Green sketch illustration of a tropical coastline with palm trees, colonial buildings, and a cruise ship at sea.
White sailboat anchored near a lush tropical island shoreline with turquoise Caribbean waters under a blue sky.
Red berries cluster atop a tropical palm tree against a vivid blue sky.
Green coconuts growing on a tall tropical palm tree with lush fronds in a tropical garden setting.
A white-faced capuchin monkey perched on a vine in a lush tropical rainforest.
Rustic wooden double doors set in a stone wall surrounded by lush tropical greenery and colorful plants.
Two pink plumeria flowers bloom among lush green tropical leaves on a branch outdoors.
Close-up of vibrant green leaves with water droplets after rain, showcasing nature's beauty in a lush garden setting.
A white sailboat glides on calm blue ocean waters under a partly cloudy sky.
Sandy tropical road lined with palm trees and lush greenery under a bright blue sky.
Sunset over ocean viewed between two orange lifeboats on a ship deck at dusk.
A black ornate street lamp post surrounded by lush green tropical trees and palm fronds in a park setting.

Why Cruise?


I've taken several cruises in my life, and while cruising certainly comes with its share of environmental and health concerns (have you heard about the quarantined ships?), there's something undeniably convenient about being able to visit multiple destinations without having to worry about how you're getting from Point A to Point B. Your hotel comes with you, your meals are readily available, and you can wake up somewhere completely new each day.


My advice? Do your homework before you go. Look up the ship's floor plans ahead of time so you have a feel for the layout, and really research each port of call. Some destinations don't offer much beyond the port unless you book an excursion, while others are wonderful places to explore on your own.


A little planning can make the difference between simply getting off the ship and actually discovering somewhere new.

Map of Greece highlighting travel destinations with text 'Where the journey took me.' on a teal illustrated map.

A few notes from my travels:


Places to Eat

  • While dining in the formal dining rooms is nice, most of the food is available in the buffet on the ship - and the buffet has way more options every day.

Favorite Ports

  • Naussau, Bahamas - you can do a lot of exploring on your own without paying for a shore excursion.
  • Key West, Florida - a lot of buskers are there to entertain you amongst all the shops!
  • Harvest Caye, Belize - this is our absolute favorite. There's a beach available for you to use, a splash pad, a small wildlife center, and large grassy areas to picnic and hang out - no extra cost!

Ready to explore Ports of Call through my lens?