Cruisin!

Ah, January. 

Wait, that's not what January looked like to you??? Well, this is what it looked like to me! Because I was on a CRUISE TO THE BAHAMAS thanks to my hubby! 

It was my first cruise ever!  

Here's what I learned about cruising:

...that you can pack for a whole cruise in a carry-on if you smash your clothes into ziplock bags.  I also subsequently learned that I will never be taking another red-eye flight before getting on a cruise ship. 

I LEARNED: that cruise ships are huge! I was amazed how large ours was, and it had "only" 14 floors! I couldn't believe there was even an elevator in it. Boy, was I clueless. 

I LEARNED: that when you take a picture right when you get on a cruise ship, you will be photo-bombed by a guy in a yellow shirt making a silly face

I LEARNED: that the top deck of the cruise ship is a wonderful place to "promenade." I was also shocked to discover there was nothing to stop you from going overboard up there.  I figured there would at least be a ledge or nets.  Nope. I didn't spend much time looking down. :) Instead I enjoyed the views of the ship and sea. 

I LEARNED: that the best way to start your cruise is with a dance party! These girls taught me to "wobble wobble." :)

I LEARNED: a lot about these three ladies who accompanied me and taught me all I know about cruising! 

Throughout the cruise we talked a lot and asked lots of questions. 

I LEARNED: If we could each get a new car, JoAnna would get a truck, I would get a Lexus, Lori would get a jeep and Jenny would get a convertible. 

I LEARNED: that Lori's greatest fear is dancing in front of a crowd.  Don't worry, we got her to face that fear the last night. 

I LEARNED: JoAnna loves salads.

I LEARNED: Jenny's favorite food is pizza.

I LEARNED: that Lori twirled fire batons in high school. 

I LEARNED: that Dramamine is great, and worth taking before you get on the ship. And for a few days after you return home...I couldn't get rid of my sea legs!  

I LEARNED: how to play shuffleboard! 

I LEARNED: Sunglasses are a must-have item to look cool on a cruise ship. 

And a fancy pina colada drink doesn't hurt either...

I LEARNED: that watching the belly flop contest is a must-see attraction! 

I LEARNED: that it's fun to go walk around downtown Nassau and see all the little shops.  I also learned to say "no" as much as possible.  Everywhere you turn, someone is peddling something to you! 

I love this picture of Jo & Jenny... 

I LEARNED: that there's such a thing as "formal night" where the whole ship gets all dressed up and it's really fun! It was amazing how well we coordinated considering we didn't coordinate. How's that? 

I LEARNED: that food is plentiful on a cruise ship.  And the later dining time is the best to enjoy a full days worth of activities. 

I LEARNED: that towels can be shaped into all sorts of creative creatures! 

I LEARNED: that early morning excursions on a cruise aren't my favorite. But they are great to get you out the door before most tourists are up so you can see a lot more! 

I LEARNED: that buses in Bahamas are more like vans:

I LEARNED: that the Atlantis Resort lives up to its' name. A lost kingdom with lots to discover! 

 I LEARNED: that wearing a big floppy hat at a resort makes you feel like a celebrity.

I LEARNED: it's more fun to kiss my husband than a big fish. 

I LEARNED: that you gotta be prepared to pay tips.  Especially if you want a beach chair with a view! 

I LEARNED: that even if the beaches are "closed" due to high waves, you can still bask in the sun! And get sunburned. :) 

I LEARNED: that you can still enjoy the ocean and beach in January! 

I LEARNED: that you gotta take pictures of the sand fast...

I LEARNED: that a quick excursion to Atlantis was not long enough and I need to come back. :) 

I LEARNED: that by looking at these pictures of the blue water and scenery, I can be transported in my mind back to the Bahamas.  I go there often. :) 

Special thanks to these wonderful ladies that helped me enjoy my first cruise and for teaching me all I know now about cruising! It was marvelous.