A Glamorous Night at Sea: MSC Seascape Naming Event

On December 7th-8th, 2022, we had the incredible opportunity to experience a one-night stay aboard the MSC Seascape for its official Naming Ceremony — and what a night it was! The event was nothing short of spectacular, blending luxury, excitement, and a touch of glamour.

We arrived at the port, ready to step aboard this stunning ship, which was all decked out for its big reveal. Cameron and I, got dressed up for the evening in our finest attire — I even slipped into my favorite Louboutins (because why not rock the red soles for a night like this?). The energy was electric as we mingled with fellow guests, and the excitement was palpable as we prepared to be part of this historic event.

We enjoyed a delicious dinner, mingling with new friends and reveling in the grandeur of the Seascape. It was an unforgettable night — from the sparkling champagne to the show-stopping entertainment, everything about the MSC Seascape Naming Event was top-notch.

The highlight of the evening? A live performance by none other than Ne-Yo, who took the stage and brought the house down, although he did arrive late and had several technical difficulties. The atmosphere was magical as the crowd danced and sang along to his hits, with the stunning ship as the backdrop. MSC knows how to throw a party, and this event was no exception!

Our one-night stay was a whirlwind, but we wouldn't have wanted to experience it any other way. It was the perfect blend of glamour, luxury, and fun, leaving us excited to see what other amazing adventures MSC Cruises has in store.

Our First Dream Vacations National Conference on the Norwegian Encore

Our first National Conference with Dream Vacations didn’t disappoint! Set aboard the Norwegian Encore, this 7-day Caribbean adventure was an unforgettable blend of learning, laughter, and reconnecting. We sailed from Miami to Great Stirrup Cay and St. Thomas, meeting up with fellow travel agents we had bonded with on previous seminars at sea.

One of the highlights? A mix-up at the cabana on Great Stirrup Cay that led to an unforgettable encounter with Lucy, the not-so-friendly manager, but we worked it out in the end. We also took the gondola (Skyride) up to Paradise Point, where we enjoyed delicious drinks and food at Taste at Paradise Point, joined by our friends John and Paul.

But the real treat came when we ran into Orlando, the bartender we met on our Bermuda cruise. He remembered us — and even remembered Brea, even though she wasn’t with us this time! He and Will were our favorite bartenders on the Norwegian Joy. Orlando even called Will so we could say hi, making us feel like we were truly among friends.

This trip reinforced just how thankful we are to have added travel to our business portfolio by opening Olson Travel Group. The drinks, the atmosphere, and the amazing colleagues (who are now becoming even better friends) made this trip one for the books!

Cheers to amazing colleagues and unforgettable memories! 🌴🚢

Navigating Fun, Hurricanes, and Hollywood Beach

 

This adventure began aboard the Carnival Sunrise, where Cameron and I joined Kathleen and Brett for a 5-night cruise through the Eastern Caribbean. The vibe was upbeat, the ocean views were stunning, and the laughs flowed as easily as the tropical drinks. But little did we know, this trip would have an unexpected stormy twist.

As we cruised back toward Miami, we found ourselves following a hurricane. While the experience on the ship was still enjoyable, the chaos of the storm led to the cancellation of our next planned adventure: a cruise on the Margaritaville ship. With no cruise to board, we improvised and embraced a new plan—Hollywood Beach.

Kathleen, unfortunately feeling under the weather (we suspect COVID may have been the culprit), opted to rest at the hotel. Meanwhile, Brett, Cameron, and I set out to explore the iconic Broadwalk. The salty breeze, live music, and colorful charm of the area quickly turned our change of plans into an unexpected highlight.

We found ourselves swaying to an outdoor concert at Margaritaville, letting the tunes and beach vibes carry us into the evening. A few too many drinks? Perhaps. But as the laughter bubbled over, we knew this impromptu detour was exactly what we needed.

Life may throw hurricanes your way, but with a little flexibility—and a lot of fun—you can turn any twist into a treasured memory.

Halloween on the Symphony of the Seas – October 2022

Cameron and I set sail on Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas for a spooky (and fun!) adventure with my bestie, Jennyrose, and her man, John. It was the perfect blend of Halloween spirit, relaxation, and quality time with my girl, and we couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend the fall!

King and Queen of Hearts: Halloween Costume Fun

Halloween at sea? Yes, please! We dressed up as the King and Queen of Hearts for the ship’s Halloween event, and let me tell you, we absolutely nailed it! With the costumes on point, we spent the night mingling and laughing —because what’s Halloween without a little bit of mischief?

CocoCay Adventure

We went to Royal Caribbean’s private island, CocoCay. This was one of those moments where we truly felt like we were in paradise. The highlight? Well, I actually swam out to the bar! Yep, you read that right—I swam to the bar. It was as fun as it sounds, and I felt like a true island queen by the time I made it there (and got a refreshing drink to boot). The rest of the day was spent lounging on the beach, enjoying the sun, and taking in the tropical vibes. We didn’t want to leave!

Unforgettable Memories with Great Friends

But the best part of the trip? Spending time with my girl, Jennyrose, and her amazing man, John. There’s nothing like traveling with friends who feel like family, and this trip was no exception. From the laughs to the late-night chats, it was an unforgettable experience that I’ll always treasure.

Angie and Aunt Sandy’s First Cruise Adventure: Carnival Magic Mayhem

 

Taking a first-timer on a cruise is always special, but getting to take two first-timers? That’s double the fun! On May 30, 2022, Cameron and I had the absolute joy of bringing my cousin Angie and Aunt Sandy aboard the Carnival Magic to the Bahamas for their maiden voyage at sea. Spoiler alert: It was a trip filled with laughter, dancing, and a few surprises!

Dancing Queens (and Kings!)

Dinners on the Carnival Magic are always lively, but this time, we turned up the energy. Angie, Aunt Sandy, and I joined the waitstaff for their nightly dinner dances, shimmying along with the crowd. Aunt Sandy even convinced Cameron to dance with her one evening, as we listened to music from one of the onboard performers—much to everyone’s delight.

Deckside Dreams and Island Escapes

We explored the charm of Nassau with its bustling shops and vibrant markets. Aunt Sandy found time to claim the deck as her personal sanctuary for a midday nap. Whether lounging or exploring, there was never a dull moment.

Picture-Perfect Memories

One evening, we all decided to commemorate the adventure with a family photo session onboard. Little did we know, Angie and Aunt Sandy had a surprise in store: at the end of the cruise, they gifted us with prints of those cherished moments. Talk about a heartfelt souvenir!

The Carnival Magic Effect

The trip was everything a first cruise should be—endless laughter, unforgettable memories, and plenty of "when can we do this again?" moments. Whether it was Angie and Aunt Sandy embracing every new experience or Cameron and Aunt Sandy dazzling the dance floor, the Carnival Magic truly lived up to its name.

Here’s to many more family adventures and even more memories to fill our sails! 🌊✨

A Joyful Trip to Bermuda

The Clashy crew—Cameron, Breanna, and I—set off for another unforgettable adventure. This time, our sights were set on Bermuda and the Atlantic Coast, with a kickoff from the bustling city of New York before boarding the Norwegian Joy. .

A Gluten-Free Triumph in the Big Apple
We indulged in pizza, yes gluten-free for me, proving that even in the land of iconic carb-loaded cuisine, there are gems for those of us with dietary restrictions. The next day our journey started early in New York, where Breanna—my gluten-free hero—tracked down the most incredible gluten-free bagel for breakfast. It was life-changing.

All Aboard the Norwegian Joy
We couldn't wait to step back onto the Norwegian Joy, it felt like a warm welcome from an old friend. This time, we weren’t just chasing tropical waters but also the charm of the Atlantic coastline.

Beautiful Bermuda
Bermuda’s pink sand beaches lived up to the hype. We soaked up the sun, explored colorful streets, and marveled at the crystal-clear waters that seemed almost too perfect to be real. It was a slice of paradise, and we made sure to capture every moment.

Atlantic Coastal Delights
The Atlantic Coast stops were a delightful blend of history and coastal charm. We wandered through quaint seaside towns, sampled fresh seafood, and enjoyed the ever-changing views from the ship.

Family Fun on the High Seas
Back on board, we indulged in Joy’s endless entertainment options—whether it was dining, shows, or just relaxing on the deck. Breanna, Cameron, and I made the most of every second, sharing laughs and adventures while creating new memories.

This cruise was a different flavor of adventure compared to our Caribbean escapades, but it was no less magical. Whether it was finding culinary treasures in New York, basking in Bermuda’s beauty, or soaking in the salty sea air along the Atlantic, this trip proved once again that the Joy is in the journey.

Where will we go next? Stay tuned for more Clashy Adventures! 🌊⚓️ 

A Joyful Caribbean Escape

Cameron and I set out on a much-needed escape—a 7-day cruise on the Norwegian Joy. Departing from Miami, our itinerary promised tropical bliss with stops in Belize, Roatan, and Costa Maya. It was just the two of us, and we were ready for relaxation, exploration, and a little mischief along the way.

Belize:
Belize welcomed us with its lush jungles and sparkling waters. We spent our day soaking in the vibrant culture, enjoying local delicacies, and marveling at the incredible natural beauty. There's something magical about Belize—the perfect mix of adventure and tranquility.

Roatan:
Next stop, Roatan, where the island’s unspoiled landscapes took our breath away. From its postcard-worthy beaches to its friendly locals, Roatan felt like stepping into paradise. Cameron and I made it a point to explore every inch of the island we could, and it’s safe to say it didn’t disappoint.

Costa Maya:
Costa Maya offered its own brand of charm. We wandered through colorful marketplaces, and indulged in some of the best Mexican food we’ve ever had. The mix of vibrant culture and laid-back vibes made this stop unforgettable.

Back on the Norwegian Joy, we soaked up every moment of shipboard life. From lazy mornings watching the sunrise over the ocean to exhilarating evenings enjoying live entertainment, the Joy lived up to its name. The food? Divine. The views? Even better. And the memories? Priceless.

This cruise was everything we needed and more—a perfect reminder of why the Caribbean keeps calling us back. Where to next? Stay tuned, because the Clashy Adventures never stop! 🌊🛳️

Check out our video about the Norwegian Joy here!