Latina influencer food and travel blogger denver Yvette Marquez on a cruise

How would you like to wake up in a new country? That is what I love best about a cruise. I went on a 7-day voyage exploring three countries: Honduras, Belize, and Mexico.

While at sea on our Carnival Vista Western Caribbean cruise, I co-hosted a bloggers retreat with my business manager, Johanna Voss.

carnival vista life preserver

We hand selected eight folks to join us and while at sea, Carnival reserved a private room (the Piano Bar) for us to each present in our area of expertise.

Western Caribbean Cruise on Carnival

Western Caribbean Cruise Bloggers Retreat attendees 2019

Stephen Chavez, Shaunda Necole, Jason Schumman, Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack, Johanna Voss, Lorraine C. Ladish, Bre Patterson, Kristie Kovarovic, Jenna Sparks (photographer, not pictured)

cocktail on Western Caribbean Cruise

Each guest was treated to a fabulous cruise experience, different culinary venues each evening, shore excursions, and most of all inspiring hands-on workshops, roundtables, brainstorming sessions, and networking – all while at sea.

As a blogger/influencer, small business owner, and entrepreneur, I can’t tell you how beneficial small retreats have been for me both personally and professionally.

While I still attend and love larger conferences and workshops, there is something so unique, special, and incredibly productive about spending a few days in an intimate setting with like-minded go getters.

Western Caribbean Cruise excursion with parrots in Honduras

I went on my very first cruise with my family a year ago and while at sea I kept envisioning an intimate conference retreat — a bloggers retreat cruise. It is so amazing to realize how that idea came to fruition.

While at port we selected our choice of hosted excursions. Not only was this a conference while at sea, but an excursion experience to network, relax, and have fun.

Western Caribbean Cruise Honduras parrots

Roatán, Honduras

While in Roatán, Honduras we ventured into the jungle with iguanas, parrots, and monkeys, oh my!

Western Caribbean Cruise excursion Honduras monkeys

Plus, a relaxing day soaking up the sun on white sandy beaches and swimming in pristine Caribbean water.

mayan temple belize Western Caribbean Cruise

Belize

In Belize we boarded a speed boat to ceremonial ruins and climbed a 100-foot high temple while learning all about ancient Mayan culture. 

Western Caribbean Cruise Belize temple

Cozumel, Mexico

In Cozumel, Mexico we shopped, drank margaritas, ate delicious grub, and swam in turquoise water.

Western Caribbean Cruise Bloggers Retreat Cozumel mexico

I didn’t want to leave this magical place.

Western Caribbean Cruise Bloggers Retreat Cozumel mexico excursion

Do you want to attend a bloggers retreat?

Are you an influencer, work in public relations, public speaker, or brand interested in sponsoring the next retreat and want to learn more?

Western Caribbean Cruise Bloggers Retreat Cozumel paper picado

At this time, nothing is confirmed but we are gathering information of people who have expressed interest in knowing about the next one – apply here.

Yvette Marquez-sharpnack food blogger denver

Thank you to Carnival for hosting the first 2019 Bloggers Retreat Cruise, and to all the brands who sponsored: Vivo Barefoot, Eye Bobs, Exotico Tequila, Mediavine, and Tastefully Simple.

Western Caribbean Cruise Bloggers Retreat Yvette Marquez Latina influencer

Special thanks to the wonderful mastermind group. They are all so inspiring – follow them on Instagram:

Watch this video to see all the fun highlights.

Western Caribbean Cruise Bloggers Retreat Cozumel mexico

If you have questions about a cruise or bloggers retreat, ask away in the comments below.

Photography: Jenna Sparks