Cruise Newbie 2019

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So I decided to jump on board…literally with a group of friends taking a cruise to the Bahamas….sure why not?

From what I have gathered I obviously do things backward…people who travel my age normally go with cruises or tours while young ones will consider the solo backpacking in Europe and China…since I’ve already blogged about adventures in Europe and China, I figured it was about time I try my first cruise. So in many ways I can see why people say I’m alway doing things different….or in my mom’s words “ass backwards.” I have a theory that it is all related to the fact I was born breached (butt first) ; but that’s just my theory.

Middle of February and I’m on my way to Jacksonville Fl with my daughter Mekia and Lauren my daughters age. Meeting up with several friends waiting to get on the boat. I have been lectured and warned by dear friends who have done this cruise before…warning of the “rough areas” of Nassau….”Kim do NOT wander off!” I even heard one friend mentioning something about a tracking device…..geez….However; from my history, my friends know I lack of fear of new places, and I tend to wander off alone.

My first cruise: so busy, and having so much fun, so little time to blog about my adventures.  Our first day out to sea was exciting and fun. Worried about continuing my training and weight loss, I made sure I knew where the gym was.  My first experience on an elliptical…. I made sure I worked out almost everyday.   These were my proudest moments….Maybe I need to talk about my least proudest moments.

Purchasing the alcohol package, was something I thought I would utilize….well,  I did. Being able to drink Patron, and not paying $8 a shot was pretty good. Until the Patron made an impact. However; did not want to waste the use of that package.

The second night on the boat, I decided drinking Patron and dancing with house band would be a fun way to spend the evening, until everyone decided to go to bed at 12pm and I was still dancing. I danced with the old crowd, and later the college crowd cam out; the young crowd,and I danced with the band.  Yeah, I like to dance. After there was noone left to dance with, I get hungry. I heard someone in the crowd talk about pizza. I knew pizza was somewhere on the boat, but I could not find it. I roamed aimlessly on search of pizza. So around 1 am I give up and sent a text to Mekia asking her where the pizza was. However; this I found out later created a little humor for her. Coming to my rescue, she e came and took me to the pizza counter. I apparently knocked off the table into the floor. I lost my pizza, but I did get a little. The following day, I recovered from my patron hangover.

Exploring Nassau was a priority, where most people decided to just hit the beach…I love exploring. I love discovering new places. If I am somewhere I have never been, I needed to explore.  Lauren, Mekia and myself, opted for a guided tour, the others chose to go to the Hilton hotel, and lay on their beach. The city tour gave us the opportunity to really  see the place and experience the island. Our guide, throughout the tour, reiterated a message about  “over the hill” He stated it was not safe for tourist,and he warned us numeral times, talked about how people would get robbed and other. I believed he somehow quickly figured me out. He just kept saying don’t go over the hill.  When we left our guide, I asked him how to get to the Hilton, not where near the “hill” …he looked at the other guest and then a funny look at me said, “Did I just not tell you, NOT to go to the hill”  Everyone laughed and told him what I actually said.  It seemed he believed I would do such a thing. 🙂

My 1st cruise was fun, relaxing and enjoyable. I love the service, and the luxury; however; I still believe I am not made for cruises. I love the idea of being lost and exploring different places. I love the little things, the architecture, the people, the shops and the culture of places I have never been. It is good that I experienced the cruise, and I am not saying I would not go back on one. Travel anywhere to me is always a gift.