Sailing with the Property Brothers

“OH MY GOSH!! I LOVE THEM!!” That’s the first thing almost everyone I know said when they heard I was headed on a Caribbean cruise with HGTV’s most popular duo, The Property Brothers. And since returning home, no one wants to hear about the cruise, the ports, or even what I was doing on the ship…but rather, they all want the scoop on those cutie-pies, Drew and Jonathan!

Before the cruise, all I knew of their four shows, was their voices. You see, Little Miss is a huge Property Brothers fan, and binge-watches entire seasons on Netflix. Usually while sitting in the room with me…so I’ve been listening to Drew and Jonathan’s banter for years.

And now that I’ve met them, I’m afraid I’m equally smitten! They are honestly as funny, charming, and down-to-earth in real life, as they are on their shows. They radiate happiness, and it’s clear they love their life and what they’re doing.

The ‘Sailing with the Scotts’ cruise was their way of connecting with their fans…and boy did they! More than 2,000 very excited supporters boarded the Carnival Ecstasy in Miami, to spend five sunny days with Drew and Jonathan, and talk about all things design and home improvement. And drink fruity cocktails.

I was invited, along with several blogger friends whom I admire and adore, to present additional design ideas and projects in a series of panels, and take part in a no-holds-barred Q&A about all things blogging. The Scott brothers, Mexico, friends, design blogging? Um, sign me up!!

It was a busy, exciting, and not to mention, stylish week…so I have tons of pictures and fun behind-the-scenes scoop to share. But to save both our sanities, I’ll break up it up into two posts.

We had a few opportunities to sit down with the brothers privately, and it was fascinating to hear all that goes into filming their shows. For instance, they move to a city for three months, and during that time they remodel and film an average of 10 homes! And they hire all local contractors and labor in that city, employing up to 100 people while they’re there.

The homeowners do foot the bill for the majority of the work, but neither Drew or Jonathan charges for their services, and some items are donated by companies. And they admitted crying does make good television, so they work hard to get a few tears out of the homeowners during the reveals. #Iknewit!

Neither of them was ever serious, especially Jonathan, and the sibling rivalry and banter is constant. They are also complete pros and play off each other seamlessly. (Did you know they used to do Improv comedy, and formed a singing group with their brother, JD? Who was also on the ship, by the way.) 

Remember my rabbit-ears graphic announcing the cruise? Of course they wanted to recreate it!

Between the dinners and blogger panels, I had plenty of opportunities to get dressed up. I employed my usual packing trick, and snapped shots of each outfit with my phone for quick reference when getting dressed. I scooped up two new dresses for the trip (this one and this one)…I figured meeting the Scott Brothers was a pretty legitimate excuse to shop!!

It’s crazy that I haven’t been on a cruise in almost 20 years, then it’s two in one year. There was definitely a difference between the Princess ship we sailed to Alaska, and this Carnival ship, but the water and sunsets from sea are beautiful from any boat.

My favorite stop was Cozumel…a small group of us spent the day at a private house and beach, and shoved back as much authentic Mexican food and margaritas as we could. It was nice to get off the boat for a bit and enjoy some quiet time together.

Embroidered Dress | Hat | Sunglasses | Hoop Earrings | Cuff

My favorite racerback dress has become my complete go-to, and accompanied me on every trip this year. It packs beautifully, and works for most every occassion.

It was a surreal week, and such a crazy opportunity…I couldn’t imagine sharing it with anyone more fun than these girls! I was flattered to be included.

*Thanks to my darling shipmate, Mallory of Style Your Senses, for the outfit pictures, and Premier Vacations for including me in such a great experience!