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Wanderlust with Melissa and Brian
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Добавлен 16 сен 2011
Hi! I am Melissa Ragazzi. My husband Brian and I love to travel and taste food from all over the world. I am a cruise and vacation planner and would love to help book your next vacation! Cruising is what we love to do together! If you don't find us on a cruise, we are probably at Walt Disney World or Universal Studios Orlando! We also LOVE our time we spent in Alaska and just got back from a 2 week whirlwind vacation in Greece, Italy and Montenegro! If there's a destination we haven't been too, I promise..IT'S ON THE LIST! We created this channel to share our travels, experiences and expertise in the destinations that I love so much! Please don't hesitate to contact me for you travel needs. I hope you enjoy.
Etna 🌋 - beautiful but dangerous? Messina, Sicily, Italy from Sun Princess
We didn't appreciate the danger at the time, but we explored the slopes of Etna while in Sicily. We went to an amazing vineyard right in view of the mountaintop, then on to a lava field covered by basalt. It was a beautiful day and exactly how we'd want to see Etna... from a distance and wine in hand.
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See a vacation destination you’d like to try or to just know more about...
If you like our videos, we’d appreciate a Like, and would love for you to Subscribe with the notification bell on so you’ll be among the first to know when we publish new videos.
Most-Used Social Media for Wanderlust with Melissa and Brian
Facebook: wanderlustwithmelissaandbrian
Instagram: wanderlust.with.melissa
See a vacation destination you’d like to try or to just know more about...
Просмотров: 154
Видео
SPELLBOUND on Sun Princess - What to expect and what to wear?
Просмотров 39721 день назад
We tried one of the most unique dining and entertainment venues at sea: Spellbound on Sun Princess! Come along as we learn about Spellbound, take in the meal and the mystery. If you like our videos, we’d appreciate a Like, and would love for you to Subscribe with the notification bell on so you’ll be among the first to know when we publish new videos. Most-Used Social Media for Wanderlust with ...
Ionian or Adriatic? Both! - Highlights in beautiful Corfu, Greece from Sun Princess
Просмотров 11228 дней назад
Join us for a day in Corfu, Greece! We hop a tour from the port to two difficult-to-pronouce-but-beautiful places in Corfu before heading to the picturesque old-town area. Come see Mouse Island, beautiful beaches and more with us! If you like our videos, we’d appreciate a Like, and would love for you to Subscribe with the notification bell on so you’ll be among the first to know when we publish...
That's not Kotor! - Bar Montenegro with no plans - Sun Princess
Просмотров 402Месяц назад
We're on Sun Princess and our first port of call is Montenegro. When we booked this sailing, this stop was in Kotor. We booked an excursion to tour historic old-town. Later, a few short months before the embarkation date, we received word from Princess that the port has been changed to Bar. Bar? Never heard of it. So, without rebooking any sort of excursion for Bar, we set out to see what we ca...
Sea Day on Sun Princess - Is Butcher’s Block by Dario worth the extra 💰?
Просмотров 310Месяц назад
Today is our first Sea Day aboard the beautiful, brand-new Sun Princess. What better way to spend it than relaxing and trying specialty restaurants? Join us as we explore the ship, try O'Malley's for lunch, find out what an "Ultimate Dessert" is and experience Butcher's Block by Dario for Dinner? If you like our videos, we’d appreciate a Like, and would love for you to Subscribe with the notifi...
Boarding SUN PRINCESS from Athens, Greece! 🇬🇷 Our 1st time on Princess 🛳️
Просмотров 559Месяц назад
Join us aboard the beautiful, brand-new Sun Princess! We're embarking today from Athens Greece and take time to explore the ship, including the Dome, Pool areas and more. Melissa was persuaded to get a massage, hear her thoughts on the experience. We dine in the Eatery and Horizons dining room Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:13 Boarding from Athens 00:42 Room Tour 06:02 Ship Features 08:18 Lunch at Ea...
Know before you go ✈️ | Barcelo Maya Grand Resort 🏝️
Просмотров 3,6 тыс.2 месяца назад
In a follow-up to the previous video, Melissa describes in detail her experience at Barcelo Maya. From the room to the beach to the dining options and so, so many activities! The complex is made up of 6 different resorts, each with its own personality and style. If you like our videos, we’d appreciate a Like, and would love for you to Subscribe with the notification bell on so you’ll be among t...
So Many Pools! So Little Time! - Worry-free in Barcelo Maya Grand Resort 🌴
Просмотров 1,3 тыс.3 месяца назад
Melissa recently returned from a trip to Riviera Maya, basically the Cancun area, to visit 9 different all-inclusive resorts. The first on the list is Barcelo Maya Grand Resort. The complex is made up of 6 different resorts, each with its own personality and style. She explores the complex, gets some time in the pool and even attempts some snorkeling. Come along with her on this fun adventure! ...
Cooked and ate it, but can't pronounce it - Carnival Kitchen - Orient Unknown on Carnival Jubilee
Просмотров 3504 месяца назад
Cooked and ate it, but can't pronounce it - Carnival Kitchen - Orient Unknown on Carnival Jubilee
WHICH IS BETTER? Carnival Jubilee vs Carnival Celebration
Просмотров 1 тыс.5 месяцев назад
WHICH IS BETTER? Carnival Jubilee vs Carnival Celebration
Here's what you need to know before picking a room on Carnival Jubilee!
Просмотров 4345 месяцев назад
Here's what you need to know before picking a room on Carnival Jubilee!
Cozumel Day, Elegant Night and 80s Glow Party on Carnival Jubilee - plus a dumb mistake
Просмотров 3,4 тыс.6 месяцев назад
Cozumel Day, Elegant Night and 80s Glow Party on Carnival Jubilee - plus a dumb mistake
What was the Mayan Experience in Costa Maya like? | Carnival Jubilee
Просмотров 5666 месяцев назад
What was the Mayan Experience in Costa Maya like? | Carnival Jubilee
Little French Key in Roatan from Carnival Jubilee
Просмотров 2,8 тыс.6 месяцев назад
Little French Key in Roatan from Carnival Jubilee
Sea Day onboard Carnival Jubilee | Cucina del Capitano | What to bring on a cruise | Rio Carnival
Просмотров 4696 месяцев назад
Sea Day onboard Carnival Jubilee | Cucina del Capitano | What to bring on a cruise | Rio Carnival
We hit ALL the bars on Carnival Jubilee! | How we spent our Sea Day
Просмотров 2,5 тыс.6 месяцев назад
We hit ALL the bars on Carnival Jubilee! | How we spent our Sea Day
Boarding BRAND-NEW Carnival JUBILEE! What's Different? | Our First stay in a Havana Cabin!
Просмотров 4,6 тыс.7 месяцев назад
Boarding BRAND-NEW Carnival JUBILEE! What's Different? | Our First stay in a Havana Cabin!
Breakfast is included elsewhere, is Emeril's Bistro worth the extra cost? | Carnival Celebration
Просмотров 1,2 тыс.7 месяцев назад
Breakfast is included elsewhere, is Emeril's Bistro worth the extra cost? | Carnival Celebration
THIS IS FUN! Ropes Course on Carnival Celebration
Просмотров 8317 месяцев назад
THIS IS FUN! Ropes Course on Carnival Celebration
Can you see all SEVEN colors in Bacalar Lagoon? Costa Maya Excursion | Carnival Celebration
Просмотров 7887 месяцев назад
Can you see all SEVEN colors in Bacalar Lagoon? Costa Maya Excursion | Carnival Celebration
What did we do in Mahogany Bay, Roatan without an excursion? Sailing on Carnival Celebration
Просмотров 8 тыс.7 месяцев назад
What did we do in Mahogany Bay, Roatan without an excursion? Sailing on Carnival Celebration
Short time in Cozumel? Try this convenient Beach Club! Carnival Celebration
Просмотров 1,4 тыс.7 месяцев назад
Short time in Cozumel? Try this convenient Beach Club! Carnival Celebration
Hate the buffet? Let's discover the included food on Carnival Celebration
Просмотров 4528 месяцев назад
Hate the buffet? Let's discover the included food on Carnival Celebration
EMBARKATION DAY on Carnival Celebration! How we reduced the stress on Day 1
Просмотров 3318 месяцев назад
EMBARKATION DAY on Carnival Celebration! How we reduced the stress on Day 1
Barrel to Bottle: Savoring Liquid Gold at this Hidden Bourbon Gem
Просмотров 389 месяцев назад
Barrel to Bottle: Savoring Liquid Gold at this Hidden Bourbon Gem
Another world: We spent the morning at Churchill Downs surrounded by beauty and thunder
Просмотров 12911 месяцев назад
Another world: We spent the morning at Churchill Downs surrounded by beauty and thunder
Full Ship Tour of Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady
Просмотров 132Год назад
Full Ship Tour of Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady
Birthday in Bimini! Shipwreck Snorkeling Beaches! | Scarlet Lady
Просмотров 415Год назад
Birthday in Bimini! Shipwreck Snorkeling Beaches! | Scarlet Lady
NOT FOR EVERYONE? - Adventures with The Diva and Scarlet Night
Просмотров 462Год назад
NOT FOR EVERYONE? - Adventures with The Diva and Scarlet Night
BEST CRUISE DINNER? Test Kitchen on Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady
Просмотров 380Год назад
BEST CRUISE DINNER? Test Kitchen on Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady
What a fun stop on the cruise.
Great video, thanks! Do you happen to know if they accommodate people in wheelchairs?
@@luvablesweetnsassy Hi! Thank you so much for commenting and watching. While this isn’t an official answer bc I don’t know there policy, in all honestly it would be very difficult I think. First there is transportation and it was small buses. Then you had to transfer from the bus to the boat. There were several piers to navigate, it might be doable. Then when you arrive on the island , it’s many different surfaces between wood walkways , dirt and sand. To be safe , I would contact them directly and ask. I emailed them before we went and they were quickly responsive and very friendly. Here is their email: info@littlefrenchkeyresort.com. Thanks again! -Melissa
@@wanderlustmelissabrian I appreciate your thoughtful response, thanks!
This is fantastic! How did you get there...Taxi, uber or bus?
@@David55z Hey! Thanks for watching! I pre-book Lomas Travel for all transfers whether for my personal use or transfers for my clients. They have never let me down. 👍 ~Melissa
Going next month 🎉🎉🎉
Countdown!! Enjoy your cruise! 😃 -B
I’m on that cruise!!!!!
@@AubrieVoorhis Yay!! Are you loving it!?! Have fun!!! ~Melissa
I’ll be on it September 1st!!!!
@@angelinaola1267 ENJOY!!!! -M
Cool! Very unique port.
It wasn't where we were expecting to go, but it was a beautiful place and a fun experience! - B
Do you sign up for the Blue Lagoon area at the base of the lift?
@@Surfinmars yes, exactly, it was super easy. We somehow forgot to get footage of us doing that. Thanks for watching and commenting! -Melissa
You went to the resort and never learned how to pronounce the name?
Haha. You think that was bad, you should watch our latest from our cruise from Greece 😆.
Hey is it possible to give you my email? Or can I have yours? Thanks
this is neat i rode the alaska railroad a neat train ride
We were fascinated by the huge set of model trains at the Fairbanks depot, it was a neat surprise. Loved that train ride, such a beautiful area! Thanks for watching! -B
Wish I could have been there!
@@isabellaragazziamc5712 you need to see if for yourself, definitely! ❤️
Great info. Can’t wait to try this ship!
Thanks!! We enjoyed the ship and absolutely loved the medallion experience! -B
Looks like a dream vacation. Enjoy. Looking forward to your next videos about this cruise. Melissa I love a seaweed wrap too!
Thanks for watching! The seaweed was so good! Sounds weird but felt amazing 😂! ~Melissa
Thank you for sharing the correct website!
Thanks! I know there is so misinformation out there about it, so we wanted to help make it clear. Thanks for watching! -Melissa
How was the bus transportation? I hear it’s awful. How was your experience?
When we were there I found the bus transportation tolerable. Being in the tower we were the last stop but it didn't seem to be that bad. The "first" stop was by the food court area so we found we could get off there and fill our mugs then walk back to our room. This was during a slower season though and not peak. This was our first stay and I am pretty sold on this resort at least over Caribbean Beach. I rank it equal with Port Orleans Riverside. Hope that helps! 😄Email me at melissa@wandersbymelissa.com if you have specific questions I can help. -Melissa
Are there formal nights on this ship?
Hi! Thank you so much for watching. Yes, MSC does have formal nights similar to other cruise lines. On less that 7 night voyages there is 1 formal night. Hope that help! -Melissa
what a great video . Thank you so much its super informative !! 😀
Thank you so much for watching and commenting! We had a great time and love sharing our experience. -Melissa
Where in Bacalar is this little resort?
The resort stop was part of the excursion with The Native Choice. It wasn’t available as a standalone resort when we went, but they told us that they hope have it open this year. It’s located near the north end of Bacalar Lagoon, somewhat close to Uchben Kah. -B
I loved your video. It was one of the more positive videos I have seen on the MSC Meraviglia. I hope to sail on this ship in early 2025. Thanks for sharing!! 😀
Thanks so much! We enjoyed our experience onboard the ship and hope you do too 😀 -B
Thank you for sharing. We'll be sailing with the MSC Meraviglia Aurea experience in July. Do you know if you can book the restaurants before boarding?
Have you logged into the MSC website and connected your booking number with your MSC account. I would do that and you should be able to see what is available to book. I think you can book packages but not all the individual restaurants. Their packages are like 2 dining experiences, 3 dining experiences etc. We chose to book as soon as we boarded and that worked for us. If you do that, book EVERYTHING you want for the entire cruise as soon as you are onboard. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching and commenting! - Melissa🙂
I went there in February... Sailed on the Regal Princess... I enjoyed it!!!!
Wonderful! How was Regal Princess? We have our first Princess sailing on Sun Princess in 3 weeks! So excited. Thanks for watching and commenting. -Melissa🙂
@@wanderlustmelissabrian definitely check out the international cafe.. it's open 24/7.. my husband are so many times there that he was on a first name friendship with two of the staff by the second day... And they got worried when they didn't see him
We are going on the jubilee and are interested in doing this with our small children (4 years old and 6 months old). What are your thoughts for kids? And did it work with the dock times?
Hi! Thanks for watching and commenting. So, I would think it would be a good option for kids. There was plenty of shaded area and lots of free roam animals wandering around which your 4 year old would probably enjoy. There were a few geese that kinda chased you, so I suggest staying away from them-it was funny. The water in several areas was shallow so easy to swim in even for beginner swimmers. Hope that helps. We had plenty of time with our dock times and got back to the ship with no problems.🙂 -Melissa
Good info! Thanks for sharing.
what's your favorite resort in that area ??
Hey! Thanks for watching and commenting! I waited a min to answer this bc I don’t have a single definitive answer. I loved this Barcelo complex because it had a pretty good expansive beach and prices in the moderate range. I like that it had activities for all. For luxury (but expensive) and adult only- you can’t beat Le Blanc in the hotel zone . Sun Palace also in the hotel zone (which means better beaches when sargassum is bad during the summer months) and it’s also adult only and a little better priced than le blanc. My husband and I have also stayed at El Dorado seaside suites further south in riviera Maya and loved the experience. For families- the Nickelodeon resort with the water park is pretty cool. Hard to pick just one. And I’m basing my answer just on properties that I’ve seen with my own eyes. There are so many and no way to visit all. 🤣 Hope that helps! Right at this moment- Barcelò is my fav- I ate at the seafood restaurant at Barcelo palace and the food was top notch. ~Melissa
If you get the sloth experience package, Do you have to visit AJ first? Or can you go straight to LFK and then stop by AJs on your way back to ship?
Hey! Thanks for watching and commenting. We did have to go to AJ’s. While I’m not certain I bet they require you to do it in that order. Anyone who was not doing AJ’s was taken on to LFK while we were at AJ’s. Hope that helps! -Melissa
@@wanderlustmelissabrian Thanks!!
Love this video, we are going to alter to include the tea! Thank you!
Thanks for watching and commenting. We had the best time ! You will love it ! -Melissa
Choni tiene sentido sentido
I always get the bubble package I don't drink that much so the cheers not worth it for me
Exactly. My “vice” is the coffee bar and specialty coffees. I need just a specialty coffee package 🤣. Thanks for watching and commenting! ~Melissa
Hi There! ❤ great video! We’re headed there June! How long would you say is the time with the pigs? Sloths? Do they charge for pictures? Thank you so much!
Hi! I lucked up with the pigs, I was the only one scheduled so I had one on one. That is not usually the case he said. I would say 20-30 minutes with the pigs. The sloths was a different location before we got to actual little French key (still part of the package though). I would say about the same 15-20 min. They cycle you through each set of animals with the most time with sloths and monkeys. They don’t take any pictures that you can purchase but you are welcome to take all the photos and video you want. They will even take you phone and take the picture for you if needed. We loved the entire experience. Thanks so much for watching and commenting! Let us know if you have more questions! -Melissa
Can you pay in cash at Little French Key? And do they still have a la carte food options for purchase?
Yes, I suggest Booking on their website MAKE SURE its the right one littlefrenchkeyresort.com and all you are doing is letting them know you are coming. You don't pay a dime upfront. You can pay with cash or a credit card upon arrival at the dock where they take you over. Cash is preferable as it's definitely safer and they added fees to use credit card. Also- yes they had the a la carte food options for purchase. Thanks for watching and commenting! - Melissa
Wait...hold the phone...did you scan your key card to get to the pool area? If so, YES, finally. We had so many people just walking in to the pool area and taking up chairs till a crew member finally walked around asking for their wristband. So that is great. Was the pool in the shade all the time? Someone complained that the pool was cold and in the shade all the time so they didn't use the pool at all.
The Havana area is exclusive to those in Havana rooms. To get into the outdoor Havana area, you have to not only have a wristband, but the card-reader checks to see that you're in a Havana stateroom. We liked having a less-crowded outdoor area, bar and pool. It would have been nice if the area also had a hot tub like the Vista class does, but it was still a fun experience. The Havana pool kind of hangs off of the starboard side of the ship. So, depending of the direction the ship is headed and the time of day, the pool will be in the shade. On our sailing, I can confirm the pool was COLD. We really enjoyed the view from the pool though due to its position. Thanks for your comment :) -B
I have to say that Carnival does have the best sail away parties. Looking forward to going on the jubliee on day and turn platinum.
They really do! It's a great way to start your cruise and a reminder that "vacation mode is enabled" :) Enjoy your cruise and thanks for the comment! -B
Love BIG Chicken
You are making me think I might just want to go on another cruise. I will definitely book with Melissa!
That looks delicious
What is this dish?
Arancini- little rice, Italian spices and cheese balls. Hot and melted- soo good. Get them at Cucina del Capitano on Carnival Excel and Vista class ships.
Wow
Always wanted to try the cooking class. Is it worth it
We enjoyed it and I think its worth it. I will say I enjoyed the menu from the one we did on Celebration a little better. A big perk of making it worth it is after we finish cooking and begin the meal, the red and white wine (or beer) is included and free flowing the entire time you are there. -Melissa
@@wanderlustmelissabrianwhat is the name of the class you did in celebration with a better menu?
@@naturallex17 It was the "Elegant Affair Class with Dinner - SPAIN". Both menus were good but the Spain dishes were more what we would eat. Thanks for watching and commenting!! -Melissa
Awesome video. Thx 4 sharing. Aug 2025 room 7442 for us💪🏽. Any advice for us?
Thanks for watching and commenting! We love the Valor and are overdue to sail again. You will have a wonderful cruise! Enjoy! Advice..Hmm- as soon as you get on board-go do the muster drill so you don't have to worry about it. Then, go get food- we suggest checking Guy's Burger or Blue Iguana for a less crazy experience- the buffet will be PACKED. At the buffet many people miss the BBQ station (when its open) because it's kinda hidden on the deck above the main buffet. There's a drink station and more seating up there too that sometimes people don't know about. To get there- go straight to Rosie the Riveter and up the stairs (that will make more sense when you're onboard haha :) ) . I'm sure I could come up with more as I think about it. For Cozumel, check out Paradise Beach or Mr. Sanchos (if you do either of those book them direct and early!). If you think of any more questions, let us know! Thanks again. -Melissa
Nice video and information. We like any floor that is not right under night clubs or Lido, busy ares I guess. Mid ship, yes!! Never could I handle the drink package, 2 is usually my limit a day, as I get older, the cruising is my enjoyment, coupled cocktails are just a bonus. Thanks for your video.
Thank you for watching and commenting! I agree, we have been happy in many different areas of the ship, but have made sure not to be under any places that have busy/noisy areas above. I remember, it may have been Vista or Horizon at Jiji's, we were eating dinner and the basketball court was directly above us. The entire meal was listening to loud thuds of the basketball-someone didn't think that one through when designing the ship. :) -Melissa
Great video and information!
Thanks for watching! :) -Melissa
Promo-SM
we love you Melissa!!!!!!!!
Haha! I can only imagine which part of the video makes you say that. I can be all over the place most of the time... Thank you so much for watching and commenting! -Melissa
How did you book this through Little French Key? I'm having trouble with their website. Any suggestions?
Make sure you are using www.littlefrenchkeyresort.com/. This is the only REAL site. Is that the one you tried? You should not have to pay any money upfront. If they ask you to, its not the right site. Thanks so much for watching and commenting!! -Melissa
Thank you so much!@@wanderlustmelissabrian
The Valor was so nice to us ! ❤
We LOVE Valor! So glad you enjoyed too! Thank you for watching and commenting. We love hearing others experiences. 🏖- Melissa
We will be going on our first cruise on the valor in march…yes march 2025 lol
Awesome video - we were just on the sister ship (Conquest) and now you have us looking for a trip on the Valor.
Thank you so much for watching and saying that! We had such a great time, we're ready to be back on board ourselves. We have never sailed on Conquest, how was that? -Melissa
Conquest was ...ok...not the worst but not the best...another sister ship is the Liberty...we loved that one. Celebration is our all time favorite though.
@@mitchward7765 Liberty is coming to New Orleans in May to replace the Glory so excited about trying Liberty. But you're right, I'm partial now to Mardi Gras, Celebration and Jubilee. :)
This looks absolutely fantastic. What a beautiful experience to learn about the Mayan culture and food.
Thanks for watching! I truly walked away with a respect and admiration for this family and keeping with the Maya culture. I would do this again! -Melissa ❤
Congrats on getting the invite for Diamond and Platinum Party!!! Its worth getting locked out for that🎉 -Marcus
HAHA! Thank you Marcus. You are so right! -M
Did you just do this? I've been nervous about booking this.
Yes! This was the second week of January. Like just about a month ago . We loved it. Thanks for watching! -Melissa
We decided to go snorkeling, swim with the stingrays and swam with the sharks. No cages
WOW! How was that? We've swam with rays in Grand Cayman, but I'm not so sure about sharks! ☠ -Melissa
@@wanderlustmelissabrian it was something you will remember for a long time