You know I was worried but thanks to your help and lots of internet research I didn't just survive my first cruise but actually had a really good time! The weather was fantastic and I was in really good company so how could I not enjoy it! The trip started in New Orleans which was cool because we got to explore the city a bit since we arrived the day before our cruise actually left of course. This was the second to last time that this trip on Carnival Dream will be leaving out of New Orleans as Moving forward it will be taking off from Galveston, Texas. I'm glad I got on it before it all changed.
The first two days of the trip were on the boat which was one of the reasons I was a little worried. I'm not very good at sitting still and much prefer to explore or be on the beach versus at a pool but I of course ended up being just fine. It was nice to be able to actually relax for once. I got pretty far into my book, was able to soak up some sun (wearing tons of sunscreen of course) and honestly there were so many activities on the boat there was no way I could be bored. My mom and I did a craft together as well as participated in some country music trivia. I'm happy to report I answered 13 of the 15 questions correctly. They only played like 2 seconds of each song so I was pretty proud of myself! At night we also went to a couple comedy shows and even an 80s music show! That cured any homesickness I might have had! :)
First port city was Mahogany Bay Roatan in Honduras. I really enjoyed the day because we got to hang out on this beautiful beach and go snorkeling. We saw lots of really incredible fish and coral reef. At one point my Mom and I were surrounded though by some type of needle nose fish which was a little freaky but I obviously lived to tell about it! Next up was Belize which is where my cousin got married! The ceremony was in the middle of these ruins which was awesome and afterwards you got to climb them! It was a really nice ceremony and I'm so glad I got to be part of it.
Final stop on the journey was Cozumel, Mexico. I think this might have been my favorite day as we went ATVing through the jungle and then swam through underwater caves. Exploring those caves definitely made the list of some of the coolest things I've ever done. The water wasn't as chilly as I thought it was going to be and I was also worried about being a little claustrophobic but I had no problems at all. It was a really awesome experience.
After three really busy days in port it was nice to spend the final day of our trip on the boat. We spent the day relaxing and soaking us as much sun as possible before heading home. We even got to see some oil rigs which was cool! Then on that final night after dinner they had an 80s music dance party! Let me tell you, I was in my element dancing and singing the night away. Way cool!
All in all it was a great trip. I had a wonderful experience and really enjoyed being able to share it with my Mom, Dad, Jaime and other family members. One of the coolest parts was seeing the trip through Jaime's eyes. He just moved here from a small town in Mexico so many of things we did he was experiencing for the first time! First time on a boat (especially one that big!!), first time snorkeling, first time traveling to other countries, etc. It was an incredible experience to share together and we made lots of great memories!
I did have one big problem though. I ATE WAY TOO MUCH!!
Thanks again for all your help and advice and here are some pictures from our trip. Enjoy!
PS - pics from cave I'll add tomorrow.
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