I typically avoid ships. I one hundred percent do not like boats, so when the idea of spending a week on one came up, I wasn't too thrilled. Could I have been more wrong? I was comparing cruise ships to the small passenger boats I've been on and believe me that wasn't my only mistake.
The trip started with a short three-hour flight from New York to Fort Lauderdale. From there a taxi to the Ferry Terminal. Remember the name of the ship as they all have different drop off areas. Once at your area, you give an attendant your name and cabin number so they can take your bags to your room. You then board airport like security to get onto the ship.
After checking in and getting your cabin keys, you have to do this certification for safety and then your free to wander. First thing I did was walk the entirety of the ship to see things to do, places I would want to frequent and where the best views on the ship were. Shortly after we pulled out of the harbor.
The ship I chose was the Celebrity Equinox. There are a lot of more elabore ships but the trip was one of the few that took place in my alloted vacation time and had countires I hadn't visited prior. The very first night was a welcome dinner at the restaurant on the 5th floor followed by a singles mixer. The night ended with a pool party on the roof of the cruise.
The second day was a full day at sea. I started with breakfast on the 14th floor because who doesn't like a view with breakfast. Every day an itinerary is sent to your room about activities for the next day. I figure while I was at sea i'd try my luck at Bingo. Even though it was my first time, I really enjoyed playing. From there I went to the indoor pool on the roof to sun bathe without the sun. Sushi was for lunch with a side of ramen, one of the many habits I picked up in Asia. The ship also had a miniature golf course i'd use to practice my swing and conveniently located next to a cigar bar. This would be my daily location to view the sunset at sea.
Over the next few days, the cruise made three stops: Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands, Bimini in the Bahamas and Cozumel in Mexico. Each time I left the ship to take part in excursions or just do something on the island instead of the ship. Pretty much Bimini was my favorite since I got to rent a golf cart and explore on my own.
The trip ended with the final day at sea. I would be giving up 24-hour food service to return to the regular world but i'd have my memories of the trip. My only advice would be stay out of the casinos when you cant sleep, it never ends well. I like the notion of everything being attached to your room card, which eliminates one hassle on board. Would I take another cruise, definitely and you should too.
Editors Note: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any parties mentioned. None of the entities mentioned has reviewed, approved, or endorsed the content listed in this post.
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