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.
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Oh, how exciting! I’d love to visit Mexico someday. That’s on my travel bucket list. I have never been on a cruise before, but I’ll be going on one for the first next month (if my passport comes in time, lol) to the Bahamas. I’m so nervous, yet excited at the same time.
I think a lot of us got our happy back on that cruise! So glad I went!
I’m so glad to hear you had such a great time! I’ve been on several cruises and each one has been such a fun experience.
My wife and I have been on one cruise before many years ago. Reading this took me back to that time for a few moments. It was a nice time indeed. I hope we can get the opportunity to go again someday. We only took a cellphone and never turned it on till we got back to the states.