Ever swim in the ocean with stingrays? I did. Ever been bitten by a stingray? I have and just knew I was in need of immediate medical attention but after calming down I liked having a part of my flesh taken away. Sounds crazy weird but it was cool. To say I was in the water with all those stingrays is something I will always talk about. Scratched that off my bucket list. I also allowed a stingray to be placed on my back. It felt like a humongous wet, slimy mushroom. It was fun. Would I do it again? Hell yes!!!
Another fun part of my excursion was holding a baby sea turtle. He was wiggly. Cute though.
This was my 4th cruise and I’ve never done excursions. What the heck is wrong with me? Well one thing was excursions are pricey especially when you’re traveling with your entire family. It’s always good to do your homework ahead of time if you want to explore and find better bargains when you’re traveling with a lot of people. You don’t always have to purchase cruise ship excursions but I’m not knocking them.
This trip was taken due to the lovely ladies of Permission To Hustle Audrey McLelland and Vera Sweeney. It was our first PTH retreat. I was not passing this getaway up. It was a Carnival Paradise cruise to Grand Cayman and Cozumel Mexico with about 40 women and lots of learning .
I love Carnival ships so I already knew what restaurants were on board, what slots to hit and what activities and parties to attend. I was also my neighbors alarm clock. My two buddies from New York were my next door neighbors and I made sure they were up on time and ready for breakfast so we would be on time for our classes. Yes, work first then fun later.
Here’s a TIP: There’s 24 hour room service. I started my day with a fresh hot pot of coffee and a muffin, yogurt and fruit before I headed to breakfast with the girls. That helped while I patiently waited to head upstairs and have a hot meal like an omelet with the works, home fries, sausage and grits. I also asked for a pitcher of ice water so I could take my medicine. That saved me a lot of time and energy. My medicine had to be taken early so room service helped. Also, keep the pitcher or ice bucket and your housekeeper will refill it with ice for you.
I learned so much about social media, finding my niche, sponsored posts, apps and other goodies. The speakers were amazing. Made lots of new friends and memories. The part I loved the most was seeing Audrey and Vera taking notes, raising their hands and asking questions too. You learn something new everyday as I always say.
Dinner time was fun because we sat at a different table every night and interacted with everyone who attended in our group. We were also welcomed with live entertainment and serenaded by an amazing server. The food was delicious and the drinks were on point. The Carnival Hub App which I always download always come in handy because it shows you the daily activities. After dinner we would go to either karaoke or a 80’s,/90’s party or game night. Some of us headed to the casino. There’s also the Spa, pool, jacuzzi and water slides.
Yes every cruise has all you can eat food. Some restaurants charge but the majority of the ship dining is free. There are drink packages if you have to have soda or liquor. If not juices, coffee, lemonade, ice tea and water are free. You can also come on board with a 12-pack cans of soda, sparkling water or a bottle of wine.
TIP: Bring a fanny pack. This was very convenient and easy to use while traveling and on and off the boat. It held my I.D.’s, and or passport,credit cards and or cash and you won’t lose it because it’s around your waist the hold time. Also hard for thieves to go in or grab from you.
Here’s another TIP: A sarong/swim cover up is your friend. All the ladies were blessed with beautiful sarongs from Santo Wrap. I loved this wrap. You can dress it up or down. It dries quickly and is oh so stylish. Wear as a skirt, dress or just cover up what’s underneath. I’ll forever be a fan.
My next TIP: Always carry a small umbrella whether you think you need it or not. People forget it’s not just for the rain but a great way to protect yourself from that blazing sun. Still make sure you have on sunscreen and sunglasses (foster grant sunglasses were great). It really helps. I had a few friends who I gladly shared my umbrella with. It was a life saver.
TIP: I used to always overpack. That’s when I do 11-day cruises and didn’t care about paying a fee for my checked bag. Now that those prices went up I only take carryon luggage. I take a small luggage and duffel bag or backpack. I also carry less shoes and pack wisely. I don’t need my blow dryer because there’s one in the room. I iron all my clothes before I pack and I use TSA approved bottles for my toiletries. Also, ziploc bags are great for shoes/flip flops, medicine and used lingerie/underwear/bathing suits when returning. TSA won’t empty your bags trying to figure out what’s inside if they can see it through the ziploc. I also labeled my medicine so they would know it’s not a weapon and it was allowed in the carryon.
So these are just a few of my tips. Need more tips? Ask away. I’m ready for the next cruise and yes my kids did ask when they were going on another one. They are definitely keeping a count of how many I’ve been on and so far I’m in the lead. Family vacation planning in the works. I’m glad they love cruises too. Makes it easy and affordable. Now just to get them on a plane. They asked to go on a plane. Not a problem.
I really had an amazing time and i owe it all to when I first joined Twitter and met Audrey and Vera. They were my mentors and I wanted to be just like them. I joined all their Twitter parties and won quite a few. When we finally met in person at events they called me their BAD ASS MOMMA! I knew these women were my new BFF’s. You rock!!
Disclosure: I’d like to give BIG shoutouts to Audrey and Vera, Carnival and all the sponsors who were part of the swag bags, Jet Blue for getting me to Tampa and back to New York safe. This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are mine 100% as always.
Five Little Words 
Great photos. Thanks for sharing.