From August 17 to August 24, I’ll be trading in my paramedic radio for ocean breezes, turquoise waters, and the salty kiss of adventure. This trip is a perfect mix of ocean escapes and theme park thrills — and I couldn’t be more excited!
🚢 The Cruise: MSC Seashore Out of Port Canaveral
We’ll be sailing on the MSC Seashore, one of MSC’s most beautiful and modern ships, departing from Port Canaveral, Florida. The itinerary is a tropical dream:
- Ocean Cay, MSC’s Private Island – Think powdery white sand, crystal-clear waters, and no crowds. It’s paradise with a personal touch.
- Costa Maya, Mexico – A charming port full of colorful markets, Mayan history, and incredible water activities.
- Cozumel, Mexico – A diver’s paradise, and speaking of diving…
I’ll be doing two scuba diving excursions on this trip — my idea of pure happiness! Exploring vibrant coral reefs, swimming alongside tropical fish, and maybe even spotting a sea turtle or two is exactly the kind of adventure I live for.
Cruise Tip: If you’re sailing MSC Seashore, download the MSC for Me app before boarding. It’s a lifesaver for navigating the ship, checking daily activities, and making dining reservations.
🏝 Ocean Cay Highlights & Tips
MSC’s Ocean Cay Marine Reserve is unique because it’s focused on environmental restoration as much as guest enjoyment.
Tips for Ocean Cay:
- Get up early to enjoy the island before it gets busy — the morning light makes for stunning photos.
- Rent a floating mat and drift along the shoreline with a drink in hand.
- If you like snorkeling, head to the far side of the island for better visibility and more marine life.
🌊 Costa Maya & Cozumel Adventures
- Costa Maya Tip: The port area is walkable and has a massive saltwater pool you can enjoy for free, but if you have the time, book a Mayan ruins tour — Chacchoben is just a short ride away.
- Cozumel Tip: If you’re diving like me, make sure you have a reef-safe sunscreen to protect the coral ecosystem. For non-divers, the island has incredible beach clubs with day passes.
🎢 The Land Adventure: Disney World, August 24–27
After returning to Port Canaveral, I’m not heading home just yet — instead, it’s three and a half days of Disney magic in Orlando!
Disney Tips:
- Book Lightning Lane passes early to maximize your rides (especially for the big ones like Tron Lightcycle Run and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind).
- Stay hydrated — August in Florida is no joke.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes. Disney days often mean 20,000+ steps!
đź’ˇ Final Thoughts
This vacation is going to be the perfect blend of relaxation, underwater adventure, and high-energy theme park fun. I’ll be sharing plenty of photos, videos, and tips from each stop — so stay tuned for real-time updates.
Whether you love cruising, diving, or Disney (or all three like me), there’s something in this itinerary for everyone.