Cruise — Blog | A Happy Passport

One Day of Hiking in Picton, New Zealand | DIY Shore Excursion

On the gorgeous Queen Charlotte Sound, the picturesque seaside town of Picton, New Zealand is the main ferry port for New Zealand’s South Island. It is also a popular port of call for cruises due to the amazing hiking trails in the area, access to a scenic sheltered bay, and the nearby Marlborough wine region. A day in Picton could mean kayaking out in the Queen Charlotte Sound, swimming with dolphins, tasting some of New Zealand’s best wines, or exploring the many nature trails. You can have an amazing day just walking through the trails, without spending any money. We visited Picton by cruise ship and had a limited time to explore – this is how we made the most of our 8 hours in Picton!

New ZealandAlison MullisFebruary 1, 2019One Day, Picton, Cruise, Hiking Comment

Driving the Otago Peninsula from Dunedin, New Zealand | DIY Shore Excursion

At the southern end of New Zealand’s South Island, Dunedin is the gateway to the Otago region. It is a region of dramatic coastal landscapes, rare wildlife spotting, and unique architectural history. Dunedin is the second largest city on the South Island and a popular destination for both road trippers and cruise passengers. We visited Dunedin as the first stop on a Cruise circling around New Zealand. To get the full experience of this area, forgo the organized tours, rent a car, and explore on your own. Here, I outline how we self-drove Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula in one day.

New ZealandAlison MullisJanuary 29, 2019One Day, Cruise, Road Trip Comment

4-Night Bahamas Cruise on Enchantment of the Seas

Sometimes you just need a quick break from reality, need to relax, and take things at a slower pace. A cruise is a perfect way to do just that. You get to explore multiple places in one trip without the hassle of re-packing your bags. A cruise is like an all-inclusive resort ... that moves! After the cruise we took for our honeymoon in June 2017, we were eager to get back to a boat. A short, 3 or 4-night cruise provides a great getaway at an affordable price. Here is an overview of what we did, how much it costs, and tips from our experience.

Central America, Bahamas, Budget, United StatesAlison MullisApril 29, 2018Cruise Comments

Free Self-Guided Walking Tour of Key West

Key West, Florida is a small 7-sq mile island part of the Florida Keys archipelago. It is home to the southern-most point of the continental US, residences of famous Americans, beautiful pastel Caribbean-style homes, dozens of bars on the famous Duval Street, and great beaches and snorkeling spots. Due to its small size and high density of sights, it is an extremely walkable city. We arrived in Key West via Cruise ship which docks right in the center, perfect for a fun (and completely free) day of exploring this eccentric island.

Florida, United StatesAlison MullisApril 26, 2018Key West, Walking Tour, Cruise Comments

Half-Day in the Stunning Mykonos, Greece

The few hours we spent in Mykonos was our first taste of Greece and what cemented our eagerness to explore more. For our honeymoon, we were on a 9-day Mediterranean cruise that stopped at 4 ports in Greece and 3 in Italy. Our first Greek port was the gorgeous Mykonos! Prior to leaving, Mykonos was near the bottom of our list of what we were most excited for. However, after we were done exploring Mykonos town, it was our number one place to go back in Greece.

Editor's Pick, Greece, EuropeAlison MullisApril 19, 2018Free, Mykonos, Cruise Comments

Top 5 Free Things to See in Taormina

Taormina is a small town perched on the cliffs of Sicily in Italy. From the pedestrian-only city center, you can see Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. The village of Taormina is a popular destination for wealthy Europeans in the Summer and it's streets are lined with high-end shops. Fortunately for the more budget-concious traveler, there are many ways to spend a day in Taormina without spending a penny.

Europe, Italy, Most Popular, Editor's PickAlison MullisApril 17, 2018Sicily, Cruise, Taormina Comments