My First Cruise and Things to Know Before YOU Book One

I just sailed on my first ever cruise to the Caribbean waters, to an island of Mexico, Cozumel.  I went with my mom as a mother/daughter getaway, no dishes, no laundry, no cooking!  It was her first cruise as well, we learned so much and soaked it all in.  Here are some things that we realized while cruising and hope it helps you to figure out if cruising is for you.

1.  You can’t predict the weather– we had a cold first day and a hot second and third day. The last day, the boat actually had to circle for hours because the docks in Mobile, AL were closed due to extreme fog and rain.  We really felt sorry for the people who missed their planes home.  We drove down there, so it was fine for us- more time on the boat- (AKA more yummy food).
2.   When you are finally back on land, you wonder if you are still moving and you catch yourself thinking you need to rock or steady your feet.
3. Speaking of moving, you may get sea sick.  I did the day we had cold and windy weather.  The rest of the time, no problems at all and smooth sailing.
4.  We were on a ship with 13 levels and access to 10 of them.  We did get lost- A LOT!  But that was part of the fun- exploring the ship!  Not all levels have through access due to the atrium in the middle, so it can get tricky to get where you are going.
5.   You will need more dress clothes than you think to pack.  The restaurants that are included in your ticket have better foods than the buffets on board, but there is a dress code- so pack lots of nice clothes.
6.   You will gain weight!  We worked out and still gained weight!  Yes, the food is that good and unlimited.  Be prepared to loose all self-control of calories.
7.   You will be more relaxed than ever in your life.  You are so pampered that your brain goes into lazy mode.  Eat, sleep, rest, repeat. They even make your towels into animal shapes, totally pampered!  It was heaven for a mom.
8. You will make new friends.  It’s a crowded, floating city, therefore you can’t help but socialize.  We met sweet people, but forget about the hot tubs and pool, too many germs. (Wait to snorkel when docked.)
9.   People do not look like the brochures- they are normal people and most of them, I’m thinking are there for the all you can eat inclusive meals all day.   So don’t worry that you are not the size you want to be, they aren’t either, trust me, it’s OK.
10. You will get a little silly because no-one knows you anyway.  There are sing-a-longs and ‘name that tune’ to oldies, and of course The Cat in The Hat Breakfast- Green Eggs and Ham!  You will feel like a kid again.
11. There are shows and activities to keep you busy if you ever get bored.  There is never a lack of fun.  We had an awesome cruise director.
12. It will cost more than you think, even if your tickets are paid for.  On board, you can’t resist a specialty coffee or pretty fruity drink, plus souvenirs, pictures, and cab fares on the island.  There are taxes and fees added per day per person and of course everyone wants a tip, so be prepared.
13. Be prepared to leave your phone in airplane mode or pay the hefty fees.  We left our phones in airplane mode because even if you pay for the ships WiFi, there is no signal for phone calls, just internet.  A TRUE get away from it all.  It was like back 20 years when everyone wasn’t walking around with a screen in their face!
14. Cruising really makes you realize how small you are when you look in all directions and all you see is bright blue.  God is GREAT and we are so small, what an awesome wonder!