#GirlTripOnAShip!
This year I promised myself I would travel more, try new things, and conquer even more fears than last year. So far, so good! One of my most favorite new things thus far was going on my first cruise!
Now, I have to say I was slightly hesitant...I'm not crazy about being on the ocean where all you can see in any direction is water. But my adventurous side wouldn't let me sit this party out, and I'm so glad I didn't!
Along with two of my other best girls, I vacay-ed for five days on a Carnival Imagination Cruise to Ensenada, Mexico to celebrate our friend's birthday. Casting off from the main port in Long Beach, our first stop was Catalina Island the next day, just in time for some Parasailing and touristy time ashore.
SIDEBAR: Parasailing was amazing!!! It was my second time doing it and I would definitely do it again. This time I was crazy enough to bring my phone with me 🙈 and got some great pics, but in honor of my friend's birthday we had an actual photographer, so stay tuned for those pics in another post. For now, my cell phone pics will have to do!
Catalina island is literally a trip all in itself, so I won't delve too deep into the "what to do's" while you're there in this post. Just know, if you need some great ice cream and are in the area, "Scoop Catalina Island" is the place to go.
Back on the ship we went in the late afternoon for dinner and activities.One of my favorite things about the cruise ship was that you have a 4-5 course dinner every evening. The food was all-included in the cruise price, so the only thing I paid for was the mocktails, which were great btw!
For dinner, you sit with a group of assigned individuals at your table. It's a great way to make friends with other cruise ship members and created a great family atmosphere. We met some great people and it was like leaving a small family behind when the cruise was over.
On Day 3 we arrived in Ensenda, Baja California, Mexico!
What an experience! It was my first time in Mexico, and it was a great experience to see another view of the culture we don't often get to see via TV. 
Upon arriving, we took a tour provided by the cruise of "La Bufadora," one of three giant blowholes in the world.
The 45 minute bus ride was led by our animated tour guide, Enrique, who pointed out some interesting novelties of Mexican culture in Ensenada, including the tuna farms along the cliffs up to La Bufadora.
Our bus ride ended when we reached the Main Street leading down to La Bufadora, lined with shops and vendors. I bought one of the most comfy blankets ever, and am now "lista" for anything this Cali "winter" weather has to offer!
The city of Ensenada is also known for its beautiful leather products. They encourage bartering as well (one of my secret favorite pastimes). I snagged some unique and comfortable leather sandals you might have seen in some other outfit posts. 😉
In our perusing down the main street towards La Bufadora there were several small shops selling freshly made food.
Right before we took the bus back to the cruise ship, I had one of the best tacos I've ever tasted. You think avocados in California are good? You haven't tried anything until you have some fresh Mexican guacamole!
Back on the cruise ship, day three ended with a great dinner and some lively karaoke!
Day four was right on time with a chance to relax...our "Day At Sea."
We took this time to snooze on the deck, soak in the hot tub, and visit the steam room!
Day 5 essentially included our last breakfast and coming back on land. I was so sad to go home, but so grateful for the experience and a new list of life-long memories.Below I created a list of pros and cons for those of you who still need a little extra convincing that cruises are a good idea! Stay tuned for my next cruise adventure because it's coming!
PROS:
New sights, different activities every day, great room service, endless amounts of food, the breakfast tater tots, good Karaoke (aka showtime at the Apollo), the ship has a gym, mocktails, our cool dinner partners, and some amazing friends to cruise with!
Cruising is addictive--if you like it the first time you're sure to go again. And once you go the first time, they offer you great deals and benefits that increase every time you go.
CONS:
Most cruises are fully booked, so book early! We inadvertently got the wrong room so quarters were small (aka I slept in a pull-out bed on the wall). On the bright side, there's so much happening that you're hardly in your room.
Other possible con--if you get motion sickness make sure you try out some motion sickness meds to see how they work for you. Motion sickness isn't my testimony but make sure not to let that ruin your trip if that is yours.Finally, after being on board at sea so many days it took a few days to re-adjust to being on land, so my legs thought I was still on the water for about a week. Other than that, I was good to go!All in all, I would definitely do it again!! What about you? Was this small glimpse into the cruise life helpful? Have you been on a cruise before? What was your favorite/least favorite part? Let me know!
-AB