When it comes to planning a family vacation, few options can match the sheer joy and sense of adventure that a cruise provides. The allure of the high seas, combined with activities, entertainment, and dining for all ages, creates a magical experience for the entire family. This article will compare…

Choosing the perfect cruise can seem like a daunting task. With numerous cruise lines, tons of exciting destinations, and a wide array of onboard amenities to consider, it’s no wonder that prospective cruisers might feel overwhelmed. But fear not! Hopefully, this guide will help you navigate these waters and find…

Cruise vacations offer an unrivaled opportunity to explore the world, with the convenience of unpacking only once, a variety of onboard activities, and a multitude of exotic destinations to choose from. However, planning a cruise vacation involves more than simply selecting your destination and cruise line. Budgeting is a vital…

Traveling alone can be an adventure filled with personal discovery and freedom. The thought of setting your own schedule, pursuing your interests, and experiencing new cultures is often irresistible. Cruising solo is a growing trend within the travel industry, but there are aspects that can make it daunting. The most…

The 8th and final day of this 8-day Eastern Caribbean Cruise on Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras is here and it's the second of two consecutive sea days as we head back to Port Canaveral.  It's also the most depressing day of the cruise, as reality sets in when you…

It's back to Port Canaveral we go!  Days 7 and 8 of this Eastern Caribbean cruise on Carnival's Mardi Gras are going to be spent at sea as we savor the few remaining hours we have onboard.  Thankfully the weather cooperated for 99% of the trip, with just a few…

There are only two days left to this 8-day Eastern Caribbean cruise on Carnival's Mardi Gras and today we're in St. Thomas, USVI, our final port-of-call.  The first time I visited St. Thomas was in 1994 when I took my first cruise on Royal Caribbean's Sovereign of the Seas (subsequently…

Hello San Juan!  If I had to pick my favorite ports, Eastern or Western Caribbean, Old San Juan, Puerto Rico would be in the top five.  What else would make the cut?  Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao.  So today's stop in Old San Juan was one that I was looking forward…

Thanks for following along on this 8-day Eastern Caribbean cruise on Carnival's Mardi Gras!  So far the cruise has been excellent and for those wondering how I'm "surviving" in an inside stateroom for the week... I have to say, it's not that bad!  I did have my qualms about being…

I'm three days into this 8-day Eastern Caribbean cruise on Carnival's Mardi Gras and today we find ourselves in Grand Turk, the capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands.  It's a small island,  just about 7 miles long and 1.5 miles wide but to find the beauty you have to…