Author: Elle MacRae

Categories
Cruise Travel Florida Jacksonville United States

Things for Cruisers to do in Jacksonville

Jacksonville, Florida

Are you cruising out of Jacksonville, Florida? There are plenty of things for cruisers to do in Jacksonville, near the cruise port. Our city is the largest city in the United States, square milage-wise which means that everything is spread out. You’ll either want to have a car or have to rely on Uber to get around because our public transportation system isn’t the greatest.

The cruise port is located in the northern part of Jacksonville, north of downtown, and relatively close to the airport. The closest hotel to the port is a Holiday Inn Express and Suites, but there are plenty of options near the airport.

Things for Cruisers to do in Jacksonville

Shopping

The closest shopping to the cruise port is the River City Marketplace, which is just under 9 miles away. Here you’ll find a wide range of stores where you can pick up anything you may need before your trip. There is a Walmart here along with clothing stores, makeup stores, etc.

Beaches

The cruise port is located in an industrial area, so you’ll have to drive a few miles east to hit the beaches. Nearby beaches include:

Huguenot Park

Honestly, this is the beach that we frequent the most. During the spring and summer months, you can find us here at least 2 days a week. You’re able to drive on the beach, which makes it super convenient if you’re traveling with kids or if you are bringing along a bunch of stuff.

Huguenot Memorial Park is a 450-acre horseshoe-shaped peninsula that is surrounded by 3 bodies of water: the Fort George Inlet, St. Johns River, and the Atlantic Ocean. The park is famous for birding, the ability to drive on the beach, and for the one mile of jetty rocks that are used to guide ships into the mouth of the St. Johns River. The jetties, as well as other areas of the beach, are well-known for fishing.

Blackrock/Boneyard Beach

Shhh, this is one of Jacksonville’s best-kept secrets! This secluded beach is located just off of Heckscher Drive. A 1/2 mile trail through the woods dumps out onto a photographer’s paradise. The beach is covered with sun-bleached fallen trees. The beach is named after rock-like soil formations. This Mars-like beach is out of this world!

Our Guide to Blackrock Beach will help you find this hidden gem and give you all the info you’ll need to plan your trip.

Little Talbot Island State Park

This park has 5 miles of premier beaches and 3 miles of biking trails. It’s a little more of a drive to get there (compared to Huguenot) but it’s worth it! A long boardwalk empties out onto a spectacular beach that is a bit less crowded than Huguenot. Plus, you won’t have to worry about looking for cars when you’re walking out to the water.

History

Jacksonville is full of historical sites for visitors to explore. A quick Google search would tell you that Yellow Bluff Fort and the El Faro Memorial are both located very close to the cruise port. I promise you, you’ll regret taking the time to visit Yellow Bluff Fort. Honestly, it’s just a grouping of earthworks (man-made mounds) that are remnants of an encampment from the Civil War. I’m a history nerd and I found it boring.

We suggest visiting Kingsley Plantation, instead. The plantation is located several miles down the road from the cruise port, but it is worth the visit. The property belonged to Zephaniah Kingsley who spent 25 years there. The plantation was originally 1,000 acres, most of which has been overtaken by mother nature. The owner’s house was built between 1797 and 1798 and is the oldest surviving plantation home in the state. There are 25 slave cabins that are still remarkably pretty well intact.

Across the river, you’ll find Fort Caroline, a site that memorializes the short-lived French presence. Although the fort is a replica, it’s still a pretty neat place to visit. There are a handful of trails nearby that are great if you love spending time outdoors. Just down the road is the Ribault Monument which commemorates the 1562 landing of Jean Ribault near the mouth of the St. Johns River.

Zoo

The zoo is located just a couple of miles away from the cruise port, making it easily accessible to cruisers. If we had a few hours to kill before our ship pulled out, this is where we will spend our time.

The Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens is one of our favorite hangout spots. The zoo is one of our city’s main attractions, with more than a million visitors checking it out each year. The zoo has over 2,000 animals and just as many plants in its gardens.

Food

If you’re looking to grab a bite nearby, the closest place to eat to the cruise port is Wendy’s. There are plenty of other options at the River City Marketplace, less than 10 miles away.

Some of our local favorites include:

Palm’s Fish Camp– Great seafood, pizza, and incredible drinks.
Green Papaya– Delicious Thai Food.
New Berlin Fish House & Oyster Bar– A great seafood menu and a wonderful brunch menu, as well.
Happy Taco Feliz- This food truck has an incredible selection of authentic Mexican food.
FujiYama– The best Japanese and sushi in the area.

But wait, there’s more!

There’s plenty of stuff to do in the River City! From wildlife sanctuaries to art museums, we have it all. We have plenty of more suggestions in our 10 Fun Things to Do in Jacksonville article if you have a bit more time and are able to venture further away from the cruise terminal

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Categories
Caribbean Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel

How to Select the Perfect Cruise Excursion- Insider Tips on Cruise Ports

One of my favorite things about planning out my cruises is picking out my shore excursion(s).  There is an abundance of things to do and sometimes it can be hard to narrow it down to just one activity each port!  Selecting which cruise excursion is right for you, but we’ve outlined some of the best activities in the hottest ports of the Caribbean.

Swimming with Nurse Sharks at Shark and Ray Alley, Belize

Each port lends itself to different activities. For instance, Belize, Costa Maya, San Juan, and Cozumel are excellent for experiencing ancient cultures however, they are also great for outdoor adventure activities. 

Ports like St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Antigua are great for shopping and hitting the beach. 

Of course, there are some ports, like Grand Turk,  Amber Cove, Costa Maya, and Mahogany Bay where you really don’t even have to book an excursion because they been developed by Carnival.

What is a Cruise Excursion?

A cruise excursion is an activity that you book in a cruise port. The excursions range from historic tours, snorkeling and beach tours, visits to popular attractions, activities that will get your adrenaline pumping, and cultural activities. They are booked through local tour companies and cost additional money. Excursions can go from anywhere from $39 to hundreds of dollars for scuba diving, golfing, and helicopter tours.

How to Select the Perfect Cruise Excursion for YOU

Really, it all depends on your idea of fun. The great thing about cruise excursions is the fact there is literally something for everyone! I like to pick something adventurous and something cultural each cruise.

For the History Lovers

I’ve always been quite a bit of a history nerd so I really enjoy historic island tours and visits to Mayan ruins. In the past six cruises, I have visited 3 different sets of ruins and been on many island tours. I like doing island tours because you get to see a lot of the island/port, learn a bit of history and you still get time to shop and/or hit the beach.

Not all island tours are created equally though. I booked an island tour on Grand Turk and was really disappointed. The island doesn’t really have much to offer. I would have been much better off just staying at the port and enjoying the beach and pool area. However, islands like Antigua, Tortola, St. Maarten, and St. Thomas all offer incredible island tours that are full of rich history.

 

Xunantunich Ruins, Belize

Recommended Island Tours: Antigua, Tortola, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Bahamas and San Juan

Recommended Maya Ruins: Xunantunich, Chichen Itza, Tulum, Cahal Pech, Chacchoben

Ports where I don’t recommend island/city tours: Belize, Grand Turk, Mahogany Bay, Cozumel

Annaberg Plantation, St. John, USVI

For the Adventurers

Each cruise, I like to do something that scares me…. just a little. It’s a great opportunity to open myself up to new experiences, to conquer fears, and to try new things. I must admit, I have done some really, really cool things while traveling. I’ve zip lined, snorkeled with sharks and rays, explored caves in Mexico and Belize, gone off-roading, and been on high-speed boat rides.

Recommended Activities: Ziplining (anywhere!), Cave Tubing in Belize, 4×4 safari in Aruba (it was so amazing!), catamaran rides (anywhere!), Rio Secreto (Cozumel), snorkeling (Bonaire, St. Thomas, Belize, Grand Turk), and Sting Ray City (Grand Cayman), Swimming with Sharks and Rays (Belize).

Snorkeling in Bonaire

You may have noticed that I don’t always book tours. There are some ports that have been really well developed by Carnival. Rather than just having the usual Carnival stores, they have added special features such as wide sandy beaches (with amenities), pools, bars, and restaurants. In places like Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Mahogany Bay, and Amber Cove it isn’t necessary to spend your money on an excursion. Whereas I strongly recommend booking something for Belize as Belize City itself has absolutely nothing to offer.

There are other ports where I don’t book tours but I either hit the local beaches or shop at the local shops. Ports, where this is totally doable, include Nassau, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Grand Turk. I hope this helps you get an idea of how I choose my shore excursions. I mix a little history, with a bit of adventure and outdoor activities to create the trip of a lifetime!

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Updated: 4/8/22

Categories
Alaska Cruise Travel Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier Juneau Ketchikan Skagway United States

Reliving Our Alaskan Cruise Highlights

 I’ve had several friends ask me what the best part of my Alaskan cruise was. Choosing our Alaskan cruise highlights is just as impossible as coming up with my favorite Hanson song! The whole cruise was absolutely remarkable! We spent time checking out all of the sights in Seattle, explored Skagway, British Columbia & The Yukon, saw the Mendenhall and Dawes Glaciers, hiked countless trails, and took in all of the sights of the Last Frontier. How can I select just one of those as a highlight? To put it simply, I can’t. Here are some of my favorite things about my trip:

Alaskan Cruise Highlights

  • Seals
  • Humpback Whale
  • Bald Eagle

The Wild Life

How can you not appreciate the wildlife of Alaska? It’s so funny because everyone on the ship was hoping that they would see a whale on the cruise. I didn’t book a whale-watching excursion and I can’t even begin to tell you how many whales we saw on this trip! We saw humpbacks galore and even got to see some orcas frolicking in the water. Seaworld ain’t got nothin’ on Alaska y’all!

On the ship, there was a naturalist that stood on the bridge of the ship and made an announcement anytime she spotted a whale, seal, bald eagle, porpoise, etc. It became kind of a game to rush to the side of the ship that she referenced in her announcement.

While we were in Juneau, we hopped on a bus to the Mendenhall Glacier. As we were driving through downtown Juneau a mama bear and two cubs ran across the road. It was the coolest thing ever! I definitely didn’t expect to have a bear sighting- especially in downtown Juneau!

The Lakes & Snow-Capped Mountains

As a Florida girl, it was nice to see something other than palm trees, sand, brackish water, and flat terrain. I loved all of the gorgeous green lakes, evergreens, and snow-capped mountains. There were mountains galore! We even got to play in the snow… in the summer! And yes, I fought back the urge to sing songs from Disney’s “Frozen”.

The Glaciers

Seeing the glaciers was pretty rad too! We visited both the Mendenhall Glacier and the Dawes Glacier on this trip. We were amazed by how blue the glaciers were and how gorgeous the surrounding water was. It was pretty neat sailing by little icebergs on our way through the Endicott Arm.

The lush green hillsides stood out in comparison to the vibrant blue water. It was absolutely stunning! Another cool thing about the Endicott Arm was all of the waterfalls that lined the waterway. I don’t think I’ve been anywhere quite as beautiful as the Endicott Arm! It was truly that beautiful.

Yes, Even Canada, eh

Believe it or not, we actually spent about as much time in Canada as we did in Alaska! We spent several hours driving through British Columbia and Yukon Territory. We also made a pit-stop in Victoria, British Columbia. This part of Canada was just as gorgeous as Alaska! I’m so glad we made the drive from Skagway to Carcross!

I have a feeling we’ll definitely be back to The Last Frontier. Now that we’ve been formally introduced, we’d love to drive around and check out more of what Alaska has to offer. Going to Alaska was a dream come true, I can definitely see why people consider this a trip of a lifetime.

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Categories
North Carolina United States

12 Awesome Things for Kids to do at Yogi’s Jellystone Park in Golden Valley, NC

Let me start by saying how impressed we were with all of the awesome things for kids to do at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Golden Valley, NC.   We were blown away by the amount of activities and amenities that the park offered.  Our kids stayed busy from sun up to sundown.  They loved the character meet and greets, the ice cream socials, the arts and craft activities, and the parties.  The jump party on the pillow pad was a huge success.  

I don’t think I’ve ever seen our kids have so much fun.  This truly was an amazing place for a family vacation!

12 Awesome Things for Kids to do at Yogi's Jellystone Park in Golden Valley, NC

Interactive Waterpark-  Your kids will love the waterpark!  It is perfect for kids of all ages!  There is a small section with a couple of slides for toddlers, but the bulk of the park is built for the big kids.  There are more than a dozen water blasters, 2 water cannons,  a large tower that dumps 750 gallons of water out, water slides, and loads of interactive elements.

Ranger Smith Pool- There is a large swimming pool for those who don’t want to deal with all of the craziness of the waterpark.  

Take a Hike- The park as an extensive trail system the weaves throughout the park.  We suggest hitting up the trails before heading to the water park.

Water Rentals- Be sure to take advantage of the water craft rentals!  The park offers kayak, canoe, stand up paddle board, and pedal boat rentals for $5 an hour.

Mini Golf- Take a break from the water activities and hit up the putt-putt course.  The course has 18 holes that are just as challenging as they are fun.

Lazer Tag-  Want to know what’s cooler than hide and seek?  Playing hide and seek with laser guns!  The laser tag sessions last 30 minutes.  A fee is required to play.  

Jumping Pillow & Pad- Brace yourself…. there are two massive inflatable that are perfect for a family jump-party!  

Water Zipline- Sure, jumping off the dock into a lake is great, but imagine zip lining into the lake.  Now you can!  The zip line starts at a tower on the edge of the lake and drops you in the center of the lake!  AWESOME!

Gem Mining- You can’t visit western North Carolina without doing a bit of gem mining.  Lucky for you, you can now mine for gems without even leaving the park!  Several bags and buckets, ranging in various prices and quality, are available for purchase at  the Ranger Station (shop) or at registration.  

Awesome Playgrounds- Our kids loved the playground at the park.  Our oldest kid was a huge fan of the Ninja Warrior-style obstacle course.

Arts & Crafts-  Our seven year old loved the arts and craft activities!  Each morning after breakfast we’d sit down together to do an activity.  The kids favorite activity was designing boats out of cardboard boxes and then racing them at the lake.  It was such a blast!

Hit the Lake-  Not far from the pool and water park, you’ll find the centerpiece of Yogi’s Jellystone Park, the lake.  The lake is a great option for swimmers who want to get away from the crowds.  Visitors can also fish or rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, or pedal boats for $5 an hour.  

What Should I Take With Me?

When you’re hiking, please remember to leave no trace! This means to pack out everything that you pack in and if you see trash, pick it up.

Backpack– to store all of your belongings
Dry Bag– to keep your electronics and wallet safe, in case of rain (or kayaking)
Trail GPS– the Garmin Oregon handled GPS works offline. You can view maps, waypoints, tracks, and trails even if you don’t have a signal.
First-Aid Kit– this ultralight, watertight medical kit is a must if you’re hitting the trails!
Sunscreen- yes, you can get sunburned in the forest.
Insect Repellant
Water Bottle– Always pack more water than you think you’ll need!
Snacks


Hammock– I honestly pack a hammock on most hiking trips. Psh, I even bring them along with me when we go on cruises. There are plenty of spots in the forest to put up a hammock and chill out for a bit.

If you’re traveling with your pup, like we often do, be sure to bring along their leash, poop bags, a water dish (this one is collapsible), extra water, food, and snacks.

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Post Updated: 11/7/21

Categories
North Carolina United States

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park: Golden Valley, North Carolina

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Golden Valley is a must-do if you’re visiting western-North Carolina.  This camp-resort features cabins as well as RV and tent sites nestled in the scenic mountains between Charlotte and Asheville.

What is there to do at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park?

We were incredibly impressed by how much there was to do at the park.  From sunup to sundown (and beyond) we stayed busy!

  • Water Park with slides and a splash area
  • Swimming Pool & Hot Tubs
  • Lake
    • Swimming
    • Kayaking
    • Canoeing
    • Paddle Boarding
    • Pedal Boating
    • Fishing
    • Inflatable Obstacle Course
  • Gem Mining
  • Putt Putt Golf
  • Laser Tag
  • Zip Line
  • Hiking Trails
  • Playground
  • Jump Pillow & Pad
  • Planned Activities

The park also has two restaurants, Scout’s Table and Creekside Café.  

 The Scout’s Table features a brunch menu and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9AM until 3PM.  It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.  There is a coffee bar in the restaurant if you’d like to just grab a cup of coffee or a la carte breakfast.  Scout’s Table also serves mimosas and cocktails.

The Creekside Cafe is located right by the pool and water park making it super convenient for lunch.  It is open daily from 11AM until 8PM.  They serve pizza, burgers, chicken tenders, sandwiches, hot dogs, ice cream, and more.

Right across from the Creekside Café is the Blue Ridge Tavern.  Here, you can grab an adult beverage from 12PM until 8PM on Sundays through Tuesdays, and from 12PM until 10PM.

The Attractions

Water Park–  The water park features 2 large slides, 2 medium-sized slides, and a small toddler splash area.  There are water cannons and a large water tour that periodically dumps out water at the center of the water park.

Swimming Pool & Hot Tubs– Adjacent to the water park, you’ll find the swimming pool and hot tub.  The pool is shallow and has basketball hoops and a few built-in benches and seats for you to relax.  Rental cabanas line the pool area.  The cabanas feature patio furniture, a fan, a tv, and a refrigerator and would be great for those who want/need a bit of shade.  

Lake- Not far from the pool and water park, you’ll find the centerpiece of Yogi’s Jellystone Park, the lake.  The lake is a great option for swimmers who want to get away from the crowds.  Visitors can also fish or rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, or pedal boats for $5 an hour.  

Obstacle Course-  New in 2022, the super awesome inflatable obstacle course is sure to become your favorite thing to do on the lake.  Climb, crawl, and leap to make your way around the whole course!

Gem Mining-  You can’t visit western North Carolina without doing a bit of gem mining.  Lucky for you, you can now mine for gems without even leaving the park!  Several bags and buckets, ranging in various prices and quality, are available for purchase at  the Ranger Station (shop) or at registration.  

Putt Putt Golf-  Who doesn’t love a round of mini-golf?  The park has an 18-hole course that is free to play.

Lazer Tag– Want to know what’s cooler than hide and seek?  Playing hide and seek with laser guns!  The laser tag sessions last 30 minutes.  A fee is required to play.  

Zip Line-  Sure, jumping off the dock into a lake is great, but imagine zip lining into the lake.  Now you can!  The zip line starts at a tower on the edge of the lake and drops you in the center of the lake!  AWESOME!

Hiking Trails-  The park as an extensive trail system the weaves throughout the park.  We suggest hitting up the trails before heading to the water park.

Playground- Our kids loved the playground at the park.  Our oldest kid was a huge fan of the Ninja Warrior-style obstacle course.  

Jumping Pillow & Pad-  While the pool and splash park may be hoppin’ during the day, the inflatable jumping pillow and jumping pad are where it’s at during the evening hours.  And yes, grown ups can jump, too.

Planned Activities- Throughout the day there are various activities throughout the park.  These include character meet and greets, ice cream socials, wagon rides, crafts, relay races, parades, and much more!

Our Experience

We had no idea what to expect when we booked our trip to Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park.  Sure, we had seen all of the amenities that they offer but, we didn’t realize quite how awesome this place was going to be.    We were super impressed!

The kids loved the waterpark, the pool, and the lake.  We rented kayaks, paddleboards, and a pedal boat.  I will say that the paddleboards that they had on site were not nearly as stable as my paddleboard.  I imagine it would be tricky to maneuver for a newbie!  

We really enjoyed swimming at the lake.  Smiley had a blast jumping off the dock.  It was such a nice change of pace from the Florida beaches.

Each day we would look at the schedule of planned activities.  We got to meet Yogi, Boo Boo, and Cindy Bear pretty much every day.  We’d eat breakfast at Scout’s Table every morning and then head next door for arts and crafts.  Our favorite art activity was creating boats out of cardboard boxes for a boat race on the lake.  Other activities included a jump party, tractor rides, ice cream socials, and much more.

Weirdly, the kids favorite part was riding the golf cart we rented.  We zoomed all over the hillside and park on that bad boy.

Where is Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Located?

Address:  

182 Jellystone Pkwy
Bostic, NC 28018

Day Trips from Jellystone

There are a ton of fantastic day trips from the park.  Here are some of our favorites:

  • South Mountains State Park (20.6 miles)
  • Lake Lure (33.5 miles)
  • Chimney Rock (36.8 miles)
  • Linville Caverns (41.9 miles)
  • Biltmore Estate (54.6 miles)
  • DuPont State Forest (64.7 miles)

For more information about Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, check out the parks official website.

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Post updated:  6/17/22

Categories
Seattle United States Washington

Where to Find The Best Views of Seattle

The Seattle Skyline

Seattle, Washington is one of the most gorgeous cities in the United States. We visited the Emerald City for a few days before heading out on our Alaskan Cruise. The city certainly photographs well, and on our trip, we scouted out the best spots to find the best views of Seattle. Get your camera ready, Seattle is ready to shine.

Where to Find The Best Views of Seattle

Queen Anne Blvd

We came across this park while I was stalking Meredith Grey. Relax, no fictional characters were harmed during *this* visit. Once we saw her house (and the current homeowner who was staring at me out of her kitchen window as she did the dishes), we just had to drive around and check out this charming neighborhood. It was absolutely incredible! While driving around we couldn’t help but fall in love with the neighborhood! It was full of eclectic houses, immaculate gardens, a ton of dogs, and practically no stop signs. Can someone spot me a few million so I can move here?

Queen Anne Blvd is loaded with charming little parks. These views are from Kinnear Park, Betty Bowen View Point, and Parsons Gardens.

Kerry Park

This park isn’t much of a secret. Looking at the pictures, I’m sure you can see why this park was jam-packed with tourists. Kerry Park offers the best view of downtown Seattle with the extremely photogenic Space Needle starring as the crown jewel. Although the park itself is small, it is definitely worth stopping by, even if it’s just for a few photos.

Gas Works Park

Gas Works Park was probably my favorite park that we visited in Seattle. The site once belonged to the Seattle Gas Light Company and still contains remnants from the plant that operated until the 1950s. The area was re-purposed as a park in 1975 and has been a local favorite ever since. The park was covered with people enjoying picnics, reading, or hitting the water. We had so much fun wandering around the old towers, climbing the earth mound, and checking out the sights.

Space Needle

The Space Needle is one of the most iconic landmarks in all of Seattle…or even the United States, for that matter. You can head to the top of the Needle to grab a delicious meal and take in the scenery.

Seattle Great Wheel

The Seattle Great Wheel is a giant Ferris wheel at Miner’s Landing Pier 57 overlooking Elliott Bay in Seattle, Washington. The overall height of the wheel is 175 feet making it the tallest on the West Coast of the United States.

The 12-minute three rotation ride soars over scenic Elliott Bay. The ride offers remarkable views of the bay, especially on a clear day. You’ll also have an aerial view of the pier, the Seattle Space Needle, and downtown Seattle.

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Updated: 10/27/21

Categories
Caribbean Costa Maya Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel Mexico

Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Costa Maya?

“Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Costa Maya?” This is a question that I get asked a lot. Quite frankly, there are some cruise ports where you absolutely must book an excursion, and then there are others where you really don’t have to.

Costa Maya is an absolutely stunning corner of Mexico. The turquoise blue waters crash into the vibrant green jungle and the white sand beach to form some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever encounter. Believe it or not, you can experience this port to the fullest without shelling out a ton of cash! Although it isn’t nearly as developed as Cozumel (130 miles north), it still offers visitors plenty to do.

Senor Frogs, Costa Maya

What is an Excursion?

An excursion is an activity that you book in a cruise port. The excursions range from historic tours, snorkeling and beach tours, visits to popular attractions, activities that will get your adrenaline pumping, and cultural activities. They are booked through local tour companies and cost additional money. Excursions can go from anywhere from $39 to hundreds of dollars for scuba diving, golfing, and helicopter tours.

Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Costa Maya?

Carnival has developed some ports as “destinations” and created a safe environment for cruisers to relax by the pool, spend some money in the shops or dine at restaurants. Costa Maya even gives you the option to swim with dolphins- if that is your thing. The port also features an aviary, a fish spa, and a place for you to experience Maya healing rituals. Oh, and of course there’s a tequila bar.

When you get off the ship you’ll need to walk down a long pier to the port. If you are not comfortable walking, or unable to, there are free shuttle buses that cart folks back and forth.

Although there is plenty to do at the port, if you want to truly experience Mexico, we suggest leaving the port area.

What are the highlights of Costa Maya?

  • Beautiful, large pools (with free floats)
  • Souvenir shops
  • Restaurants and bars (Senor Frogs, & Carlos and Charlies, etc).
  • Tequila Bar
  • Aviary
  • Fish Spa
  • Kakaw Chocolate
  • Dolphin Encounter
  • SCUBA diving

Free Entertainment in Costa Maya

Nearby Beaches

Walk towards your right from the port entrance, past the shops to the grand staircase. To the right of the staircase, there is a small pathway leading to a ticket selling booth/table. Here you can purchase tickets for a taxi or trolley ride. They can take you to any of the popular beach clubs.

Costa Maya, Mexico

The beaches here are unique in the sense that many of the bars, restaurants, and hotels actually own the beach that their establishment is on. Often times this means that you can receive bar and restaurant services while soaking up the rays. Pretty cool, huh?

Recommended Excursions in Costa Maya

Chacchoben Maya Ruins & Blue Lagoon

This 6 1/2 hour tour combines Maya history, local culture, and a beach break at a blue lagoon with an open bar. The trip starts with an hour-long bus ride out to the ruins. Along the way, your tour guide will tell you all there is to know about the ruins. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the ruins and the three main temples before heading back to the coast for lunch and time at the blue lagoon. This tour won’t leave you much time to explore the port area.

Maya Adventure Park & Beach Break

Spend the day at the Maya Adventure Park (the faux temple you see on the horizon from the cruise ship). The park has 9 waterslides, 2 zipline courses, a ropes course, and a roller coaster. There is also a pool and a Cenote to cool off in. Afterwards, hit the Beach Escape Beach Club for a bit of fun in the sun.

Bacalar Lagoon, Mexico

Seven Colors Lagoon River Tubing

This tour will take you to the stunning Bacalar Lagoon known as the “Lake of Seven Colors”. You’ll spend an hour and a half floating down the picturesque river. The tour includes lunch at the pier pictured above.

Bacalar Fort & Seven Colors Lagoon

Want to experience the real Mexico? This is truly a hidden gem! You’ll head to the town of Bacalar home to Bacalar Fort and the Seven Colors Lagoon. The fortress was built in 1733 to protect the Spanish colonists from pirate attacks and rebellions by the local indigenous people. You’ll also get a chance to spend time floating on the lagoon.

Catamaran Sail, Snorkel & Beach

Of course, you can never go wrong with a catamaran and snorkeling excursion. In fact, I have done this on several trips to Mexico and it never gets old.

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Caribbean Grand Cayman Honduras Nassau The Bahamas

My Three Least Favorite Cruise Ports (and the Reasons Aren’t What You Think!)

I have to tell you, I have experienced some pretty cool things and seen some incredible places. Some of my favorite places have been Alaska, France, and England and, of course, the locations I shared a couple of weeks ago in my 5 Favorite Cruise Ports post.

Today I thought it might be fun to share with you my least favorite cruise ports. Now, let me preface this by saying that I realize that I am extremely fortunate to be able to travel and this is, in no way, me whining. I should also say that none of these places are absolutely terrible, and it was impossible for me to come up with 3 places that weren’t spectacular. In fact, all of these places are actually nice, as I’m sure anyone who has visited them would agree, they just don’t rank high up on my list.

Alright, enough with the disclaimers. Let’s get the ball rolling, shall we?

My Least Favorite Cruise Ports

Atlantis, Nassau, The Bahamas

Nassau

I’ve been to Nassau six times and it grows on me more and more each time. This gorgeous island in The Bahamas is dotted with stunning beaches and a plethora of things to do. Nassau is a haven for tourists…which is actually why I don’t love it. For me, Nassau is far too crowded. Visiting the Straw Market is a nightmare due to the number of tourists that are jam-packed in such a small space. Will I return to Nassau? Absolutely. In fact, I’ll be there in 6 months time. The key to enjoying Nassau is getting away from the crowds. [7 Things for Cruisers to do Within Walking Distance in Nassau]

Stingray City, Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman

Again, I actually like quite a bit about Grand Cayman. The island features a lovely Sea Turtle Farm and phenomenal beaches. This is also a fantastic location for snorkeling and scuba diving. On one visit, I took a boat out to Stingray City where I got to swim with stingrays which was totally cool! The key to enjoying Grand Cayman is to get out and do things. If you stay around the tourist district you’ll just wander in and out of shops all day. Grand Cayman has a lot to offer. I do strongly recommend skipping paying for a trip to the tourist trap that is known as Hell. It’s not even worth a second thought.

Mahogany Bay, Roatan

Mahogany Bay/Roatan

If you’re a regular to 5 Suitcases you may be surprised to see Mahogany Bay on the list especially since I also included it in my Top 5. You see, although Mahogany Bay and Roatan are essentially the same places, they couldn’t be more different. Carnival develops many of its ports as destinations by putting in a ton of stores, restaurants, and bars and putting in an idyllic beach. Grand Turk, Amber Cove, Costa Maya, and Mahogany Bay are all prime examples of this. I have to admit, Carnival has done an amazing job with these projects. However, it’s not authentic.

When I first started visiting Roatan there was nothing. Literally nothing. We were greeted at the port by guerrillas brandishing machine guns. Many people turned back, but we forged on and got to see how gorgeous the authentic Roatan really is. The only reason I dislike Mahogany Bay is that most visitors will not go beyond Carnival’s secure walls and discover how fantastic the island truly is.

The people of Roatan are some of the most pleasant, welcoming people you will ever meet. It’s a shame that many people will never get a chance to experience this simply because they remain at Mahogany Bay.

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Categories
Aruba Caribbean Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel South America

Exploring the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins of Aruba

Bushiribana Ruins

Did you know that gold has played an important part in Aruba’s history? Aruba’s name roughly translates to “there was gold”. On the north coast of the island resides the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, a remnant of the island’s Gold Rush.

The Gold Rush of 1824

During the 1700s the Dutch explored the Caribbean in search of gold and treasures hidden by the Spanish. They explored Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao but left disappointed.

Fast Forward to 1824 when a twelve-year-old herder discovered gold ore in the hills of Rooi Fluit. Almost immediately, gold became an important part of Aruba’s history from 1824 until about 1916. Nearly everyone on the island sought out the precious metal. However, what they found had to be sold to the government at a fixed price.

The fever died out in 1830 however, new gold veins were discovered in 1854. Afterward, locals were prohibited from digging for gold. A Dutch Company had exclusive rights for digging on the island before changing hands to American and English companies.

The island produced more than 3 million pounds, in total.

The Bushiribana Gold Mill

The Aruba Island Gold Mining Company built Bushiribana in 1874 to extract gold from the ore that was being mined in the hills nearby. The limestone mill was designed to look like a fort in order to intimidate potential pirates.

Eventually, in 1916 during World War 1, the Aruba Gold Mining Company decided to cease all operations on the island. The digging never resumed.

Visiting the Mill

Although it costs nothing to visit and explore the Bushiribana Ruins, you may want to visit with a tour guide. There are no guides, information pamphlets, or even signs that explain the history of the site. Everything is just kind of left open for you to interpret.

The views from the mill are absolutely remarkable. This is definitely one of Aruba’s most photogenic locations! 

Visiting the Mill is a must, especially if you’re already in the area visiting the Aruba Ostrich Farm, the Small Natural Pool, or the Ayo Rock Formations.

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Georgia National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores United States

Cumberland Island National Seashore

Dungeness Ruins, Cumberland Island

Cumberland Island is one of the places that I will never grow tired of visiting.  The Cumberland Island National Seashore is the largest of Georgia’s Golden Isles.  The island features sugary white sand beaches, marshland, and stunning forests.  It is world-known for its population of wild horses that inhabit the island.

The island is known for being the home to important families including James Oglethorpe, the Carnegie family, Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene, and for being the site of JFK Jr’s wedding.

Getting to Cumberland Island

Cumberland Island is only accessible by boat.  There is a ferry that leaves from St. Marys, Georgia.  The Cumberland Queen Ferry runs three times a day from March to September and twice a day from October through November.  During the months of January and February, the ferry runs twice a day but only leaves Mondays through Thursdays.  

The National Park Service limits the number of visitors to 300 per day.  Campers may remain on the island for up to one week.  

Getting Around Cumberland Island

Coleman Avenue, Cumberland Island

Plan on doing a lot of walking while visiting the island!  There are no paved roads or trails on the island and the use of vehicles on the island is limited to private residents, contractors, and National Park employees.

One way many visitors choose to get around Cumberland Island is by bicycle.  Bikes are allowed on the ferry for a $10 fee, but space is limited.  You can also rent bikes on the island for $16/day.  Bikes are only permitted on certain parts of the islands (you’ll see signs).  Several spots on the island are hard difficult to navigate by bike because of the thick sand.

On our most recent visit, we hiked just over 7 miles and we stuck to just the southern tip of the island!

What is there to See on the Island?

The Ice House Museum was once one of the original Carnegie service buildings.  Today the small museum houses original artifacts (and replicas) from the island’s prehistoric, colonial, early-American, and Gilded Era history.  

Dungeness Ruins, Cumberland Island
Dungeness Ruins, Cumberland Island

The crown jewel of Cumberland Island are the Dungeness ruins.  James Oglethorpe (founder of the colony of Georgia) first built a hunting lodge on the island in 1736.  He named the lodge Dungeness.

Afterwards, Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene acquired 11,000 acres of the island in exchange for a bad debt.  He moved to the island with his wife, Catharine Littlefield Greene.  After his death, she built a four-story tabby mansion over a Timucuan shell mound.  During the War of 1812 the British, who occupied the island, used the house as a headquarters.  

 

In 1818, Major General Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee, a Revolutionary War hero and father of Robert E. Lee, came to the island and stayed in the Greene house until his death later that year.  He was buried in the Greene-Miller cemetery.  The home was abandoned during the Civil War and later burned to the ground.

Light-Horse Harry Lee's grave stone

In the 1880s, the property switched hands again when it was purchased by Thomas M. Carnegie, brother of philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.  He built a 59-room Queen Anne style mansion and grounds which he also called Dungeness.  After his death, in 1886, his wife Lucy continued to live in the mansion and built other estates on the island for her children including Greyfield, Plum Orchard, and the Stafford Plantation.  The Carnegies owned 90% of the island.  The family moved out of Dungeness in 1925 and the home was burned down in 1959.

The historic district comprises of the main house, servants quarters, utility buildings, laundries, cisterns, and other structures like the Nathanael Greene home.

Nathanael Greene's House, Cumberland Island

The beach on Cumberland Island is absolutely stunning!  There is sixteen miles of white sand that wild horses roam alongside sea turtles and horseshoe crabs.

While most day-visitors tend to stick to the south end of the island, there are other sites on the island.  These include  Greyfield (now the Greyfield Inn), and Plum Orchard.  

The 5-6 hour long “The Lands and Legacies Tour” will take you to the north end of the island and visit sites such as Plum Orchard and The Settlement where John F. Kennedy Jr got married in the First African Baptist Church.  

Things to Know Before Visiting...

There are no stores and very few amenities on the island.  You’ll need to pack in and pack out everything that you’ll need for a day trip.  Pack in and pack out means that you’ll need to take it with you when you arrive, and take it with you when you leave.  Even garbage cans are hard to come by on the island!

Make sure to pack plenty of water (more than you think you’ll need- especially during the hot months!), and lots of food and snacks.  You’ll be surprised at how hungry you’ll get doing all of that hiking or biking!

Dungeness Ruins, Cumberland Island

To answer your question; yes, there are bathrooms on the island!  There are 4 bathrooms available on the south tip of the island.  You will find one at the Sea Camp Dock, one in the Historic District, one near Sea Camp Campground, and one by the Greene-Miller cemetery.

The Horses of Cumberland Island

Perhaps even more famous than some of the humans that have inhabited the island are the wild horses that now call this paradise home.  Horses have lived on Cumberland Island since the 1500s.  They were left behind when the homes and plantations on the island were abandoned. 

Cumberland has the only herd of feral horses on the Atlantic coast that is not managed- no food, water, veterinary care, or population control. 

 

Staying Overnight

Camping

Reservations for camping can be made up to six months in advance with a limit of staying up to 7 consecutive nights.  Sea Camp is the most developed campground on the island.  It is located half mile from Sea Camp Dock.  There are four additional campgrounds on the island.  A permit is required to camp.

Upscale Lodging

Thomas and Lucy Carnegie built Greyfield for their daughter, Margaret.  The home was converted to an in in 1962 by her daughter Lucy R. Ferguson.  The Greyfield Inn is the epitome of sophisticated, Southern charm.  

What Should I Take With Me?

When you’re hiking, please remember to leave no trace! This means to pack out everything that you pack in and if you see trash, pick it up.

Backpack– to store all of your belongings
Dry Bag– to keep your electronics and wallet safe, in case of rain (or kayaking)
Trail GPS– the Garmin Oregon handled GPS works offline. You can view maps, waypoints, tracks, and trails even if you don’t have a signal.
First-Aid Kit– this ultralight, watertight medical kit is a must if you’re hitting the trails!
Sunscreen- yes, you can get sunburned in the forest.
Insect Repellant
Water Bottle– Always pack more water than you think you’ll need!
Snacks


Hammock– I honestly pack a hammock on most hiking trips. Psh, I even bring them along with me when we go on cruises. There are plenty of spots in the forest to put up a hammock and chill out for a bit.

If you’re traveling with your pup, like we often do, be sure to bring along their leash, poop bags, a water dish (this one is collapsible), extra water, food, and snacks.

Learn more about Georgia’s 11 National Parks!

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Post Updated: 11/7/21

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