To celebrate my birthday in February, I recently went on my first-ever cruise in Miami! I couldn’t miss out on this awesome perk for being part of the travel industry. Unfortunately, I was unable to bring my whole family along due to the restriction that I can only allow to bring a plus one with me as a travel agent.
Going on my first-ever cruise felt like a dream come true since I’ve always desired to go on one in like forever! There’s a common myth that cruises aren’t safe or they’re dull and just for older folks, but that’s not the case.
Even though people have different experiences and opinions about cruises, I absolutely loved every minute of it during those few days! It was an incredible experience!
As someone who’s introverted and not big on small talk, it was unexpected but awesome to meet so many great people and enjoy their company on the trip!
Day 1: Embarkation & the Adventure Begins
Oh man, stepping onto the cruise ship is seriously one of the best feelings ever! Even if the weather was a bit humid, it didn’t matter because the inside views were incredible. After checking in, we went on a little tour and got to see our cabin from the balcony. Let me tell you, the view of the ocean was absolutely breathtaking. And with that cool breeze blowing, it was pure relaxation.
Day 2: Exploring the Wonders Onboard
Cruises have so much to offer for everyone. You’ve got pools, hot tubs, sports, dance fitness, white parties, and even spas! And let’s not forget about the restaurants and an all-you-can-eat buffet with a wide variety of delicious foods. You can literally explore so many destinations on just one cruise without going through the hassle of booking multiple flights. It’s a great way to have a bit of everything without breaking the bank too much. Unless, of course, you’re afraid of the ocean.
Day 3: Enjoying the Most of the Final Day
Man, it was such a bummer when the cruise ship announced that we couldn’t visit the Bahamas because of the weather. We were all so excited about it! But hey, at least they reimbursed us for the excursions, and I managed to catch a glimpse of the island from afar. I guess it’s better to be safe than sorry, right? Hopefully, next time we’ll have better luck and get to experience the charm of the Bahamas!
I had so many refreshing drinks and hit up the all-you-can-eat buffet! Let me tell you, the lamb chops with gravy at the buffet were way better than the steak at the restaurant, in my opinion. I wasn’t expecting top-notch meals on a cruise, but most of the food I had was pretty decent. The ice cream and drinks, though? Absolutely top-tier! I went all out and got the drink package for unlimited beverages because, hey, why not, right? My go-to drink was the espresso martini. If you’re a coffeeholic like me, you can’t go wrong with that choice!
When the night came to a close, we snagged some treats and caught the Superbowl, 49ers against Chiefs, in the cinema. Everyone was super pumped for the half-time performance! And when the Chiefs clinched the win, it totally made up for the missed Bahamas trip. Chiefs all the way! What an awesome way to wrap up the night on the last day!
Day 4: Farewell to the Floating Paradise
Leaving the cruise was a bit of a hassle, but we wrapped up our trip by heading to South Miami Beach and wandering around the streets of Miami before catching our nighttime flight back home. Miami isn’t just about the nightlife, they’ve got some amazing parks and scenery too! I was really impressed by the vibe and the cultural beauty of the city. The people there were super friendly too!
We hit up a Cuban restaurant for brunch, grabbed lunch near Lincoln Road, enjoyed dulce de leches ice cream, and had a few more drinks before leaving. I felt so satisfied! I wanted to explore the city at night, but ran out of time and energy. Ended up going to the airport early because I was starving and tired of Ubering everywhere!
Final Thoughts
My overall experience with MSC Cruises was absolutely amazing! I totally get that things don’t always go as planned, but it’s the memories we make and the people we meet that truly matter. You live and learn, right? I highly recommend going on a cruise at least once in your life, even if you’re scared of the ocean. It’s a life-changing experience, and as long as you follow safety protocols and stay aware of your surroundings, it’s not as scary as you might think! I’ve actually decided to make going on a cruise every year for my birthday as a tradition. I’m super excited to keep exploring different cruises and creating amazing birthday memories! Stay tuned for more adventures!
Journey of Colourful Moments 