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Caribbean Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel Nassau The Bahamas

Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Nassau?

Parliament Square, Nassau
Parliament Square, Nassau

“Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Nassau?” 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. Honestly, you definitely don’t NEED to book an excursion in Nassau, however, there are lots of really great options available.

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.

 

Downtown Nassau

Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Nassau?

Nassau is one of the cruise ports where you can absolutely get away without booking an excursion. If you’re looking to cruise on a budget (or want to spend the money elsewhere), you can skip booking an excursion. The ships all dock on the northern side of the island right in the heart of downtown Nassau. From here you can easily walk to the world-famous Nassau Straw Market, Pirates of Nassau Museum, Parliament Square, and other local attractions.

You can also easily access Paradise Island and Atlantis from here via taxi or the Nassau-Paradise Island ferry. I recommend visiting Atlantis at least once in your life!

If you do decide to book an excursion in Nassau, there are plenty of great options, which we’ll cover below.

Nearby Beaches

Another option is to hail a cab and head towards one of the nearby beaches. We recommend:

Western Esplanade Beach– First off, this beach is located within walking distance from the pier making it super convenient. You could easily hit up the Straw Market and then make your way to this beautiful beach known for sea glass.

 

Cove Beach

Cove Beach– This picture-perfect beach is located on the Atlantis property. The sand is pillow-soft and the water is PERFECT! There are two bars close to the beach that offer food and drinks. If you head to the northernmost tip of the beach you’ll be able to check out the stacked rocks and carvings made from driftwood.

 

Cabbage Beach

Cabbage Beach- This beach is located not far from Atlantis. It is honestly one of the best beaches I’ve been to. The water is stunning and there is tons of space to spread out and find your own little piece of paradise.

Cable Beach- This is another popular beach with both locals and tourists. The beach is on the smaller side and can get a bit crowded due to its proximity to bars and restaurants. Snorkeling can be a bit of a challenge here because the water gets a bit choppy.

 

Jaws Beach

Jaw’s Beach- Don’t let the name intimidate you! If you’re looking to get away from the crowds, hop in a cab to Jaw’s Beach. If you take a cab there, arrange a time for the cabbie to pick you back up. It can be hard to get a taxi back to the port.

Recommended Excursions in Nassau

Again, although you can definitely get away without booking an excursion in Nassau, there are plenty of great options. When we visit, we love sailing on catamarans, visiting Atlantis, or doing an island tour.

Catamaran Sail & Reef Snorkel & Beach

Although the reef off of Nassau isn’t the prettiest we’ve ever been to, we still had a blast on this excursion. The catamaran out to the reef takes you past Atlantis and some pretty spectacular homes. After you’ve snorkeled for a bit, you are taken to a private island for a brief 30-minute beach stop. The tour lasts about 4 hours.

Top 10 Best of Nassau

On this 4-hour tour you’ll get to see the sights of Nassau and Paradise Island (home of Atlantis) from an air-conditioned bus. You’ll also get to try local food and drink samples (the cost is rolled into the tour!). You’ll get to check out the Parliament Buildings, the Rum Cake Factory, Atlantis, and make a stop at Queen Anne’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle. This tour combines local history with local cuisine.

SeaTurtle & 4 Island Snorkel Adventure with Beach Break

This tour crams a ton into 4 hours. You’ll hit up all of the best beaches and snorkel spots. What’s even cooler is you get to zip around in a high-speed boat! While you’ll only be able to view some from your vessel, others you’ll get to check out up close. You’ll get to see the island where they shot Gilligan’s island and get to scope out sea turtles and fish while you snorkel at Green Cay. Then it’s off to Rose Island for more snorkeling.

Sun, Sites & Beach Day

This 4-hour tour takes you by some of Nassau’s historic sites including Parliament, the Garden of Remembrance, and more. After seeing a bit of the island, you’ll be taken to a secluded beach for a bit of fun in the sun. There are free chairs available and you can rent an umbrella. There is a bar and restaurant nearby.

 

Atlantis

Atlantis

Honestly, you can’t go wrong with spending a day at Atlantis. The place is absolutely stunning and there’s truly something there for everyone. Whether you want to check out the water park, lazy river, casino, or aquarium, this place has it all! It’s no wonder many people consider this the #1 excursion in Nassau. Curious about Atlantis? Here are 5 Things to Know Before Your Trip to Atlantis!

Other Excursion Options

Did you know that you don’t have to book an excursion directly through the cruise line?  You can book an excursion through an outside vendor!  Often times, booking a trusted outdoor vendor is cheaper than going through the cruise line, because you’re cutting out the middle man.  Other benefits of booking with an outside vendor include helping the local economy, smaller tour groups, and most tours don’t fill up like they often do on a cruise.

If you’re choosing to book an excursion in Nassau with an outside vendor, we suggest going with a trusted company.  See the options below for more great excursions in Nassau.

Make Sure You Take These Along With You!

If you plan on hitting up the beach, we suggest you bring along snorkel equipment!  You’re guaranteed to find something interesting in the turquoise waters that surround the island.

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Updated: 11/30/22

 

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Categories
Disney Florida Orlando United States

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Disney with Toddlers

One of the first big trips that we took the kids on was a visit to Disney World for Smiley’s 6th birthday. Visiting the park with a 6-year-old is a cakewalk, but visiting Disney with toddlers is a totally different ball game. It takes planning, patience, and a little bit of spiked Dole Whip to make it through the day(s).

Enjoying treats at Disney Springs

As Floridians, we grew up going to Disney several times each year. I’ve had the chance to visit as a child, as a teen (with and without my parents), as an “adult”, and as a parent. After three decades of visiting Disney, we’ve come to learn the in’s and out’s of the theme park and we’d love to share some advice with you!

What is the Perfect Age to Visit Disney?

Honestly, if you have the opportunity to take the kids to Disney World- do it. I now know what people mean when they say, “You haven’t experienced Disney until you’ve seen it through your child’s eyes.”

Regardless of your child’s age, Disney will be a magical experience. Sure, you kid might not remember their trip but you will. Even young children will have an amazing time. Even better, children under the age of three get into the park for free so the trip can be even more affordable when they are younger.

Of course, the older a kid is the more rides they’ll be able to experience. However, there is still plenty to do if you are planning on hitting up Disney with toddlers. There were several rides that the twins were able to ride.

Watching the Rope Dropping Ceremony at Magic Kingdom

Our Guide to Visiting Disney with Toddlers

Don’t Set the Bar Too High

Experiencing Disney with a toddler is totally different than hitting it up with older kids or even as adults. If you go as a grown-up or with older kids, you’re able to cram in a ton of rides, stay at the park all day, and end the day by staying for the fireworks.

Throw all of those ideas out the window if you’re going to Disney with a toddler. Instead of planning on hitting every ride possible, narrow that down to 2 or 3 a day. Yes, you read that right.

Don’t worry though, there is so much more to Disney World that doesn’t involve long lines that your kid will absolutely love! There are parades, random appearances by characters, play areas, and shows to entertain them.

Drumming some sick beats at the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Determine Which Park(s) You Want to Visit

Most of the rides at Magic Kingdom are kid friendly. This will probably be your best bet if you only have one day at the parks. Do yourself a favor and don’t even think about park hopping with a toddler!

Our Suggestions when visiting Disney with Toddlers

1 Day- Magic Kingdom
2 Days- Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios
3 Days- Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios
4 Days- Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot or Magic Kingdom again!
5 Days- Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Magic Kingdom again!

Create a Loose Itinerary

If your toddlers are anything like ours, they are up at the crack of dawn. Seriously, our kids are normally up around 6:30 every morning. For us, this meant that being at the park when it opens is totally feasible! We were able to watch the Rope Dropping Ceremony, take advantage of short wait times, and be out of the park in time for a late nap.

Keeping in mind that you’ll want to only focus on 3 “Must Dos”, you’ll want to loosely plan your day. We planned out what two rides we wanted to experience and one character meet and greet each day. Not knowing what the wait times would be like while we were there, we didn’t want to set the bar too high and be disappointed. Everything else that we experienced was a bonus!

We planned on being out of the park by nap time, and we were off by about 1 hour. The twins (then early 2 year-olds) and Smiley both passed out in the car after exhaustion. After their nap, we hit up Disney Springs for dinner at Rainforest Cafe and more Disney-themed fun.

Can you tell it is nap time?

Research the Stroller Regulations

If you’re heading to Disney with toddlers, chances are you’ll be bringing or renting a stroller. Really, it’s the only way to tackle the massive park when you’re traveling with small children

Stroller Regulations

  • Strollers larger than 31” (79 cm) in width and 52” (132cm) in length are not permitted. Stroller wagons are also not permitted.
  • Strollers are not allowed on escalators. Use of strollers is permitted on elevators and ramps, available at certain locations.
  • A child must be removed from his or her stroller while riding on a parking lot tram.
  • Do not leave personal belongings in an unattended stroller.
  • Strollers may be moved by a Cast Member due to operational needs.

Stroller Tag Printables

Since strollers are not permitted in the lines, visitors park their strollers in one of the designated parking areas. Sometimes, several rides will share the same stroller parking lot which means you could easily have hundreds of strollers crammed in a single area- especially near the toddler-friendly rides in areas like Fantasyland.

Here’s where it gets even trickier! There are stroller valet people who actually move around strollers so that it is easier for other people to park. This means that your stroller will most likely. This makes it even more difficult to find. Trust me, there is nothing worse than trying to hunt down where your stroller has been moved to when you’re hot, tired, and cranky!

We have TONS of Stroller Tag Printables available at our shop.

Download the Disney World App

Ya’ll, the Disney World app is a totally game changer! You can use to to check the wait times for rides, view maps, order food, scope out show times, and schedule Fastpasses.

We while we were in line for one attraction/ride we were able to look to see what is nearby and how long the wait times are. We even pre-ordered our lunch so that it was ready for us when we got to the restaurant.

This is about as good as it gets…

Take Advantages of FastPass+!

I’m sure you won’t be surprised to hear that your toddler probably won’t last longer than 30 minutes waiting in line. With the purchase of all Disney World tickets, you get 3 free FastPasses a day! A FastPass means that you are reserving your spot for a ride or attraction during a one-hour window of time. Now, this doesn’t mean you won’t be standing in line, it just means that it will be a much shorter line.

We like to use them to secure spots for 2 rides and 1 character meet and greet.

You can book your FastPass+ slots 30 days in advance, or 60 days in advance if you are staying at a Disney Resort. The earlier you try to book these time slots, the more likely you’ll be able to reserve your favorite ride. Some Fastpasses go quickly!

Mad Tea Party time!

Use Rider Switch/Single Rider Lines

If you can’t resist some of the big kid/adult rides that your toddler can’t go on- don’t worry, Disney has a plan! They have a system called Rider Switch Passes. See a cast member at one of the qualifying rides and they’ll hand you a Rider Switch Pass. Basically, one grown-up waits in line and goes on the ride while the other grown-up hangs out with the kids. Once, they’ve exited the ride, you pass off the kids and they hand you the pass. You get to ride the ride without having to wait in line again! Holla!

If just one of you wants to ride one of these rides, some rides offer a single rider line. Basically, you’ll fill in any empty seats on the ride. There are 4 rides in Disney World that offer single rider lines. They are Expedition Everest, Test Track, Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster, and Millennium Falcon Smuggler’s Run. 

Best Rides for Toddlers

Magic Kingdom

  • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin (no height requirement)
  • Dumbo the Flying Elephant (no height requirement)
  • It’s a Small World (no height requirement)
  • Mad Tea Party (no height requirement)
  • Magic Carpets of Aladdin (no height requirement)
  • Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (no height requirement)
  • Peter Pan’s Flight (no height requirement) Get a FastPass!
  • Prince Charming Regal Carousel (no height requirement)
  • The Barnstormer (no height requirement)
  • Tomorrowland Speedway (32 inches to ride)
  • Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover (no height requirement)
  • Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid (no height requirement)

Animal Kingdom

  • Kilimanjaro Safari (no height requirement) Get a FastPass!
  • Na’vi River Journey Location (no height requirement)
  • TriceraTop Spin (no height requirement)
  • Wildlife Express Train (no height requirement)

Epcot

  • Frozen Ever After (no height requirement) Get a FastPass!
  • Gran Fiesta with the Three Caballeros (no height requirement)
  • Journey into the Imagination with Figment (no height requirement)
  • The Seas with Nemo and Friends (no height requirement)

Hollywood Studios

  • Alien Swirling Saucers (32 inches)
  • Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway (no height requirement)
  • Toy Story Mania (no height requirement) Get a FastPass!

What to Bring When Visiting Disney with Toddlers

  • Stroller: Sure, travel strollers are great but you’ll want a full-size stroller for storage. Trust me.
  • Snacks & Drinks: We plan on eating lunch, 1 snack, and 1 treat while we’re at the park. Since we arrive so early, we bring something along for breakfast (or grab something at the hotel). With all of the excitement of being at Disney, and being outside, the kids are starving and thirsty all day long. We bring a cooler with drinks and throw a butt-ton of snacks into the diaper bag.
  • Diaper Bag: Obviously you’ll want to pack a fully-stocked diaper bag. If you happen to forget something, there are Baby Care Centers that have things available for purchase. This is also an ideal spot for feedings, diaper changes, and quiet time. Toss a blanket in if you’re going to be wild and visit at night.
  • Change of Clothes
  • Sunscreen: It’s Florida, lather up.
  • Umbrella: It rains almost every day during the summer. Pack an umbrella.
  • Portable Charger: Let’s face it, you’ll be taking a gazillion photos and probably be checking the app often! Pack a portable charger, or you’ll regret it.
  • Safety Harness: Okay…never in my life did I think that I’d be a parent that uses a safety harness. And then the twins came along. Like most 2-year-olds, they are wild and love to wander and run around, especially when they are excited. We found these adorable little Mickey Mouse safety harnesses that are perfect for visiting Disney with toddlers!

    We hope that you found this guide to visiting Disney with toddlers helpful. Remember with a bit of planning, preparation, and spiked Dole Whip, visiting Disney with a toddler is totally doable. We truly hope that you and your family have the adventure of a lifetime!

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Updated: 10/25/21

Categories
Disney Florida Orlando United States

The Best Times to Visit Disney World (and the WORST!)

What are the best times to visit Disney to avoid the crowds, you might ask. Each year millions of people flock to Central Florida to visit Disney. In fact, there is an average annual attendance of more than 58 million people! With millions of people visiting the parks each year….is there ever a good time to head to the House of Mouse?

In short, the answer is yes! There are both good and bad times to visit the Happiest Place on Earth. Disney World can be absolutely magical or absolutely miserable depending on when you choose to go.

The Worst Times to Visit Disney World

Let’s kick our list off with dates that you absolutely want to avoid hitting the park.

Spring Break

Florida is a haven for Spring Breakers. Both school age kids and college age kids head to the Sunshine State to enjoy their Spring Break. This means that the parks tended to be crowded between Mid-March to Mid-April.

If you don’t have any other choice, the good news is the weather tends to be more mild in the spring months.

The Summer Months

Sure…if you’re traveling with kids this might seem like the ideal time to visit since they’ll probably be out of school however, don’t do it. Not only are your kids out of school, but so are almost everyone else’s. Not only that, summers in Florida SUCK. Even as a Florida girl, the heat and humidity along with large crowds, and long lines sounds completely unbearable.

Pro-Tip: The Disney parks tend to clear out when the skies open up! People start hitting the parking lot as soon as it starts to rain.

If you must visit Disney during the summer, don’t let the rain scare you. It rains pretty much every afternoon here in the summer. The storms typically clear pretty quickly. Just duck inside a shop or a restaurant and wait it out.

Better yet? Head to the park even if you know it’ll be a rainy day! Grab a poncho and the park will be (almost) all yours!

The Last Two Weeks of December

Hear me out, here. Yes, these weeks are absolutely jam packed with holiday fun and typically the weather is much cooler however… the place gets ridiculously crowded. In fact, it is not uncommon for Magic Kingdom to reach capacity during Christmas week. What’s the capacity, you ask? 57,000 people. That’s a shit ton of people waiting around in lines.

If you want to see what all of the holiday fuss is about, go during the first week of December.

National Holidays

Easter, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and other national holidays tend to draw large crowds.

The Best Times to Visit Disney World

Weekdays

Whenever possible, hit the park on a weekday. Many travelers are just in the area for the long weekend. Tuesdays through Thursdays tend to be rather slower.

The Best Months to Visit

January (with the exception of MLK weekend and the Disney Marathon Weekend), February (with the exception of President’s Day and the Princess Half Marathon Weekend), late April, September (after Labor Day Weekend), October (the weekends can get busy due to Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival).

2021 Disney Calendar of Events

January

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (January 6 to 10). This is now a virtual event.

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts (January 8 to February 22).

February

Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend (February 18 to 21). This is now a virtual event.

March

EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival (March to June)

April

Star Wars Rival Run Half Marathon Weekend (April 15 to 18)

This weekend features iconic rivalries from the popular movie series Star Wars. Events include the Star Wars 5K, Star Wars 10K, Star Wars Rival Run Challenge and the runDisney Kids Races, as well as the headlining half marathon.

August Through December

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (Dates TBD).

Taking place on select nights throughout the fall is one of Disney’s most popular events. Highlights include Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular fireworks show and Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular. Disney characters dress up in Halloween costumes and kids can trick-or-treat in the park.

The party is not included with regular admission to Magic Kingdom and requires a separate ticket.

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival (Dates TBD).

This is one of our favorite Disney events! The festival features more than 25 international marketplace kiosks, which offer tapas-sized portions of regional specialties, as well as recommended wine and beer pairings. 

Our favorite part is the Eat to the Beat! Concert Series that features my favorite band, Hanson, every year.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (Dates TBD).

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, is a special event held on select nights each winter at Magic Kingdom. The party runs from 7pm until midnight. Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade, Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration castle stage show, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime fireworks and magical snowfall over Main Street, U.S.A. are some of the event’s highlights.

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Annual Recap

2020 Recap- Our Adventures From This Year

Watching airplanes take off

When I started to think back and plan out our 2020 recap, I initially thought that we didn’t get much accomplished on the travel-front this year. However, as I looked through pictures, I realize we did a lot more than I thought we did. Our original plan was to start traveling with the kids, once our adoption was finalized in April. Then, obviously, COVID got in the way of things.

Our 2020 Recap

January

In January, we headed down to Disney World to celebrate Smiley’s 6th birthday. We spent two days exploring the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom with the kids. They had an absolute blast getting up close and personal with Mickey, Minnie, and a handful of princesses. We even got lucky with the lines (and our FastPasses!) and got to squeeze in a TON of rides!

February

In February, we headed up to North Carolina to visit Ashley’s side of the family. While we were there, we rode an elevator to the top of Chimney Rock. We climbed even higher to reach the chimney at an elevation of 2280 feet! We spent some time exploring Lake Lure and the surrounding area.

Watching airplanes take off

March

At the beginning of March, we went into self-isolation. We spent the month playing in our backyard and going on walks around the neighborhood. We’d go and park nearby the airport and watch the airplanes take off and land, just to get out of the house.

April

April was our adoption month! On April 7th, we made our family of 5 official via Zoom. Since it was a Taco Tuesday, we celebrated with tacos, cake, and champagne.

May

In May, we were treated to a flyover by the Blue Angels. Our house just happens to be right under their flight path so we had front row seats to their air show! With the weather warming up, we started to spend a lot of our time out at the beach- where we were able to easily social distance. And, if we weren’t at Huguenot Beach, we were in the backyard zooming down the waterslide!

June

Come June, we started to get a little stir crazy. We started hitting some of the local parks to break up our beach days. The kids quickly fell in love with the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens, which had been a favorite of ours for quite some time.

We also headed north a couple of times to Fort Clinch in Fernandina Beach. Sometimes we’d explore the Civil War Era fort, but most of the time we’d just comb the beach for sharks teeth.

July

In July, our zoo opened back up for those who had zoo memberships. The Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens has an AMAZING splash park so we hit the zoo often to escape the hot hot heat. We also branched out and started checking out other local parks like Castaway Island Preserve, The El Faro Memorial, and Blackrock Beach.

We also headed south to St. Augustine and Palm Coast to visit the Washington Oaks and Gardens State Park, Marineland, and Castillo de San Marcos.

We rented a camper and spent a couple of days in Orange City, Florida. Our little family spent two days floating down the spring run at Blue Spring State Park. We even went on a boat tour to see the marsh up close and personal! Since we were so close to Orlando, we headed to Disney Springs where we had dinner at Rainforest Cafe and did a bit of shopping and playing.

The boys headed back to daycare so that they could begin adjusting to being back on a schedule. This gave Smiley and I a chance to explore some cool places like The Cummer Art Gallery & Gardens, Riverside Park, Memorial Park, and historic St. Augustine.

We also spent lots of time out on the paddle board and kayak.

Our July Recap

August

We crammed as much as we could into the first couple of weeks of August- before school started back up. We visited the Museum of Science and History, the South Bank Riverwalk, and Catty Shack Ranch (a local favorite!)

With school back in session, we made sure to make the most of our weekends. We spent our Saturdays kayaking and paddleboarding at Huguenot Memorial Park. On Sundays we’d visit places like the local waterfalls or an ice cream shop.

Our August Recap

September

The twins were sick quite a bit during the month of September so we spent a lot of time at home. When they were well, we managed to visit the playground, the Jacksonville Zoo, the beach, and Tree Hill Nature Center.

October

October was another slow month for us. We did manage to take a trip to Congaree & Penn, a local farm to visit their pumpkin patch.

November

COVID numbers started to rise again during the month of November so we continued to spend more and more time at home. We did manage to participate in 2 walks. The first one was a 5K around downtown Jacksonville that we did to raise awareness for suicide prevention. The second one was at our favorite local park, in honor of a friend of ours who has breast cancer.

We also visited with my parents, while they were camping at one of our favorite lakes, Kingsley Lake. It was great being able to spend the day floating on unicorn rafts, paddle boarding, and jumping off the dock.

December

During the month of December, Florida was seeing more than 10,000 new COVID cases each day. The twins have weakened immune systems so we continued to be cautious. We canceled a cabin on a lake that we rented for a post-Christmas vacation with our extended family. We also nixed our trip to Charleston and stayed close to home.

What will 2021 bring us?

As of right now, 2021 is a big question mark for us, as it probably is for most people. When the numbers go back down, we’ll most likely venture up to the mountains so the kids can see the other half of our family. We haven’t been able to see them since January and it’ll be good to be able to take in some of that fresh mountain air again.

Surely, we’ll spend most of our summer paddleboarding and kayaking at our two favorite lakes and the beach. It would be nice if we could squeeze in a few more trips to some more of Florida’s remarkable natural springs.

We have a cruise scheduled during the month of November, over the twin’s 4th birthday. We ended up having to cancel their birthday party this year because COVID numbers were on the rise. We’d like to make it up to them by taking them on their very first cruise. The cruise leaves out of Miami and will take us to Half Moon Cay, Nassau, and Grand Turk– three incredible ports in the Caribbean. We’re cautiously optimistic about being able to actually go.

2021 is the first year that we plan on gifting the kids a trip for Christmas. The twins will be 4 and Smiley will almost be 8 at, at the time, so we finally feel like they’re old enough to start gifting experiences. Right now, we’re planning on taking them to Margaritaville at Lanier Island, in Georgia, for their winter Snow Island experience. We’ll spend a couple of days snow tubing, skating, and tossing snowballs at each other. Our Florida babies have never seen snow!

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Categories
Alaska Cruise Travel Ketchikan United States

5 Things to Do Near the Ketchikan Cruise Port

Things to Do Near the Ketchikan Cruise Port– Let me start by saying, Ketchikan was one of our favorite places we stopped on our Alaskan cruise. As soon as I opened the curtains leading to our balcony, it was love at first sight. Let me tell you, Ketchikan did not disappoint. The adorable little fishing town is charming and full of great things to do.

Ketchikan, known as Alaska’s “first city”, due to its location at the southernmost entrance of the Inside Passage. This makes Ketchikan a popular stop on most Alaskan cruises.

In addition to Ketchikan, we visited Juneau, Skagway, and Victoria, British Columbia. We also sailed through the Endicott Arm to the Dawes Glacier.

Creek Street, Ketchikan

Should I book an excursion in Ketchikan?

Firstly, there are so many great excursions available in Ketchikan, but Alaskan excursions are expensive. If you are on a budget, you can easily experience all of the best Ketchikan has to offer without booking an excursion. There are plenty of things to do near the Ketchikan Cruise Port. We had a chance to explore the Salmon Capital on foot and really enjoyed ourselves.

While we were in Ketchikan we did the Orca Beach Nature Trail which took us to an island where we had a chance to hike and become at one with nature. During our trip, we saw whales, porpoises, countless eagles, and tons of other wildlife (including a slug that I managed to kiss…)

A seaplane landing in Ketchikan

5 Things to Do Near the Ketchikan Cruise Port

Note: We suggest grabbing a map at the Visitors Center. The map includes 35 points of interest. The entire loop around downtown will take you at least an hour to do.

“The Rock” Bronze Statue, Downtown Ketchikan

Creek Street

The #1 thing to do in Ketchikan is to take a stroll down Creek Street. Ketchikan is the salmon capital of the world, and this is the perfect place to spot the salmon swim upstream to spawn. Believe it or not, this is the former red light district. Locals say this is where “both men and salmon came upstream to spawn”. 

Creek Street is about a 10-15 minute leisurely stroll from the cruise port. Signs are posted that will lead you through the town to this popular spot. If you don’t want to risk getting lost, you can stop by the Visitors Center to grab a walking tour map.

Stroll Through Downtown

Downtown is home to many shops, bars, and restaurants. There are also lots of really cool totem poles that are scattered throughout the town. If you want to learn more about the totems, you can stop by the Totem Pole Heritage Center.

Walk and Shop at the Boardwalk

The historic boardwalk is a living postcard. It is dotted with colorful shops where you can pick up souvenirs, sample some of the local salmon, and grab a beer. Be sure to peer over the railings to look for salmon!

Sample the Local Cuisine

There are plenty of great restaurants in town. Grab some fish and chips, freshly caught crab and fish at one of the portside restaurants.

Take a Hike

Believe it or not, there are some pretty rad hiking trails near the port. The Deer Mountain Trail, in particular, offers panoramic views of Ketchikan. Word on the street is that this is one of the best hiking trails in the Frontier State! The trail takes between 3 to 5 hours to complete, so make sure you have plenty of time before trying to tackle it.

While You’re in Ketchikan

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Bath England Europe UNESCO World Heritage Site

5 Places You Absolutely Must See in Bath, England

Royal Crescent, Bath, England

Bath, England is one of the most gorgeous towns in all of England. It began as a Roman spa more than 2,000 years ago! It is the only city in the UK with a natural hot spring bath dating back to the Roman Age. To help conserve all of this history, the city center has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is a magnificent town that has plenty to offer visitors. The town makes for a wonderful day trip from London. It can easily be combined with Stonehenge for a full day outside of the city.

The historic center is easy to navigate and can easily be done on foot. You can visit the highlights of the town (listed below) in a matter of hours.

When is the Best Time to Visit Bath?

Honestly, there is no “bad” time to visit this town. The town is quite incredible year-round. However, the best time to visit is during the summer months when you’ll have plenty of sunshine and warmer weather. The Royal Crescent and Abbey look even more beautiful with the sun beaming directly on them.

It is also quite magical in the winter months when the town hosts the Christmas Market. Strolling amongst twinkling lights and stunning holiday displays while sipping on a hot tea…there’s nothing quite like it!

5 Places You Absolutely Must See

Visit the Roman Baths

Obviously, if the town is called Bath, you’ve got to visit the town’s namesake. The Roman Baths are the town’s prime attraction, and rightfully so. These 2000-year-old spa baths are fed by the country’s only natural hot spring.

The Great Bath, Bath, UK

The centerpiece of the Roman Bath is the open-air pool known as the Great Bath. There are also several indoor rooms with pools that are fed by the spring. The waters were claimed to have therapeutic powers- however…you won’t have a chance to find out for yourself. Visitors are not allowed to strip down naked and hop in (sorry).

There is an audio tour that you can listen to to learn all about the history of this amazing site.

Gaze at the Abbey

The 15th-century Bath Abbey stands guard over the historic old town right next to the Roman Baths. The abbey offers remarkable views of the town and the nearby countryside from the Tower. Do yourself a favor and march yourself up the 200+ steps to the top, it’s worth it!

The Abbey is gorgeous inside and out, so make sure you peek inside. The stained glass windows and architecture are awe-inspiring.

Bath Abbey, Bath, UK

See the Royal Crescent

This part of town is one of the finest examples of Georgian Architecture. The crescent-shaped building dates back to the 18th century. The lawn across from the Crescent is perfect for picnics.

The Royal Crescent, Bath, UK

Hit Up the Shops of Pulteney Bridge

This bridge is one of only four bridges in the world that has shops spanning its entire length- which is pretty rad. It is also one of the town’s most photographed sites and is another gleaming example of Georgian architecture.

Pulteney Bridge, Bath, UK

Visit Jane Austen Centre

Jane Austen was a world-famous author who once called the town her home. Austen penned several prominent pieces such as “Sense and Sensibility”, “Pride and Prejudice”, and “Emma.” The Jane Austen Centre focuses on the life and works of Austen as well as the Regency period, in which she lived.

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England Europe London

Experiencing the Iconic London Eye

Big Ben from the London Eye

The London Eye is one of my favorite attractions in London. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city and the largest Ferris wheel in Europe. When I visited London, I was a bit hesitant about riding the Ferris wheel because I thought it sounded super gimmicky and I’m not a huge fan of heights. I was pressured into riding it by my friends, and I am super glad that I did. I ended up enjoying it to the point it was one of the highlights of my trip.

Even if you only have a day or two in the city, we strongly recommend visiting! The views from the pods are remarkable. It is a great way to get a birds-eye-view of the city. The modern structure stands amongst historical landmarks, gorgeous churches, and modern buildings. London is the perfect combination of old and new. In a weird way, the eclectic mix works!

Photo by Michael Pearl on Pexels.com

History of the Iconic Structure

The London Eye, also known as the Millenium Wheel is 443 feet tall and 394 feet wide. The wheel opened to the public in 2000 and was the tallest Ferris wheel in the world, at the time. Like the Eiffel Tower, The London Eye was just meant to be a temporary attraction. The structure took seven full years to build and a week to erect.

The London Eye, Today

It is the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom and has more than 3 million passengers each year. The wheel rotates so slowly that it takes about half an hour to make one rotation. In fact, it is so slow that you can hop into a pod without it even stopping.

Big Ben from The London Eye

Cost of The London Eye

Tickets can be purchased online in advance for a bit of a discount. A standard ticket costs £24.50 online or £31 in person.

We strongly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance because the line at the attraction can get quite long! There are all kinds of packages available, so be sure to look at all of your options before pre-paying for any of your tours.

River Thames from The London Eye

What Can I Expect from the Ride?

The Eye has 32 air conditioned capsules that offer absolutely incredible views of the city- especially on a clear day! Each of the capsules represents one of the London Boroughs and holds up to 25 people.

There are benches if you’d like to take a seat while you admire the view.

As I mentioned, I was a bit nervous about riding The London Eye, until I saw it in action. I’m not much one for heights or rides, but I ended up loving the attraction. The ride is smooth and super slow, so it wasn’t scary at all. Even for someone like me, who is terrified of heights.

The views from the Eye are great, even on a rainy day. You’ll be able to see the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the O2 Arena, Battersea Power Station, and Wembley Stadium.

How to get to The London Eye

The London Eye is easily accessible by subway. The closest metro station is Westminster- just a five minute walk away. You can also reach it via the District, Jubilee, and Circle lines.

What else is there to do nearby?

The Ferris wheel is located on the South Bank of the River Thames where there are a ton of things to do!

  • Big Ben
  • Westminster Abbey
  • Tower of London
  • Buckingham Palace
  • Trafalgar Square
  • The Dungeons of London
  • Jubilee Park & Garden
  • Sea LIFE Centre London Aquarium
  • Florence Nightingale Museum

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Caribbean National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores St. John USVI

The Annaberg Sugar Plantation: St. John, USVI

Annaberg Plantation, St. John, USVI

At its prime, the Annaberg Sugar Plantation was one of the top sugar-producing factories on the island of St. John. St. John is located in what is now known as the US Virgin Islands. Today, all that remains of the plantation are the ruins of a windmill, slave cabins, and a handful of other buildings made from coral. Not only are the grounds and ruins beautiful, but the views are too! It’s so hard to believe that this paradise once brought people so much pain.

The View from Annaberg Sugar Plantation, St. John, USVI

Go and see the ruins but stay for the views. Tortola appears so close that you can almost touch it! Looking out from Annaberg, you can see Leinster Bay, the Sir Frances Drake Channel, and a few other British Virgin Islands.  

The History of Slavery in St. John

In 1717, 20 Danish planters came over from St. Thomas to settle and begin developing the area. Slaves grew sugar cane, cotton, and other crops. Sadly, by 1733 there were 109 plantations on the island.

In 1733, the slaves of St. John started a rebellion. Armed with cane knives (similar to machetes) they stormed Fort Frederiksvaern. After killing 5 of the 6 Danish soldiers at the fort, they fired the cannon signaling a six-month revolt. The revolt ended when French troops came over from Martinique. The slaves died by suicide before the French forces reached them.

At the height of the slave era, there were more than 2,604 slaves on the 19-square-mile island. When Denmark emancipated slaves in 1848, the plantations were abandoned.

The History of Annaberg Sugar Plantation

Way back in 1780, Annaberg Sugar Plantation was one of 25 sugar-producing factories on the island of St. John. The plantation, which encompassed 518 acres, also produced molasses and rum. Not surprisingly, slave labor was used to plant, harvest, and process sugar cane. The island wasn’t the ideal location for agriculture; the hills were too steep, and the soil was thin and rocky. Slaves worked painstakingly to terrace the slopes of the property so they could be farmed.

Annaberg Sugar Plantation Windmill Ruins, St. John, USVI

The windmill is one of the focal points of the site. It was built between 1810 and 1830 and stood 38 feet high, making it one of the largest on the islands. At times, when there was no wind, horses or mules were used to work the mill. Slaves would pass sugar cane stalk through the rollers and a box at the bottom caught the juice. The mill could produce between 300 and 500 gallons of juice each hour.

Next, the juice was then boiled to remove excess water until it became concentrated through heating and evaporation. Lastly, the juice was then placed into a box to crystalize.

Eventually, when slavery was abolished in 1848, the plantation was divided into smaller farms.

Annaberg Sugar Plantation Ruins, St. John, USVI

The Annaberg Sugar Plantation Today

Today, the plantation ruins are protected by the Virgin Islands National Park and are open to the public. Trees now stand where the terraces that were carved into the hillsides once were. There is a trail that leads through factory ruins, slave quarters, a windmill, and other ruins. There are placards and signs along the paths that describe how the sugar was produced and shares what life might have been like on the plantation and on the island.

Annaberg Plantation, St. John, USVI

Virgin Islands National Park

Virgin Islands National Park is made up of 7,259 acres of sheer beauty. In fact, more than 60% of the island of St. John is protected by the National Park system. The park also includes the reefs that surround the island, as well. Annaberg Sugar Plantation and Trunk Bay are two of the highlights of the park.

Other Ruins on the Island

If you’re interested, there are ruins scattered all around the island. Annaberg and the Reef Bay Sugar Mill Ruins are some of the best-preserved.

Hours

The park is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. The visitor center is open from 8 AM to 4:30 PM.

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Trunk Bay, St. John, USVI

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Cruise Travel

5 Ports Where People Stay on the Ship

5 Ports Where People Stay on the Ship– One of the most incredible things about cruising is that you can often travel to multiple countries in one trip. It’s such a unique travel experience that takes a lot of the planning and logistics out of the equation. Oh…and did I mention you only have to unpack once?

One downside to cruising is that sometimes you may visit a port that isn’t as desirable as some of the others. These are the ports where frequent cruisers simply elect to stay on the ship. Crime, accessibility, and a handful of other factors contribute to some people opting to spend the day napping or lounging by the pool, rather than out exploring the ports.

5 Ports Where People Stay on the Ship

 

Atlantis, The Bahamas

Nassau

Nassau is one of those ports that frequent cruisers have visited countless times. Sometimes, this leads to a “Been there, done that” mentality that causes people to stay on board the ship. Once you’ve done Atlantis and survived the Straw Market, there isn’t a ton left to do here, aside from the beach. If you do decide to leave the ship (and we hope you do), here are 7 Things for Cruisers to Do Within Walking Distance of the Port.

In all honesty, on more than one occasion I’ve gotten off of the ship in Nassau, grabbed a cup of coffee at Starbucks, ran into a shop, and then headed back on to the ship.

Freeport

Aside from hitting the beach and snorkeling, there really isn’t all that much to do in Freeport. If you’re not a beach person (which not everyone that cruises are), you may be better off skipping this port. Many cruisers opt to stay on the ship while docked in Freeport. This is a great time to hit the pool, layout on the deck, visit the spa, or take a nap.

 

Xunantunich Ruins, Belize

Belize

Belize is a tender port, meaning you have to take a water taxi from the ship to the port. Often times, this means having to wait in lines and deal with crowds (ewww….). Unless you book an excursion, there isn’t much to do in Belize. Do yourself a favor, book an excursion, and don’t miss out on this amazing country! 

There is so much to see and do here, and if you stay on the ship you’re truly missing out. This is one of our favorite cruise ports. Trust me on this one, book an excursion, get off the ship, and check out all of the amazing things this country has to offer.! Here are our Top 5 Things to Do in Belize.

 

Costa Maya, Mexico

Costa Maya

This is is a manufactured port, meaning that Carnival has built up the area into a “destination”. There are plenty of shops and restaurants in the port area and there’s a pool with a swim-up bar. Frequent cruisers often skip this port and stay on board to enjoy the ship when it is less crowded. Why? Honestly, aside from the fact that locals are employed here, there’s nothing really authentic about it.

Jamaica

Jamaica is intimidating to a lot of people. The constant soliciting is a huge nuisance. We suggest making a game out of being asked how many times you’d like to have your hair braided. This is another one of those ports where we suggest booking an excursion, rather than striking it out on your own. There is safety in numbers and Jamaica is one of those places where you don’t want to wander too far away from the port on your own.

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Updated: 10/23/21

Categories
Caribbean Packing The Bahamas

24 Things You Should Put On Your Atlantis Packing List Right Now!

The Lagoon @ Atlantis, Nassau

Alright! It’s almost time for your vacation to Atlantis Bahamas and it’s time to start thinking about what you need to pack. Sure, you may have the basics figured out but we’ve come up with a list of 24 Things to Add to Your Atlantis Packing List that you probably haven’t thought of yet!

Atlantis, Nassau, The Bahamas

24 Things to Add to Your Atlantis Packing List

Packing Cubes

Are you using packing cubes, yet? If not, it’s time to start! Packing cubes will help you organize your clothes. You can even assign each family member a different color (can you tell I have a Type-A personality?).

Sunscreen

Of course, this a given considering you’ll be in The Bahamas. Toss some sunscreen into your bag, and then add another bottle. We also use a face and body stick to make sure our faces are well-protected. Be sure to keep your lips protected, as well. You’ll be thankful that you did. Sunscreen is more expensive at the resort. I also always bring some aloe with me, just in case.

Think we’re a bit overboard with the sunscreen? We’re from Florida! We know better!

Sunglasses & Sunglass Strap

While we’re on the topic of protecting our body, you’ll want to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the vibrant sun. If you plan on hitting the waterslides, we suggest getting a sunglass strap, as well!

Waterproof Case for Your Phone

If you’re going to be using your phone as a camera, you’re definitely going to want to keep it protected with a waterproof phone case. Trust me, you’ll take this thing everywhere you go. From the waterpark to the sharks at the end of Serpent Slide, the beach, the lagoon, and the lazy river. You’ll definitely get your money’s worth!

The great thing about these cases is that the touch screen features still work. I’ve used my cases countless times in pools, fresh water, and salt water and never had an issue. The pictures turn out crystal clear and your phone is 100% safe.

Lanyard

You’re going to want to make sure you have your room key with you, safe and sound. Put your mind at ease by stashing it in a lanyard with a pouch.

Towel Clips

Towel clips are a great way to keep your towel off of the sand and to mark your territory. Speaking of towels, we pack quick-dry towels when we go to the pool so that we don’t have to lug around a heavy towel around with us.

Goggles for the Kiddos

Kids are like little fishies…that is until chlorine or saltwater makes it into their little eyes. Protect their eyes with a pair of goggles so they can swim to their heart’s content.

Sand Toys

Ya’ll, the white sand at the beaches on Paradise Island is so soft. Your kids are going to love playing in it! Keep them occupied (and out of your hair) by packing along some toys. These collapsible beach buckets are AMAZING and they don’t take up much space. If you don’t have space in your bags, Atlantis does sell beach toys, but they are expensive.

Snorkel Gear

I bought a full face snorkel mask a couple of years ago and I love it! I’ll never use a traditional mask again. The water surrounding Paradise Island is so incredibly clear. Pack your gear and dive in!

Beach Hats

Trust me, you’ll want to have one for the whole family! After a few hours in the sun, you’ll appreciate having a beach hat.

Bathing Suit Coverups

When you’re walking from your room to the pool or beach or wherever you’ll be passing through a lot of public spaces. Cover up.

Insulated Tumblers

We pack insulated tumblers with us on pretty much every trip- whether we’re going to Atlantis, going on a cruise, or staying at a cabin. These are great for keeping your drinks nice and cold while you relax by the pool.

Soft-sided Cooler

If you’re going to be at the beach or pool for a bit longer, consider packing a small soft-sided cooler. We have a Coleman one that folds flat and doesn’t take up a lot of space. It was less than $10 on Amazon!

Waterproof Bandaids

Dude, the sand rubbing against a rubber flip flop can rub your foot raw. Chances are you’ll pack a few pairs of adorable sandals that you haven’t broken in, quite yet. Pack some waterproof bandaids.

Airpods

Anyone else like to drown out the background noise and groove to a beach playlist? Don’t forget to pack your Airpods!

Waterproof Kindle

Are you a reader? Check out the Kindle Paperwhite. It’s lightweight and it is waterproof. You can also easily adjust the screen so that you can read it in the sun.

Waterproof Camera

Record your memories with this waterproof GoPro! Take it with you on the waterslides, in the pool, and in the turquoise water at the beach! We also love Kodak’s PixPro. It’s a waterproof camera that can take a bit of a beating.

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Updated: 4/15/21

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