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Writer's picturelaurielivinlife
Oct 12, 20223 min read

Margaritaville at Sea Cruise

Come with me on a fun cruise to the Bahamas on Margaritaville at Sea!



I was so excited when Margaritaville at Sea reached out to me to host me to check out their new cruise! The cruise departs from Port of Palm Beach and was such an easy process to check-in. You are able to add upgrades at the port like the JWB Steakhouse, excursions in the Bahamas, Drink packages and so much more so once you get on the ship you don't have to worry about anything but a cold drink in your hand and the sun on your face.




If you are a Jimmy Buffett fan you will not be disappointed. There is a Margaritaville theme everywhere across the ship and fun music with live performances that will get you all ready for your vacation!



We decided to upgrade to the boat drink package which includes 10 drinks for your cruise. You can also do upgrades like a fun drink cup (I got the shark and named him Bruce haha) or the classic booze in a blender cup and you can use your drink package for refills.




Now for our room..I loved our ocean view room! It had a fun tropical vibe and was a good amount of space for two people. All of the rooms are an elevator or stairway away from all the floors to enjoy the entertainment and restaurants/bars.



While on the boat we dined at so many tasty spots. First off was the Port of Indecision Buffet. Cruiser tip: Make sure to go to the homemade pasta station! You can make your pasta how ever you like and it was so delicious and fresh. You have options from fresh salads, sandwiches, desserts and so much more.



The first night we dined at Fins Dining and we had a lovely meal! Everything from shrimp cocktail, caprese salad to ginger glazed salmon for our entrée. You are also offered a wine sommelier when you dine. They can help you figure out the best wine to pair with your delicious meal!



The last night we upgraded and dined at JWB Steakhouse and it was well worth it! We feasted on everything from deviled eggs, french onion soup (one of the best I have ever had), center cut filet, banana cream pie and decadent chocolate cake. Wow! Everything was so delicious. Also the service was impeccable. Everyone was friendly and made you feel right at home.



As for entertainment you have such a large variety to choose from. One night there was karaoke, an adult comedian, live bands at every corner of the ship, dancing and my favorite was the Tales from Margaritaville: Jimmy's ship show. It was so fun singing along with all my favorite Jimmy Buffett songs!




For excursions once you get to the Bahamas they have alot to choose from. You can spend the day at some fun resorts and use their amenities, swim with dolphins or swim with the pigs. Yup you guessed it... I chose swimming with the pigs. It has been on my bucket list for awhile now and it did not disappoint.



You get an up-close encounter with the pigs and piglets (baby pigs) everything from swimming, feeding them apples and a fun photo opportunity at the end to get your favorite memories on camera. It was such an amazing experience.




There is also a beautiful beach and bar/restaurant at the excursion so you can relax, swim in the crystal blue water or enjoy some yummy local cuisine.


Honestly the cruise was so fun. I would definitely go back and recommend to friends and family. If you are a first time cruiser or just wanted to get away for a few days it is definitely worth the amazing price. Best part is if you want to cruise and stay you can! What does that mean? You can cruise to the Bahamas and then stay at one of the resorts for a few days and take another boat back. Margaritaville at Sea offers 4 and 6 night all-inclusive getaway packages, inviting you to combine a fun 2-night cruise with a luxurious resort stay in Grand Bahama. It’s like two vacations in one!


Another thing I love about Margaritaville at Sea is active and veteran military, first responders, law enforcement officers and educators sail for FREE. You read that right! You can claim your free cruise HERE.


I forgot how much I missed taking a cruise! I highly recommend checking Margaritaville at Sea out so you can have your own island parrot head vacation. Grab your favorite flip flops , your favorite people and have a fintastic cruise!







Writer's picturelaurielivinlife
Aug 22, 20222 min read

Caribe Royale Orlando Staycation


A few weeks ago I had the best stay at Caribe Royale Orlando.



As most of my followers know I frequent Orlando, Florida alot for highlighting different fun activities, resorts, theme parks and food. When Caribe Royale Orlando reached out to me to come check them out I was very excited!




The stunning resort is located on 53 tropical acres and features renovated suites, a gorgeous lobby and my favorite the Barcardi Rum Bar. They have three restaurants, two lounges, a poolside bar and grille, also a state-of-the-art fitness center, boutique spa, beautiful swimming pool with waterfall and waterslide, tennis/basketball court and bicycle rental.



The rooms were so pretty! We had a spacious one bedroom suite which was alot of room for the two of us! The suite had its own separate living room with a queen-size sofa bed, 55” wall mounted high-definition television, Keurig® coffee maker, mini refrigerator, microwave and workstation. Everything you need right in your room for your stay!




We also were able to order room service for breakfast right to our room if we wanted to every morning. Definitely get the Avocado Toast and make sure to pair with one of their yummy mimosas!




Honestly one of my favorite parts of Caribe Royale Orlando is the multiple resort dining options which means you don't ever have to leave the resort. What is better then that!



My top dining pick is The Venetian Chop House. The upscale steakhouse combined with a celebration of Italian cuisine that sets the highest standard for fine dining in Orlando, FL. Signature Venetian cuts are offered and innovative takes on classic dishes are paired with a delicious selection of wines. We indulged in a tasty Italian Red Blend picked by the friendly staff and tried numerous dishes. My favorite was the Ora King Salmon blackened with okinawa blue potato and lemon beurre blanc. Honestly everything we had on the menu was amazing!




On the second night of our stay we had a rum tasting set-up for us with a sampling of some of the top menu items at the Rum Bar. The Rum Bar is centered around an extensive selection of Bacardí® Rum and so many different rums I have never experienced before. It is the perfect spot to try your hand at a game of dominoes, or just relax, sip, snack, and dance the night away. Make sure to sign up for their newsletter or give Caribe Royale Orlando a follow on social media to stay in the know for their rum tastings, dinners and more!




My overall stay was a great one and definitely wont be my last. I love that the resort is right by all of the theme parks and fun of Orlando but also all the fun is at the resort! So you have the choice to never leave or add on to your fun vacation with outside activities. I can't wait for another visit, hopefully in the winter during all the holiday festivities in Orlando.



Book your vacation HERE.






Writer's picturelaurielivinlife
Feb 11, 20223 min read

Westgate River Ranch


Growing up I always loved camping. It was one of my favorite things to do. When I found out Westgate River Ranch provides camping and glamping I knew I would be in love.


Westgate River Ranch invited me out for there singer song-writer series with Craig Campbell & Chris Weaver. So I was even more excited to hear there was going to be an intimate country concert for us to enjoy.



When we got to the resort we were told we would be staying in a Luxe Conestoga Wagon! How cool is that? This is a large heavy covered wagon used in the late eighteenth century to transfer cargo by horse or oxen. Also anyone that stays in these wagons gets to enjoy many benefits including: a personal Luxe Concierge, all resort activities, VIP rodeo tickets and seating at the Saturday night Rodeo, a resort golf cart, morning coffee service and pastry delivery, afternoon snack delivery and a nightly campfire prepared for your indulgence in s’mores and fireside story-telling!




One of the best parts of the stay is knowing that all your resort activities are taken care of. You get to relax and unwind with every scheduled and planned for you. Also your room sleeps up to six guests and your room is climate controlled!



Some of the activities we participated in were horseback riding, skeet shooting, a swamp buggy ride and we even got to walk through there amazing pettiing zoo! My favorite was horseback riding. As a little girl I grew up in New York teaching others how to horseback ride. So it was so nice to have a nice relaxing trail ride with my horse Katie and our small group. We got to learn about the Westgate River Ranch property is on 1,700 acres overlooking the beautiful Kissimmee River. Hint: There is a safari being added to the resort soon. So stay tuned to my stories for when the release date is!






For dinner we indulged in a delicious dinner at the Westgate Smokehouse Grill! The restaurant is a waterfront eatery that overlooks the beautiful Kissimmee River at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo. They have a very diverse menu which offers steaks, seafood, baby back ribs, burgers, sandwiches, salads and tasty appetizers. I loved the Hand Battered Chicken Tenders (Fresh hand-cut chicken tenders marinated in buttermilk, hand breaded and fried to order. Tossed in your choice of mild, hot or BBQ sauce.)



Also Westgate River Ranch has a Deli at the General Store which has everything from groceries for your room, sandwiches, pizza, hot lunches, ice-cold beverages, ice cream, souvenirs and so much more!


Then it was on to our personal concert which is part of the singer song-writer series with Craig Campbell & Chris Weaver. It was such an intimate and memorable setting..it was unlike large concert settings and we were able to hear their own personal stories and inspirations that shaped their music which was like nothing I have ever attended. We had fun dancing, singing and having delicious drinks. The night was definitely one for the memories.




Overall I had an amazing stay at Westgate River Ranch. I have already had so many people email and message me about my experience and are planning trips soon. If you would like to see more highlights from my trip..head over to my instagram and check out my Westgate River Ranch highlight reel for all of the fun!



You can check out the current discounts being offered for your stay HERE.



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