CARNIVAL JOURNEYS CRUISE

DESTINATIONS NEW…

Any excuse to cruise works for us! We enjoy cruising out of Galveston, Texas where you can CRUISE CARNIVAL DREAM! Not in our wildest DREAMS did we imagine when we were planning a 14 night celebratory escape cruise to sunshine in celebration of my husbands FINALLY successful knee healing (after several procedures) that we would have the experience of a life time!!

This particular cruise offered destination stops in Key West (USA), Amber Cove (Dominican Republic), San Juan (Puerto Rico), St. Thomas (USVI), St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Maarten (The Netherlands), St. Croix (USVI) and Falmouth (Jamaica). We have visited Key West, Amber Cove, San Juan, St. Thomas and Falmouth prior, but the other stops were new destinations for us! This BIG LOOP of the Caribbean was going to be exciting!

 

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“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us…”

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CARNIVAL JOURNEYS CRUISE

SPEED DATING SEVERAL COUNTRIES

Is there any better way to spend your days than exploring new places?

Figure out a best friend, travel companion, or spouse to go explore with! It becomes much needed in the midst of our busy lifestyles. I can list 10 reasons to cruise easily! Cruising provides the perfect opportunity to visit many destinations in a short amount of time to determine if you’d like to return for a lengthier stay. Just spending one day at a new location provides you with the “flavor” of that country, so you can determine if that vacation spot is a good match for you.

At each port, each new destination provides many layers of interests. Similar to peeling an onion, you get to move through the personality layers of each country to determine what it holds within for history, character, culture, cuisine, locations, regions, and most importantly people. It is a fascinating endeavor to try to truly gauge these destinations and whether they are a good match for your interests!

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CARNIVAL JOURNEYS CRUISE

CLOUD 9 SPA

Do you indulge in a spa treatment while at sea?

Because of my husband’s recent knee surgery, maintaining his physical therapy schedule was paramount. We toured the spa amenities immediately on embarkation day to ensure the daily use of an exercise bike for him to keep up his routine! This gym was available to all passenger. It was a wonderful resource for him throughout our journey.

Most cruise lines offer a discount on spa treatments if you’re willing to PRE-book your appointment on embarkation day. There’s usually so much going on that day — getting settled, learning your way around the ship, and unpacking — that spas typically have more open appointments. To fill them up, they offer a discount. We typically indulge in a couples massage on this first afternoon before the ship leaves port. It remains such a nice relaxing way to kick off the cruise while we await our luggage arrival to our balcony room and avoid the chaos of people getting settled on the ship.

We have found that the spa staff is very skilled and wonderfully kind. These services are such a treat! It is the ultimate transition necessary for us to shut off our brains from hectic to relaxation re-programming  our bodies and minds for the duration of the cruise.

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CARNIVAL JOURNEYS CRUISE

SEVERAL RESTAURANT CHOICES

Try out each restaurant!

Guy’s Pig & Anchor outdoor BBQ Smokehouse is usually located outside on a mid-level deck. When the cool ocean breeze hits your nose with the sweet smell of smoke, you know you better follow it to Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse. The restaurant offers meats like Championship Pork Butt, Smoked Round of Beef, Smoked Andouille Sausage, and his famous Blue Ribbon Chicken as well as the sides like Mac n Cheese, Potato Salad, and Collard Greens along with his signature line of barbecue sauces. It is glorious!

The Carnival Dream cruise ship has many restaurants, including a steakhouse, sushi restaurant, pizza place, and casual dining spots. The casual dining options are Guy’s Burger Joint, Blue Iguana Cantina, and the Lido Restaurant (several buffets). Cucina del Capitano, and of course, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse are additional choices.

All are fabulous, that what’s great on the cruise ship, there is something for even the pickiest eater! My favorite is making a salad in the Lido and going to the Blue Iguana for the grilled shrimp to top it off! My husband is a Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse fanatic!

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CARNIVAL JOURNEYS CRUISE

THE VIEW FROM YOUR STATEROOM

Is there any better way to spend your days than exploring new places?

SUNRISE…my favorite time of the day while cruising! There is no more peaceful moment that I can begin to explain than this exact moment. Do you enjoy a SUNRISE or SUNSET? I place my order for the daily early morning tray to be delivered while it is pre-dawn. I usually pick a pot of coffee with cream and croissants with jam to nibble on while I watch the sunrise over the waves and listen to the sounds of the sea.

I read, enjoy the moist, humid air, and soak up the warmth of the southern climate. Complete tranquility! So amazingly great! It used to be that the night before the steward would leave the next days activity list out for us to study to determine what we want to do, or not do, the next day. I would bring a highlighter to mark my preferences. Now, the CARNIVAL HUB APP has become essential to know what all the daily choices for entertainment are and to reserve your dinner reservation and table # assignments. Be sure to download the app prior to departure. So much entertainment available, if  one chooses!

These precious early morning moments are priceless to me. It provides me with those stolen chunks of time to feed my need for INNER STILLNESS. This is necessary every day!

Sunrise provides a great backdrop for walking the track too! After an early morning walk around the track (8 laps equals 2 miles), I love to lay in the sun with a book and be left alone or write in my journal brainstorming new article idea prompts that arise from people watching. My husband enjoys wandering the ship, people watching in the shade, and lounging around the pool area in between naps, but in the afternoons/evenings we reconnected over dinner and enjoyed the evenings entertainment together.

Pre-sunset on our balcony is “cocktail hour” for us! We enjoy watching the sky start to sigh with relief from the hot temperatures of the day and display it’s splendor of colors providing the ultimate show of beauty for all to indulge in, if they only look to the sunset.

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CARNIVAL JOURNEYS CRUISE

OH THE FOOD!

Eat decadent food and meet interesting Restaurant staff…

Meet Alen Luzajic, a Senior Assistant Maitre d’/Restaurant Manager on the CARNIVAL DREAM. Alen and his DREAM TEAM provided an unforgettable dining experience catered to our every pleasure. Read along to follow our CARNIVAL DREAM TEAM JOURNEY and meet the man behind the position of Senior Assistant Maitre d’ in the Crimson dining room on this cruise. The link provided tells his in-depth background story and how we stumbled upon Alen to make his acquaintance.

On the Carnival Dream, Alen’s Dream Team, Amrit from India, Tri from Indonesia, Budiasa “Budi” from Bali, Kadek “Kiki” from Indonesia, and I Nyoman from Indonesia. Each of these gentlemen served us in various ways. We gained a familiarity with them through verbal exchanges that led to friendship. Each touched our hearts in different ways. Amrit charmingly blushes easily, but is clearly the handsome ladies man with the great hair. “Papa” Tri is a seasoned, experienced restaurant leader of great wisdom. Loved his quit wit. He runs a tight ship of efficiency in his leadership skills. Budiasa, my favorite, charms and smiles to genuinely warm your heart as he guides you through the menu. He never let me down on his confident recommendations. He diligently took our care to heart each night, striving to make every detail perfect. Kadek, always happy with the GREAT BIG SMILES, stepped in for Tri when Tri became ill a few nights and led his team admirably with refined great skill. I Nyoman melted  my heart, genuinely wearing his heart on his sleeve. He just wanted to please us thoroughly. One of the most kind-hearted people I have ever met. ALL LOVELY HUMANS THAT WE DEEPLY APPRECIATED AND WILL SORELY MISS!

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We also fell in love with the Beignets for breakfast! What a decadent treat! Should you get the opportunity to add them to your order while on a CARNIVAL ship, do not pass up the opportunity! OH MY! Sooooo goooood!

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The Food! Oh the food! Nothing prepares you for the Lido deck! When you embark on Day 1 you go straight to the Lido deck as a place to wait while the final touches are placed on your room. Picture the never ending buffet line. Stations exist. You name the type of food…it is present, section by section, from one end of the ship to the other on the 9th/10th level of most carnival cruise ships.

 

Evenings you have the option to dine in one of the dining rooms! Picture chandeliers, white linen and two levels with a cathedral ceiling! Very impressive. We were seated on the upper level in the upstairs dining room in a cozy corner! The menu is formal and starts with drinks and appetizers, salad and soup course, then the main course, followed by coffee and dessert. Many nights before dessert the servers put on a “SHOW” for you while you dine. It is a highlight and we always look forward to this experience. Elaborate breakfasts are also an option!

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CARNIVAL JOURNEYS CRUISE

PEOPLE WATCHING AND RELAXING

Is there any better way to spend your days than relaxing in the sunshine?

Some days we preferred a cozy corner above the back pool deck in a quieter location up the stairs on Deck 10. The Serenity Deck (over 21 area) on the CARNIVAL DREAM was significantly smaller than we are used to on CARNIVAL CRUISES, but no matter, we found our own private area somewhere else. We made great friends along the way too with the people we also met around the back deck area!

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Some days we preferred the activity and noise around the center pool deck on Deck 9. Who doesn’t like to people watch and relax? Never a dull moment here! From the BIG screen to the pool activities…something always has your attention on a cruise. Watch a movie under the stars on deck with the BIG SCREEN all the while with the ocean breeze blowing!

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We LEARNED THE TRICKS TO CRUISING FROM TRUSTED FRIENDS and have enjoyed every minute! The most valuable tip that they gave us was about motion sickness. We are avid boaters at home, so we were sure we wouldn’t have any problems with this. WRONG!

Ginger 1500mg, 45 Servings, Vegetarian, Gluten Free

 

The motion of a large cruise ship is so different than our usual boating at home. Our first cruise we encountered rough seas. The boat was really rolling in the ocean waves. My husband suffered the first night terribly. Our friends had told us to take natural ginger tablets a couple of days prior to cruising. We had not, thinking we knew better! BIG MISTAKE! Immediately when my husband began feeling ill, we both took the natural ginger tablets and sucked on ginger candies that I had packed “just in case.” WHEW!

By the next morning we started to feel better and both of us learned our lesson! We take the ginger now 2 days prior to sailing and throughout the duration of being at sea on vacation. Never have we had a problem with motion sickness since!

Consult your doctor first before taking any supplements, I am simply relaying what worked for us! Great advice from our trusted friends!

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CARNIVAL JOURNEYS CRUISE

THE GALLEY TOUR

Did someone say “tour?”

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The Cruise ship offered a GALLEY TOUR one afternoon, so we decided that it would be super interesting to go! We were so glad we did! The staff was super explanatory of the daily process of feeding approximately 3650 passengers and 1350 crew members. THAT’s nearly 5000 people! SO the food for that many people can easily pass through these kitchens. Imagine the art of mastering and operating the intricate system that enables approximately 265 galley cooks and stewards to feed 4,700 passengers and crew members every day. WHAT! I know!

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CARNIVAL JOURNEYS CRUISE

PLAN AN EXCURSION

Is there any better way to spend your days than trying something new?

Each port offers the opportunity to debark and explore the port. Excursions can be booked based on your interests at each location. We tend to gravitate towards snorkeling experiences. We have booked catamaran rides and private island get-away for a day of relaxing on a beach too!

Here are our favorite excursion days from this cruise:

AMBER COVE, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: AMBER COVE BEACH CLUB

Love Amber Cove! This was our second time here. We enjoy lounging on this beach and relaxing in the sun for the day.

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ST. MAARTEN – 4X4 DUNE BUGGY & MAHO BEACH

We toured the island in a dune buggy, watched the planes land at Maho Beach, and hiked to a beautiful view for photos. It was a great day!

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ST KITTS & NEVIS: BEACH EXTRAVAGANZA

The beach at the end of this road with a view of NEVIS was remarkable! Excellent swimming and sunbathing! What a great day here!

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FALMOUTH, JAMAICA: EXCLUSIVE BEACH BREAK AT DISCOVERY BAY

Jamaica gets a bad report usually…I have nothing but positives to say about this day here in Jamaica. We learned many excellent facts about Jamaica from our tour guide and had a really fabulous experience here. I would go back. Before this experience I would have said, “SKIP JAMAICA!” I have a new attitude now after this great day! The Sorrel Red Stripe was a BIG FAVORITE!

Crystal clear, turquoise blue, refreshingly soothing, salt water, calmness, tranquility, buoyancy…so many thoughts come to mind when considering snorkeling. Exploring under the surface of the water to find God’s inspiration in all creation! It’s fascinating. Antigua, Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, Belize, Cozumel, St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. Maarten, St. Kitt & Nevis, St. John, Grand Cayman, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Roatan, Jamaica, Hawaii to name a few, each snorkel destination holds different adventures and underwater microcosm. Make sure to pack your SNORKEL & FINS to ensure a great snorkeling experience. The freedom afforded the underwater explorer provides extensive opportunities to experience nature in many new ways. Like the photos? Try this WATERPROOF CAMERA on your next snorkeling adventure! Don’t forget an UNDERWATER VALUABLES POUCH to secure your phone & wallet.

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CARNIVAL JOURNEYS CRUISE

THE LIDO DECK FOOD STAFF

The AMAZING friendships that form through daily interactions…

On our latest cruise journey, we had the pleasure of meeting several amazing humans. The restaurant, food staff and LIDO DECK food preparers were exceptional! ENJOY SOME FUN WE HAD WITH THEM!

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CARNIVAL JOURNEYS CRUISE

TOWEL ART SURPRISES!

Be ready each day for a new towel art surprise!

Each cruise I am so excited to see what the steward will leave in our room each day! The creativity is superb! If you are lucky enough to have been assigned a GREAT steward you may find towel art in your room too!

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If you are lucky you will get a cabin steward that likes surprising you with towel art each day! It is so much fun! The staff are so creative! This little special touch is so AMAZING for the guests!

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CRUISE CARNIVAL VISTA

THE BEACHES

“Dance with the waves, move with the sea. Let the rhythm of the water set your soul free.” -Christy Ann Martine

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Every relationship requires time and attention to thrive. My husband is my best friend. We require time away from the stress of daily life to reconnect and try to make that a priority. We try to “date” weekly and keep our marriage growing each day. A cruise is a great opportunity to really focus on each other and truly enjoy spending time in each other’s company!

Life can be hectic! We all need “our person” to feel whole. God intended for husband and wives to be two halves that when together make a whole for fulfillment. My husband and I try to nurture that promise that we made together many years ago when we said, “I do!” Cruising is a fun and easy way to carve out special time for each other! Give it a try too! Even if it is only a long weekend or during a family visit when out of state! Carve out that special time with special people to escape to sunshine for a CARNIVAL JOURNEY CRUISE adventure! It is worth it!

Leave a reply comment below on how you feel about cruising. Where are the ports that you’d like to discover? What are your favorites on a cruise? Have you taken a cruise out of Galveston, Texas? Do you have details of excursions that you recommend from these ports to share? Comment below so we can learn from your experiences too!

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Inspirationally Yours,

Barbara

BIO: https://www.inspirationaltraveladventures.com/about-us/

About Me

A 1993 graduate of Michigan State University, Barbara earned a BS in Social Science Pre-Law. She is a Business Manager/HR Director. Her passion is travel, discovering new places, experiences, cuisine, cultures while enjoying temperate climates. Barbara is a newly transitioning empty-nester who became a travel blogger. She’s a great photographer, talented writer, and has a great family to highlight in her blog posts.

WEBSITE: www.inspirationaltraveladventures.com

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ESCAPE TO SUNSHINE ON A BAHAMA CRUISE ADVENTURE

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