Jamie & Skylar

We stayed at Marlin Bay for a week while we explored the Keys. We found the luxury homes to feel like a true getaway. Most had balconies that over looked the pool and gorgeously maintained property. There is a tiki bar onsite as well as a marina, so if you have a boat, you can even arrange to bring it with you if you prefer to explore via the water. We found the resort to be located in the heart of the Keys, so we did day trips to many Keys between Marathon and Key West. It was a short drive to Bahia Honda and a little over an hour to Key West. We would highly recommend this property, it has concierge staff, gated access and each unit has it's own garage as well.

We stayed here prior to boarding a cruise out of Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades). Our room had a wrap around balcony with a gorgeous view of the beach. We loved that it was a very short walk from the beach as well as a ton of places to shop, eat and grab a drink. But if you don't want to leave the property, you don't have to because it has an onsite restaurant and bar and a pool. Tip: Parking in this area of Fort Lauderdale Beach is often not included in hotel rates and is quite pricey, so if you are flying in from out of town, we recommend researching parking costs before deciding to rent a car vs using Uber/Lyft/etc.

We found the Paddle Hut because we planned to eat at Geiger Key Marina Fish Camp and it just so happens to be next door (on the same property). We decided to stop by for lunch and then rent a kayak right after. We loved being able to get some exercise after eating a meal. While we enjoyed paddling through some of the mangroves, we would consider booking a tour if we went back as the guides know where to find the wildlife and can point out things visitors to the area would miss.

We found Grimal Grove by searching off the beaten path/hidden gems in the Lower Florida Keys. We saw that the tour had very high ratings and kind of wondered what was so great about a fruit grove? Well we sure did find out! We booked a 2 hour tour and it was a perfect mix of stories from how the grove started and evolved over the years, education about the exotic fruits and plants on the property as well as interactive opportunities. This grove has some really unique fruits and plants that you will likely have a hard time finding elsewhere. We would definitely recommend booking a tour for a truly unique Florida Keys experience.

We cruised on the stunning, brand new Norwegian Aqua in April of 2025, and I must say, the name Aqua suits this beautiful ship perfectly! The vessel provides breathtaking views of the water from every angle - the front, back, and sides - allowing guests to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the ocean without the need to book exclusive spaces like the Haven or Vibe Beach Club. We enjoyed soaking in the panoramic views from the Observation Lounge located at the front of the ship, sipping cocktails at the Soleil Bar at the aft and floating in the infinity pools on the sides of the ship. Despite encountering a few quirks on this brand new ship, the positives outweighed the negatives. We do have to mention Indulge Food Hall. If you enjoy Indian cuisine, you must try some of the dishes! We loved the convenience of the smart tablets utilized for ordering throughout the food hall and many bars. This innovative feature ensured that we never had to wait in line for food or drinks!

The MSC World America is world's newest cruise ship and we had the incredible opportunity to be part of its inaugural sailing. Having previously sailed on five other MSC ships, we can confidently say that this was our best experience with MSC, outside of our time in the Yacht Club. The atmosphere onboard was enhanced by the staff's friendliness, the service was quick and the food was improved from our prior sailings. The complimentary activities available for kids and families were impressive. Among the highlights is undoubtedly the Cliffhanger, an exhilarating ride as the first overwater swing at sea. Although there is a modest $5 fee, we believe it’s absolutely worth the small upcharge for that adrenaline rush. In our video, we provide a detailed tour of the entire ship, floor by floor, showcasing all it has to offer. Tip: take advantage of the small balconies at the back of the ship; they are accessible from decks with staterooms and provide stunning views without the usual crowd.

This was our 3rd or 4th cruise on Norwegian, and, once again, it did not disappoint! From the expertly crafted drinks to the diverse array of dining options and top-notch entertainment, every aspect of our cruise was truly exceptional. One of our favorite experiences was spending time at the bars on the outdoor decks located on the lower levels of the ships. The ambiance here is unique, as not all cruise lines offer delightful bars in such scenic areas. Additionally, the ability to dine at O'Sheehan's truly enhanced our experience, especially since other cruise lines often charge for food at their sports bars. Skylar loved being able to indulge in wings for free almost any time of day! For those eager to elevate their dining experience, we wholeheartedly recommend Cagney’s for a delectable steak and the Brazilian steakhouse for its fantastic salad bar—a culinary adventure not to be missed!