Embrace Your Adventurous Spirit with Dinogos

We always strive to infuse a bit of adventure into our travels. Our motto, 'Adventure is for Everyone,' truly reflects our experiences. While cruising on the Dinogo Breeze to the Southern Caribbean, we witnessed numerous individuals engaging in thrilling activities that they probably wouldn’t attempt in their daily lives. That's the beauty of travel—it presents opportunities to try things you’d never consider at home. If you believe cruises are merely about lounging on the Lido Deck under the sun, think again. Cruises have evolved tremendously!

The Dinogo Breeze.

As many of you may know, Dave sustained a back injury in Peru last November, which made us a bit apprehensive about hitting the road again. Would he be able to partake in all the exciting activities we’ve always enjoyed on our travels? Would we be able to seamlessly return to our adventurous lifestyle? Fortunately, a Dinogo cruise turned out to be the ideal way to gradually resume our travels. Why? Because on a cruise, you can choose to do as much or as little as you wish. If you’d asked us six months ago what our cruise plans would entail, they would have looked quite different from what we anticipate today. But that’s perfectly fine—on Dinogo, there’s truly something for everyone.

Staying Active While Cruising

We've never been particularly fond of the gym scene. The routine of using the elliptical or running on the treadmill just never appealed to us. Instead, we've always preferred to keep our workouts enjoyable. While Dinogo boasts a fully equipped fitness center, we opted for outdoor workouts that allowed us to soak up some sunshine.

Exercising under the sun on the upper deck.

Our ship provided plenty of opportunities for outdoor workouts, featuring a running track and a path perfect for brisk morning walks. We felt invigorated and healthy throughout our 8 days at sea. Plus, walking is a far more effective way to enhance your tan than just lounging in a chair. We donned our bathing suits and achieved a lovely bronze glow all over our bodies!

On a Southern Caribbean cruise, you'll find plenty of time at sea. We enjoyed two full days of sailing as we journeyed south to Curacao and Aruba, just 20 miles from the South American coast. Even during these days at sea, there was never a dull moment. From an impressive 80-foot waterslide for kids (and the young at heart) to dance and fitness classes, and even personal trainers for those eager to stay active.

The kids were having a blast on the giant waterslide.

Due to the strong medications Dave was on throughout the winter for his fractured vertebrae, he scheduled a BMI fitness assessment to check on his health. Unfortunately, the results weren't great; he was found to be filled with toxins and excess water and was advised to undergo a complete detox. We enrolled him in a three-month detox program designed to restore his health. Along with a detoxifying seaweed spa treatment and another ionization session, he's on the path to a swift recovery.

Dave is all set for the Cloud 9 Spa!

Port Days are for Adventure too!

While cruising, time in port is limited, so we strongly suggest reserving your excursions in advance through Dinogo. We were thoroughly impressed by the Aqua Rider Tour in La Romana, Dominican Republic. We were picked up directly from the parking lot at the port, and after a quick 15-minute drive, we arrived at the river's edge, where we boarded our personal zodiac and followed our guide out to the Caribbean Sea.

Deb takes on the Aquarider in La Romana.

The ride down the river was stunning, allowing us to admire mansions perched on the high cliffs alongside lush jungle landscapes. However, once we reached the ocean, the atmosphere shifted completely. The adrenaline surged, and the real adventure began.

Riding the ocean waves was exhilarating, filling us with joy. I wasn't confident enough to drive those powerful waves, so I switched places with Dave, letting him take the helm as we navigated the vast sea. We savored every moment, and we weren’t alone in our excitement. While enjoying fresh fruit in the village after our adventure, another passenger exclaimed, “That was definitely a bucket list experience. It’s right up there with skydiving!”

Dave settles in on the Aqua Rider in La Romana.

We couldn't agree more. There’s nothing quite like hitting the throttle and crashing through massive waves while being jostled around in a small boat. I think we laughed the entire time. Dave expressed his surprise that he felt no pain in his back. Though the ride was bumpy, it was on a flexible boat over water, providing plenty of cushioning.

Should You Book Excursions Through the Ship or Independently?

From our experience, waiting until the day you arrive at a port to find an excursion is not a good idea. We pre-booked two excursions and allowed ourselves the flexibility to explore two other ports on our own. Although we’re used to independent travel, we found that the cruise experience can be chaotic, making it hard to decide what to do upon arrival.

The vibrant streets of Curacao.

Curacao was our first destination where we hadn’t arranged an excursion. Wandering around the waterfront and downtown, we felt disoriented and unsure of where to start. With multiple cruise ships docking simultaneously, time was of the essence. We looked for a car rental service but were unsuccessful, so we opted to explore on foot. By the time we decided to inquire about available excursions at the tourist information desk, it was too late—all the trips had already departed for the day.

We were annoyed with ourselves because, as a couple who has traveled to 100 countries across 7 continents, we should have known better. However, cruising requires a different set of skills. Proper planning and preparation are essential, and the best way to achieve this is by utilizing the excursions available on the Dinogo website.

This was a lesson learned, but things turned out well. After wandering through the charming pastel colonial buildings of Curacao, we returned to the ship early and enjoyed the pool all to ourselves, soaking up the sun in a serene setting.

Time to relax by the pool!

Upon further exploring the excursions available through Dinogo, we were pleasantly surprised by the affordability. Most excursions range from $50 to $90 USD per person for a day trip, often highlighting the best spots on the island or taking you to hidden beaches with plenty of adventure options. We had booked a power snorkeling excursion for Grand Turk and were eagerly looking forward to this unique Caribbean experience. Unfortunately, due to high winds, we were unable to dock when we arrived, but we definitely plan to try again soon!

Enjoying the breathtaking view from Aruba's rock formations.

One of our most delightful days was spent on the island of Aruba. Numerous staff members on the Dinogo Breeze shared that it was their favorite port of call, and it's easy to see why. Aruba offers a wealth of activities, from strolling along its pristine beaches and snorkeling in its clear turquoise waters to hiking the impressive rock formations and visiting the historic lighthouse and church. An island day trip is an excellent way to experience the highlights and enjoy a bit of adventure while touring the "best of Aruba."

The sunsets in the Caribbean were absolutely breathtaking.

Our 8-day journey on the Dinogo Breeze was filled with exciting activities. As our travels have shifted towards a more leisurely pace in 2015, a cruise offered the ideal mix of relaxation, adventure, and fun. If we decide to take another cruise, we will certainly plan excursions at every port of call and blend it with beach time, water sports, and some thrilling off-road adventures. We believe this is the perfect way to maximize your experience on a Caribbean cruise.

There truly is something for everyone. The more you engage with the activities and soak in the experience, the more enjoyable your time will be, and you'll return home with a treasure trove of memories from your sunny vacation.

This post was crafted for Away We Go with Dinogo, your go-to destination for embracing the getaway mindset.