Royal Caribbean Cruise Review

Posted on February 12, 2025 by David Cross

Voyager of the Seas Review

I had an opportunity to combine a work/business trip with a 5 day cruise. So I thought this was a good opportunity to do a Royal Caribbean cruise review for the blog!

CruiseCon 2025

One caveat is this was a heavy working/conference cruise, so I did not get any chance to check out all the entertainment, shows, music, activities. CruiseCon 2025 was definitely unique and a great balanced experienced experience compared to other cybersecurity conferences. There will be more, so those in the industry may want to check out the next one!

Here are some of my previous (vacation) cruise reviews if interested…

Many people stay in Cape Canaveral area since it is only 5 minutes away from the port and it is a popular tourist area due to the nearby Kennedy Space Center. Stay tuned to that point below…

Myself, I chose to stay with all the other astronauts!

Many ask, how hard is it to get to the ship and do you need a shuttle? It is easy, and only $10 taking Uber from the hotels during the peak time.

You drop off your bags and walk up and 10 minutes later, you are onboard the ship. If you are all checked in electronically in advance and have a passport, piece of cake.

The ship is a little older, but I found the cabins spacious and comfortable. I am not sure what the value of the bar is, but it is extra counter space I guess.

The bathroom was large and quite nice I must admit and not feeling cramped at all.

There some nice perks for suites in boarding priority, VIP lounge, etc. which were nice to have. The concierge is the best at taking care of every need! Saurabh Erangale was one of the best I have ever worked with and takes the cruising experience to the next level.

It is a HUGE ship and quite a site to see. The challenge with all the floors, is you often have to wait a long time for the elevators to get anywhere.

One of the popular things is to put magnets on your cabin doors..

and I have no idea what in the world this thing was. Any ideas?

Everyone complains online about all the pool deck chair hogs, but I did not see any problems with that.

There is a decent sized casino which is very popular at night and there is free drinks, but the downside is that is a place where smoking is allowed in the ship 😦

Because of the size of the ship, you can barely feel any rocking and movement, and the sunrise views are always amazing.

and when the moon comes out, it is even more amazing at night!

The Bridge

We got to meet the Captain and get a great view of the operations and experience from the bridge. His name is Thor. You have to like that Marvel fans!

The bridge has great views at night.

and it is amazing on how automated the ship is with the autopilot and computer controlled systems. Takes not take many humans!

SpaceX Rocket Launch

and a SpaceX rocket launch to kick off the entire cruise from the very beginning!

Here is a little YouTube shorts video if you would like to see how fast these rockets really move!

Coco Cay Private Island

The last day of the cruise, the ship (and several others) pull into their private island called Coco Cay and unload everything to shift all the food and booze to the beach.

For some of the families, this was the place to be!

Nice waters, lots of sand, various activities, music, etc. Half of the activities are “premium” and cost extra of course!

Just like the airlines, some of these guys snuck in the party without having a mandatory ship cruise card…

For me, I just enjoyed taking a break and getting off for some good BBQ food.

and will need a break after this intense conference when we leave tomorrow! 🙂

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Chichen Itza

Posted on February 10, 2025 by David Cross

This actually not my first time visiting this modern world wonder, but it is the first time where I had a digital camera to visit the famous Chichen Itza!

Let’s start with how most people get here. Many people take a tour from Cancun or through a cruise ship stop.

The Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas pulls into the Cozumel Island early in the morning. It is honestly a basic tourist trap island, but it does have good drift dives.

But for mainland tours, you need to take a 45 minute ferry to Playa Del Carmen. It is a nice and comfortable boat honestly.

It is a long 2.5 hour drive to the middle of the Yucatan peninsula in bus or van.

Then you encounter the long lines of tourists waiting to get in! It is best to stop for restroom break as you can guess how crowded the tourist shop bathrooms are…

But then after a short walk, the famous pyramid or I should say temple appears!

There is so many things to see depending on how much time you have to explore the surrounding historical sites.

You cannot climb to the top anymore, but the experience is still amazing despite all the people. This is the famous ball court.

and is still mind boggling on how hard it must have been when you look up close on how high the rings are on the wall.

The carvings have so much history and stories behind them that you really need a guide to help explain.

For example, you do not want to miss the story about this Mayan astronaut that went into space with the UFOs when they visited the pyramid a thousand years ago! (see his spacesuit he is wearing?)

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Happy New Year – 2025

Posted on January 2, 2025 by David Cross

Let’s kick off a new year of travel and adventures!

The first new thing we wanted to check out was a Las Vegas Knights hockey game.

I must admit the Knights are a fun team to watch and a great stadium that is so accessible and mellow to hang out compared to football games.

You can get the feeling from the band and Cheerleaders when they roam the Arena.

We tried out a few new restaurants in Vegas this week…one was the XPot in The Venetian Palazzo.

The waygu hot pot was amazing…but the chefs fixed price menu had so much food, you had to join their dinner club!

We also tried our the Eiffel Tower restaurant that has nice window views of the strip and a great cocktail and wine list to compliment the fixed menu. Great service and highly recommended for date night!

Now the follow on views were the best when we returned to the Bellagio. Fortunately now Bellagio is in the Marriott Bonvoy frequent guest program and we got a room upgrade facing the strip for the fireworks show 😁

We did a little exploring and walking around, but the Bellagio gardens were a ZOO with a billion people unless you got up before 7 AM.

I do admit the decorations are quite amazing.

We did enjoy the convenience of the connected Aria tram which was close to our Spa tower room block. It was nice to visit the Crystal Shops and the Nomad Library restaurant at the Park MGM.

The actually let you touch, check out and read books of you want in the library. It may take a while to check out all of them, since they have 25,000 available…

After a few days, you need to head home and face all the airport likes. The Delta Priority line was not bad and only 10 minutes, the Clear line was also only 10 minutes…and the American Express lounge line was only 6 minutes!

Worth the wait for a yummy breakfast!

Even this was a great trip, this does not compare to when we visited Vegas a few years ago and met Lady Gaga. What a show!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Doing Business in Washington D.C.

Posted on November 28, 2024 by David Cross

It has been a long time, but I was able to visit Washington D.C. again on a business trip.

I did not have a lot of free time, so I used my early morning workout time to take some long fast walks around the area before anyone woke up. 🙂

I actually think the nights are best for seeing some of the sites like the Washington Monument which really stand out with the bright lights against the dark sky from a distance.

I found it to be really safe in the Georgetown area as every block there is a government building with armed security guards and secret service constantly walking around.

I was trying to find the White House, but it was not easy to find the path at 5 AM, but I did see some cool buildings like the Eisenhower building which is known as the former executive office.

At night, the best sight to see is the Lincoln Memorial.

It is hard to believe there is nobody around (except security) at 5 AM and you can get in some great shots!

Unfortunately, there was a LOT of construction everywhere and a LOT of places were restricted, but if you are resilient, you can get in some good visits and pictures.

In the daytime, I was fortunate to attend workshop meetings in the National Academy of Sciences building.

It is an amazing and historical venue which is delightful to meet and hold working group sessions.

You can even hang out with Einstein in the outdoor park!

Posted in Travel | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Tale of Two Travelers: Designing the Perfect Surprise Getaway

Posted on September 20, 2024 by David Cross

Image via Pexels

Imagine the joy and astonishment on your partner’s face when they uncover your meticulously planned surprise trip. In a world dominated by routines, embarking on an unexpected journey can rekindle the romance and add a memorable chapter to your shared story. This guide is your secret to planning a getaway that perfectly aligns with your partner’s dreams and desires, ensuring every detail contributes to an awe-inspiring experience.

Discover Their Travel Desires

Start by exploring what ignites your partner’s passion for travel. Whether it’s the allure of pristine beaches, the serenity of mountain retreats, or the vibrant energy of urban landscapes, understanding their ideal vacation sets the foundation. Consider their preferred activities, from adrenaline-fueled adventures to relaxing spa days, and the accommodations that speak to their soul, be it luxurious resorts or quaint cabins. This deep understanding allows you to tailor a getaway that resonates with their wanderlust.

Maintain Secrecy

Success in crafting a surprise hinges on the art of covert planning, mastering the skill of quietly managing all aspects, from securing tickets to handling visa arrangements, all while keeping the secret intact. The essence of this discreet preparation phase is crucial for preserving the element of surprise, guaranteeing that the moment of revelation is as exhilarating as the adventure that awaits. This meticulous approach not only safeguards the surprise but also heightens the anticipation, making the ultimate reveal a truly unforgettable experience.

Build Anticipation

Boost the anticipation by dropping subtle hints or organizing a playful scavenger hunt before the grand revelation. This escalation of excitement transforms the journey to the surprise into an adventure as thrilling as the destination. It adds a layer of delight to your meticulous planning, enriching the overall experience with anticipation and joy.

Design a Thoughtful Itinerary

Craft an itinerary filled with experiences your partner dreams of, from romantic sunset sails to exquisite dining under the stars. However, leave space for spontaneity, as the most memorable moments often arise from the unexpected. Tailoring the journey to reflect your partner’s passions while remaining flexible ensures a perfect balance of planned and impromptu delights.

Go on a Wellness Journey Together

Emphasize wellness and health as you plan your secret escape. Opt for accommodations with fitness facilities and plan activities like cycling tours or nature hikes. Focus on staying hydrated and energized, ready to embark on adventures together. Prioritizing your mutual well-being enhances the enjoyment and fulfillment of your getaway.

Capture Memories with Candid Photos

Taking photographs while traveling with your partner is a beautiful way to capture the shared experiences and memories of your journey together. Whether you’re exploring new destinations, enjoying a quiet moment, or embarking on an adventure, snapping candid shots and posed pictures helps preserve the unique bond you share. It’s also an opportunity to document the emotions and stories behind each location, creating a visual diary of your trip.

Solve the Packing Puzzle

When managing the packing for a surprise getaway, meticulously choose items suited to the destination’s weather, planned activities, and any special events. This deliberate selection process infuses the surprise with a personal touch, showcasing your thoughtful care and attention. Such mindfulness in preparation vividly reflects your dedication to creating a memorable and tailored travel experience.

Planning a surprise getaway for your partner is a profound expression of love, demonstrating your commitment to creating lasting memories together. By understanding their desires, prioritizing wellness, and meticulously arranging every detail, you set the stage for an extraordinary journey. Let the adventure begin, and may your surprise bring as much joy and love as the bond you share.

Visit David Cross Travel Blog and uncover unique travel experiences and practical tips from around the globe. Subscribe now for regular updates and insights that inspire your next adventure and enrich your travel expertise.

Posted in planning, Travel | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

What can you do in Atlanta when flights are cancelled?

Posted on August 11, 2024 by David Cross

It sounds like an unusual title, but when the recent Delta flight cancellation chaos based on the Windows and CrowdStrike outage, we got stuck in Atlanta for a few days when trying to return from our Turks and Caicos vacation!

Total chaos. Believe it or not, we got into the airline lounge (Delta), and spent a few hours there relaxing…and then when the club is about to close…flights cancelled!

What to do? First and foremost, get a hotel.

Everyting near the airport was fully booked, so we went further out and found something different.

We tried out the Bellyard, West Midtown Atlanta, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel which was definitely hopping and packed with a party when we checked in at almost midnight. Apparently, the Midtown area is quite popular.

Tip – book for a few days in case the flights keep getting cancelled and you do not need to find a new hotel every day.

Georgia Aquarium

So, we did a little research on what we could check out since we had some free time on our hands. First choice based on recommendations: The Georgia Aquarium.

It is one of the largest I have ever seen myself; it has to be large for the big whale shark above!

The hammerheads were cool to see up close

and some of the manta/sting rays were massive as well.

The beluga whales were quite playful

and the dolphins definitely like the human attention for sure.

I was surprised to see a white alligator! I am not sure when I saw one of these before – if it was New Orleans or Vancouver maybe. Anyone know?

The piranha saw I had food and he got angry with me

Olympic Park

Nearby to the aquarium is also the Centennial Olympic Park

It is pretty famous for the 1996 Olympics bombing, but I thought it is and awesome park for walking and running since it is so large.

Sandbox VR

What else did we try out in Atlanta? Sandbox VR

a virtual reality simulation gaming site – I have never tried this before.

I can see it can be very popular with groups of friends, but even with two people, it was quite amazing.

We chose to try out some Dungeons and Dragons style campaigns.

Believe it or not, it is very realistic and believable!

Warning – it is intense, realistic and quite a workout!

Posted in Travel | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Beaches Resort – Turks and Caicos

Posted on July 21, 2024 by David Cross

I thought I would write a quick resort review for Beaches where we stayed for a week to enjoy a little sun.

Where to start? It is a huge property, but the Italian Village is the best. It has a massive pool that people love hanging out in 18 hours a day (seriously).

It has a huge gorgeous beach that has great views. The downside is that it is public and anyone can walk up and down the beach. It is a blessing and a curse as there are some good vendors and some shady vendors too…

The vendors only take cash, but you can take some fun little excursions not available at the resort like para sailing 😎

DCIM100GOPROGOPR3466.JPG

Myself, I just like taking out the free sailboats and checking out the coast using the brisk winds

DCIM100GOPROGOPR3463.JPG

Lillian liked to hang on tightly when we were going fast 😉

The nighttime sunsets are always amazing and a great time to actually visit the beach, because it is so much cooler!

It is always safe to swim and relax after dinner.

Speaking of dinner, there are a lot of very good restaurants. If you have a little patience, you can always enjoy a good meal.

The best meals are on the beach at sunset, but you do have to pay $200 for the dedicated white glove service.

The little iguanas are amusing

But the little crabs are reluctant to hangout with people as the birds just circle around and  love to grab them as soon as they appear out in the open!

Myself, I like the pool volleyball and going diving. I posted one of the dives I performed this week a few days ago.

One of the things people do not like is being (kicked out), checked out by 11:00 in the morning, but almost no flights leave the country until the late afternoon. So you have to cram into a departure lounge and wait for a shuttle.

and then when you get to the airport…there are NO seats for anyone since it is too small for all the flights that depart every day.

But we had a fun time – can you tell we had no idea that we were about to run into a nation of flight cancellations? 😒

Posted in International, Travel | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Running and Diving in Turks and Caicos

Posted on July 19, 2024 by David Cross

Everyone knows I love running around the world (which you can see the big list here), so of course, I needed to try running on this island since all the good and shaded pool chairs are “taken” by 6:00 AM every day!

So instead of getting up early to reserve a pool chair, why not go for a run and check out the local wildlife? (lots of baby chicks everywhere)

There are actually decent sidewalks and routes along the main roads that can all find on Strava as well.

I do admit it is VERY hot in the mornings and in the middle of the day, the sun is so scorching, it would be dangerous. But in the early hours, many people will join you and it is very safe to explore.

It has been few years since I was last year, but I wanted to go diving again and check our some more sights. This was my previous dive posting when I was able to stop on a day trip and check out the famous “Wall“.

This time, it was a shallow dive, but I was able to catch (sight) a few cool local inhabitants off the coast of the island. I am not sure on what this squiggly fish was, as I have never seen one before.

It was cool to actually find and see a lobster hiding!

The best one was the sighting of a Caribbean Reef shark…it might have been 6-7 feet long. It was a little tense for a few moments, and I know the video does not demonstrate it, but he was headed right for me before veering away!

Posted in International, Running, Travel | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Checking Out Turks and Caicos

Posted on July 14, 2024 by David Cross

We decided to try a new adventure this summer and head to the Caribbean.

Saturdays are pretty popular with the vacationers, so be ready for long lines at the airport. This was TSA pre-check in the International terminal in Atlanta.

and long lines when you arrive waiting for shuttles to hotels and resorts.

I admit paying the “fast rack” for customs and immigration can be beneficial on heavy travel days.

It was a little unusual being in a country that most cars have steering wheels on the left like in the US, but also drive on the left like in Britain. Here we are passing a car on the right that was driving too slow for us who want to get to the hotel as fast as possible!

The resorts are great, but they are strict about no early check ins before 3:00 PM…so be ready to chill and have a local iced drink!

With a little patience, you will be settled in and have a hard time staying inside with the air conditioning when you can just enjoy the vacation atmosphere.

The beaches are amazing

and the water is so blue, it is amazing!

But warning, the sun is SO hot, you need lots of suntan lotion every hour until it is sunset, which seems like it lasts for hours, which is great for seaside dinners!

Stay tuned to this channel for more exploration of this island!

Resort review: Beaches Resort – Turks and Caicos | David Cross Travel Blog

Running and diving: Running and Diving in Turks and Caicos | David Cross Travel Blog

I have also done some diving here which is amazing! Checking Out Turks and Caicos | David Cross Travel Blog

Posted in International, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Why Taking a Trip May Improve Your Mental Health

Posted on July 1, 2024 by David Cross

Guest posting this week from Carlos Huerta who is the visionary founder of PositiveGrowthGuide.com, a website dedicated to helping individuals unlock their full potential and lead their best and brightest lives. With the inspiring tagline “Guiding You to a Brighter, Better You,”

Image Courtesy of Pexels

Wherever you live, odds are that you have some potentially rejuvenating road trips within easy driving distance.  Whether you’re seeking the culture and excitement of cities, the fascinating history of older sites, or wilderness areas where you can relax and camp, you can get a mental health boost. There is nothing that compares to a change of scene for refreshing your perspective. When you feel rundown, David Cross Travel Blog encourages you to get the boost you need by taking a trip and visiting places you don’t normally go.

Visit Historical Landmarks

All the states formed from the original thirteen colonies abound with history, and the other 37 states have their own fascinating stories, too. Visiting historic landmarks can be educational as well as fun. There are plenty of destinations for relaxing day-trips to give you a much-needed break from the stresses of life.

Take a Train

Historic tours, living history events and re-enactments, and museums can be great places to go. Consider taking a trip on a vintage train. Many of these provide meals and visits to scenic areas and restored villages you can explore. If you’d prefer more somber reflection, there are battlefields, monuments, and military parks.

Go See the Mouse

Taking a trip to Disney as an adult can do wonders for your mental health. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, but taking a break to enjoy the magic of Disney can be just what you need to recharge and reset. From the fun attractions to the delicious food and beautiful scenery, there’s something for everyone at Disney.

Relieve Travel Anxiety

Many of us who experience travel anxiety find THCa is a useful remedy. Its non-psychoactive properties help reduce anxiety without the high associated with THC. It also offers anti-inflammatory and mild sedative effects that can soothe the mind and body during stressful travel situations. Explore our solutions and learn more about THCa here.

Go to the Water

Being in, on, or near the water may be one of the most relaxing ways to spend time. Going to the water may have mental health benefits. Not only is the scenery spectacular, but options range from lively to peaceful.  If you prefer something active, you can enjoy water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, or tubing.

Explore State and National Parks

If picnicking on the shore or fishing is more appealing to you, those are possible at many state and national parks, as well as local waterways. If you’re hanging out on the beach, be sure to pick up a beach umbrella. Renting a paddle boat is a good option for lakes and rivers, and one that can be done with limited experience. You can take pictures of the wildlife around, go swimming, wading or simply enjoy the gentle rocking of your boat while out on a stunning lake.

Volunteer

Consider taking a volunteer vacation where you get to visit a new area at a low cost and also assist on a project. Possibilities range from sea turtle conservation to archaeological digs to working with children. Some of these are scattered around the world, but many are also available closer to home. Helping with a worthwhile project can add a positive dimension to travel and remind you how interconnected humans are.

Taking a break from your routine can positively impact how you manage the stresses and strains of modern living. So, whether you’re visiting historic landmarks, enjoying a boat trip, riding a vintage train, hiking, fishing, or volunteering, you can give yourself some much-needed respite. Let some time away help you boost your mental well-being.

Learn more about destinations around the world from David Cross Travel Blog!

Posted in planning, Travel | Tagged , , | Leave a comment