Princess Cay & Nassau, Bahamas

There’s something about going on vacation after spending months in the same cycle of a 9 to 5 job, church events, and going to gym. The best way I can think to describe it is that it’s like holding my breathe for months. Bracing myself to get through everyday and every night. And as soon as I clocked out of work and stepped into Fort Lauderdale Airport, it was like my lungs expanded with fresh air. My body tingled with anxiousness and excitement. My tinted view of the world was wiped clean and I started to look at everything around me. Things are just clearer when you have a full, stress-free vacation ahead of you. All of the problems and fears belong to another version of you as you step on a plane and soar into an entirely new environment.

Well, my next step wasn’t all that new to be honest. I coasted into Jacksonville Airport (JAX) starving and excited. I hadn’t seen my mom in three months and I knew she needed this vacation as much as I did. And while I had been on a healthy eating plan for a few weeks prior to my travels, I knew that all my reservations were going out the door this week. I was going to eat and I was going to enjoy every single bite. We started off the expedition of delectable dishes at Cracker Barrel. Now, for those of you who are reading this and have never been to Cracker Barrel and love southern cooking, then this is definitely something you must absolutely add to your list. While it’s nothing like my grandma’s cooking, it comes pretty close. We indulged in their fried chicken special with green beans, macaroni and cheese, fried okra, and broccoli. (I tried to be somewhat health conscious and add a little veggie to the mix. )

After one night in our hotel (with some of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever slept on in my entire existence), we headed to the Jacksonville port to board our vessel. Thirty minutes later we’d made it through all of the pleasantries and check-ins. Now, a little interesting fact for all of my friends that want the luxury of a nice adult beverage without breaking the bank. Apparently, Carnival Cruise Line allows you to bring your own canned sodas and glass wine bottles onto the ship. As far I know, hard liquor isn’t allowed, but I can’t say I haven’t seen some people get creative with the limitations they’re given. I’m not encouraging it, but I’m simply saying that it’s possible. Don’t come for me if you get caught!

The first island was a private island owned by Carnival, Princess Cay. In order to protect the reef, we took ferries to the island. The beach was filled with people of different races, sizes and energies. Most of our fellow travelers simply enjoyed the waves and the sun. Some brave souls took advantage of the excursions which included swimming with the stingrays and turtles. Others were more adventurous with the rental paddle boards, jet skis and pedal boats. My mom and I chose the simpler side of enjoying the cruise provided barbecue along the beach and wading in the water with the itty bitty fish. Four hours and several layers of sunscreen later we were exhausted and ready for another round on the Lido Deck Buffet.

The next day we arrived at the Nassau port at 8 a.m. We spent most of this day shopping and finding souvenirs. Since this was our second time in Nassau, I wasn’t as inclined to take advantage of the island tours and excursions. For first timer, it’s okay, but I honestly think that exploring the island on our own was slightly more exciting and freeing. We swung through the straw market a few times to bargain for some t-shirts and trinkets, but in the end we ended up getting most of our souvenirs from a small shop around the corner. Now even though I love the atmosphere of the Straw Market, the bargaining gene skipped me entirely. I don’t want to bargain or discuss a price. If the price is too high, then I’m simply going to leave it there. All in all, I let mom do all of the talking which meant walking away with some pretty nice deals.

The last day was a Sea Day. Since we’d caught up on our sleep during the first two days, we tried to catch the remaining ship activities. We checked out karaoke in the China Lounge, 90’s Music Trivia in the Atrium, a few comedy shows and an Adult’s Only Kickback on the Serenity Deck.

All in all, the trip was truly enjoyable. While I’m not a particular fan of the Carnival Cruise Line, my travel companions made the trip unforgettable. I can’t wait for the next one!