Every year, Cameron and I look forward to combining our two passions for our annual Real Estate CE at Sea event. It is the ultimate way to bring together our businesses, blending the travel expertise of Olson Travel Group, Dream Vacations with our training programs at Dream Real Estate Group.
This year's sailing on board the stunning MSC World America certainly did not disappoint! We had an incredible group of professional students, beautiful weather at sea, and unforgettable moments across the Caribbean.
If you are curious about what it is like to earn your real estate continuing education credits while cruising the high seas, here is our full recap, including an insider look at MSC World America, our dining experience, private island updates, and an incredible DIY walking tour route through Old San Juan.
Onboard Highlights: Craft Beer, Speakeasies, and Dining
The energy on board MSC World America was top-tier from start to finish. One of the absolute highlights of our trip was sitting down with Alfredo and Wilbert, two of the amazing staff and brewers at the onboard pub, Masters of the Sea.
As someone living with Celiac disease, navigating cruise ship menus can sometimes be a challenge. Alfredo made my day right away by offering me a delicious gluten-free beer as soon as we sat down! To make the experience even more special, our entire Real Estate CE at Sea group received a private invitation to the secret, invitation-only onboard speakeasy.
The Gluten-Free Dining Experience
When it comes to the gluten-free situation on board, there were a few hits and misses:
The Miss: I was a bit disappointed that MSC World America does not offer on-demand gluten-free pizza in the buffet area at any time, which is a feature I really enjoy on some other cruise lines.
The Hit: The main dining room staff completely made up for it! Our evening waitstaff in the main dining room, Arya, Aladin, and Harrison, went above and beyond every single night to ensure my gluten-free dining experience was safe, flawless, and delicious.
Important MSC World America Updates for Future Cruisers
We always like to keep things completely real so our clients and students know exactly what to expect on their upcoming sailings. Here were two big takeaways from this trip:
1. Wi-Fi & Device Policy
For our students who are working real estate professionals needing to check emails and manage deals from the ship, the internet policy was a bit inconvenient. On this sailing of MSC World America, MSC required guests to pay per device without the ability to disconnect from one device and log in on another. If you wanted to use the internet on your phone during the day and switch to your laptop in the evening, you had to purchase a second device plan.
2. Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve Chair Policy
We always love stopping at MSC's private island, Ocean Cay. However, note that their beach amenities policy has changed recently. On previous visits, beach chairs on the island were free, and you only paid if you wanted a umbrella or private cabana. That is no longer the case. If you want to use a beach chair or umbrella on Ocean Cay now, you must pay a rental fee.
Old San Juan, Puerto Rico: Yacht Club Luxury & DIY Historic Walking Tour
When we arrived in Puerto Rico, the weather started off a bit rough with rain. Luckily, we had a fantastic way to wait out the storm! We got to visit and tour one of our clients' rooms in The Yacht Club (MSC's ship-within-a-ship VIP area). They were staying in the Duplex Suite, and it was beyond impressive!
Once the rain cleared up, Cameron led our group on a self-guided historical walking tour through Old San Juan that he put together for us. If you are stopping in San Juan on a cruise, this route starts right at the pier and takes you through the best historic sights without needing a paid excursion!
Cameron's Self-Guided Old San Juan Walking Tour Route
Stop 1: San Juan Cruise Port Muelle 4
Step right off the ship at Muelle 4 along the southern harbor waterfront. This flat, paved walkway gives you immediate access to the historic quarter without starting on steep inclines.
Stop 2: Paseo de la Princesa
Walk west along this broad, 19th-century pedestrian promenade running just outside the city's towering stone fortification walls. It offers plenty of shade under old-growth trees, antique lamp posts, and classic views of San Juan Bay.
Stop 3: Fuente Raíces
At the end of the promenade, check out this dramatic bronze fountain honoring Puerto Rico's Taíno, African, and Spanish heritage, framed against the open water.
Stop 4: Puerta de San Juan
Walk through this historic 1630s red stone gate, which served as the primary ceremonial entry into the fortified city during Spanish colonial rule.
Stop 5: Plazuela La Rogativa
Follow the path up to this quiet stone plaza overlooking the outer bay. It features a striking bronze monument commemorating the 1797 religious procession that helped deter a British naval siege.
Stop 6: Catedral Basílica Menor de San Juan Bautista
Step inside one of the oldest churches in the Americas (dating back to 1540). It houses the marble tomb of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León.
Stop 7: Cuartel de Ballajá
Explore this monumental 19th-century Spanish military infantry barracks featuring a massive open-air central courtyard lined with three tiers of brick arches.
Stop 8: Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro)
Cross the wide green lawn to reach this iconic 16th-century six-tier fortress overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, complete with original ramparts and sentry boxes (garitas).
Stop 9: Plaza de Armas
Loop back toward the center of town to relax in this historic square surrounded by pastel colonial buildings and local shops.
Stop 10: Calle de la Fortaleza
Complete your walk down this famous blue-gray slag cobblestone (adoquines) street leading past local shops and gently sloping downhill right back toward the cruise docks.
Dominican Republic & Final Cruise Memories
In the Dominican Republic, we spent a relaxing port day floating in the free lazy river right at the port area and browsing through the local shops. Of course, we had to sample some authentic Mama Juana before heading back on board!
Overall, it was another unforgettable Real Estate CE at Sea trip filled with learning, networking, great drinks, and incredible destinations.
Want to Hear More or Join Us Next Year?
If you want an even deeper dive into our MSC World America experience, check out our featured interview episode on TravelWives:
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If you are a licensed real estate professional looking to combine your continuing education with an amazing vacation, check out our upcoming sailings at:
Ready to book your next cruise, group getaway, or bucket-list vacation? Let Cameron handle all the details for you:
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Share Your Thoughts!
Have you ever taken a cruise with MSC or explored Old San Juan on foot? What is your favorite cruise line for gluten-free dining? Let us know in the comments below!
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