Have you ever forgotten what it’s like to have a real good belly laugh or smile so much that your cheeks begin to hurt? I had found myself in that place, feeling stuck in a rut and not knowing how to get out. I was taking myself and my life much too seriously. It was time for some fun. Some real fun. The opportunity to attend Brandcation couldn’t have come at a more perfect time for me, and I am glad to say that I got my happy back on a Royal Caribbean Cruise last week.
It started as I was standing on my state room balcony. The massive Liberty of the Seas began to pull away from the port. As Ft. Lauderdale began slipping away into the distance, a mix of emotions set in – excitement, peacefulness, sense of adventure.
It was to be nothing but blue seas and great fun for the next few days.
This was a media trip, and there were some complications getting our wifi passwords established on the first day. The blogger and social media manager in me initially went into panic mode. How could I live without internet access for a whole day? As the day went on, I realized the fun to be had with this particular type of freedom. How wonderful to be on a beautiful cruise ship, with so much to explore and do, cut off from the worries and cares of home. No wonder more than 20 million people go on a cruise each year.
Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas, the third largest ship in the world, offers a great variety of activities to insight fun. From the surf simulator, massive rock climbing wall, world class entertainment, 4 pools, and much more it’s easy to find something fun to do.
While I was blown away by the entertainment and enjoyed my time by the pool, it was the quiet time I was able to find that helped me the most. At night on the upper decks, long after everyone left the pool, I enjoyed rocking on a swing or kicking back on a sofa. The breeze was cool and I could hear nothing but the sound of the ocean waves. I felt relaxed, grounded, and rejuvenated.
Our ship spent a day in port in Cozumel, Mexico. I went on an excursion that took me to tour the ancient Mayan ruins – more on that later this week. After the ruins tour, we spent the afternoon at Chen Rio beach. It was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. After a taco and Sangria lunch at an ocean front restaurant, I spent the afternoon playing in the surf.
This picture really captured the moment. Happiness.
It felt good to have some sand between my toes.
I am not saying that you have to go on a cruise to find your happy place. (Although it doesn’t hurt.) You can find your happy place right at home. Just find a place where you can relax, calm your mind down, and think about the things that make you happy. I’m spending that time dreaming of my next cruise!
disclosure: Cruise provided by Royal Caribbean.
I love cruising but have never gone on a Royal Caribbean. It looks amazing and is easy to see why you got your happy back!
I have never been on a cruise, but if I ever go on one I think I would go through Royal Caribbean. It looks like an amazing time.
This looks amazing! I am so glad you had such a fabulous time. I would love to go on a cruise but my hubby won’t go for it. Maybe I just need to go with some of my friends!
that pool looks amazing!! i want to go now.
Omg I’m so jealous everything looks amazing love the pictures and want to be there. I need to convince my hubby we need some vacas!!!
I have never been on a cruise, but I would SO love to! That rock climbing wall looks like something I would do in a minute!
Wow, I would have loved to be in your shoes on this cruise! I have never been on a cruise and hope to set sail some day on one God willing!
That ship looks amazing!
I’m not sure what sounds more like paradise – the gorgeous beach, or the fact that you got to spend a little time on the boat without WiFi to just unplug (Even if unintended)! I want to go on a cruise someday.
I know it may sound silly, but your post made me smile and truly happy for you, that you got your happy back!