What To Do On A Cruise For Two: Days 1-3
"Roses are red violets are blue
What would you do on a Caribbean cruise for two?
I took my first cruise with my boo
Who is no longer 22
He spent his birthday on the big blue
One crown one anchor
Bae and I would like to say thanker
To the amazing staff on board
That wouldn't allow us to get anywhere without our sea pass"
HAITI. JAMAICA. GRAND CAYMAN ISLAND. MEXICO.
Day 1- Rise and shine, dawn broke before I opened my eyes. Oh how anxious was I to be leaving for one week. This vacation will be too sweet just my king and me. Traveling the deep blue sea.
The race to the airport before it was too late kept me wide awake. In We got to Philadelphia International Airport and indeed it was too late we missed our flight due to late check-in of our luggage at baggage claim. We were placed on standby for the next flight into Orlando, Florida. Putting us one hour and a half behind schedule. I was calm but my other half was in panic mode. A sign of relief was when we got somewhat good news, if we did miss check-in for the ship we would still meet our ship in Jamaica two days later. Nice but not quite.
We reached our destination safely thanks to out fast uber driver from Orlando to Port Canaveral we checked in 20mins before check in was over and we set sail.
The Pier at Port Canaveral, Florida
We ate dinner at Galilleo's which was not exciting
Our first day on the ship we realized the demographic on the trip. Majority of the passengers on board were elderly and of Caucasian descent. Not much young adults, if there were any they came with their families. But it was couple retreat. Many were buddied up with their significant other as we were in the same boat (haha, pun not intended).
The meal was awful, I had cheeseburger sliders and my partner had pork chop. Talk about dry and tasteless. 3 course meal for free so why should I complain? The service was on point. Yet we were uncomfortable while the seating arrangements were extremely tight, no privacy. Literally touching the next table while they peek all in your food. Sad, to say we felt super uncomfortable, one table beside us you can tell were not fond of people of color. Here we are two young, African, lovers and first time cruisers who are excited to finally have a getaway. Let's just say dinner this night was cut short, we got dirt looks and strange stares from a mid age couple who clearly had an issue with us snapping photos and conversing with the table to our right who were such a lovely, elderly couple that has cruised before. Being we were so close to both tables, us being the only POC's in our section felt strange when this occurred. In that case we left and went to our Oceanside view room.
Day 2 - We were still at sea and have not docked at any destinations yet. We were enjoying some well needed rest and soaking it all in that we were really a long way from home. In the morning we had breakfast by the poolside. We discovered a buffet on the 11th deck called the Windjammer. The best discovery in the history of discoveries. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner for free. The food options unlimited, and choices that would have your taste buds dancing. One thing I loved about the ship was the stressed force on hand sanitizing. Me low key being a germ-a-phob was like yes we need this. Everywhere you go on the ship had at least two or more hand sanitizing booths. The ship had many events going on according to our compass and television screens that kept us updated every second of the day. Bae went to play basketball as I took the time to attend a ladies pamper party which ended up with me paying $35 for a bronzer made with crushed oyster shells that will last about 2yrs. I thought why not, I love bronzer. Yet not quite sure if this was worth the buy. Overall we had a relaxing day and waited to hit Labadee, Haiti, desitnation numero uno.
Day 3- LABADEE, HAITI
My "Young African King's" birthday. Haiti was super chill and we enjoyed our day together. We didn't eat breakfast being we were too anxious to go ashore and see the beauty Haiti has. Side note, during these tours of each island we are docked at resort areas. Not the real deal. I was expecting to interact and see the authentic Haiti. Yet it was still an awesome experience being in a foreign place where the people are hustling their way to meet and greet you. Our shore excursion for this day was a floating mat. Meaning we just hand our tickets in and grab one mat per persona and float on the ocean. The water was shallow, however I was a nervous mess because I do not know how to swim. This would also be my first time, comfortably exposing my body in a long time. I am still on my journey of embracing my flaws that my temple has to offer. Yet I was not that comfortable in my bathing suit.
After spending a cool morning floating. We dried up and went to look atthe shops that were in Labadee. Let's just say that it was an interesting experience. It is understood that majority of the income in the islands we visited is tourism. Therefore these business owners are like hawks. All of them at once trying to get you to purchase items from their shops. With wit, humor, millions questions, and compliments they persuade you into a transaction. It was funny and irritating at the same time. After awhile I got annoyed so we left. But we ended up purchasing more than one item. If I had more money with me I would have bought something from each shop just to make each seller happy. But we were on a tight budget and wanted to make sure we buy souvenirs from each island. In the end we at lunch and strolled through Labadee. So, Ive been on no red meat diet since the new year began. However during this trip meat was all I ate. Two burgers for lunch that had me in pain afterwards. Not the est best decision. Boarded the ship before 3:30pm.
Bringing our third day cruising to an end. I had a surprise for my boyfriend in our room. Cake and decorations planned the night before by myself and the cruise staff. He wasn't expecting it and was happy. We went back in to play mini golf, which didn't last toolong being that we were extremely hot. We then went back to nap a bit and. prepared for a lovely dinner at the Windjammer. Haiti was short and sweet. The food was Bon A Petite !
