Lessons Learned From the Cruise

There were several things I learned from my Cruise on the Mardi Gras. Some I knew, some I just learned. Let me share some of them with you.

1. When coming on the cruise, be patient. That goes for getting on and off the ship, getting food, shopping and using the bathrooms (Other than your own).

2. Straws may be edible! (This was new to me). I know some companies have gone to papper straws and I thought Carnival had too. Nope, their straws are edible. I have the chocolate and the strawberry. Interesting and tasty.

3. Usually, your Carnival pin is in your room when you get there. Now you have to ask for it at the photo counter! 

4. Your 1.5 liters of water is not in your room either. The ones in the room charge a fee when used. So you have to request your water at any bar. They will scan your card but there is no fee.

5. Bring a light jacket or shawl with you. The room and the dining room can get cool.

6. Bring lots of money for photos if you like pictures. For a 7 night cruise, make sure you get a photo for each port (so you can remember when you went and when). Also get at least one for each formal night. If you don't, you may regret it later! 

7. Don't overpack! That's just more luggage to deal with or more baggage to pay for at the airport.

8. Take a cap. It is always warm in the Caribbean so you will need something to keep you cooler as the sun beats down.

9. In our stateroom, the stool doubled as a tray table! Who knew?

10. Have fun, and don't be afraid to ask questions! That is how we learn.

11. When you are ready, call me! I can make the process easier, more efficient and less stressful. What are you waiting for? Let's Go!!

Day 7 Last Day at Sea on Mardi Gras

This morning started with breakfast in the Palm Restaurant. Seas have been choppy this morning.during breakfast at the Palm Restaurant, there was an announcement made that there would be a stop at Princess Cay for a person on-board who needed medical care. The announcement said it was not COVID related. So we will make a brief stop for the person(s) to disembark and we will continue back on our way to Port Canaveral to arrive tomorrow morning. That is one of the reasons for travel insurance.  You will be able to cover a large part of the cost associated with any medical necessities during your cruise. 

After breakfast, we went to deck 19 so we could see the serenity adult-only deck below on 18 and to see the ultimate playground. While there, we played a fun game of miniature golf. It was so much fun. Vaughn even made a hole-in-one on hole 7! 

The ultimate playground included a water play area, water slides, zip-line, rope ladder, a jogging track, Bolt (the first roller coaster at sea, and a basketball court.

After that excitement, we went to choose our photos for our photo package. We also had professional photos done on the ship and we had to get some of them too. All I will say is, make sure you have money for photos because you will love most, if not all of them. If you can, get a photo package before the cruise to save money. We got the 10 pack and and managed to narrow it down to 11 photos. Our professional photos were very expensive (an expense we had not planned on). We were able to get a few of them too. They were all beautiful!

So, budget for photos and any alcohol you purchase on the ship.

Now it is time to eat and relax on this last day at sea. 

I had to go to my pizzeria one last time.

The weather outside was rainy and gloomy. That was how I felt knowing I would have to get off the ship first thing in the morning. 

But, after every rain storm, there is a reminder of a promise...

Rainbows at sea are beautiful because you see it in its entirety. It is just one reminder of Jehovah God's promises. The oceans boarders are another.

All in all, we enjoyed our cruise and anniversary celebration. It also gave me an opportunity to see how things work on the ship now. I am better prepared to assist clients so they will know what to expect. 

So when you are ready to cruise or vacation or just plan a weekend getaway,  I hope you will give me the opportunity to serve you.

Day 2 (at Sea)

This morning was a leisure day at sea, slowly on our way to Nassau, Bahamas tomorrow. We sat on the balcony and watched swimming fish jump out of the water, fly a short distance and dive back into the water. It was such a delight to see so many of them. Sometimes it was one and sometimes a whole school of them!

For breakfast, we went to the Marketplace. They have a variety of foods and you can even have cooked-to-order omelets. 

After our late breakfast, we went to trivia and did very good. We almost had a perfect score (missed it by 3). But we had so much fun and the people around us joined in the fun. So that made the experience worth it.

By the time it was over, it was time for lunch. So we mad our way over to Guy's Burger Joint (deck 17 mid) for my pig patty!

Since I love bacon, what better way to have it than by making it into a burger!. They have all the fixings but because of my AIP lifestyle, I had it without the bun or cheese. It was still good though! I added lettuce, onions and pickles. Besides, I needed to save my cheating for the pepperoni 🍕 pizza I would have later.  Pizzeria del Capitano (deck 8 aft) is so good! And besides, I'm at sea its half the amount of calories as the ones back home. (Look it up, I'm not kidding...lol).

There is still so much to do and since I couldn't decide what to do, so I went to the room and rested my back. I was told it was a pulled muscle before I left home, but I was determined to come on this cruise so I am dealing with it. 

Anywho... tonight is our first formal night and I am excited we get to dress up for dinner. But for now, I am relaxing on the balcony enjoying the breeze and just thankful to be here.

Are you ready to relax yet? Call me at 704-294-9150 (next week, I cruising right now) and I can make it happen for you! You can also like my Facebook page @BMacTravel and message me there. What are you waiting for? LET'S GO!!