I've always wanted to try a cruise and the week after Christmas was SOOO the time to book a trip...it was cheap and warm! (insert a Michael Scott joke here) Ok, so the itinerary included Tampa, Key West, Belize City, Guatemala and Costa Maya Mexico...parts of the world I would never want to visit for an extended time but great for a day excursion. And if your going on that excursion, don't forget to pack your DEET...at least 40%. The mosquitos down there carry several virus' that can really make for a miserable trip. I didn't want to take any chances...I went with 100%. Thankfully none of us got sick from any 3rd world infections but that's not all.

For two days we encountered such terrible winds that we couldn't even make a port of call in Mexico. The ship can handle winds up to 24 knots but we were blowing at around 45!! Not only was the shipping swaying from side to side but up and down as we rode the waves! Try eating, walking, showering, reading, or writing in that...when you can feel your spleen LIFT every couple of steps...that'll make ya queasy. But the sensation of my intestines in zero gravity wasn't the only thing that made me a little nauseous...the gluttony did.

Wow. I've never seen so much obesity all in one place ever in my life. It was one sad story after another in line for more bread pudding. It wasn't until after being on board for a day did I realize that cruising for some has nothing to do with exploring other countries but rather how many desserts can I fit on my tray! And they make it so easy for you...complimentary room service 24 hours a day, buffets, pool deck parties...non-stop food round the clock. Near the end it was to the point to where I couldn't stand the sight of food...or those devouring it. 

I posted some pics in my photo album for you to see...the sunsets were worth it all!

It really was a great experience if for nothing else to remind myself that you don't have to go very far to find something cool to see. We have so much culture and variety in this country that we take for granted. I'm certain that my next vacation won't require a passport or a plate on a tray.