WOO-HOO! I'm going on a Caribbean cruise!

[southerngale]

I'm pretty dang excited! I've never been on a cruise before! And it's free - won in a contest (long story). I know I'll have to have some money but the trip is paid for...shipboard accomodations, most meals and drinks, entertainment, etc. Anyway, it's a 7 night cruise from April 30th - May 7th. We board in Galveston and we'll port for one day at each of these places: Ocho Rios, Jamaica - George Town, Grand Cayman - Cozumel

I've never been to any of those places and really have no idea what to expect on the cruise. Furry?

Oh, and get this! I figured since it was won, I'd be in one of the interior rooms. I found out later that not only is it not an interior room, but not the oceanview either. A balcony room! They cost almost twice as much as the interior rooms.

I wasn't going to post about it until it got closer, but I was too excited and just had to share!!

[cycloneye]

Oh Kelly to bad the cruise does not include Puerto Rico as I know that you would enjoy it here but anyway that cruise route is very good so enjoy it all.

[JonathanBelles]

i have one in the works for may after i get out of school. i might be coming your way cycloneye

[arkess7]

Ive never been on a cruise before either!!!!!!!!!!!! Have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!

[cajungal]

You are sooooo lucky!!!! I been on 2 Caribbean Cruises. The first one was sort of free. The first one I went on was in March 2001. I went with my mom out of New Orleans on the Carnival Inspirtation. My dad did not want to go because he works offshore on an oil rig. So all he ever sees is open water for a week at a time. So, my mom invited me to go in his place. My aunt and uncle came, as well as 17 of their friends and spouses. It was mainly free for me because my mom knew I did not have much money at the time. She paid for our room which was an interior room. Because it was the cheapest but we were rarely in our room anyway. Only to sleep, shower and change. Our meals were free. My mom even paid for my excursions. And my mom even bought me a few alcoholic beverages. The only thing I had to pay for was my souvineers.

I loved it so much that I booked another cruise 2 years later. This time paying for the whole trip myself plus my aunt's. Only because I could not find anybody to come with me and she could not really afford it. So being the generous person I am, I paid for it. My credit card bill got ran up to $1700. But, at the time I did not have my car or any other bills. I paid off the credit card bill in 6 months. We went on the Carnvial Conquest out of New Orleans again. Carnival Conquest was brand new then. We went during Mardi Gras week. I once again loved it so much! The very first night we were on the ship, I won $200 in the casino! And I only put $10 in the nickel machine Little Green Men. I won that in under 5 minutes on the very first machine I tried! Talk about luck! My aunt ended up paying for the excursions since I paid for the rooms. Jamaica-we did Dunns River Falls. Way harder than it looks. I thought my aunt and I would never make it to the top.

Grand Cayman-took a cab to 7-mile beach and just relaxed. Gorgeous place but very, very expensive!

Cozumel-my favorite of all the ports. Went on the Party Barge. Let me see if I remember any of it. 7 margaritas at least and 4 rounds of tequilla. I was gone! We also went to Carlos and Charlies after and drank more. Almost as wild as Bourbon Street! The Mexicans loved me and they were a lot of fun. Danced, danced, danced. My aunt had to help me back on the ship and I almost fell in the ocean. What a night! I did not even make it to dinner that night!
My aunt won $100 on the day we were headed home. Her name was pulled out of a drawing. And she handed it over to me as her appreciation for me taking her. I thought it was very sweet.
I would love to go back on another cruise, but can't afford it right now. I have too many bills now.

But for all you storm2k Texans- I may be in Galveston sometime in July or August. My cousin and I are talking about going. She has a lot of family there on her dad's side and we may not even have to worry about the expense of a hotel. Galveston is only a 5 hour drive, so we won't even have to take a whole week off work. We are dying to go to the new waterpark Schlitterbaun. I will be 30 on June 25th this year, but yet I just LOVE waterparks.

[GalvestonDuck]

Yay, Galveston rules!

[Brent]

WOW... that's awesome SG. Be sure to take lots of pictures for us.

[Skywatch_NC]

CONGRATULATIONS KELLY & FAMILY!!

HAVE A FANTASTIC TIME!!

Eric

[southerngale]

WOW... that's awesome SG. Be sure to take lots of pictures for us.

Of course! You know me and pictures!
Thanks for all the info, cajungal.

[Brent]

Of course! You know me and pictures!

Don't remind me...

[O Town]

Congrats Kelly. Cruises are awesome!!!!! I can't wait to get back on a big boat. I have been on 2 in the past 5 years and they are absoultley fabulous! We had ocean view which was great, you got the balcony!!!! Lucky dog. Have fun, cause I know you will. This will not be your last one either, once you go you have to go again.

[Scorpion]

I love cruises. Went on a cruise last June, it was arguably the best part of my summer.

[CajunMama]

I think Frack needs a Frick to go along with her!

[beachbum_al]

Congrats and take me with....

[TexasStooge]

Have a great time!!

[DaylilyDawn]

Have a really great time!

[southerngale]

I think Frack needs a Frick to go along with her!

Wouldn't that be a force to be reckoned with!

We'd depart as legends.

[Wahoo]

*stuffs herslef in SG's suitcase*

[O Town]

Nice to see you joined Wahoo.
Welcome to the boards!

[bvigal]

Congrats Kelly, hope it is just wonderful!!!!!!!!!!

Anyone ever plans a cruise stopping in BVI, PM me and I'll have some useful info for you!