top of page


Discovering Florence: A Disney Cruise Adventure
Today, we revisit our enchanting day trip to Florence, Italy which was part of a wonderful Disney Cruise Line Mediterranean voyage. We docked in Livorno, which is about 90 minutes outside of Florence. With a little planning, we were able to make the most of our time and create unforgettable memories in the heart of Tuscany. Transportation to Florence with Taxi for Cruisers: Following a recommendation from Rick Steves' Europe, we utilized the reliable services of Taxi for C
Kelly Maples
Jan 28, 20243 min read


A Memorable Port Day in Ålesund: Exploring Fjords, Delightful Cuisine, and Scenic Hikes
Exploring Alesund, Norway. We zipped though fjords, climbed a mountain and enjoyed great food on our jam-packed port day in Alesund.
Kelly Maples
Dec 26, 20233 min read


Discovering the Hidden Wonderland of Forest Lagoon near Akureyri, Iceland
Today, let's discuss the lesser-known gem of Forest Lagoon ( www.forestlagoon.is ), located just outside the captivating town of Akureyri, Iceland. During our port stop in Akureyri, Iceland aboard the beautiful Disney Dream, our crew wrapped up a day of exploration by jumping into the natural splendor of this hidden lagoon. Join me as we uncover the secrets of its unique creation and compare it to the renowned Blue Lagoon. Our day in Akureyi began with an exhilarating explor
Kelly Maples
Nov 26, 20233 min read


Exploring the Enchanting Port of Santorini: A Mediterranean Gem
Welcome to Santorini, a picturesque island in the Aegean Sea that boasts breathtaking views, charming towns, and a rich cultural heritage. As your ship docks in this idyllic port, get ready to immerse yourself in the wonders of Santorini. From exploring ancient ruins to relaxing on stunning beaches, this port stop offers a plethora of unforgettable experiences. Arrival and Getting Around: Upon arrival, it's important to note that Santorini's port does not have a dock for larg
Kelly Maples
Nov 16, 20233 min read


Exploring the Mystical Land of Dimmuborgir: A Family Adventure in Northern Iceland
Today, we're excited to share our incredible experience visiting Dimmuborgir, a natural wonderland nestled in the picturesque landscapes of northern Iceland. This enchanting destination was part of our unforgettable port stop in Akureyri during our most recent cruise aboard the beautiful Disney Dream. Join us as we unravel the legend of the mischievous Yule Lads and discover the unique beauty of Dimmuborgir! Arriving in Akureyri: Our Disney cruise docked in the charming town
Kelly Maples
Nov 4, 20232 min read


Tivoli Gardens: Visiting the Magical Inspiration Behind Walt Disney's Dreamland
While in Copenhagen, we enjoyed 2 evenings at Tivoli Gardens. Although it is right in the middle of the city, we felt worlds away when we stepped through Tivoli's gates. As Disney fans, we were eager to visit this theme park, the only one we've visited in Europe. We originally planned on one night in the park but our kids loved it and wanted to return for a second. It is easy to reach the park from anywhere in the city so it was no trouble to spend more time here. The reas
Kelly Maples
Oct 16, 20232 min read


Iceland's Diamond Circle Spotlight: Lake Myvatn and Pseudocraters.
Lake Mývatn, located in northern Iceland, is a picturesque spot along the Diamond Circle that offers breathtaking views and unique geological formations. Formed over 2000 years ago, the lake is a result of a volcanic eruption in the Mývatn area. We spent some time exploring the lakes, hills and pseudocraters on our day in northern Iceland. The formation of Lake Mývatn began with a series of volcanic eruptions that occurred around 2300 years ago. The volcanic activity in the
Kelly Maples
Oct 10, 20231 min read


Unleashing the Steamy Wonders of Hverir along Iceland's Diamond Circle
During our port stop in Akureyri, Iceland we were able to spend some time exploring the captivating Hverir in the Namafjall Geothermal Area. After the site of Godafoss in the morning, our group of 24 friends and family, ranging from little kids to teenagers and adults, were primed for an unforgettable experience in this geothermal wonderland. Namafjall is a high-temperature geothermal area full of active fumaroles and mud pots releasing steam scented with hydrogen sulfide whi
Kelly Maples
Oct 8, 20232 min read


Discovering the Majestic Godafoss: A Family Adventure from Akureyri, Iceland 🇮🇸
In the enchanting land of Iceland, breathtaking natural wonders await at every turn. If you're traveling to northern Iceland with your family, make sure to include a visit to Godafoss, the "Waterfall of the Gods," in your itinerary. Located just a short drive from the charming town of Akureyri, this picturesque waterfall promises an unforgettable experience for both young and old. Getting There: To embark on this family adventure, begin your journey from Akureyri, often refe
Kelly Maples
Oct 1, 20233 min read


Iceland 🇮🇸 2023 Golden Circle Spotlight: Golden Circle Diversions
In our final blog post about our wonderful time in Iceland's Golden Circle, we must highlight some diversions between the big, poplar sites. We spent about 14 hours exploring the Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon. While time in our private vans was full of constantly changing views of jaw-dropping landscapes and stories from our guides from Nice Travel, ( www.nicetravel. is ) we found these stops to be highlights themselves rather than just a chance to stretch our legs. K
Kelly Maples
Sep 26, 20231 min read


Blue Lagoon: A blue jewel atop the Golden Circle.
Blue Lagoon Iceland: Bathing in the surprisingly blue waters not only relaxed us but filled us with joy!
Kelly Maples
Sep 10, 20232 min read


London to Southampton via Stonehenge
Stonehenge may be the grandfather of sites that mix true and fascinating history, classic tourism and of course, over the top outlandish theories. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site so it’s legit. Say what you want but it was on the bucket list of more than one in our party. Since we had a motor coach arranged for our large group from London to Southampton Cruise Terminal, we figured “how can you not stop by Stonehenge?” Some of us had visited more than 20 years ago and
Kelly Maples
Aug 28, 20231 min read


Iceland 🇮🇸 2023 Golden Circle Spotlight: Kerið (Kerid)
Kerið is a volcanic crater lake located along Iceland's breathtaking Golden Circle. Kerið crater is about 3000 years old and formed when a volcano collapsed in on itself. The strikingly blue lake formed when the crater filled with water. The soil is bright crimson due to it's high iron content. Minerals in the water contribute to it's lovely blue color. Green leaves and colorful wildflowers contribute to the kaleidoscope of color visitors encounter here. Kerið crater measure
Kelly Maples
Aug 27, 20231 min read


Iceland 🇮🇸 2023 Golden Circle Spotlight: Þingvellir National Park, strolling between 2 continents.
Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park in Iceland is not only beautiful and visually interesting, but is also the site of important...
Kelly Maples
Aug 20, 20231 min read


London Days
Many have their preferred method of adjusting to local time. One of our favorites when we travel overseas is scheduling something active on the day of arrival. After a red eye to London Heathrow and an airport transfer we checked into the Fielding Hotel (https://www.thefieldinghotel.co.uk/)feeling a bit beat. Hitting the sack at noon however is a sure way to extend the jet lag over days. Instead we opted for an e-bike tour of London (www.londonebiketour.com). We love bike tou
Chris Maples
Aug 15, 20232 min read


Iceland 🇮🇸 2023 Golden Circle Spotlight: Gullfoss Waterfall
Gullfoss waterfall can be found along the Golden Circle in southwest Iceland. Be sure to include a stop here when exploring the Golden...
Kelly Maples
Aug 14, 20231 min read


Beautiful Barcelona: Getting to know Barcelona and the surrounding areas with our kids.
In late May 2022 we touched down in Barcelona around 9am after an overnight flight. We were exhausted from travel and not thrilled to be...
Kelly Maples
Jan 24, 20233 min read


Why cruising is a great way to explore Europe with your family.
After spending several days in Barcelona, Spain, our family of 5 boarded the Disney Magic for a 2 week journey through the Mediterranean...
Kelly Maples
Jan 21, 20233 min read
bottom of page
