Travel & Cruise
Cruise ports, beach days, booking services, hotels, and trip stops I have actually used. The question is not “was it nice?” It is “was it worth the money?”
How to read these: These notes start from reviews I posted on Google Maps. Ratings and comments reflect that visit. Places change.
Cruise and booking
Royal Caribbean Cruise Terminal, Tampa
We sailed out of Port 3 and had no issues. Easy to board and disembark. We were dropped off, which kept us from paying for parking and walking.
Jaime’s at the Blue Reef, Costa Maya
Jaime’s at the Blue Reef is a good place to relax in Costa Maya. Staff, food, and drinks were good. Vendors usually left after a simple no. The only issue was the masseuse coming back every few hours. If you want a day off the ship, this is it. Short taxi from the port. Take towels and sunscreen. Official day-pass pricing (all-inclusive food and drinks) is listed on their site at $63 per adult.
Vacations To Go
I booked with Vacations To Go after hearing about their service. Shortly after, I found a United Cruises offer that included gratuities and more onboard credit. The agent was polite but would not match. Corporate was not helpful either. I only wanted a match within the first 30 days. I will not use them again. Compare other agents first.
Hawaii
Castle Kona Bali Kai
Worth it ★★★★★
Nice place, great location. Clean, quiet, and right on the water.
Mauna Kea summit
Worth it, with a caveat ★★★★☆
Went to the summit for sunrise. It was awesome. You definitely need four-wheel drive.
Island Breeze Lū‘au
Worth it, with a caveat ★★★★☆
Show and dinner were good. Fun and enjoyable. Treat it as a night out, not a bargain dinner.
Kona Joe Coffee
Worth it ★★★★★
Nice coffee shop in the Kona hills. Great view, and the coffee was on point.
On the water and outdoors
Top Knotch Fishing Charters
Worth it ★★★★★
Great captain. We always have good luck and a nice day of fishing.
Rainbow Springs State Park
Worth it ★★★★★
Fun, and a great way to beat the heat.
Rainbow Springs tubing
Worth it, with a caveat ★★★★☆
Worth doing. The exit needs a better place to stand while you get out of the river.
Worth it, or skip it.
If it delivered, I say so. If it did not, I say that too.