I’m back, slightly under the weather, and fresh from my long-awaited vacation. I road tripped with my friend and her family to our port in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for a Royal Caribbean Western Caribbean 7-day cruise.
Caribbean Vacation
We cruised to Labadee, Haiti, Falmouth, Jamaica, and Cozumel, Mexico. With this being my first time traveling outside of the U.S. and first cruise, I’m excited to share my experience!
The vacation was an eye-opening experience in all aspects by adapting to different environments and traveling with new people. The ship had a lot of cool activities and amenities to keep travelers occupied; I rock climbed, ate pineapples every single day and a number of other things, danced, people watched, enjoyed myself and all the shows available, like the cinema movies, water and comedy shows.
So no matter what I do or where I go, I always set personal goals; this vacation was no different. I kept an open mind and my expectations low because I didn’t want to be disappointed if they weren’t met. Here are some goals and messages that became crystal clear to me:
I Do Really Enjoy My Own Company
Like, seriously! I always have, but never fully realized it until I was completely alone. I spent most of the day in Haiti alone, soaking up the sun, watching the water and people zip-line across the ocean.
It was the best and most relaxing part of the entire trip. And ironically as I sat there listening to music, Janet Jackson’s Enjoy came on – a subliminal way to make me enjoy the little things right in front of me.
I Know How to Live Without My Phone + Internet
When I first booked the trip, I panicked at the thought of not having cell service and not wanting to rack up international charges because of the lack of communication. But as the trip approached, I grew content with the idea of complete silence from my phone. It was freeing to not to worry or carry it around. I left it in my room most nights when we ventured around.
No Matter What, I’m Absolutely FINE with Change
My soul and emotions try to dictate my beliefs – something I’ve been trying to overcome. Both try to psych me out, but this past week I really let it go. Certain thoughts came, were analyzed during the long car ride, and became a thing of the past. And I’m completely okay with the situations as they are. Changes are definitely hard, but necessary to keep growing with the journeys of life.
I Don’t Have to Accept Others’ Behaviors
I learned about motives on the trip as well. By being a good judge of character and give people the benefit of the doubt, I learned not to accept anyone’s behavior or words at the moment if it’s negative, and not to explain myself as to why I feel a certain way.
Myleik‘s Instagram story confirmed these thoughts after getting off the boat; it said:
“you’re the only one that has to live in your world FULL-TIME. Manage the borders (aka the BOUNDARIES). If it makes you uncomfortable, you don’t have to deal with it. And you don’t have to explain.”
I completely resonated and did this before it was posted.
Appreciate Little Things More + Push Practicing Being More Humble, No Complaining, and Gratitude Every Single Day
All of the countries we visited were extremely beautiful. In Jamaica, we did a bus tour through Falmouth, Montego Bay, and Flamingo Beach. We saw the inner city and daytime traffic, such as schools and universities, grocery stores, little shops, gas stations, resorts, restaurants, and people walking to and from their destinations.
Their realities are very different from ours, but we still have a TON to be grateful for, such as gas not being $6.50/gallon USD – I almost screamed after hearing that. As the tour continued, complaints increased because everyone had different opinions
I already miss the peace and stillness of the ocean. I’m so glad and grateful to have experienced this trip, but now I have my eyes and heart set on doing a Carnival cruise (because basically everyone I traveled with has been one before and RAVED about them) and a resort trip. I’m already plotting and planning, and I cannot wait!
Share Your Experience
Have you ever been on a cruise? If so, let me know below.
xo,
Christian says
I love this! I really like how you reflected on all of the things this trip taught you too! I’m TOO ready to go on vacation now =]
Nikki Lee says
Im so glad you enjoyed your trip i remember my first cruise and it was amazjng and definitely not having to worry bout my phone was great I only used it for pictures
Comfort Nnana Kalu says
I’ve always wanted to go to the Caribbean so it’s great to hear that you enjoyed your trip!