When my husband convinced me to take a cruise for our 10th Anniversary years ago, I wasn’t sure if I would like it. I wasn’t sure if I would get motion sick or not. I have often become ill on rides, and I was reluctant. I am not one for large crowds, either. I detest attending the state fair and being among throngs of people or waiting in endless lines. I imagined 4,000 people crowded onboard a large ship constantly together. But he was so determined. So I caved and soon found myself onboard a large vessel full of people.
I realized on my first cruise I enjoyed myself. It didn’t even feel like that many people. There were always places you could take refuge from the larger groups of activities if you wanted a quiet retreat. There are also so many interesting people to meet from all over. I soon realized that a fun part of cruising was meeting people from all parts of the country.
I also didn’t get sick! The ships have stabilizers that small crafts, such as sailboats, pontoons, schooners, etc., do not. They handle the waves exceptionally well. The only time I felt a bit of wave action was at night when lying flat, and then I took Dramamine to sleep. Sleeping on a ship was AMAZING. It rocks you to sleep like a baby.
Since then, we have now done five cruises, all different. We’ve even taken our boys on a cruise; it was their favorite vacation! With cruising, you do not have to worry about doing any of the responsibilities, such as driving, cooking, shopping, etc., once you get on board. You can completely relax. That is something that I and my husband have a hard time doing because we are such go-getters with other vacations. Cruising allows us to sightsee still, but also makes us take a break and relax!
Cruising is a great way to see multiple destinations. You stop at numerous ports on one trip and get a taste of what that place is like for a few hours. It is up to you what you do there. You can stay on the ship, go to a local beach, or pay for an excursion on the island. Plus, if you like the destination, you can always make a plan to go back and stay again. We had a port in San Juan a few years ago, and I can’t wait to return and stay for a week next year!
One of my favorite things about cruising is seeing how happy it makes my husband. Owning a business is very demanding. The phone never stops ringing. But on the cruise ship, we don’t pay for a phone plan, just social media access to stay in touch with our kids. He can de-stress and unplug for just a little while. I think everyone needs that!
The staff are lovely! They take their jobs very seriously and are always courteous and so pleasant. On this last cruise in February, I had my first migraine onboard a ship. It was awful. I suffer from chronic migraines. We were at our evening dinner, and I knew I was at “the point of no return.
One of our three wait staff at our table, Megan, from Sri Lanka, brought me Ginger Ale, and I quickly excused myself from the table before it was too late. I made it to our cabin just in time. You can imagine what happened next. I was able to change clothes and crawl into bed.
By the following day, my head was much better, and I could eat again. I went to one of the breakfast buffet dining rooms, and out of all the people onboard the ship, Megan found me and showed genuine concern for me. I have never in my life had that from a complete stranger before. To be cared for so gently and sincerely by strangers shows their hearts. I truly loved getting to know every person on staff I encountered.
So, yes, there IS something about cruising that makes it unique. The Caribbean blue waters beckon me, and the salty air on my skin. The warmth from the sun that I hadn’t felt in months rejuvenated my body and my being with people from all walks of life! Unplugging and having nothing but the ocean and fresh air is an experience like no other! If you have never done a cruise, I encourage you to try it. You might find it to be an experience you love!
