mexico, where we’ll take a ferry to the mainland for a cavern and underground swim adventure!

Watch our Day 5 Roatan vlog here: https://youtu.be/lDY8EbwpwwM

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MSC Seascape Caribbean Cruise: Your Top 15 Questions Answered! 🚢⚓

Our MSC Seascape Questions Answered! (Watch Before You Sail)

Are you planning a vacation on the MSC Seascape? We sure were! Before we set sail on our 7-night Western Caribbean cruise, we had a long list of questions. Now that we’re back, we want to share exactly what we learned during our time on this stunning ship to help you prepare for your own adventure! 🌊✨

The MSC Seascape is one of the most modern and elegant vessels we’ve ever sailed on, but it definitely has some unique features that distinguish it from other cruise lines. From the brand-new terminal in Galveston to mastering the ship’s high-tech systems, there are a few things you’ll want to know before you board. 🛳️

he MSC Seascape cruise ship docked at the Coxen Hole cruise terminal in Roatan, Honduras, under a clear blue sky.
The stunning MSC Seascape docked at Coxen Hole, Roatan during our Western Caribbean itinerary. It looks even bigger up close! 🌴☀️🚢

Mastering the MSC Experience: What We Learned 🧭

One of the biggest surprises for us was the Smart Elevator system. Unlike traditional elevators, you select your floor on a touch screen before you get in. It is far more efficient, but here is a pro tip: make sure to press the button once for every person in your party so the system knows exactly how much space is needed! 📶🏃‍♂️

We also spent a lot of time exploring the Marketplace Buffet. It is one of the largest and most varied buffets we’ve seen on a ship, featuring everything from fresh pizza to international dishes. If you are looking for a quiet meal, we recommend heading all the way to the back of the ship for some great outdoor seating views. 🍕🥗

Cabin Tips and Show Reservations 🎭📱

If you are worried about charging your gear, you will be happy to know the balcony cabins are well equipped with North American plugs, European outlets, and USB ports at the vanity. However, keep in mind that bedside plugs are limited, so bringing a portable battery pack or a long charging cable is a smart move! 🔌🔋

When it comes to entertainment, the Chora Theatre shows are fantastic, but you cannot book them until you are actually on the ship. We recommend jumping on the MSC for Me app as soon as you board to grab your tickets, as the popular time slots do fill up fast. If you miss out, do not worry. Just keep checking the app for cancellations or head to the theater standby line! 🎟️✨

Final Thoughts on the Seascape 🌟

Whether you are sailing out of the new terminal in Galveston or exploring ports like Roatan and Costa Maya, the MSC Seascape offers a relaxed and elegant vibe. We absolutely loved the decor, the crystal staircases in the atrium, and the overall experience. We hope this video helps you feel more confident as you plan your own Caribbean getaway! 🌴☀️

Have more questions about the Seascape? Drop a comment on our YouTube video or find us on Instagram @NorthernVikingExplorer. We would love to help! 📸🙌

Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/7BGPNHU4JzM

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Join Us for Belize Cave Tubing: Know What to Expect on Carnival’s Excursion 🛶

Belize Cave Tubing with Lunch Excursion (Booked Through Carnival Cruise Line) 🛶

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! 🚢

The Adventure Breakdown and the Reserve

Be prepared for the journey! The experience starts with a 75-minute bus ride 🚌 to the outpost. Before you even start your hike, you’ll grab your tube and headlight 🔦. Then, you’ll begin the 25-minute walk 👣 to reach the Caves Branch River entrance. This hike takes you deep into the Nohoch Cheʼen 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 🍗 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!

🎥 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

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Is the Carnival Dream Your Next Dream Vacation? Our Honest Review is Here! 🚢✨

Carnival Dream Review: Our Likes & Wishes 🚢🌴

Planning a cruise can be both exciting 🎉 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 ☀️ 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 – what we Liked ❤️ and what we Wished could have been better 🤔. 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.

Lido Pool Area: Aerial view of the Carnival Dream's Lido Deck, showing the main pool, large movie screen, and rows of blue sun loungers under the red funnel.
Caption: The Lido Deck is ready! ☀️ 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 🔍

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? 🗺️

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!) 🚿🛌

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 🍕🍽️

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 🎶🎭

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! ✅

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 🌴, offering plenty of experiences to evaluate.

Ready to find out if the Carnival Dream is your next dream vacation?

Watch our full “Carnival Dream Review: Our Likes & Wishes!” video here: https://youtu.be/RNKp6cn2b88

We encourage you to watch, share your own Carnival Dream experiences in the comments 👇, and let us know what you think! Happy cruising! 🥂

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Carnival Dream Ship Tour – Full Walk-Through: See Every Venue Before You Sail 🚢⚓

Carnival Dream Ship Tour - Full Walk-Through 🚢

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 ☀️🍔

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.

Lido Pool Area: Aerial view of the Carnival Dream's Lido Deck, showing the main pool, large movie screen, and rows of blue sun loungers under the red funnel.
The Lido Deck is ready! ☀️ 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 🎭🍹

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!

Encore Theater: The interior of the Encore Theater on the Carnival Dream, showing the multi-tiered seating, balconies, and stage from an upper deck view.
Lights, camera, action! 🎭 Get a look at the massive Encore Theater, where you’ll catch the evening production shows and comedy acts.

Watch the Full Ship Tour Here: https://youtu.be/z9obawfzDgw

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Feeling Lucky? A Walkthrough of the Carnival Dream Casinos 🎰💰

Carnival Dream Casino Tour: (Jackpot & Casino Annex)

Planning your cruise and want to know where to try your luck? This video is your complete guide to the gaming on the Carnival Dream!

We take you on a quick walk-through of the ship’s two gaming spaces:

  • The lively Jackpot Casino (Deck 5 midship), where you can find a variety of slot machines and table games like Blackjack and Roulette.
  • The non-smoking Casino Annex (Deck 4 midship), which offers a quieter alternative.

If you’re sailing on the Carnival Dream, this walk-through will show you exactly what games are available for you!

Watch the Full Casino Walkthrough Here: https://youtu.be/qdhI3K-oreE

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Final Sea Day Farewell! Carnival Dream Day 6 Vlog: Relaxation, Fun, and Final Feast 🚢☀️🥩

Carnival Dream Waterslides

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 ⚓️🍹

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
Carnival Dream Waterslides 💦

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 🥂🤣

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

  • 🚢 Ship: Carnival Dream
  • ✅ Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line
  • ⭐ Departure Port: Galveston Texas
  • ✨ Itinerary: 6-Night Round Trip Western Caribbean Cruise
  • 📍 Ports of Call: Costa Maya, Belize, Cozumel

Ready to see how we spent our last day? Watch our full vlog below!

Watch the Full Final Sea Day Vlog Here: https://youtu.be/7NmkudFpThs

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Stay Fit at Sea! Carnival Dream Gym Tour (Complimentary Fitness Center) 💪🏋️‍♂️

Carnival Dream: Cloud 9 Fitness Center Tour (Complimentary Gym) 💪🏋️‍♂️

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:

A row of Life Fitness weight machines and strength training equipment inside the Carnival Dream's Cloud 9 Fitness Center gym.
Ready for a workout at sea! 💪 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 #CarnivalDream
The free weights and adjustable weight benches area of the Carnival Dream's Cloud 9 Fitness Center gym.
The Cloud 9 Fitness Center is fully stocked with free weights and benches, all complimentary to use during your cruise! #FreeWeights #CruiseFitness #CarnivalCruise
A row of Life Fitness treadmills and elliptical machines facing the large windows overlooking the ocean in the Carnival Dream's gym.
Cardio with a view! 🏃‍♂️ Treadmills and ellipticals at the Carnival Dream Gym. Best view at sea while getting your morning run in! 🌊 #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!

Watch the Full Gym Tour Here: https://youtu.be/zGE362y7FQ4

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Our Caribbean Adventure Begins! Carnival Dream Day 1 Vlog – Embarkation & Sail Away Fun! 🚢🌴☀️

Carnival Dream Caribbean Cruise Day 1 VLOG

Get ready to set sail with us! Our Carnival Dream Caribbean Cruise has officially begun, and we’re thrilled to share all the excitement from our very first day in our latest vlog. Day 1 was packed with amazing experiences, from the moment we arrived at the port to our spectacular evening entertainment.

Join us as we take you through our quick and smooth embarkation process in Galveston. We stepped right onto our home for the next six nights! ⚓️

he Carnival Dream cruise ship docked at the Galveston, Texas terminal under a blue sky.
Galveston, we’re here! Our Carnival Dream is all docked up and ready for embarkation! 🚢☀️ Who is ready to sail away to the Caribbean? 🌴

Once onboard, we wasted no time diving into the delicious food. We enjoyed a fantastic lunch at Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse 🍖, savoring every bite before exploring more of the ship. Of course, no first day is complete without getting familiar with our home away from home! We’ll give you a first look inside our spacious Deluxe Ocean View cabin (Stateroom 1402) which, yes, comes with two washrooms! 🚿🚿 It’s truly a game-changer!

The Deluxe Ocean View cabin bed and window on the Carnival Dream.
Nothing beats a room with a view! 🌊 We’re loving the bed and ocean view window in our Deluxe Ocean View cabin.

The highlight of the afternoon was definitely the Sail Away Party! 💃🍹 The atmosphere was electric as we pulled away from Galveston, soaking in the sun and ocean breezes. Later, we dressed up for a wonderful dinner in the Crimson Dining Room 🍽️, enjoying a delicious meal and great company. We capped off the evening with some incredible live entertainment at the Welcome Aboard Show in the Encore Theater a perfect end to an unforgettable first day at sea! 🎶

Whether you’re planning your own Carnival Dream cruise or just love a good travel vlog, you won’t want to miss all the fun from Day 1! 🏝️

Watch our full Day 1 Vlog here: https://youtu.be/Q-45R1WlY1I

Cruise Details:

  • 🚢 Ship: Carnival Dream
  • ✅ Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line
  • ⭐ Departure Port: Galveston Texas
  • ✨ Itinerary: 6-Night Round Trip Western Caribbean Cruise
  • 📍 Ports of Call: Costa Maya, Belize, Cozumel