Even in retirement, everyone needs a little time away. Hubba-Hubba-Hubbie (HHH) and I have fallen in love with cruising after returning from a fantastic week aboard the Discovery Princess! With just over 5,000 crew and passengers, it’s hard to believe so many people can be in one place and enjoy themselves. This Spring Break Party on the High Seas is one to be remembered.
We never knew how much we needed cruising until we found ourselves aboard a floating city, surrounded by people in flip-flops, pina coladas in hand, and the sound of the ocean whispering sweet nothings to our stateroom. Here’s the tale of how we went from skeptical landlubbers to die-hard cruisers while falling in love… with a ship.
Just a year ago, HHH and I booked our first cruise. Everyone told us we’d love it, but we were a bit unsure. Being stuck on a giant boat with nothing but sea and sky for miles seemed… well…… claustrophobic.
“Too boring?” “Do we love the ocean that much?” “What if we get seasick?” “Norovirus?” So many questions about things that might or might not happen.
Our sail-away date arrived, and we boarded with the skepticism of a person about to try kale for the first time. After flying, we bused to the Port of San Francisco to board the Crown Princess. Stepping onto the ship, we were immediately overwhelmed by unbelievable luxury. The smells of endless buffets wafted through the air, and the soft, melodious music greeted us like a tropical serenade. We’d soon be on our way to the Mexican Riviera.
I didn’t realize it yet, but the ship had me at “Hello”.
Some people aren’t cruisers, like those who don’t like being pampered every moment of the day. The sounds of waves in the night might keep some awake. The moon-kissed promenade deck might be too romantic.
WE are not in that group. HHH loved having someone else do the cooking for a week. I loved the room service, ordering fruit and cheese as often as I wanted. The onboard spa was luxurious and the restaurants were Five Star.
And oh, the drinks. All-inclusive, you say? Yes, please! I never once had to pause my sunbathing to check the bank account before getting a drink. It was an endless parade of margaritas, and Diet Coke. Every time the bartender handed me a drink, I swore I saw a twinkle in their eye that said, “We know you’re hooked now”.
By the fourth day, I realized something shocking: I didn’t want to get off the ship. Not for excursions. Not for the chance to explore new cities. I wanted to stay on the boat forever. Is that normal? To love the ship more than the places it takes you?
It wasn’t the exotic ports of call that stole my heart but that, at any time, we could retreat to our cozy luxury apartment in the middle of the ocean. We could watch movies under the stars while waves crashed beneath us, or simply nap our lives away, all while the world kept spinning. The ship was our sanctuary—a floating cocoon of relaxation, with room service and pillow chocolates. What’s not to love?
The evening entertainment was amazing. There were comedy shows, Broadway-style performances. It felt like every night was date night—no matter how many days we’d been at sea. A good show and a fancy dinner were things we never wanted to let go.
In fact, I started to believe that the ship itself was wooing me. “Oh, look at me,” the ship seemed to say. “I have a jacuzzi. I have a casino. I have Five-Star restaurants. Where are you going to find that on dry land?” And to be honest, the ship had a point.
By the time the cruise neared its end, I had realized something profound: I was in love. But not just with the boat—I’d fallen for the whole lifestyle. The sense of freedom, the joy of being pampered, the thrill of discovering new places, and—most importantly—the beauty of doing absolutely nothing at all. Thank goodness HHH feels the same.
The Discovery Princess was just as intoxicating. On the last night of the cruise, HHH discovered he’d won a free cruise to be booked within the next six months. We’ll book that one as soon as the suitcases are put away and the laundry folded. Just where will the next adventure take us?? I’ll let you know.
We disembarked with a heavy heart and souvenirs that will remind us of where we’ve been. More than ever, we love cruising.
If you haven’t yet considered cruising, give it a chance. Exciting and relaxing, once hooked, you may never want to return to landlocked vacations again. The sea is calling, and our hearts are ready for more.