Our Trips
Alaska
Alaska
First visit - Cruise with Disney
ALASKA - Our first cruise to Alaska began in Vancouver, where Disney Cruise Line set the stage for something spectacular.
From the moment we stepped aboard, everything was upscale and magical—Disney truly does it right. The ship itself was a destination, with shows that dazzled, dining that delighted, and views that took our breath away. Standing on the top deck as glaciers drifted past was unforgettable, and in the evenings, Disney swapped their signature fireworks for falling snow, turning the night into pure wonder.
The sights were spectacular, the memories timeless, and the experience so good we knew we’d be back. And now— here we go again!
Hawaii
Cruise 2021
Aulani 2023
Hawaii
Cruise with Carnival 2021
50th Annversary Journeys Sailing
14 Days on The Miracle
HAWAII – Our very first visit to Hawaii came in 2022, when we joined Carnival’s 50th Anniversary Journeys Sailing aboard the Miracle. That voyage was unforgettable—not only for the islands we explored, but also for the historic five‑ship meet‑up in Ensenada that marked Carnival’s milestone celebration.
Hawaii itself left us spellbound: Pearl Harbor’s solemn history, the glow of a traditional luau, volcanic landscapes that seemed alive, and sunsets above the clouds on Mauna Kea.
The islands called us back in 2024, when we spent a fabulous week at Disney’s Aulani Resort, soaking in the spirit of aloha. Now, with Carnival Radiance charting the Hawaii itineraries, we’re keeping watch on excursions, shows, and insider opportunities to make every moment shine.
Tip about souvenirs: A popular belief warns that taking volcanic rocks angers the Hawaiian goddess Pele, bringing bad luck until the rocks are returned.
Hawaii isn’t just a destination—it’s a shared adventure we had to experience together again.
Hawaii - Aulani Resort
HAWAII – Our second visit to the islands began with a cozy nine‑hour flight from Memphis, landing us at Disney’s spectacular Aulani Resort. From the lazy river and koi ponds to a round at Ko Olina Golf Course, every detail felt magical. We returned to the USS Arizona Memorial for a full day of reflection, explored Kualoa Ranch where Jurassic Park came to life, and visited the serene Byodo‑In Temple, ringing the great bell beside a koi pond that was truly enormous. Dining cliffside with no wait felt like a dream, and Haleiwa Joe’s at Haiku Gardens wowed us with massive steaks and views over the lush gardens and lake below.
The only misstep? Renting a Jeep—Honolulu rush-hour traffic runs 24/7 and reminded us never try that again! With Aulani’s beauty surrounding us, it was the kind of place you could truly never leave. Photos coming!
Washington D.C.
Washington D.C.
City Escape - A Christmas to Remember
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This holiday escape put us right in the heart of the nation’s capital, staying at the posh Washington Hotel with views of the White House lawn and the Washington Monument.
The city was exceptionally cold, but still walking everywhere. We admired the Christmas tree on Capitol Hill, toured inside the Capitol, and took both day and night Big Bus tours—the monuments glowing after dark were spectacular. We stumbled into unexpected fun too: every museum was open and free, from the Smithsonian’s woolly mammoth to the National Archives where we stood before the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. One highlight was seeing A Christmas Carol performed at Ford’s Theatre, followed by a solemn look at the balcony where Lincoln met his fate and a tour of the Peterson House across the street.
Christmas Eve found us at the Lincoln Memorial, joking that we heard Forrest Gump calling for Jenny, and in playful jest we capped Christmas Day with dinner at a quirky Chinese place—no singing required (if you know, you know).
Washington, D.C. gave us history, humor, and holiday magic all wrapped together.
New York City
New York City
City Escape - Eagles Concert
NEW YORK CITY – A FANTABULOUS Anniversary Escape NYC truly is the city that never sleeps… and neither did we! Our trip was anchored by The Eagles’ Hotel California concert, but the city itself stole the show. From our hotel room overlooking Ground Zero to the iconic sights—Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building—we soaked it all in.
And then came the hidden gems: standing over Marilyn Monroe’s unmarked grate, and meeting the Charging Bull on Wall Street. Every corner held a story, every moment felt electric.
Thinking about your own city escape? Ask us anything—we love sharing tips, stories, and magical finds that make New York unforgettable.
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NYC
City Escape
San Francisco
San Francisco
City Escape with Friends
SAN FRANCISCO – This was our city escape in the wake of COVID, when the world was just beginning to open back up. Not everything was running yet—cable cars were still off the tracks—but the adventure was unforgettable.
With friends by our side, we hopped on the Big Bus to see it all, from famous movie locations to the haunting cells of Alcatraz and ‘The Hole.’ We wandered among towering redwoods in Muir Woods, strolled Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, and laughed at the sea lions while feasting on crab legs. The Golden Gate Bridge stole the show, standing tall in every kind of weather. And what weather it was—humid and hot in the afternoons, then suddenly freezing as "Karl the Fog" rolled in off the bay.
San Francisco wasn’t fully back yet, but the spirit of the city was alive, and it gave us a trip to remember.
JJ's Magical Diary Placeholders
New Orleans
Photos Pending...
Gatlinburg
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Naples, FL
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Memphis, TN
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St. Louis, MO
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Mackinac Island
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Virginia Beach
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Western Caribbean
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Eastern Caribbean
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Southern Caribbean
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Virgin Islands
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Bahamas
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Coco Beach
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