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.
Looks like a ton of fun. They have so much to do on cruises anymore. I really enjoy great activities like this.
One of my favorite vacations was the cruise I took with my sisters. I love cruising and would love to do one with my family next!
very nice! I so want to go on a cruise, never been. This looks like they have something for ALL ages!
I’ve been on several Royal Caribbean cruises and loved them all!
I love going on a cruise. You are basically forced into going into vacation while you’re there too and really can’t reach people inland. Well, you can but it will definitely cost you … sometimes a lot! This is great! This definitely has a lot going on there.
Your post reminded me that I really need to go on a vacation. I think I am going to book mine too. Looks like you had an amazing time.
Your’e post really made me want to go on a cruise thanks for the inspiration!
It looks like so much fun and I want to get my toes in the sand and see the gorgeous water and eat the yummy food! It looks like you had fun!
Sounds like a fun vacation and wow that rock climbing area looked HUGE!!! My sister loves going on cruises, maybe one day I will venture out!
You look cheerful and relaxed, and I am glad the cruise was wonderful for you. We all need time to relax and rewind.