Tag: northern viking explorer

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MSC Seascape Caribbean Cruise: Sea Day Fun & Tropical Night ๐Ÿšข๐ŸŒด

MSC Seascape Caribbean Cruise: Sea Day Fun & Tropical Night - Day 2 Vlog

Our Caribbean adventure on the MSC Seascape continues! After an amazing departure from Galveston, day two brought our very first sea day. We took full advantage of the opportunity to slow down, rejuvenate, and really explore what this ship has to offer. ๐ŸŒŠโœจ

Morning Highlights & Buffet Finds ๐Ÿณ

We started the morning by heading up to the Marketplace Buffet on Deck 16. Even though we hit the buffet during the peak 10:00 AM rush, we discovered that heading all the way to the aft of the ship is the best way to find seating quickly. The breakfast spread was impressive, featuring everything from custom omelets to a unique pineapple juice that we haven’t seen on other cruise lines! ๐Ÿโ˜•

After breakfast, we headed to Le Cabaret Rouge for the Master Chef show. It is an official partnership with the hit TV show, and it was a blast to watch guests participate in a cake decorating challenge judged by the ship’s executive team. ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿณ๐ŸŽ‚

Afternoon Relaxation & Pizza Testing ๐Ÿ•

You can’t go on an MSC cruise without trying the pizza, so we put it to the test! Freshly made with a perfect thin crust, it definitely lived up to the hype. We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing in the sun, enjoying the long infinity-style hot tubs on Deck 8, and taking in the views from our balcony. โ˜€๏ธ๐Ÿ›€

Two slices of thin-crust pizza on a white plate with the MSC logo, featuring pepperoni and ham with pineapple, from the buffet of the MSC Seascape cruise ship.
The MSC pizza station was a highlightโ€”here are two of the delicious varieties we tried! (It lived up to the hype.)

Tropical Night & Evening Entertainment ๐ŸŒบ

As the sun began to set, the ship transformed for Tropical Night. We enjoyed our first dinner at the Cala Jondal restaurant, where we were treated to a fantastic meal including golden fried seafood and Key Lime pie. ๐Ÿฅง๐Ÿค

The night finished with a high-energy Tropical Party in the four-story atrium. Between the live music at the Loft Cafe and the “Premiere” show in the Chora Theatre, it was a sea day to remember. ๐ŸŽถ๐Ÿ’ƒ

Watch the Full Day 2 Vlog ๐ŸŽฅ

Want to see the Master Chef challenge, the hot tubs, and the Tropical Night party for yourself? Watch the full day two vlog below:

Watch here: MSC Seascape Day 2: Sea Day Fun & Tropical Night

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MSC Seascape Caribbean Cruise: Embarkation Day & Sail Away! ๐Ÿšข๐ŸŒด

MSC Seascape Caribbean Cruise: Embarkation Day & Sail Away - Day 1 Vlog

We are so excited to take you along for this 7-night Western Caribbean cruise departing from Galveston, Texas. โš“

Getting to the Port ๐Ÿš—

We started our morning by returning our rental car in La Marque, Texas, before taking a quick 25-minute Lyft ride over to the terminal. The check-in process at the Galveston port was incredibly smooth; we arrived around 10:00 a.m. and were walking onto the ship by 11:08 a.m.

First Impressions & Ship Highlights โœจ

Stepping onto the MSC Seascape is a stunning experience, especially with the signature crystal staircases. During our first afternoon, we explored some of the ship’s most iconic spots:

An elevated view looking down into the multi-story atrium of the MSC Seascape cruise ship. The modern, blue-lit central core features large LED screens displaying "Willkommen An Bord" (Welcome on Board), surrounded by hanging silver decorative panels. On either side are dramatic, sparkling spiral staircases lit with blue lights. At the bottom, a bar area is busy with passengers and staff, and a grand piano sits on a lower level. A passenger is walking down the left staircase.
The spectacular multi-story atrium on the MSC Seascape immediately sets the tone for a modern, luxurious cruise with its iconic blue lighting and crystal-embellished staircases. โœจ
  • The Bridge of Sighs: A must-see glass walkway at the aft of the ship with incredible views. ๐ŸŒ‰
  • Infinity Pools: Located on Deck 8, these are perfect spots to relax and cool off while in port or at sea. ๐ŸŒŠ
  • Jungle Pool: An indoor pool area on Deck 16 that looks fantastic for any weather. ๐ŸŒฟ
  • Adventure Trail: We even tested out the ropes trail and checked out the waterslides! ๐Ÿง—โ€โ™‚๏ธ

Our Balcony Cabin (10024) ๐Ÿ›Œ

We are staying in cabin 10024, a starboard-side balcony cabin on Deck 10. The room is modern and well-designed, featuring a full-size couch, a cleverly tucked-away coffee table, and plenty of mirrors. One handy tip for future cruisers: the safe is a bit small, so itโ€™s best for valuables like wallets and passports rather than large tablets. ๐Ÿงณ

Evening Entertainment & Dining ๐ŸŽญ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ

The night was packed with activity! We caught the “Imaginocean” show in the Chora Theatre, which was a colorful, family-friendly production. We also visited Le Cabaret Rouge for a variety show featuring some incredibly talented performers.

For dinner, we visited the Green Wave Restaurant. The service was top-notch, and the food did not disappoint. From the delicious tomato soup with pesto to the perfectly cooked prime rib, it was a fantastic first meal on board. ๐Ÿท

Watch the full Day 1 Vlog here: https://youtu.be/C-Q0QJEJUzk ๐Ÿ“ฝ๏ธ

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Northern Viking Explorer channel so you don’t miss the rest of our Caribbean adventure! ๐Ÿ””

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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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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

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Feeling Lucky? A Walkthrough of the Carnival Dream Casinos ๐ŸŽฐ๐Ÿ’ฐ

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 ๐Ÿšขโ˜€๏ธ๐Ÿฅฉ

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 โš“๏ธ๐Ÿน

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 ๐Ÿ’ฆ

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 ๐Ÿฅ‚๐Ÿคฃ

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

  • ๐Ÿšข Ship: Carnival Dream
  • โœ… Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line
  • โญ Departure Port: Galveston Texas
  • โœจ Itinerary: 6-Night Round Trip Western Caribbean Cruise
  • ๐Ÿ“ 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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Throwback VLOGATHON! Our Full 7-Night Carnival Firenze Mexican Riviera Cruise (August 2024) โ˜€๏ธ๐Ÿšข

Carnival Firenze Mexican Riviera Cruise: Full 7-Night VLOGATHON (Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlรกn & Cabo)

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 โš“๏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 ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ๐ŸŒฎ

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. ๐ŸšŒ
  • Mazatlรกn: We hit the lively Malecรณn, watch the dramatic Cliff Divers plunge into the ocean, and explore the historic Old Town. A must-see! ๐ŸŒŠ
  • Cabo San Lucas: We find a perfect, beautiful beach and explore the bustling boardwalk and shopping area. A great mix of relaxation and action! ๐Ÿน

Whether you’re sailing soon or just dreaming of the sun, this video is the complete guide to the Carnival Firenze experience!

Watch the Full 7-Night VLOGATHON Here: https://youtu.be/hWZpws6XWzc

Cruise Details

  • ๐Ÿšข Ship: Carnival Firenze
  • โœ… Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line
  • โญ Departure Port: Long Beach, California
  • โœจ Itinerary: 7-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise
  • ๐Ÿ“ Ports of Call: Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlรกn, Cabo San Lucas
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Stay Fit at Sea! Carnival Dream Gym Tour (Complimentary Fitness Center) ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿ‹๏ธโ€โ™‚๏ธ

Carnival Dream: Cloud 9 Fitness Center Tour (Complimentary Gym) ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿ‹๏ธโ€โ™‚๏ธ

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! ๐Ÿ’ช 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! ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™‚๏ธ Treadmills and ellipticals at the Carnival Dream Gym. Best view at sea while getting your morning run in! ๐ŸŒŠ #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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Level Up! A Walkthrough of the Carnival Dream’s Warehouse Arcade ๐Ÿ•น๏ธ๐Ÿ’ฐ

Carnival Dream Arcade Tour (Warehouse Arcade Deck 4) ๐Ÿ•น๏ธ

Planning your sea days on the Carnival Dream? This quick video is your guide to the ship’s arcade!

We take you on a complete walk-through of the Warehouse Arcade, located on Deck 4. You’ll see the variety of classic arcade games, the exciting VR games, and the popular redemption games where you can win prizes! We also give you a look at the Prize Hub and show you exactly what the tokens cost.

If you’re sailing on the Carnival Dream, this tour will show you exactly what fun is waiting for you!

Watch the Full Arcade Walkthrough Here: https://youtu.be/95S5BMfOhXc

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Carnival Dream: Iberostar Resort Cozumel & Formal Night (Day 5) ๐Ÿšข๐ŸŒด๐Ÿน

Carnival Dream Caribbean Cruise: Iberostar Resort Cozumel & Formal Night (Day 5) ๐Ÿšข๐ŸŒด

Get ready for the ultimate port day! Day 5 of our Carnival Dream Caribbean Cruise took us to Cozumel, Mexico, and we partnered with Resort for a Day to visit the stunning Iberostar Resort Cozumel!

Resort Day Pass Bliss at Iberostar Cozumel โ˜€๏ธ๐Ÿฅ‚

We spent the day at the incredible Iberostar Resort Cozumel, using a resort day pass for a day of pure relaxation. We enjoyed unlimited beverages at the swim-up bar, a delicious lunch, and the gorgeous pools. We even got some great snorkeling in right off the pier! ๐Ÿ  It was a beautifully relaxing day.

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

Underwater view of a large school of silver and yellow fish swimming beneath the pier in clear turquoise water at Iberostar Cozumel.
This is why you bring your snorkel gear! ๐Ÿ  Found a whole school of fish hiding under the pier at the Iberostar Resort Cozumel! The water was so clear and warm. #Snorkeling #Cozumel #CruiseLife

Formal Night Feast & America Rocks! ๐Ÿฆž๐Ÿฅฉ

Back on the Carnival Dream, it was time for Formal Night! We enjoyed a special dinner in the Crimson Dining Room, feasting on complimentary Lobster and Prime Rib, finished with our favorite Crรจme Brulee. The spectacular evening continued with the high-energy America Rocks show in the Encore Theater, which was followed by checking out the White Hot Night Party on the Lido Deck! It was a perfect blend of relaxation and high-energy fun.

An aerial view of the Carnival Dream's Lido Deck at night, showing a large crowd of people dressed in all white dancing at the White Hot Night Party around the illuminated pool.
We had to check out the White Hot Night Party! ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ•บ The Lido Deck was absolutely packed with everyone dressed in white for one last night of dancing. A perfect, high-energy way to end Day 5! #WhiteHotNight #CarnivalDream #CruiseParty

Cruise Details

  • ๐Ÿšข Ship: Carnival Dream
  • โœ… Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line
  • โญ Departure Port: Galveston Texas
  • โœจ Itinerary: 6-Night Round Trip Western Caribbean Cruise
  • ๐Ÿ“ Ports of Call: Costa Maya, Belize, Cozumel

Ready for the full look at the resort and all the formal night fun? Watch our vlog below where we showcase the highlights!

Watch the Full Day 5 Vlog Here: https://youtu.be/MlBkQ0Bpz64