Helping travelers discover unforgettable experiences.
From cruises and boutique hotels to local food and hidden gems, we share authentic travel stories that help you travel with confidence—and help hospitality brands inspire future guests.
Meet Mike & Kristina
We’re Mike and Kristina, the husband-and-wife team behind Gallivanting Souls. We believe the best trips aren’t measured by how many places you visit, but by the moments you’ll remember long after you return home.
After raising our family, we rediscovered our love of exploring the world together. Today we share honest travel guides, cruise tips, destination inspiration, and real experiences to help you travel with confidence—and create unforgettable memories of your own.
Our Expertise: Beyond the Ship’s Rail
The best cruise memories aren’t always made on the ship. They’re made exploring ports, discovering hidden beaches, sharing unforgettable meals, and saying yes to experiences you’ll talk about for years. That’s where Gallivanting Souls comes in.
1. Thrilling Shore Excursions & Day Passes
From private beach clubs and resort day passes to local tours and unforgettable shore excursions, we help you discover experiences that make every port feel like a destination—not just a stop along the way.
We personally research, experience, and review excursions so you can book with confidence.
2. Mouthwatering Meals & Specialty Dining
Some of the best vacation memories happen around the table. We review specialty restaurants, cooking classes, local dining experiences, and hidden gems so you’ll know exactly what’s worth booking—and what you can skip.
Our Resources & Insider Content
We work with travelers and brands to deliver high-quality content that streamlines the travel process:
- Shore Excursion Breakdowns: In-depth reviews for independent tours in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Spain.
- Specialty Dining Guides: Honest reviews and tips for maximizing your onboard dining experience.
- Cruise Logistics & Tips: Practical advice for everything from packing to onboard budgeting.
- Cabin & Resort Visual Tours: First-hand looks at cruise ship cabins and in-port resort day pass amenities.
Cabin & Resort Visual Tours
Partner With Us & Reach a Passionate Audience
 Connect with our highly engaged audience of travelers and food enthusiasts.
Gallivanting Souls offers tour companies, restaurants, resorts, and tourism boards a unique opportunity to reach a dedicated audience that values authentic travel and culinary experiences. We have a proven track record of creating successful campaigns that drive engagement and deliver results.
We offer a range of partnership options tailored to your needs, including honest reviews, sponsored blog posts, UGC photos and videos, and dedicated content for TikTok and Instagram. We work closely with our partners to develop customized campaigns that meet their specific needs and objectives.
To discuss a collaboration, please email us at [email protected]
From fellow travelers
Kristina made our first family cruise with Carnival a breeze! They helped us find the perfect ship with activities for all ages, from poolside games for the grandkids to exciting shore excursions exploring Mayan ruins. We all had an unforgettable time!
My husband and I finally took that empty nest escape we’d been dreaming of, thanks to Gallivanting Souls! They planned a fantastic Carnival Cruise to the Caribbean with the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. We snorkeled in crystal-clear waters, enjoyed delicious food, and created lasting memories together.
We were dreading the logistics of planning a multigenerational group cruise, but our travel agent, Kristina took care of everything! Our Carnival Cruise to the Mexican Riveria was amazing – the kids loved the water park, and we adults enjoyed relaxing on the beach. It was the perfect way to reconnect as a family.
Gallivanting Souls isn’t just about the cruise – they helped us discover hidden gems in the Caribbean on our Carnival adventure. We booked an incredible shore excursion in Belize that took us to the ancient Mayan ruins of Altun Ha with the legendary King David as our guide! Our family hasn’t stopped talking about our day exploring the ruins and learning about Mayan history from such a knowledgeable guide. King David even hooked us up with the best local chicken dish we’ve ever tasted, and he knew all the best spots for capturing amazing photos. It was a truly unique and unforgettable experience!
After the kids left for college, I decided to treat myself to a solo cruise. Gallivanting Souls recommended the perfect Carnival “Fun Ship” itinerary and connected me with a wonderful group of fellow travelers. I had an amazing time exploring new destinations and making new friends.
Kristina has been helping us with our travel plans for some time now. All we need to do is tell her where when and for how long we want to stay, and she does the rest.
Being that Kristina is a seasoned traveler, she always finds fun things to do, that others may not know about. She has developed friendships with the people she has done excursions with and can be in contact with them regarding trip planning and fun activities.
We recently went on a 7-day cruise to Mexico, on Carnival Cruise Lines.
We arrived the night before departure, and Kristina had booked us a lovely room at the Westin Hotel. The hotel was very close to the Port of Long Beach, which made it easy to get to the ship with plenty of time to spare. Knowing that things have been taken care of is a relief, and gives you peace of mind to start enjoying your vacation.  All you need to do is pack your bags and show up.
While we were in Port, in Porta Vallarta, Kristina arranged to rent us a 38ft sailboat, with a full crew to transport us across the bay to a hidden cove with waterfalls and sandy beaches. This was by far my favorite part of our trip. This is the extra level of effort that we have come to enjoy working with Kristina.
Taste the journey
From elegant specialty restaurants to unforgettable local finds, we’re sharing the meals that made every journey even more memorable.
Guide to Cucina del Capitano on Carnival Mardi Gras
 Introduction If you’re sailing on the Carnival Mardi Gras, one dining specialty Restaurant you absolutely shouldn’t miss is Cucina del Capitano. This charming Italian restaurant brings the warmth of family-style dining with authentic flavors, cozy...
Shaq’s Big Chicken on Carnival Mardi Gras: Honest Review, Tips & What to Order
I finally tried Shaq’s Big Chicken on the Carnival Mardi Gras, and it was worth the hype — juicy, peppery fried chicken that totally hit the spot. The sandwiches are massive, the tenders look great, and the fries are more like crispy chips. The potato salad was a...
Carnival Cruise Food: A Foodie’s Ultimate Guide to Dining Beyond the Buffet
Will Foodies Enjoy the Offerings on Carnival Cruises? Are you a foodie who travels to taste the world? If so, you might wonder if a Carnival Cruise delivers on the culinary front. The answer is yes. Carnival Cruise Line has significantly enhanced its food offerings....
How to Eat on a Carnival Cruise with food allergies
Are you worried about cruising with food allergies? Ever wondered if you can truly relax and enjoy your vacation when you have special dietary needs? You're not alone. Setting sail with food allergies, sensitivities, or lifestyle choices like veganism can feel like...
Do You Need Drink Package on Carnival Cruise Line?
Carnival Cruise Drink Packages: Worth the Splurge? Â Deciding whether or not to purchase a drink package on your Carnival Cruise can be a tough call. With various options and price points, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Let's break down everything you need to know to...
Dining Time Dilemma: Navigating Cruise Meal Times Like a Pro
Embark on a delectable journey into the dynamic realm of cruise ship dining, where the spotlight is on "dining time." Witness the fusion of time-honored traditions and modern innovations, from the charm of traditional dining to the freedom of My Time Dining. Join us...
Helping you travel smarter
Practical tips, honest reviews, and authentic experiences
to help you confidently plan your next adventure.
Travel Tips
Cruise Tips
Vacation planning
Port Information
Destinations
Home Port info
Wish you were here
Every photo has a story—and every journey has changed us in some way. We hope they inspire your next adventure.
Shore Excursion Guides
Upgrade Your Cruise: Use Resort for a Day as a Port Excursion
Tired of the typical busy cruise excursions or crowded public beaches? Resort for a Day is an easy, affordable way to treat yourself to a luxury resort experience during your cruise port days. With dozens of resort partners across the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, and...
Cozumel’s Best Shore Excursions: A Cruiser’s Ultimate Guide
Cozumel's Best Shore Excursions for Cruisers. Cozumel, Mexico, is a must-visit destination for cruisers. With its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and rich Mayan history, it's no surprise that this Caribbean island is one of the most popular cruise stops....
Finding the best tours in Puntarenas for cruisers
Best Tours in Puntarenas: Unforgettable Experiences Await! Looking for the best tours in Puntarenas? Look no further! If you're craving unforgettable experiences filled with natural wonders and thrilling adventures, Puntarenas in Costa Rica is the ultimate destination...
The ultimate way to see Cozumel: Cozumel trikes tour
Looking for a unique and exciting way to explore Cozumel? Look no further than a trike tour! Trike tours are a great way to see the island's hidden gems, from the Mayan ruins of San Gervasio to the beautiful beaches of Playa del Carmen. And because you're on a trike,...
A unique tour in Puerto Vallarta private sailboat rental
Embarking on a Unique tour in Puerto Vallarta. Rent a sailboat. In search of a distinct adventure, we yearned for an experience that would immerse us in the captivating essence of this vibrant city. The decision was made to charter a sailboat, breaking free...
11 simple reasons to consider independent tours
Enjoying tours on port days is some of the most fun experiences you will have. Deciding whether to book through your ship or on your own can be mind-boggling. This travel guide reveals why independent cruise excursions can be your best choice. The tips you need to...
Costa Maya cruisers: Discover The Magic Of Maya Chan Beach
Crave an all-inclusive beach break where turquoise waves whisper the soundtrack and swaying palms paint the scenery. Maya Chan Beach Resort isn't just a seclusion on Costa Maya's pristine coastline – it's a sensory feast. Savor the scent of tropical blossoms as you...
Altun Ha Excursion Review: A Must-See for Belize City Visitors
If you want a private tour by number one rated tour operator for Belize City, use David Castillo of Altournative Belize Tours. You will have the most memorable experience worth more money that you will pay!
All you need to know about Monkey Sloth Hangout Roatan
Traveling to Roatán on a cruise and want to know what the must-do activity is? Whether you are an animal lover, traveling with junior cruisers, or just enjoying learning, you are going to treasure this cruise stop. Find out all you need to know about the Monkey Sloth...
