Where We Roam Podcast

We Sailed Carnival’s Best Suite — But Is It Better Than Royal Caribbean’s Icon?

In this episode of the Where We Roam Podcast, John and Dayna break down her recent sailing aboard Carnival Celebration, one of Carnival’s newest Excel-class ships. From a stay in the ultra-luxe Presidential Excel Suite to visiting the stunning ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao), Dayna shares firsthand insights on what sets this cruise apart.
They compare Carnival Celebration to Royal Caribbean’s Icon and Oasis-class ships, diving into differences in entertainment, dining, suite perks, and family-friendly experiences. Curious about Carnival’s new dining venues, suite-only perks like Loft 19, or the vibe of an 8-night sailing vs. a short weekend cruise? This episode is packed with tips, laughs, and brutally honest comparisons that will help you decide if Carnival’s newest ships deserve a spot on your travel wish list.
👉 Perfect for cruisers debating between Carnival Celebration vs. Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas, or just curious about what modern Carnival cruising is all about.

🇫🇷 Paris with a Side of Cheese, Wine & a Flaming Tuba 🎺🔥🗼

In this episode of Where We Roam, we’re headed to the City of Light! Join John, Dayna, and Shawn as they recap Shawn’s unforgettable Paris vacation—an expertly planned 40th birthday getaway filled with artisanal street fare, private food tours through Montmartre, and late-night Eiffel Tower escapades (complete with a flaming tuba performance!). From the Renaissance Arc de Triomphe Hotel to Versailles and the Louvre, we cover it all—plus insider tips on navigating jet lag, booking the best private guides, and curating a Paris itinerary that blends culture, cuisine, and just the right amount of rest.
Whether you’re dreaming of your first Parisian adventure or looking to elevate your next trip, this episode offers real travel insights from advisors who book these experiences daily.
🎧 Listen now and discover:
Why Montmartre is our favorite Paris neighborhood
Where to find the best macarons (hint: it’s not Ladurée!)
How to plan a food-forward Paris itinerary
Which Paris tours are worth the splurge—and which you can skip
Why private transfers and hotel breakfasts make a world of difference

Is Margaritaville at Sea a Cruise Dream or Total Letdown? Our Honest Review

In this episode of the Where We Roam Podcast, John and Dayna spill the (salt-rimmed) tea on the newly renovated Margaritaville at Sea Islander. After a $150 million refresh and a wave of influencer hype, does this tropical-themed cruise deliver paradise—or disappointment?
Dayna breaks down her 5-night cruise from Tampa to Key West and Cozumel, covering everything from refurbished rooms and Jimmy Buffett-themed decor to murky pool water, drink package surprises, and sushi served... during karaoke? 😅
We compare the Islander to other budget-friendly cruise options from Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and NCL, and give our take on who this cruise is really for (hint: fans of flip-flops, frozen drinks, and zero stress).
Timestamps:
03:00 – The real history behind the Islander ship
10:00 – $150M renovation: worth it?
16:00 – Pool & layout quirks you should know
24:00 – Live entertainment, karaoke, and “Conky Tonkin’ at Sea”
31:00 – Drink package pros & surprising liquor inclusions
34:00 – Dining review: buffet vs. specialty
48:00 – Dayna’s excursion fail in Cozumel
50:00 – Who should cruise Margaritaville—and who shouldn’t
#MargaritavilleAtSea#CruiseReview#CruisePodcast#BudgetCruise#TampaCruise#CozumelCruise#JimmyBuffettVibes#IslandLifeCruise#WhereWeRoamPodcast#CruiseTips

🌺 The Roamer Island Guide: Oʻahu Unveiled – Beyond Waikiki on Hawaii’s Most Visited Island

In this sun-soaked installment of The Roamer Island Guide series on the Where We Roam Podcast, John and Shawn are joined by returning guest host Jess Correia to explore Oʻahu—Hawaii’s most visited island and one packed with diverse experiences. From the iconic beaches of Waikiki to the surf culture of the North Shore and the tranquil vibes of Ko'olina, Oʻahu offers something for every type of traveler.
The crew shares smart travel tips, resort recommendations, and personal insights into what makes each corner of the island unique. Whether it’s surfing in Waikiki, spa days at Aulani, or food truck hopping on the North Shore, this episode is your go-to guide for planning an unforgettable Hawaiian vacation.
In This Episode:
Where to stay: Waikiki vs. Ko'olina vs. North Shore
Honest reviews of Aulani and Turtle Bay 🌴
Top activities: surfing, excursions, and historical sites like Pearl Harbor
Must-try local eats: Duke’s, Leonard’s, and musubi
Car rental tips and when to go without
Why splitting your stay across the island can enhance your trip
How to make the most of your time in Hawaii’s busiest (and best connected) island
🎧 Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, this Roamer Island Guide episode will help you experience Oʻahu like never before.

🏰✨ Bonjour, Mickey! Shawn Takes on Disneyland Paris

In this episode of the Where We Roam Podcast, hosts John, Shawn, and Dayna take you on a magical journey through Europe’s most enchanting Disney destination—Disneyland Paris! Fresh from a celebratory birthday trip, Shawn shares first-hand insights on the parks, resorts, Premier Access, and why staying at the charming Disneyland Hotel is a game-changer.
🎠 Discover what makes this park unique, from the epic Hyperspace Mountain and animatronic dragon under Sleeping Beauty Castle, to the perks of concierge-level service and early park entry. We break down the two parks—Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park—including current must-dos, upcoming expansions (hello Arendelle and Lion King), and how to get the most out of your trip without overpaying.
Whether you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime Disney Paris adventure or just curious how it compares to U.S. parks, this episode is packed with travel tips, insider experiences, and plenty of laughs.
🎧 Tune in now and let the magic begin—no Eurostar required.

🌺 Maui Magic: John’s Ultimate Spring Break Family Adventure

In this episode of the Where We Roam Podcast, John recaps his unforgettable spring break family vacation to Maui — from epic resort stays to island adventures! Tune in as John, Dayna, and Shawn chat about split stays between the Wailea Beach Resort (Marriott) and the luxurious Fairmont Kea Lani, where every room is a one-bedroom suite. Hear about fast water slides, kid-approved amenities, oceanfront breakfasts, and why the Kea Lani might be one of the top resorts in all of Maui. John shares tips on navigating Hawaii travel with kids, snagging the best rental car for island exploring, and which resorts work best for multi-gen families, luxury travelers, and those seeking fun and relaxation.
✈️ Planning a Hawaii trip? This is your go-to guide for doing Maui right — especially with active kids in tow!
#MauiVacation #FamilyTravel #FairmontKeaLani #WaileaBeachResort #MauiWithKids #HawaiiTravel #WhereWeRoamPodcast #LuxuryFamilyTravel #MauiResorts #TravelAgentTips

🎢 2026 Showdown: Can Disney Compete with Epic Universe? 🎢

In this episode of the Where We Roam podcast, hosts John, Dayna, and Shawn dive into the biggest theme park rivalry of the decade: Disney vs. Universal. With Universal's Epic Universe set to redefine the Orlando park experience, the trio explores how Disney is responding—including new 2026 promotions like the kids-eat-free dining plan. They break down travel trends post-COVID, why Disney’s attendance is down, and whether 2026 will be a bounce-back year or another slow season. From Magic Bands to Magic Kingdom, Lightning Lanes to room discounts, it’s a real talk about value, strategy, and what guests can expect as the theme park wars heat up. Plus: hot takes on a potential fifth gate, the future of FastPass, and why some fans are trimming Disney for Epic.
🎟️ Is this the moment Universal pulls ahead? Or will Disney finally course-correct?

🎢 Dayna Goes Epic: First Glimpse Inside Universal’s Newest Theme Park! 🎮

Get ready to warp into another dimension of theme park magic! In this episode of Where We Roam, John, Shawn, and Dayna dive wand-first into Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe after Dayna’s exclusive Passholder Sneak Peek!
From stepping through jaw-dropping portals to racing through galaxies on Stardust Racers, Dayna spills all the spellbinding details. You’ll hear her unfiltered first impressions of Super Nintendo World (yes, she ate at Toadstool Caféand has thoughts), and her spine-tingling walkthrough of Darkmoor, where Monsters Unchained redefines the haunted house genre.
We’re talking fire-breathing dragons, virtual queue wizardry at the Ministry of Magic, and a peek inside a dazzling 1920s Paris straight out of the Wizarding World. And don’t miss Dayna’s reaction to one of the most delightfully weird carousels we've ever seen.
This episode is packed with insider tips, laugh-out-loud moments, and a little friendly debate over how Epic Universe stacks up against the Mouse. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a theme park foodie, or just here for the character hugs, this is your front row seat to the future of Universal!
🎧 Press play and let’s roam Epic together!

Lodge V Lodge🦒🌲 - Disney World Resort Showdown

John, Dayna, and Shawn face off in the ultimate Disney resort battle—Wilderness Lodge vs. Animal Kingdom Lodge! 🐾 From epic theming and mouthwatering dining 🍽️ to room views, pricing 💰, and location 🗺️, they cover everything you need to know to choose your perfect Disney stay. Plus, some pre-Hawaii trip excitement to set the vibe! 🌺✈️

🏴‍☠️🛳️ Exploring the Disney Treasure: Aboard Disney Cruise Line’s Newest Ship

Exploring the Disney Treasure: Aboard Disney Cruise Line’s Newest Ship
In this episode of Where We Roam Podcast, hosts John, Dayna, and Shawn dive into Dayna’s recent voyage aboard the Disney Treasure, the newest addition to the Disney Cruise Line fleet. They share first impressions from embarkation day, explore the stunning atrium design, and discuss crowd management throughout the ship.
Listeners will get an inside look at dining options, themed lounges, and the pool deck experience, including a deep dive into the AquaMouse water attraction and how it compares to other Disney ships. The hosts also break down spring break crowd strategies, tips for accessing popular activities, and must-try mixology experiences.
Special highlights include an in-depth discussion on the Haunted Mansion Bar and Jungle Skipper Society Lounge, the immersive details of Disney’s themed bars, and a comparison between the Disney Treasure and Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. From entertainment and dining to family-friendly activities and adult-exclusive spaces like Quiet Cove, this episode is packed with valuable cruise insights.
Tune in for expert tips, personal anecdotes, and an honest take on the Disney Cruise vs. Royal Caribbean debate!