This year I went on my first cruise. I went with a fantastic group of girls and it was definitely a trip I’ll never forget. We sailed on the Norwegian Getaway on what was originally supposed to be an eastern Caribbean cruise but was changed to a western Caribbean cruise shortly after booking citing issues at the original destination ports. We figured a cruise was still a cruise, so we took the onboard credit given to us and decided we would go anyway.
We headed to Miami the day before our cruise left to explore a little and to prevent any unforeseen delays. We showed up at our hotel only to find an extremely rude receptionist telling us that we did not have a reservation there. Not the best way to start a trip! Turned out to be for the best though. The hotel we ended up staying at was so much better. We spent that first day shopping and ended it at the Cheesecake Factory for supper. Mmmm..
Day 1 – We explored the ship. Our rooms weren’t available until late afternoon so we didn’t really have much choice. That night, we checked out the “All Aboard Show” which was a variety show consisting of the different acts that would be performed over the course of the cruise. Afterwards, we danced the night away and finished up with late night munchies at onboard Irish pub.
Day 2 – We were at sea and it was relatively uneventful. There was a ladies pamper party held by the spa staff and the rest of the day was spent sun bathing on the top deck of the boat. We also indulged in some water slide action because well, why not? They’re there 🙂
Day 3 – Welcome to Costa Maya, Mexico. We opted for the Beach Getaway excursion and spent the day lounging, swimming and cocktail drinking. I had quesadillas for lunch and they were to die for. That evening I went to the “Burn the Floor” dance show. It was a pretty good show, although a little more variety in the style of dance would’ve been appreciated.
Day 4 – Welcome to Harvest Caye, Belize. This was probably my least favourite which kind of shocked me. It’s an absolutely stunning place but the sand on the beach was rough and covered in bits of broken shells. It was not pleasant to walk on at all. Back on the boat that night, there was an 80s party on the top deck with a huge screen playing the music videos and a 90s party at the indoor club. Needless to say, a lot of dancing and singing happened that night.
Day 5 – Welcome to Roatan, Honduras. We spent the day at The Beach Club in San Simon. By far, my favourite beach. Long stretches of soft, white sand and a refreshing dip in the ocean – definitely living the life. The only sour note was that there were many semi-pushy merchants combing the beach.
Day 6 – Welcome to Cozumel, Mexico. I decided to go on the horseback riding excursion. We took a ride to the other side of the island to Hacienda Santa Emila. This is where I met Sheila, a very pretty mare who likes to be in the lead. We explored the ranch and some Mayan ruins that were preserved there. We then made a pit stop for lunch at a beachside restaurant then continued on back to the port to board the boat. That night we went to see “The Million Dollar Quartet.” This show is definitely a MUST see if you have the chance. Music lovers, especially those particular to Johnny Cash, Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. The whole audience was bouncing around for the entire show and the cast received a much deserved standing ovation.
Day 7 – Our final day. I decided to take advantage of the Health and Wellness seminar being offered by the onboard personal trainer that took place in the late morning. We got all dolled up to take pictures and I finished it off with a delicious filet mignon, loaded baked potato and sautéed mushrooms at Le Cagney Steakhouse.
We did have a few issues though. Those who swore I wouldn’t be able to feel the rocking of the boat were mistaken. We definitely felt it the majority of the trip. Our cabin was also located near a service door for the crew and noise from it slamming shut on all hours of the day and night was pretty irritating. Staff were helpful in attempting to rectify the situation though. Definitely want to give a shout out to our housekeeper Babe, she was a fantastic help. All in all, it was a pretty great trip.
Have you ever been on a cruise? What was your experience like?
Let me know in the comments!
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