🚢 Cruise Content That Converts: Behind the Scenes of My Visual Strategy at Sea

What I packed, how I shot it, and why brands should think like directors—not just influencers.

When I boarded the MSC Seashore for a short trial sail, I wasn’t just there to lounge—I was there to test and prove how even a 4-day cruise can yield a quarter’s worth of high-quality travel content with the right strategy.

From port arrivals to golden hour deck shots, my goal was simple: capture scroll-stopping imagery and video that cruise lines, tourism boards, and travel advisors can actually use to build trust, drive bookings, and stand out.

Here’s what went into it—because the secret isn’t just in the camera. It’s in the creative direction behind the lens.

🎯 Step 1: Shot List with Purpose

Before I even stepped on board, I mapped out a purpose-driven shot list based on:

• Vertical Reels for Instagram/TikTok (think: palm trees + pool decks + movement)

• Wide hero images for cruise line blogs, email headers, and site banners

• Evergreen port content that travel advisors can personalize and reuse

• BTS content of myself working (because brands love to see the process)

➡️ Pro Tip: I blocked out early mornings for quiet ship shots and golden hour for high-conversion visuals.

📸 Step 2: What’s in My Cruise Creator Kit

What’s in my bag? My must-haves when traveling light.

Here’s a look at my gear laid out on the cabin bed—because yes, this part always gets questions:

• Nikon Z6ii + Tamron 24–70mm 2.8 lens for versatile lifestyle work

• iPhonePro Max 14 for smooth vertical video (used for photo not shown)

• Waterproof phone case, fins, mask, and snorkel

• MacBook Pro (for immediate editing, labeling, and sorting)

• SanDisk 4TB Portable Hard Drive

• Magnetic phone tripod (small but mighty)

• Packing cubes + tech bag to keep everything tidy and cruise-compliant

• TOBIQ 30L Backpack

I travel light—but everything in my kit serves a clear creative purpose.

🎬 Step 3: Thinking Like a Director

Good visuals sell the destination. Great visuals tell its story.

I’m not just a photographer—I’m a trained theatre director. That means I’m thinking about light, pacing, emotional arc, and movement—not just what’s in the frame, but why it matters to your audience.

On Ocean Cay, I staged wide scenic shots, followed by tighter lifestyle details (footprints in the sand, coral textures, etc.), then finished with silhouettes at sunset. It told a full emotional journey in one port.

🗂️ This storytelling arc helps cruise brands market to multiple demographics at once—families, solo travelers, couples—all with the same content set.

📦 A Tiny Sample of What Came Out of 4 Days

• 200+ high-res images across ship and shore

• 12 vertical videos (Reels/TikTok ready)

• 1 pre-packaged commercial photo pack (that was available within 1 week of my sail)

• BTS content for brands who want to show the “making of” process

Why This Matters to Cruise Brands & Travel Pros

The days of random vacation shots are over.

If you’re a brand manager at MSC, Carnival, or NCL, or a travel advisor building your online presence, you need:

✅ Consistent, high-quality visual assets
✅ A partner who understands sales funnels and storytelling
✅ Efficient content creation from someone already on location

I’m not just along for the ride—I’m creating visual strategy that sells the destination.

Want Content Like This For Your Brand?

I’m now booking on-location collaborations during upcoming cruises and content trips. Check my current travel schedule, or reach out for a custom proposal.

🛳️ Next up: Ocean Cay + Nassau in September with my Shiny Penny Studios Team
🎉 Group cruise content opportunities in January (NCL + Carnival)
🎡 Orlando diversity-focused family branding trip in November 2026

📩 Ready to collaborate? Let’s capture something unforgettable—and strategic.

If they could see me now…

So you're thinking about hopping on a Carnival Cruise. Maybe you’ve heard the phrase "Fun Ship." I am in that weird generation between X and Z that remembers Kathy Lee Gifford dancing around in a weird seafood buffet from commercials in the 80s.

Maybe you've seen a few TikToks featuring all-you-can-eat ice cream and… the occasional onboard drama. Either way, welcome aboard this honest guide to cruising Carnival—the good, the quirky, and the stuff your travel agent probably won’t say out loud.

✨ First Things First: What Is Carnival Really Like?

Carnival is all about big fun at a budget price. It’s the cruise line equivalent of a weekend trip to Vegas: bright, loud, tasty, crowded, and occasionally unpredictable.

It’s also one of the most accessible and affordable cruise options out there—which means you’ll see a wide mix of passengers, from birthday bachelorettes to three-generational family reunions.

🎓 Why the Reputation?

Carnival has had its fair share of viral moments. Videos of rowdy guests, fights, or unruly behavior often pop up online, leading to some side-eyes. The truth?

These incidents tend to happen on short, 3- to 4-night sailings—especially those scheduled around:

• Spring Break

• Graduation weekends

• Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, July 4th, etc.)

📅 Longer cruises (5+ nights) tend to be more mellow, with more families and retirees.

📅 Who Is Carnival Good For?

Carnival is ideal for:

• First-time cruisers

• Budget-conscious families

• Groups celebrating milestones (birthdays, bachelorettes, etc.)

• Social butterflies who want to mingle, party, and meet people

• Foodies who don’t mind standing in line for Guy Fieri burgers

Not ideal for:

• People wanting luxury or peace and quiet

• Travelers sensitive to crowds or noise

• Those expecting gourmet cuisine or highbrow entertainment

🎤 The Entertainment: Fun, Flashy, and Just a Bit Campy

Carnival shows are about what you'd expect from a theme park stage:

• Musical revues with glitzy costumes and pop hits

• Comedy clubs with rotating acts (PG and adult-rated)

• Poolside contests and deck parties

They’re not Broadway, but they’re free and they’re fun.

🍻 The Quirks (aka What Makes Carnival... Carnival)

• The Drink Packages: Priced well, but maxed at 15 alcoholic drinks per day.

• The Décor: Think neon, loud patterns, and throwback Vegas vibes.

• Cruise Director Energy: Carnival cruise directors are celebrities in their own right—expect theme nights, trivia, and morning announcements that sound like a radio show.

• Food Quality: You won’t go hungry, but it leans mass-produced. Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana tacos are fan favorites. MDR food is along the lines of Carrabas’s or Benihana.

🚗 Ports, Excursions, and Onboard Tips

• Carnival offers excursions through the ship and via local operators.

• If you're on a budget, port days are great for exploring on your own—just be sure you're back before the all-aboard time.

• The ship is cashless. Everything you buy gets charged to your account through your Sail & Sign card.

🚑 What About Safety & Comfort?

• Every Carnival ship has a medical center with trained staff.

• Travel insurance is highly recommended, especially for longer or international sailings.

• Bring motion sickness remedies just in case, especially if you’re prone to queasiness.

💡 Final Thoughts

Carnival is kind of like a beachside dive bar with karaoke: not fancy, not perfect, but full of energy, affordable drinks, and lots of stories.

If you lean in and pack a good attitude (and maybe some earplugs), you'll find Carnival can be a great time—especially for new cruisers and extroverts who like their vacations with a side of line dancing and trivia.

Bon voyage and pass the nachos!

🌊 First-Time Cruiser? Start Here!

Ships in port at Nassau, Bahamas.

Your Basic (but Actually Helpful) Guide to Cruising
Whether you're a land-lover looking to dip your toes into the cruising world or just got voluntold to join a family vacation at sea, this is the no-stress, no-fluff guide you've been looking for. If you've never set foot on a ship, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and we’re here to help.

🚢 What Even Is a Cruise?

A cruise is basically a floating hotel that takes you from port to port while feeding you around the clock and providing everything from Broadway-style shows to trivia tournaments. You unpack once, and the world comes to you. Sounds pretty good, right?

🏛️ Port Calls: What Happens When You Dock?

Most cruises stop at several ports of call (aka destination stops) along your route.

Good info about ports of call:

1. Excursions: These are organized activities you book through the cruise line or an outside provider—like snorkeling, city tours, ziplining, or cooking classes. They cost extra, but offer convenience and sometimes insurance coverage if you're delayed. Cruise-line sponsored excursions will always have a guarantee of waiting for your excursion if you are late getting back to the ship for any reason. Private excursion do not.

2. DIY Exploring: You can also get off the ship and explore on your own—walk the town, grab lunch, shop, hit the beach. Just don’t miss the all-aboard time (they won’t wait).

3. Tender vs. Walk Off: Some ports of call will not have a set large ship dock you can walk off. In that scenario the cruise line provides tender boats that are like water taxis that will take you to the port. Sometimes your cruise line will make you sign-up for first priority if you have excursions. I personally try an look for sailings that keep to ships that have non-tender ports. But it’s all about those destinations, so they are necessary.

📌 Pro Tip: Take a photo of the day’s port schedule or daily bulletin before heading out. Or screen shot your app daily agenda. That way you won't be wondering what is happening on the ship if the exploring gets hot and long.

📅 What’s a Sea Day?

A sea day is when the ship doesn’t stop at any port and instead sails all day. These are perfect for relaxing, using the spa, going to shows, or eating three lunches (no judgment).

🤔 Wait... Do I Need a Passport?

• For most international cruises, yes.

• For closed-loop cruises (starting and ending in the same U.S. port), a birth certificate and government-issued ID may be enough.

💼 Check with your cruise line and travel advisor for specifics.

🧼 The Ship Has a What Now? (Medical Center!)

Yes, every ship has a medical center with doctors and nurses onboard. They can help with:

• Seasickness

• Minor injuries

• Flu, fever, infections, etc.

🌐 BUT: Care is out-of-pocket unless you have cruise-specific travel insurance. Which brings us to...

💼 Why You Should Absolutely Get Travel Insurance

Things can go wrong: delays, cancellations, illness, or missing the ship. Travel insurance can cover:

• Trip interruptions

• Emergency medical care - and transporting you home from international locations

• Lost luggage

• Missed connections

💡 Peace of mind is worth it.

❓ Common First-Timer Questions

Q: Will I get seasick?
A: Maybe! Most people don’t. Modern ships are huge and stable. Bring motion sickness bands, patches, or meds just in case.

Q: What do I wear?
A: Casual by day, smart casual by night. Some nights are "elegant" or themed. Check your cruise line’s dress code.

Q: Can I drink the water onboard?
A: Yes. Tap water is filtered and safe. You can also buy bottled water packages.

Q: Do I need cash?
A: Onboard, you use your cruise card or app. At ports, carry small cash (USD is accepted in many places).

Q: Is Wi-Fi included?
A: Rarely. Most cruise lines charge for internet. Disconnecting is part of the charm!

Q: Can I bring snacks or drinks?
A: Every cruise line has its own policy. Check rules about alcohol, bottled water, and packaged snacks.

Q: How do I pay for things onboard?
A: Your room key (cruise card) links to your credit card. Everything—drinks, spa, gifts—goes on your onboard account.

Q: Can I do laundry?
A: Some ships have laundry rooms or paid services. Or just pack extra underwear and call it a win.

🌟 Final Tips

• Arrive at port early. Don’t miss the boat. Literally.

• Download the cruise line app before sailing (though it may only work onboard).

• Pack a carry-on with meds, swimsuits, and documents—you may not see your luggage for a few hours after boarding. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS keep any medications with you and NOT your checked bags.

• Be nice to the crew. They work hard and most work for six months at a time away from families on daily 12 hour+ shifts. Most of them are sending money home to relatives and are the best of the best in the hotel industry.

Cruising can be fun, relaxing, and totally addictive. After your first trip, you'll either be planning your next one—or Googling how to live full-time on a ship. Either way, you're about to have a great adventure.

Bon voyage!

🚢 Sailing with MSC: A No-Nonsense, Some-Nonsense Guide for Newbies

(aka What to Know Before You Pack Your Fancy Pants for Theme Night)

Ahoy, land-dwellers-turned-sea-explorers!
So you're thinking about sailing with MSC Cruises—or you’ve already booked and are now googling, “Why doesn’t anything show up in the app yet??” Take a deep breath, unclench that forehead, and let me walk you through it. I’ve been there. Literally. With sunscreen in one hand, camera in the other, and a whole lotta questions.

This is your unofficial, totally honest guide to sailing with MSC—ideal for first-timers, semi-panicked travel planners, and the travel agents who have to answer the same 12 questions over and over. You’re welcome.

🌊 First Thing’s First: What Even Is MSC?

MSC Cruises is a European-based cruise line (think chic Italian energy meets shiny new ships and affordable balcony rooms). It’s not your grandma’s cruise line… unless Nonna likes a good buffet and themed dress-up nights, in which case she’ll love it here.

MSC is known for:

• Beautiful, brand-new ships (hellooo Seashore, Seascape, and World America)

• Affordable fares (seriously, $200 cruises exist)

• Lots of international passengers (expect multiple languages)

• Some quirks (more on that in a minute)

📱 The MSC&Me App: You’ll Get It... Eventually

Let’s address this right away: You won’t have full access to the MSC for Me app until you’re actually on board and connected to their ship Wi-Fi.
Yes, that’s inconvenient.
Yes, they could have warned you.
No, you’re not doing anything wrong.

You should have your daily activities and theme nights listed 30 days before you sail. 

Once you’re onboard and connected to MSC's intranet, the app becomes your lifeline:

• Check the daily schedule (aka, when the White Party is and whether you’re late for trivia

• View your account charges

• Make restaurant reservations or book excursions

• See the ship map and maybe not get lost (Also the ship map in the APP will be where your Muster station is listed!)

📌 Pro Tip: Screenshot your cruise confirmation, arrival time, and any important info before boarding. The app isn’t magic until you’re connected to their system.

📌 Pro Tip2: No you do not need to purchase the ship internet packages to use the MSC&Me App! You will want to put your phone on Airplane mode and then connect to the MSC internet and then you can access the APP. If you purchase the internet packages then you can check email, scroll socials and other basic functions.

🧳️ What to Pack (And Why You’ll Regret Not Bringing a White Outfit)

MSC is big on themed nights. Most cruises will have some combo of:

• White Party Night (yes, people go full-on Ibiza)

• Elegant Night (dress to impress)

• 80s Night (bring the neon and Aqua Net)

• Tropical Night (think palm prints and bad dance moves)

While you don’t have to participate, it’s more fun when you do. And hey, you’ll look fantastic in photos—especially when paired with one of my Ocean Cay golden hour shots 😎

Other Must-Haves:

• A lanyard for your cruise card (MSC doesn’t give them out)

• Plastic Luggage tag holders (yes, you print your own from a laptop or PC)

• A water bottle to fill up with free Arnold Palmers, or water. 

• Snorkel gear and a good beach read if you're into that kind of thing

• Patience and your sense of humor

🏝 About Ocean Cay (aka The Star of the Show)

If you're lucky enough to be sailing on MSC with a stop at Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, prepare to have your breath taken away—and your photo gallery filled.

Ocean Cay is MSC’s private island in the Bahamas, and it is chef’s kiss:

• Crystal-clear water ✔️

• Instagrammable lighthouse ✔️

• Chill vibes ✔️

• Zero upcharges to use the beach and food is included ✔️

✨ Shiny Penny Pro Tip: Wakeup early to watch the sail into the Ocean Cay dock. The colors at sunrise are absolutely amazing and you'll get some unique backlit golden ray views of the lighthouse. The photos? Already in my content packs, so you can get a preview before you even go. 🍝 What’s the Food Situation?

It’s a mix. Here's the lowdown:

• Buffet: Open almost all the time, but the hours can be weird. (tip: Consult the app! Go to the ship map and click on any venue to see the hours.)  Easy, plentiful, sometimes repetitive. Great for breakfast and post-pool carb loading.

• Main Dining Room (MDR): Assigned seating, with set menus. Can be lovely, can be a little “meh,” but the service is always sweet.

• Specialty Restaurants: Extra cost, elevated options. On Seashore, Kaito Sushi and the conveyor belt sushi at sea is my favorite.

🍼 Drinks Tip: MSC has drink packages but they’re stricter than other cruise lines. If you don’t buy a package, you’ll pay à la carte—even for soda. 

💬 Common FAQs (From People Like You… and Me)

Q: Do I need to tip extra?
A: MSC automatically adds gratuities to your onboard account at the end of the cruise. You can tip more, but it’s not required.

Q: Do people dress up on Elegant Night?
A: Yes. Think like “you’re going to your cousin’s wedding” vibes.

Q: Is there free Wi-Fi?
A: No. You’ll need to purchase a package or go offline and enjoy the silence (highly recommended). The packages are device-specific so if you need to do double-factor authentication for anything, you'll need to get a 2-device package. 

Q: How do I find out what’s happening each day?
A: The MSC for Me app (once on board) - you should have events listed 30 days before you sail. In the app click on that center icon thingy and then you'll see daily activities. No paper newsletters of activities since MSC tries to be somewhat paperless. But you’ll still find a ton of brochures left on your bed from your room steward.

Q: Can I bring a bottle of wine or soda onboard?
A: Nope! No beverages can be carried on like some other lines. 

✨ For Travel Agents (or Cruise Group Planners)

Feel free to share this guide with your clients—or use it as the base of your own FAQ emails. I also offer:

• Downloadable photo and video packs (Ocean Cay, Nassau, and more!)

• Custom visual content for agents needing scroll-stopping images

• Itinerary previews and visual shot lists for group sales

If your clients need help seeing the magic before they book, I’ve got you.

✨ Final Words

MSC might not be the most intuitive cruise line for first-timers—but it’s one of the most visually stunning, budget-friendly, and growing lines in the game. Once you understand the vibe (Euro-glam meets Bahama breeze), you’ll be hooked.

And if you're cruising Seashore or Seascape?
Wave hello—I may have shot your favorite sunrise before you even boarded.

—

Need visuals?
Grab my royalty-free Ocean Cay + MSC photo packs.

Your Quick & Easy Bahamas Content Getaway…

Travel agents, if you're in desperate need of fresh, scroll-stopping content, I’ve found the ultimate solution. Right now, MSC Cruises has an unbeatable flash sale offering a 3-night Bahamas cruise from Miami on January 9th for only $257! While pricing can fluctuate, MSC consistently offers dirt-cheap fares, making last-minute content trips always accessible. Combine this with sub-$100 flights from many major U.S. airports, and you've got a dream content creation trip for under $400 total.

But wait—it gets better. This is your "one bag wonder" trip. Pack light and smart in a single carry-on and glide through your weekend getaway without hassle. Less baggage, more content!

During this quick sail, you’ll hit two picture-perfect spots:

• Nassau: Capture selfies at vibrant pastel buildings, the iconic Straw Market, and dynamic street scenes filled with Bahamian charm. Plus, imagine recording lively self-tapes from Junkanoo Beach or with Atlantis as your backdrop.

• Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve: Think dreamy, sunset selfies on pristine white beaches, playful reels snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and serene video check-ins at the iconic lighthouse.

Want to amplify your content game even further? Pair your personal shots with my ready-to-download content packs featuring professionally curated images and videos from Nassau and Ocean Cay. Instantly double or triple your Bahamas visuals, setting your travel brand apart effortlessly.

Affordable travel, effortless packing, and endless fresh content—MSC Cruises' flash sale is your next can't-miss content mission!

Want to amplify your content game even further? Pair your personal shots with my ready-to-download content packs featuring professionally curated images and videos from Nassau and Ocean Cay. Instantly double or triple your Bahamas visuals, setting your travel brand apart effortlessly.

Sample Shot List:

Nassau:

• Selfie by pastel-colored buildings

• Walkthrough reel at Straw Market

• Beachfront panorama at Junkanoo Beach

• Short self-tape with Atlantis in the background

• Street food tasting clips

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve:

• Sunset selfies on the beach

• Snorkeling reel (underwater shots)

• Lighthouse backdrop video check-in

• Casual hammock relaxation clip

• Footprints on pristine sands (ideal for Instagram Stories)

Reel Ideas:

• "How to Cruise with Just One Carry-On"

• "24 Hours of Bahamian Beauty"

• "Day in the Life: Travel Agent Edition"

• "Hidden Gems of Nassau"

• "MSC Flash Sale: Was it Worth It?"

Affordable travel, effortless packing, and endless fresh content—MSC Cruises' flash sale is your next can't-miss content mission!

Grab your spot, pack your bag, and let's sail!

The one where she got on the ship.

“Confessions of a Cruise Skeptic: My First Time Aboard the Carnival Panorama”

Let me start with a confession: I wasn’t sure I was a cruise person. Floating buffet? Vegas-at-sea vibes? A week with strangers doing the Cupid Shuffle on Lido deck? I had doubts. But when your 69-year-old, casino-loving, photography-obsessed aunt Sheryl invites you on a Mexican Riviera cruise aboard the Carnival Panorama, you say yes—and pack stretchy pants. (And, you wake up the next day after the edibles wear off and you then still decide in the light of daylight and sobriety that high-you may be onto something.)

Spoiler: I was wrong about cruises.

Here’s the real tea on my first Carnival sailing, from the stargazing balcony moments to unexpected lizard sombrero moments in Cabo. 

🛳 All Aboard: A Balcony, a Breeze, and a Bit of Havana Magic

We booked a Havana Premium Aft Extended Balcony Room—a fancy way of saying we had the chillest corner of the ship with VIP pool access and a private outdoor hangout that caught both sunrise and moonlight.

(Aunt Sheryl? Already wrapped in a blanket on the balcony. The woman doesn’t miss a whale sighting.)

🌮 Port Stops: Ensenada, Cabo, and Sea Days

• Ensenada: Giant fresh churros the size of my face and a chaotic but charming fish market where a fishmonger posed with a gigantic crab that was likely very tasty.

• Cabo San Lucas: Picture-perfect blue water, dramatic rocks, and a photoshoot moment that screamed “midlife travel main character energy.” I also made a pharmacy pit stop for Tretinoin and Latisse—because priorities. But my one regret? Not paying a few pesos to get a photo with the two sombrero-wearing lizards. I will be returning. For the lizards.

• Sea days? Made for brunch, poolside people-watching, ship wandering, card games, and unapologetic naps.

Carnival’s vibe? Definitely not subtle. But that’s kinda the point. It was bold, kitschy, full of humanity. And maybe, just maybe, that’s exactly what I needed.

Best moment was when my bathing suit top flew off our balcony and landed onto the balcony below. When the couple in the cabin below found the top, the dude proceeded to try it on and model it for Sheryl and I. I can confidently say, I wore it better. But it made for a hilarious “ship happens,” moment.

🌊 Would I Cruise Again?

Absolutely. In fact—I already am. (MSC in May, and September Norwegian in January and then back again on Carnival with Sheryl in January for her 70th Sailabration.) Turns out this whole “relax and wander” thing works just fine for a theatre director who used to need a spreadsheet to unwind.

So yeah, I still pack a little chaos, a little camera gear, and a lot of curiosity. But now? I pack it for the sea—and let someone else navigate while I find the fun.

Baja Coast Vibes Content Pack Coming Late June 2025!

Calle de la Sol: A Hidden Gem in Old San Juan’s Layers of History

Calle de la Sol: A Hidden Gem in Old San Juan’s Layers of History

Keli returns to Puerto Rico and this time takes a slower week exploring Old San Juan solo using AI as her main travel assistant and tour guide.

It’s funny how a place can be both peaceful and alive at the same time. That’s exactly how I’d describe my colonial apartment on Calle de la Sol. The street itself feels like stepping into history—colorful walls that have seen centuries of stories, from Spanish colonists to modern-day woman crying after getting pulled over for some kind of traffic infraction five feet from my front door. The apartment is tucked behind an large wooden door that creaks in a way that makes you wonder how many people have peeped their heads through those iron gate doors.

Inside, the thick stone walls do their job, keeping the space cool even when the Caribbean sun outside is relentless. I turned off the AC to let my skin soak in the humidity. Exposed wooden beams cross the high ceiling, and just beyond the small kitchen, an interior courtyard opens up like a private little sanctuary. There’s something timeless about sitting there, surrounded by tropical plants and the sound of rustling leaves, knowing that this exact setup has been part of daily life here for generations.

Old San Juan is one of the most walkable neighborhoods I have stayed in with multiple grocery store options and restaurants within in a 5 minute walk. Be sure to shop the local bodegas and no-name stores. I had an extra immersive experience at one while pulling plantain from a branch of them in the store. I also love to cook and try new local ingredients so a Bnb option was a better choice for me than a hotel. My walking pace is adjusting to the humidity, heat and the city streets with a 30% incline.

While eating lunch in my plant filled courtyard I had a conversation of exchanging "meows" with a neigborhood cat who remained hidden. I spent my time listening to the faint hum of life outside—trying to translate conversations of the school kids playing at the elementary school across the street, the shuffle of shoes on cobblestones, and the passing cars blasting Bad Bunny beats - clearly THE PR soundtrack.

What I love about Calle de la Sol, and Old San Juan in general, is how seamlessly the present blends with the past. The apartments along this street, built in the 18th and 19th centuries, are a reflection of Spanish colonial design: thick walls to keep out the tropical heat, tall windows to catch the ocean breeze, and iron balconies that offer the perfect spot to people-watch or shout down to a neighbor. The original cobblestones lining the street, known as adoquine, were once ship ballast brought over from Spain in the 1700s. Now, they shimmer in shades of blue, especially after a good rain.

I got caught in it after an afternoon walk—rain transforms Calle de la Sol. The adoquine cobblestones become mirrors, reflecting the colors of the buildings and the cloudy sky above. I crouched down, my clothes already drenched, and snapped photos of the puddles creating perfect reflections of pinks, yellows, and turquoise walls.

Ok so let's now go behind the scenes on my trip planning...we love a good backstage tour around here! ;)

Budgeting Breakdown for Wed/Thursday

Meals in JFK airport: $76 (Farmers Fridge salad, snack mix, clam chowder and crab cakes)

Air BnBnB Stay: $882.85 (covered by travel group I'm working for along with the $323 Delta flight)

Grocery Trip: $70 for celsius drink, coffee creamer, eggs, milk, bread, cheese, sour cream, shrimp, adobo seasoning, bacon, plantains, beans, rice, tostones, sofrito, onion, avocado, reusable shopping bags

Notes on colonial apartment in Old San Juan: The colonial apartments have low ceilings in the loft area. I'm 5'8" so I was fine but my 6" friend would have felt like they were in a hobbit sized space. The electric is kind of suss in buildings hundreds of years old. I brought a small portable solar charger with built in flashlight and work-light because the people of PR deal with cruddy infrastructure issues. Be kind and resourceful if the water pressure is low or the electric goes out for a few hours. Most of the hotels have generators.

And for the digital nerdy breakdown...

Where AI has been most useful, and most un-helpful so far:

• Chat GTP is brilliant at re-formulating a travel schedule when flights are delayed and telling you about ways to spend time in various airports. When my layover switched to JFK it did a great job at recommending things to do like visiting the TWA hotel. It also reformulated my first day into a lighter schedule after arriving into San Juan later than expected and not having a chance to prepare for the week that evening. As someone who will generally start to riff when things go awry, this is a good way to keep me focused and on assignment.

• The Delta airlines app with the airport maps is so very useful. Especially when you have a gate change. Also love that Delta, like us believe that diversity, equity are inclusion are positive values.

• Chat GTP did a great job at looking at all of the items in the Air Bnb kitchen cabinet and making a suggested grocery list of local inexpensive ingredients to use for meals and made a suggested menu to make with those foods. I took a picture, told it I wanted to spend around $100 for basics and it told me what to buy and gave me a menu.

Unhelpful suggestions:

• ChatGTP recommended an evening walk in the La Perla neighborhood after I arrived and well, basic research can tell you why that may not be the best idea.

How to get the most out of your Virtual Travel Assistant:

• Be specific: When asking for a menu give your location and dietary restrictions, or things you do and don't like. It's a computer -it wont judge you.

• Ask and ask again. If you get some silly result ask again using a lightly different prompt or ask it to approach the problem from a different perspective. "Pretend you are the top travel expert in the world, but you are extremely snobby about wine. What restaurants would you recommend within a 10 minute walk with outside seating, and great ocean views." or "What is the best location to watch a sunset on 2/12 in Old San Juan while getting silhouettes of palm trees and architecture in the picture frame?" - The best part is that it wont get annoyed when you tell it to try over multiple times. (You also start to get better at communicating specific directions to all people in your life.)

• I arrange all of my travel questions and trip details in one project file in Chat GTP. This way that travel information is cross referenced with past questions and suggestions. It remembers I like to cook, I like to paint with watercolors late at night and I prefer historical or historical areas more than commercial spots in cities.

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Natural Rock Waterslide

One of the many things I researched before our Puerto Rico trip was El Yunque National Rainforest. It is the only rainforest in the United States and is a very unique experience. We were not going here for any type of model photoshoots. We came dressed to get muddy, no makeup, prepared for uncontrollable hair and possible swimming.

Tickets to the Rainforest for entry are no longer required but you will want to arrive early since there is limited parking at each stop point. Also - don't park anywhere marked in yellow along the road even if other people are parked there. Don't ask me why I know.

We kept seeing all these posts about a natural waterslide and swimming pool but that is not in the managed part of the park. The park is full of hiking trails and waterfalls and tropical rainforest conditions as advertised. We did a loop through the windy roads and stopped at the small Rainforest Cafe for lunch in the park. Trust us - get the sampler! We also did a couple of short, yet vertical trails around Juan Diego Falls and got exceptionally muddy and slick. Wee! But on to our goal!

The Natural Waterslide is along a road Northeast of the park visitors center. It is marked in google maps and we did not have any issue with cell reception once we got down to the altitude of the visitors center. Now here is where the adventure really starts....

When you get to the natural waterslide make sure you have cash. Our car of 5 was $10 and some guy will wave you over because he is looking for people that seem lost just like you. Now you may think that you are perhaps being swindled into paying $10 to be group human trafficked, but it checks out. Once we heard the groups of gleeful yelling kiddos we relaxed. The gentleman helped us park and we were on our way down.

{Nerd Tangent Alert} I strangely had "Tennessee Mountain Home" in my head by Dolly Parton and anyone who has listened to Dolly's Parton's America will know how that song relates to the simple life of living on the mountain hills. It's a song that seems to transcend all space and time and be relatable to a whole host of people who dwell in the shadows of a range. anyway...

It's a steep and muddy walk down to the river but it all adds to the sense of adventure and charm. Once there we saw the brave souls climbing gingerly up the rock formations to make it to the slide point. This is nature...no steps here to zoom up. However, I did see a group being led by a tour guid being instructed to leave their socks on for traction. Naturally this is after the brave soul of our group Chelsea went up and gleefully down. Gold stars for navigating all on our own and don't forget your socks!!!!