I went on a cruise for 4 days for the first time and I have to say, it is really nice. The first day was challenging but then I got into the groove, and actually ended up not wanting to leave. I tend to get a bit sea sick with boats rocking and so as a prevention, I used Sea Bands. I totally recommend these wrist bands, they are extremely effective and drug-free. Sea bands are sold over the counter at drugstores (Walgreens, CVS), they are a pair of elastic wrist bands with a small button attached, placed at a specific position on the wrist where it stimulates the P6 acupressure point to relieve sea sickness nausea. With that taken care of, I was ready to have some fun!

The cruise left the Port of Miami around 4:00PM, and after dropping off our belongings in the room we went to the top of the ship to enjoy the view. It was ane of the most spectacular views of Miami I have seen together with a breathtaking sunset.  The room was also amazing, we had a suite with a huge balcony facing the aft of the ship. The best ever as all the balconies on the side are enclosed and ours was open. Next destination – Nassau, Bahamas.

We arrive at 8AM on the shores of Nassau, and after a delicious breakfast, we went on an excursion to Atlantis´ water park. There are tons of different excursions in each stop, but you also just stay on the ship or do your own thing in the islands. I highly recommend booking something with the cruise ship company, Royal Caribbean, I found it to be safer and well planned.

The park was so much fun, tons of rides, pools and gorgeous beaches. The Bahamas is a really laid back place with friendly people and really really good rum! So after all the rides it was time for Pina Coladas by the pool, and nap at the beach!

The nights on the boat were a lot of fun, there were several bars and lounges with different live bands, a Broadway-like show at the theater, amazing dinner, and great people. But the nights are rather early ones since the ideal is to wake up really early to enjoy the days at the islands. But the best part of the nights on a cruise ship is the view of the sky, it is so peaceful and the stars and moon appear so bright it is really magical.

The second day was also incredible, we stopped at Royal Caribean´s private island called Coco Cay. Absolutely gorgeous bright sunny skies and crystal clear waters. Many excursions were available, including snorkeling trips, jet skiing, and diving, but we decided to just relax and walk around the island. It was the ultimate relaxing day! The second night was “Captain night” when everyone is supposed to dress up for dinner, there is a special concert with the ship´s orchestra and lots of events throughout the night. And with the Holidays approaching, the ship was decorated with Christmas ornaments and had a beautiful tree in the middle of the main area.

The last day we docked at Key west, which I have been many times, but the experience with the cruise is very different. First, we started parasailing off the shores of the island. It was so much fun being 500 ft up in the air and being dropped in the Ocean just enough to wet our feet. And then we took a trolley tour throughout the city.

For those who love to gamble, the Casino is beautiful and open 24-7. The shopping aboard is abundant and really pleasant, from Diamonds to purses, you can buy everything duty-free. There are tons of sales during the cruise ship, especially at the last night. Art auction and dance classes, gym special events and the treatments at the SPA are just some of the numerous things to during a cruise.

Enjoy and bon voyage!!!