Are you heading to Amber Cove, Dominican Republic?  This cruise port is quickly becoming one of the most popular cruise destinations in the Caribbean.  In fact, the Dominican Republic itself is the most popular destination in the Caribbean.  Join us as we share tips for visiting Amber Cove.

0:00 Intro

1:08 Amber Cove Cruise Port

4:20 Playa Bachata on a Bubble Tour https://5suitcases.com/playa-bachata/

7:03 History of Amber Cove

7:55 Getting Around Puerto Plata- Cabs, and Pedi Cabs, oh my!

8:55 Excursions in Amber Cove https://5suitcases.com/excursion-in-amber-cove/

14:18 Port Area Amenities https://5suitcases.com/amber-cove/

17:08 The Beaches of Puerto Plata

19:50 Closing

In this episode we're switching things up a little bit and sharing some foggy cruise memories. The kids also join in to share some of their favorite things about cruising.

0:00 Intro

1:00 Meet the Kids

4:49 Cruising for 3 Decades

6:54 Power Hour

9:09 Pizza and Comedy

11:47 DIY Fishbowl Drinks

14:08 Jell-O Shots at Sea

16:10 Be Careful What You Pack

19:21 Cruising is an Easy Way to Travel

20:24 Lessons Learned Cruising

21:58 Reliving Memories

22:35 Cruising Ducks https://www.etsy.com/shop/5Suitcases/

24:20 Closing

The island of St. John is hands-down my favorite island in the Caribbean. A vast majority of the island is protected by the National Park System leaving it in absolutely pristine condition. Hear about how I had a panic attack and needed to be rescued by lifeguards and learn how you can visit the island (and hopefully not die).

0:00 Intro

2:25 Drowning in St. John

6:05 St. John Overview and Trunk Bay- Ranked one of the Top 10 Beaches in the World https://5suitcases.com/trunk-bay-st-john-one-of-the-top-10-beaches-in-the-world/

9:58 Booking a Cruise Excursion vs. Visiting St. John on Your Own https://5suitcases.com/how-to-get-to-trunk-bay-without-a-ship-excursion/

13:28 Slavery on the Island

15:40 The Annaberg Sugar Plantation https://5suitcases.com/the-annaberg-sugar-plantation-st-john-usvi/

19:21 Cruising Duck Tags + Outro https://www.etsy.com/shop/5Suitcases/

This week we're chatting about the United States Virgin Islands. The islands are the perfect spot for American to vacation- and you don't even need a passport to visit! The islands are known for their jaw dropping views, picturesque beaches, snorkeling, and amazing shopping opportunities. St. Thomas is the shopping capital of the Caribbean and is home to one of the most popular beaches in the world!

0:00 Intro- USVI is a BABE!

2:00 St. Thomas Overview

3:17 Skyride to Paradise Point https://5suitcases.com/skyride-to-paradise-point/

8:02 The Best Beaches in St. Thomas https://5suitcases.com/best-beaches-in-st-thomas/

15:35 Coral World Ocean Park

16:14 Drake's Seat

17:29 Buck Island

19:07 Outro

Nassau, Bahamas is the most popular cruise destination in the Caribbean.  Each year nearly 4 million cruisers step foot on the island.  In this episode, we'll outline all the best thing to do in Nassau.  We'll share the best beaches, excursions, and chat about the Nassau Straw Market.

For more information on Nassau, check out our website: https://5suitcases.com/destinations/the-bahamas/nassau-the-bahamas/

0:00 Intro

1:34 Love/Hate Relationship

3:26 Ideas for how to Spend Your Day

4:43 The Best Beaches in Nassau

8:09 Recommended Excursions in Nassau https://5suitcases.com/do-i-need-to-book-an-excursion-in-nassau/

12:44 Cruising is What You Make It/Twister at Sea

17:08 The Straw Market

22:01 Outro

In this episode I'll fill you in on everything you need to know before you head to Half Moon Cay.  Topics include whether or not you need to book an excursion, excursion options, super fancy cabana rentals, and the free buffet.

To learn more about Half Moon Cay, check out our articles- The Complete Guide to Half Moon Cay, 5 Facts About Half Moon Cay, and Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Half Moon Cay? 

0:00 Opening

1:07 5 Facts about Half Moon Cay

4:07 What to Take Onshore 

5:16  Do I Need to Book an Excursion

6:08 ...But What if I Don't Like the Beach?

7:08 Traveling with Kids

8:06 Excursions at Half Moon Cay

11:05 Food and Drinks

15:40 Tips on Snagging Beach Chairs

17:15 Flex on Your Friends with Cabanas, Villas, and Oasis

20:50 Recap

22:39 Signing Out

In our very first episode, we'll give you a little insight about who we are, how we came to be 5 Suitcases and share our first travel story with you- the tale of how we snuck into The Atlantis Bahamas.

Check out our article 5 Things To Know Before Your Trip to Atlantis Bahamas for most of the information shared in this podcast. You can also view our Atlantis Packing List to see what we suggest bringing along with you to this bucket list resort.

Welcome to the 5 Suitcases Podcast!  In this episode I'll introduce you to who we are, share our story and tell you how we snuck into Atlantis Bahamas.

Learn More:

0:00 Intro
1:20 Adventures in Foster Care
3:56 Becoming a Family of 5 + 5 Suitcases is Born
7:06  One Last Hoorah
9:14 Atlantis:  A Bucket List Destination
11:35 Staying on Property
14:20 How to Experience Atlantis Bahamas Without Spending a Ton of Money
15:35 Sneaking Into Atlantis Bahamas
20:40 Outro