Blog status 2025

Update

It is nearing the end of 2025, and I have not published a post since January of this year. Unfortunately, it looks like my blog will be retiring, as I have just not had the time to keep it up. If I decide to start sharing videos instead, as they are less time consuming than writing, I will let everyone know. For now, I am sharing a few photos and bits of information that I had planned to write about since January. As always, if anyone has any questions, just let me know! I am happy to share my experiences and knowledge.

Above: MSC Seaside in Ocean Cay
Below: atrium/lobby on MSC Seaside

7-day Caribbean cruise from Miami on MSC Seaside

This was our first time sailing with MSC, and we were impressed! In fact, we are cruising with them again in a few months. MSC gave my husband and I both a status match; diamond for me, and gold for him. We both have earned diamond status with Carnival, and MSC took better care of us than any experience we have had with Carnival. 

Above: espresso martini on MSC Seaside
Below: diamond champagne and chocolate delivered to our cabin

We booked balcony cabin 10083 with the drink package, which was an incredible value. The cabin was perfect for us: quiet, nice private balcony, comfy, and clean. The spacious shower in the bathroom had a glass door. The food, beverages, and service on board were all top-notch. The only thing we did not like on this cruise was the noise volume in the showroom. It was incredibly loud! I have not read many complaints about this since our cruise, so maybe the noise we endured was not typical. My husband says he is bringing ear plugs on our next cruise, just in case. 😉

MSC's private island, Ocean Cay

MSC's private island, Ocean Cay, is absolutely amazing. You can walk the entire island, and there are several beaches, bars, and food trucks. Ocean Cay is one of the main reasons we chose the itinerary of our next MSC cruise. Our ship will be there from 8AM until 11PM on our 4-day cruise. 

Above: sunset from guestroom in Embassy Suites Miami airport
Below: pool view from guestroom in Embassy Suites Miami airport

Miami airport Embassy Suites premium suite 835 

We stayed in Miami one night after our cruise. We chose Embassy Suites because they have an airport shuttle, the pool area looked nice, and I have diamond status with Hilton. 

Our stay was okay; however, I would not choose this hotel again. Staff was borderline rude, and the airport shuttle in the morning was half an hour late. The 10:30 AM shuttle arrived almost 10 minutes late to six guests waiting. The driver got out of the bus, said it was broken, and that another bus would arrive soon. He then walked away, leaving his bus parked in front of the entrance. The next bus arrived over 10 minutes later, and by this time, there were another five or so guests waiting for the 11:00 shuttle. The six of us who had been waiting for the 10:30 shuttle got on the bus, while the driver loaded our luggage. As he was loading our luggage, the driver who had said his bus was broken, returned and called the next group of guests. He loaded their luggage, and took off for the airport before us! He was not more efficient than the second driver, although he was somewhat parked in his path. Oh, and his bus was not broken. 😒 Apparently, he thought the next driver would arrive and be gone with us before he got back. One of the passengers on our bus had an international flight, and to say that she was livid, is an understatement. Fortunately, my husband and I had chosen the earlier of the time choices available for our ride.

Above: Jackson Glacier in Glacier National Park in Montana
Below: Our campsite at Goose Island Campground in Moab, Utah

Fall camping in 2025: Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, and Illinois!

My husband and I recently returned from a 2-month camping trip traveling through 11 states. I would love to share information about some of those campgrounds, if I find the time. For now, I am sharing a couple of photos. Feel free to contact me here or via my Facebook page, if you are interested in any details.

Above: sunset from our free campsite in Riggins, Idaho
Below: One of our campsites on Rend Lake in Illinois