The Essence of The Escape - Carnival Liberty 7 Day Caribbean Cruise

The energy you feel the moment you hit any port of call, prior to boarding a cruise ship is an astonishing feeling. No matter whether your boarding in Los Angeles, Miami, New York or Puerto Rico, to watch as the teams of porters & cruise ship staff members prepare that weeks guests for a “Bon Voyage” is like watching an action packed play unfold right before your eyes.

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The effortless process that Carnival has created for the thousands upon thousands of guest’s who pass through their numerous ports around the globe every few days, helps to set the tone for what everyone hopes will be an exciting, smooth running and relaxing trip. Once you go through the check in process you are given a sign & sail card (which alleviates having to carry cash everywhere you go while on the ship) and it is off to the races for just about everyone from that instant on.
 With so many culinary options to choose from, it shouldn’t take long to realize that the skilled and thoughtful staff that oversee the kitchens of this massive operation have everything under control. Every last detail, down to where they must stop and grab some quick produce while in the middle of the ocean should they be unpleased with this weeks melon and fruit selection has been carefully thought out.

If instantly getting to eating isn’t in your plans, you should slide on by the shore excursions desk. There you can get yourself properly informed about all of the amazing activities to do in each port (as well as score some cool promotional items that first day, many of which people know nothing about.) 

Carnival Valor 8 Day Caribbean Cruise Review

Being able to get away from the madness that all of our lives entail is essential to staying sane and focused on what is important. Too often we don’t allow ourselves a moment to take a breath and enjoy the small things around us. That is why we do our segments entitled “Road Trippin.” If it weren’t for these getaways we might be the next ones on the roof with the rifle looking to settle a few scores, believe us. Last December we took our readers aboard the Carnival Splendor, a massive ship that called Long Beach, CA home. Well this time we headed to the big East Coast on down to South Beach Miami and took a little spin on the Carnival Valor.

The Carnival Valor, a ship that calls Miami, Florida home is one of the many amazing vessels in Carnival’s arsenal of Fun Ships. Checking into our Ocean Suite on the 7^th Floor / Empress Deck, for eight days was just the start of an amazing vacation. We took full advantage of our VIP booking and avoided the rather lengthy lines on one of the most humid morning I have yet to experience in my life. 

Located in the “Midship” section of the ship the spacious 300 square foot suite is situated just around the corner from the Atrium elevators, which you will pass through more times than you can count over the next week. Featuring a King size bed, floor to ceiling mirrors and a large sliding glass door that leads out onto your own private balcony, the interior of this suit itself is 30% larger than a standard Ocean-View Suite.

Recipe Of The Day: Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Everyone loves Jerk Chicken and lately I have been getting hit up by alot of my good friends for a simple but authentic tasting Jerk Chicken recipe. The great thing about this recipe is that the flavors come together without overpowering one another and it is really easy to make. In the Summertime this a real hit by the poolside with a few cold Red Stripe Beers, Some shots of Mango Juice & Patron and some cold Ambrosia. With everyone trying to be healthy the chicken really helps work itself into most diets, that is unless your on the no flavor diet then this isn't for you.
Enjoy!

(Click read more, for the entire recipe)

Recipe Of The Day: Grilled Jerk Chicken w/ Mint Habanero Glaze

We have stated over and over our fondness for the golden bird in our test kitchens and just feel that with Summer here in the Southern section of the Great Golden State California, that you can never go wrong with a little grilled chicken. This time around instead of just leaving it at alone with the jerk seasonings we decided to give the recipe a little twist with the help of a great Mint & Habanero glaze that works like a great tag team to heat up and cool down this great grilled delight.
This must be enjoyed with ice cold drinks of the top shelf variety, such as Silver Patron Margaritas, or Mint Juleps loaded with top shelf Glenlivet. 
Enjoy!