Cruise with Ben and David

Margaritaville Resort Orlando is one of our go-to places to stay when we’re in the area, and for good reason. We especially love the private cottages—they’re spacious, bright, and genuinely feel like a home rather than a hotel room. Having multiple bedrooms, a full kitchen, and a private outdoor space gives you so much flexibility, whether you’re travelling as a couple, with family, or a group of friends. The resort itself is in a fantastic location, just a short drive from the parks but tucked away enough to feel relaxed. There are loads of restaurants nearby at Sunset Walk, so dining out is super easy, and you’re never far from shops or takeaways either. Free parking is a major plus too—no extra fees to worry about when you’re already juggling theme park costs. It’s colourful, fun, and has a great holiday vibe, but still manages to be calm and peaceful. It’s everything we want from an Orlando base and somewhere we keep coming back to.

citizenM Worldcentre is our top pick for a quick one-night stay before or after a cruise. The king-size bed is super comfy, and the location is excellent—just a 10-minute walk from the Brightline station and close to Bayside Marketplace and the MetroMover. It’s also near the port (we still take a taxi, but you can spot ships nearby). Rooms are capsule-style: compact with very little storage, so not ideal for longer stays or big suitcases. The shower and toilet are in a frosted-glass pod inside the room, and beds aren’t split—so not great for friends sharing. But for a stylish, comfy, and ultra-convenient overnight, it’s a great choice.

We spent two nights at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and loved the peaceful, immersive experience. The resort feels like a true retreat, with stunning African theming, lush surroundings, and real animals roaming the savanna outside your window. Our Savanna View King Room was spacious, bright, and thoughtfully designed—with a super comfy bed, plenty of plugs, a large TV, Keurig coffee machine, and a huge bathroom with double vanities and a walk-in shower. The view was magical—watching giraffes and zebras wander past from our balcony was something special. The room also featured subtle Lion King-inspired artwork that added a perfect Disney touch without feeling over the top. Dining at the quick-service Mara was tasty, and the resort’s amenities—from the pool and lounges to the wildlife activities—made this a truly unique Disney stay.

Visiting the Kennedy Space Center was an incredible experience. I hadn’t been since I was a kid, and it was David’s first time. Seeing real rockets and the reveal of the Atlantis shuttle was genuinely emotional. Tickets are around $75 and include access to exhibits plus a guided bus tour of NASA’s launch sites. It’s interactive, educational, and has that classic Epcot feel in the best way. We weren’t impressed by the simulator rides in the Gateway area, but the rest—especially the Saturn V rocket and Apollo launch experience—was fantastic. If you’re into space, aviation, or just love a good story, it’s well worth the drive from Orlando.

Discovery Cove was one of the most relaxing and unique experiences we’ve had in Orlando—it honestly felt more like we were on a private island than in the middle of Florida. Once you’re inside, everything is included: breakfast, lunch, snacks, soft drinks, beer, wine, snorkel gear, wetsuits, towels, and more. The setting is absolutely beautiful with tropical landscaping, lazy rivers, birds, and dolphins. We loved how calm and quiet it felt compared to the busy theme parks. The food was decent (more like a cruise buffet), but the overall experience is what makes it worth the higher price. It’s ideal for a rest day—especially after a few full-on park days—and great for families since you don’t need to worry about spending extra once inside. Just be ready to say no to the optional upgrades at the entrance. Discovery Cove completely surprised us and we’d 100% go back—it’s now one of our top recommendations for a chilled-out day in Orlando.

Visiting N Seoul Tower was such a memorable part of our day in Seoul. We started with a scenic cable car ride up the mountain—which, to be honest, was slightly terrifying but also pretty thrilling! At the top, the views were just stunning. You could see the entire city stretching out in every direction, and the fresh air up there felt amazing. We were surprised by how peaceful it was despite being a popular spot. One of our favourite moments was adding a love lock to the fence—a cheesy but genuinely lovely tradition. It felt really special. The tower area had a great atmosphere too, with little cafes, street snacks, and quiet spots to take it all in. If you’re visiting Seoul, especially from a cruise like we did, this is an easy must-do. Just be ready for a bit of a walk and a very steep ride to get there—but trust us, it’s worth it for the view alone.

Scarlet Lady surprised us in the best possible way. Virgin Voyages’ first ship offers a bold, cheeky, and refreshingly modern cruise experience unlike anything else at sea. The food alone is worth sailing for—everything is included and feels like a high-end restaurant, from avocado toast and fairy bread at Razzle Dazzle to handmade pasta and affogato in Extra Virgin. Entertainment is wild, inclusive, and fun—think 80s workouts, immersive circus-style shows, and the unforgettable Scarlet Night party. The ship feels premium and stylish, but not stuffy. The diverse crowd made us feel right at home, and we loved how the crew can be themselves—tattoos, piercings, and all. The wearable wristband system works brilliantly, and even the ice cream and pizza are top-notch. Yes, it’s different, but in all the best ways. If you love great food, fun vibes, and a cruise experience that breaks the mold, Scarlet Lady is absolutely worth a try. It’s become one of our favourites for good reason.

Sun Princess is Princess Cruises’ boldest ship yet — and while it’s packed with potential, it’s not quite there yet. We loved the modern design, spacious outdoor areas, and the gorgeous Dome and Sphere spaces that make this ship really stand out. The food was mostly excellent, especially the pizza and Alfredo’s, but breakfast options were surprisingly limited. Service was friendly but often felt understaffed, and several venues were still unfinished or closed. Tech like the Medallion app was buggy, and the ship’s layout made it tricky to navigate. That said, our cabin was comfortable, the Sanctuary hot tubs were a treat, and the vibe overall was more relaxed and refined than older Princess ships. Sun Princess feels like a new direction — more resort-style, less traditional cruising. If Princess can iron out the kinks, this could become a truly fantastic ship. But right now, it’s a bit of a work in progress.

Celebrity Ascent blew us away. It’s a beautiful ship with stylish design, fantastic food, and some of the best entertainment we’ve ever seen at sea. From the jaw-dropping shows in the theatre to the fun of Le Petit Chef, everything felt polished and well thought-out. The included dining was a real highlight—plenty of variety and consistently excellent quality. Our infinite veranda cabin looked great but ran very hot and didn’t really function like a proper balcony—something to keep in mind. The app and onboard tech were excellent, making everything from booking to room control easy. Ports were well planned with long days ashore, and we loved exploring places like Portofino. The crew were outstanding—genuinely some of the best we’ve ever had. From start to finish, this cruise delivered on food, service, and entertainment. We came away seriously impressed.