The Voyager with Josh Garcia (Review for Travel Lovers)
When I’m not traveling, I daydream about travel and imagine where I’ll go next. Now, I can sail around the world each Saturday morning with NBC’s show, The Voyager with Josh Garcia. When Carnival Corporation asked me to tune in to this new travel show as part of their #SailAwayFromHome campaign, I didn’t hesitate to step aboard. Here’s why you should tune in, too!
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A likable and relatable host
A nomadic Youtube star who has taken up residence on the Carnival Breeze ship, Josh Garcia hosts the show. His mission: “to seek the awesome people and places not in the travel guides.” His upbeat voice-over and wide-eyed wonder are catchy and demonstrate his enthusiasm for authentic travel experiences and meeting new people. Josh seems like the kind of guy with whom you’d want to swap travel stories in a ship’s bar after a day of exploring. In fact, he reminds me of a male version of one of my all-time favorite TV stars, Samantha Brown.
So much to explore in each episode
The pilot episode of The Voyager with Josh Garcia proves that cruising isn’t just for grey-haired geriatrics who love to eat and play shuffleboard. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that!) In one day, Josh explores so much in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and the surrounding area. First, he goes snorkeling with a marine biologist, and we learn about steps being taken to preserve Mexico’s coral reefs.
Then he explores Yucatan‘s town square and watches the Danza de los Voladores (Dance of the Pole Flyers), where daredevils soar in circles around a 150-foot pole that represents the world tree. The men flyers represent birds. This 450-year-old Mayan tradition was thought to appease gods, bringing rain and a plentiful harvest.
For lunch, Josh learns how to make ceviche (fish cured with citrus juice), salsa, and homemade tortillas from a local chef. Hungry yet?
Next up, we go with Josh into the jungle near the ancient Mayan City of Tulum to meet a Mayan shaman. We learn about the tradition of raising bees (that have no stingers!) in logs. Josh describes the honey’s flavor as, “a little taste of what life must’ve been like for the ancient Mayans.”
Lastly, Josh returns to the city center of Playa del Carmen to watch a local artisan make beautiful lamps from hollowed-out gourds. They’re carved and filled with stained glass to make glowing works of art. (I want one!)
Cruise around the world with The Voyager
I know many travelers are anti-cruising. They seem to think it’s an inauthentic way to travel. Sure, you could sit on board the ship drinking daiquiris poolside all day. (Wait…that actually sounds nice for at-sea days!) But really, cruising is all about what you choose to do with your time off the ship.
A few years ago, my extended family and I struggled to come up with a family reunion vacation solution that would please all 14 of us. I suggested a cruise because it’s an easy and fun way to see the world, while ensuring all travelers get to do the activities that interest them. I think this show will shed light on the variety of experiences available to cruisers.
Cruising your way
I experienced one of my favorite vacation days ever when I visited Zihuatanejo, Mexico during a Carnival cruise. My husband and I ate traditional cuisine like buttery, sublime camarones al ajillo (shrimp prepared with garlic). We rented snorkels to spy on the tropical fish swimming in the sea. And we watched as our daughter splashed in the water for hours with her newfound friends, local children with whom she shared the common language of play. Whether you want a busy go-go-go day like Josh, or you want a mellow beach day, you can have it when cruising.
A travel show to watch as a family
Sometimes it seems like travel television has been taken over by ghost stories and shows about disgusting foods you’d never want to eat. It’s refreshing to see someone relatable doing things I’d actually want to do on The Voyager.
I am always seeking shows the whole family can enjoy watching and discussing together. I think I’ve found one. Will I be tuning in? My DVR is already set to record all of the upcoming episodes of The Voyager!
Watch a preview of the show above. Follow #SailAwayFromHome on social media to learn more and chime in about The Voyager with Josh Garcia.
Does The Voyager with Josh Garcia sound like your kind of TV show? Let us know in the comments below!
Travel Mamas received compensation related to this story.
This show rarely ever explores the important sites of each country that JG visits. Instead, he takes us to restaurants, craft manufacturers, and other insignificant places. I have gotten so frustrated waiting for JG to show the actual country that I have decided not to watch the show anymore. This is not a true travel show. It is a cooking and crafts show with some sports activities thrown in.
Sally – Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I hear what you’re saying but travel is lots of different things to lots of different people. For you, travel is about historical sites and that totally makes sense. For others, travel is about food and culture, which I think Josh does a good job of highlighting. When he visited the Mayan shaman and we learned about the stingerless bees, for example, I felt like we really got an insight to Mayan culture. To each their own!
Great show! It should air at 7PM or 730PM so families can watch it together. A true “reality” show; better than all this other junk the networks are currently airing. The show contains a lot of educational value for children.
Hi John – Agreed! I love watching this show with my kids. It’s so hard to find programs that are appropriate AND entertaining for the whole family but The Voyager does a great job!
PLease turn the music down!!!!!! It is so distracting that I probably will not be watching much longer.
Sorry to hear the background music is too loud for your liking on “The Voyager,” Karen!
Hey Josh. Like your show. The music is a tad too loud though. It is hard to hear you and your expert guides because the music over powers your voices.
This is how I feel about the background music and sound on “Survivor”!
Hey Josh. It’s me Andrea. If I’m not mistaken you ordered an arthritics cream from me. Have a great journey where ever you may be.
Andrea
Saturday morning at what time?
Hi Lee- I think it varies from market to market. I suggest checking your local listings. Enjoy the show!
Love Josh! Planning on a cruise for the family!
Love this show!
How exciting! What fun that Josh has inspired you to take a cruise. Enjoy!
I actually make sure I,m up on Saturday morning at 8:00 here in Los Angeles ….coffee in hand …..to go ashore with Josh Garcia and experience these wonderful places thru his eyes with all his wonder and awe! The best travel program! Totally addicted!!
How many in the series…when does new season begin?
Hi Evelyn – You are a true fan! Unfortunately, I don’t know when the next season begins…hopefully soon!
Loved the April 1st trip to Tuscany and Florence. Would love to see more details such as name of cruise ship, lists of restaurants and other shops visited so I can plan a mirror trip for myself! Great show.
Hi Dee – Here are three Carnival itineraries that include Tuscany. Enjoy Italy!!! https://www.carnival.com/#?layout=grid&pageSize=8&exclDetails=false&showBest&pageNumber=1&sort=FromPrice&dest=E&numAdults=2&numChildren=0&useSuggestions
Enjoy watching the program even though it’s into repeats…would like to see CUBA featured.
Ooh! I’ve always wanted to visit Cuba. That would make a good episode.
Anyone know what kind of camera Josh uses? (Very small one)
Hi Linda – Have you tried asking Josh via Twitter about which camera he uses? His handle is: @mrjoshuagarcia. I’ll ask the PR folks too. Good luck!
So sorry but the PR folks don’t know either. Did you try asking him on Twitter?
Josh Garcia needs to grow up! This show feels like he is talking to 12 year olds! Very immature!
Interesting take on the show. I think he seems relatable, but not every person (or every show) pleases everybody.
I have never watched this, but I think I will start now. I love watching people traveling, and it makes me want to get out there and explore more of this world!
Oh wonderful! I love helping to inspire people to explore our big, beautiful world!