Have you ever been on a cruise? I’ll admit, I didn’t fully understand the appeal until last summer when we took a Disney Wish Cruise – and now I’m a believer!
It was our first cruise experience, and it was absolutely magical. We set sail from Port Canaveral, and from the moment we boarded, the adventure began. The boys spent an entire day zipping down waterslides and exploring everything the ship had to offer. They were in heaven with all the activities, and honestly, so were we!
Our first stop was Nassau, Bahamas – a place rich in history, once known as a pirate haven. The colonial charm, paired with the stunning tropical beaches, coral reefs, and exotic marine life, made it a true paradise.
The final day of the cruise took us to Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. Picture a postcard-perfect white-sand beach, sparkling waters, and endless activities for the kids. Whether it was swimming, snorkeling, waterslides, or kayaking, there was something for everyone. It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable trip. If you’ve never tried cruising, I highly recommend it – it’s an experience like no other.
Seeing the pristine beaches of the Bahamas also made me appreciate how fortunate we are to have incredible beaches right here at home. Our absolute favorite? New Smyrna Beach.
Just a quick 45-minute drive away, New Smyrna Beach offers 17 miles of powder-soft, sugary white sand. It’s also a top surfing spot, which Luke and Gavin are eager to master – they love watching the surfers catch waves. The beach itself is wide and flat, which means you can actually drive right onto it. It’s one of the few beaches that still allows driving in designated areas, giving it a charming, old-Florida feel. And even during peak season, there’s always plenty of space to spread out and relax.
What we love most about New Smyrna Beach is that it’s less crowded than some of the nearby hotspots like Daytona. It’s the perfect spot for a laid-back day by the ocean. We’re lucky enough to have access to a family condo right on the water, so we often head down for a quick weekend getaway. It’s the ideal staycation, and we love spending time there with the whole family, including all the cousins.
For us, New Smyrna Beach’s unspoiled, low-key atmosphere makes it the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of more commercialized tourist spots. It’s become our go-to destination for relaxed, quality family time by the sea. I’d love to know, where’s yours?
Take Care,
Reina and Matt