This is our first cruise, and I can't wait to tell you everything about it! When the kids were out of school for the summer, my family and I would always take a long vacation to get away from our busy lives and recharge our batteries.
I've known the Bahamas to be a paradise ever since I was a kid, and I'm quite sure everyone I know feels the same way. I counted among them. You can imagine my elation as I organized our next trip. Additionally, the fact that the trip is a cruise only adds to the fun. Being a poor swimmer who panics in deep water, I have conflicting feelings about this adventure.
When I travelled to Cancun, Mexico, on a trip that I had booked via Cheap Caribbeans, everything went off without a hitch, and my family and I had a fantastic time from the moment we landed until the moment we flew back home. So I thought, why not, and did, schedule another vacation with them. But I was looking for a change...I've heard rumors about a paradise called Bahamas ever since I was a kid, and I finally decided to go there. Although cruising wasn't initially appealing to me, I decided to give it a shot after hearing positive reports from coworkers.
Since this would be our first time cruising, we decided to plan a short trip on the earliest possible sailing. Cheap Caribbean's customer support representative was not only extremely patient, but also quite informed about all aspects of cruising. From picking a departure date and ship to selecting a room and amenities, she was there every step of the way. Added to my anticipation!!!
We decided on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Plus, we think you'll like the name of our first cruise ship—"Freedom of the Seas." Since Covid-related personnel shortages meant that many flights were delayed or canceled, and since July is hurricane season in many tropical regions, we decided to fly to Miami, Florida, a day ahead of our cruise.
We made hotel reservations at a location that offers transportation to and from the airport as well as to the cruise ship terminal. It's the day of our cruise, and we are both really excited and extremely scared. How should I proceed? I've never been on a ship before, and I can't fathom how thousands of people, not to mention all the goods on board, can keep the ship afloat without causing it to drown. I hoped and prayed with all my heart that we would return from our vacation in one piece.
At check-in/boarding, we submitted our paperwork, which included negative covid test results and medical clearance from our doctors. Upon boarding, we were given a thorough safety briefing in the ship's large dining room. This included crucial information such where to go in the event of an emergency. Our bags were still being brought to our cabin when we discovered that the ship was filled with lively music and a seemingly endless supply of free food and drink. We sampled everything from tacos and burritos to nachos and hot dogs to burgers and ice cream. Incredible force! My kid, then 10 years old, remarked, "This is the life, Mommy." Having his approval meant the world to me. During the journey, he actually met several new pals. Keep in mind that we have not yet set sail, but in the meanwhile, you are welcome to enjoy the ship's pools and hot tubs and an abundance of complimentary food and drink. Every member of crew was prepared to assist any passenger. As the ship pulled away from the dock, the passengers celebrated with drinks and loud music. Seeing the ship's passengers upbeat and having a good time was entertaining.
The 9th floor balcony room was our choice, and we booked it. I adore balconies because they usually offer a panoramic view of the ocean. Small but comfortable, the room can accommodate a family of four. In case of an emergency, life vests are provided in each room. In case you were wondering, the life vests are of reassuringly high quality.
From Miami, the five-day cruise set sail for the Bahamas. The first day was embarkation, when passengers could get a feel for the ship's many features, such as its many pools, restaurants, entertainment venues, day care for young children, fitness center for working off the calories consumed on board, golf course, and lounges where they could kick back, elevate their legs, and enjoy a cocktail while watching the sea go by.
We set up "My time dining" in the main dining room and enjoyed our meal there. The staff greeted us with smiles and showed us to our table by the window, where we could watch and get dizzy by the waves roll in (joking...I liked it). They kindly accommodated our request to eat at the same table for five consecutive nights of supper. We had the best supper ever, and our waiters, Michael and Gary, were the funniest and most amusing people we've ever met. They would surprise us with our favorite treats because they knew just what we liked. It was a gourmet meal, but you can eat as much as you want. I immediately felt more at ease after I learned that the majority of the ship's crew were fellow Filipinos (or "kababayans").
Day 2 was spent at sea. Having a great day in the pools, hot tubs, and exploring the ship. We went to the theater, played golf, and are now starting to roast in the hot sun.
A "Perfect Day at Cococay" in the Bahamas occurred on Day 3. A Royal Caribbean private island, this tropical paradise is a great place to unwind and have a good time. The employees welcomed us with a boisterous dance to the blaring beats of the dance music. Crews awaited customers in the island, ready to provide service with eager expressions on their faces. We spent the entire day inside the exclusive Cocobeach Club, which admits only 200 people. It's more expensive than other parts of the islands, but well worth it. With a fully stocked bar and wait staff bringing drinks right to your beach lounger. Even the lunches served were limitless, from the hors d'oeuvres to the lobsters to the steaks to the burgers to the desserts, and I have to say that the best part of the lunch was the Ultimate Rhum Cake, which really should have been called a Cake in a Rhum because it was so drenched in rum. The Rhum cake was the finest I've ever had, and I'm quite sure it gave me a buzz just from eating it.
The sea was so translucent that you could see individual fish swimming across it, and even the tiny transparent jelly fishes, which were harmless due to their lack of size. The water was so peaceful and clear that we stayed in it all day. My son absolutely loved the wave pool, which provided an excellent substitute for the ocean's waves minus the sand and salt.
The third day was another day at sea. I'm in awe at the vastness of the ocean, but I'm also a little nervous because nothing but water and sky surrounds our ship. I want to see dolphins leap from the waves as if to wave and reassure us that they're there with us.
The flight to Nassau, Bahamas, on day four. There were several other excursions to choose from, but we decided on a ferry voyage to Blue Lagoon so that we could see dolphins and interact with sea lions up close. Having never had any direct experience with sea lions, everything seemed novel. We were able to snap pictures, shake their flippers, and even give them hugs. We also saw dolphins frolicking in the Blue Lagoon's emerald waters and gliding beneath the surface. Although both Blue Lagoon and Cococay have soothing waters, I found the water in Blue Lagoon to be slightly saltier. At this point, we were all being seared by the intense heat of the Bahamas sun, and despite our best efforts to protect ourselves with multiple layers of sunscreen, it was clear that some of the sun's rays were getting through.That's why we showed up, I suppose. Sun and sea, if you will. We'd best soak up every last bit of our cruise's final day.
The final day of the trip was disembarkation. The time has come to stow our wet and soiled swimwear in our bags and board the ship. Every morning of our vacation, we continue to look forward to the delicious and plentiful breakfast buffet at the Windjammer.
The cruise was fantastic in every way. Everything about the cruise was wonderful—the ship, the food, the cocktails, the pools, the excursions—but the crew members were just extraordinary. There were thousands of passengers on board, hailing from all corners of the globe. Some were more difficult to come by than others. As I say this, I can't help but be in awe of the ship's staff, all of them have worked tirelessly without showing any signs of fatigue to make sure that our holiday is absolutely unforgettable. Royal Caribbean deserves praise for ensuring that its guests have a good time on this and every other cruise they provide.
There is no doubt in my mind that the Bahamas is the perfect destination. It was like crossing something off my bucket list when it actually happened. If I were to go on another cruise, it would be with Royal Caribbean because they gave us the most unforgettable first ever experience in cruising to our dream vacation.
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