So, like I mentioned a few weeks ago -- less than a week and I'll be on a cruise with my friends. Who cares that I look like I have the chicken pox mixed with a sunburn with all the spots/redness all over my arms, legs, stomach, back, and now my face (my face!) I have from my allergic reaction? I went to the emergency room yesterday, and they explained to me the reaction had progressed into the beginning of Stephen Johnson's Syndrome.
Then, the other doctor said:
"It's good this is happening now, when it's cold out, so you can wear pants and long-sleeve shirts, and it's not 80 degrees outside. And you need to stay out of the sun."
Yes, that would be good. Except in 6 days I WILL be in 80 degree weather or hotter. And it will be impossible for me to stay out of the sun.
Oh well, I already have a guy who thinks I'm beautiful anyway and don't think my friends will care. That being said, it would be nice to at least have this rash get a little (or a lot) better by Sunday...
Working today - Friday, packing Saturday, and plane leaves early Sunday morning.
I've had a few people ask me "What do you actually do on a cruise?" haha. If you're wondering what we'll be up to, here's a sneak peek into our itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Miami
We'll land around 2pm -- run some last-minute errands before cruise departure/hang out at the pool/stay overnight in Miami
Day 2: We set sail!
Up bright and early to head to our port! Although the process of getting on the ship is kind of long and not super fun, it will still be a great day -- just exploring the different areas of the ship and our first dinner and show aboard. I'm pretty sure we'll be up all night sitting outside feeling the warm, Caribbean, ocean breeze and talking in the tiny room we're all sharing. Yes -- there will be 4 of us all in one room! We're really going to get some great bonding time in on this trip. ;) But I'm sure the only time we'll really be in our room is to sleep and shower. There's always a show to go to or karaoke or something to do while onboard -- no reason to stay in your room.
Day 3: Day stop in Nassau, Bahamas
We're up bright and early again on Day 3! We're doing a catamaran sail and snorkel excursion right away in the morning when we arrive in Nassau. All four of us are so excited (and a little nervous) for this, but I think it will be awesome. I've never been to the Bahamas, so I'm excited to see what it's all about!
When Preston and I went on our honeymoon to Jamaica, we signed up for a similar activity to this -- and although I LOVED the boat ride to take us deep into the ocean where we were supposed to jump in and snorkel, I ended up too afraid to get off the boat and just took pictures of Preston snorkeling. I felt SO lame. So last year, when we went to Hawaii, I redeemed myself. I snorkeled multiple times and LOVED it. There was a really nice couple from Canada who patiently taught me, and I'm forever indebted to them.
I've got my waterproof camera ready and snorkel gear all packed! When we were in Hawaii, one of our only regrets is that we didn't have a waterproof camera to take pictures when we were underwater.
Here are some pictures from the description of this excursion:
I love how the name of the boat is "Sweetie Pie." :)
After that adventure, we still have 4 or 5 hours in Nassau. We haven't really talked about what we're going to be doing, but I'm guessing we're going to spend the rest of the day exploring Nassau a bit, maybe doing some souvenir shopping from some of the local vendors (much more affordable than the gift shops on the ship and cooler stuff in my opinion), and most importantly laying on the beach.
Then, at 5pm, we're back out to sea! I'm so excited for the unlimited food and getting to dress up for fancy dinners. :) I know these days you don't really have to get dressed up for dinner on most cruise ships -- but what girl doesn't like an excuse to dress up? There's no better time to put on a cute dress than when you're in the middle of the ocean. And I know we're going to take lots of pictures and would MUCH rather have my picture taken in a pretty dress than in my swimsuit! ;)
Food-wise -- I know the suppers especially will be amazing. The last cruise we went on with Preston's family, practically everyone ordered chocolate melting cake for dessert every night (even though there were other options) and he and his family still talk about that dessert to this day. This cruise was after we got engaged/before we were married -- so over 5 years ago. I wonder if they'll still have chocolate melting cake now?
Day Four: Day stop in Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
I am sooooo excited for this stop. As far as I know, we're going to spend our 8 hours in Half Moon Cay laying in the white sand with fresh, cold, fruity drinks in our hands and periodic dips in the beautiful, clear water to cool off.
No fancy excursions planned for this stop, so it'll be fun to just wing it and see what we feel like doing. I would be totally great with a beach day, though!
Pictures of Half Moon Cay:
I very likely may never leave.
Day Five: Day stop in Grand Turk
We only have about an hour to wander around Grand Turk before we head off on our Clear Kayaking and Eco Safari excursion. I am a little nervous that the website says the intensity level of this activity is: "difficult." The kayaks have glass bottoms, which will be so cool! And it sounds like the 4-hour excursion is really well planned out and will be amazing. Here are the details from the website:
"Enjoy the natural beauty of Grand Turk as you kayak along the mangroves and explore the coast on foot. Take in the beauty and tranquility of nature as you paddle through gentle, shallow waters surrounded by mangroves. Explore small coves and learn about the importance of the mangroves to the ecological system.
Along the way, your guide will point out various plants and birds, an impressive Osprey nest, and answer any questions regarding the mangroves. The clear bottom kayak will allow you to see the marine life that lives in the beautiful Caribbean Sea.
After kayaking, follow your guide on an eco-adventure walk along the coastline giving you the opportunity for bird watching, to search for shells, and soak up the beauty of Grand Turk."
I'm in!!!!! I don't have any idea what a mangrove is (which is very sad I'm sure) But kayaking in a glass-bottom boat, exploring coves and whatever mangroves are (apparently something very important. Ok, I've heard the word before but if you asked me to draw a mangrove I wouldn't know how), walking on the coastline searching for shells........ paradise.
Pictures below are from the website's description of this activity:
maybe a mangrove?? we'll see I guess!
Day 6: Free day at sea!!!!
I can already hear the pool beckoning me and the deck chairs calling my name. The ship we'll be on is the Carnival Victory, and it looks nice! I'll be happy to call it home for a week. :)
Here are some pictures from the website/google: I apologize for many of the cheesy, posed shots -- that's pretty much all I could find. I would've preferred just pictures showing all the rooms and pools -- guess I'll just have to wait until we're on the ship for that.
coffee bar
atrium
stage shows
fitness center/yoga and pilates class
art gallery
mini-golf
pool and deck parties
Seaside "dive in" theater
24-hour room service
casual dining
chef's table - good thing about a cruise is that if you HATE your meal, you can go grab a cheeseburger and some ice cream later :)
Serenity Adult Retreat - no kids allowed!
Really, the food and entertainment options are ENDLESS. They have a piano bar, comedy club, BINGO (seriously, hahaha), nightclub, live music, shows, arcade/casino, spa and fitness center with a jogging track/yoga and pilates classes, shopping, sushi restaurant, casual daytime dining options, fancy evening dining..... just to scratch the surface. It's your own fault if you get bored on a cruise I think -- there is more than enough to do!
Day 7: Arrive back to Miami
Flight to Sioux Falls leaves around 6pm that night. I have a feeling I will be completely exhausted (in a good way) by the time I hop on the plane home.
Anyway, there's what we'll be up to during our week floating around the ocean. If you've never cruised before -- I would highly recommend it! It is the most affordable way to travel in my opinion -- and much more stress-free because you pay for everything before you go on the trip, so you don't have to worry about how much you're going to spend on food, etc. It's especially fun when you can make multiple stops throughout the week and explore different places. Having the day excursions and nights on the ship is perfect.
Got any cruise tips/suggestions?! Let me know! I'll be sure to let you know how our experience goes when we get back to SoDak.
We're all keeping our fingers crossed that we aren't on one of those boats that you see in the news that gets stuck in the middle of the ocean. Although that would be a good story to tell.
Congratulations if you actually made it to the end of this long, LONG post! If there is anyone who did -- I am proud to call you my devoted reader. ;)
Have a great Monday, everyone!
xo,
Emily
