Setting Sail on a Journey of Discovery

There are moments in life when reality surpasses your wildest dreams. For me, one such moment was stepping aboard a majestic cruise ship for the first time at the age of 61. This wasn’t just a vacation; it was a long-awaited bucket list item, patiently waiting to be checked off. Although my dream had been delayed with career commitments, family responsibilities, and financial considerations, it was now my time to set sail.

My daughter, Rio, was set to go on a Disney Cruise with her best friend. However, due to a health-related issue, her friend couldn’t fly to Florida to go on the cruise. I reached out to see if I could take her place as a surprise for my daughter. Short answer – YES!!

Rio had already been on four cruises, so she knew what to expect, which made getting ready a lot easier. So, we started the preparations for a seven-day Caribbean cruise on the Disney Treasure!

Embarking on the Adventure

We flew to Orlando on Friday, May 2, and spent the night at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. While there, we took a bus to Disney Springs and made a stop at Gideon’s Bakehouse. We stood in line for about 45 minutes to get some incredible cookies – they were worth the wait!

The next morning, we joined our travel group and took a bus to Port Canaveral to board the Disney Treasure. From the moment I caught sight of the massive vessel docked at the port, I was in awe. When they announced our names and we stepped onto the ship, it was like entering another world.

Our cabin, a cozy haven with a private balcony, felt like a dream. Standing on the pool deck as the ship sailed away from the harbor, I watched the coastline fade and the vast ocean take over. It was a moment of pure exhilaration – a clear line between the familiar and the extraordinary.

Highlights of the Cruise

The cruise was everything I had imagined and more. Each day brought new experiences that were as diverse as the destinations we visited.

Life on the ship was a delightful blend of adventure and indulgence. There was no shortage of activities to keep us entertained – from Broadway-style shows like Beauty & The Beast and Moana), movies like Thunderbolts, trivia challenges, and crafting sessions. We shared laughter and stories over elegant dinners and cocktails.

And the food – oh, the food! Even though we didn’t dine at the gourmet restaurants, we still feasted. We treated ourselves to dishes we’d never tried before, savoring every bite. But it was the desserts we looked forward to every evening.

Moments of Reflection

Amid all the excitement, there were quieter moments that allowed me to reflect on this milestone. Sitting on my balcony in the morning while listening to the gentle rhythm of the waves, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. This was more than a vacation – it was a reminder that dreams don’t have an expiration date.

Lessons Learned

My first cruise taught me more than I ever expected. It taught me that stepping out of your comfort zone is where the magic happens. It reminded me that age is just a number and that the world is filled with wonders waiting to be explored. Most importantly, it emphasized the importance of investing in experiences that enrich your soul.

The trip also showed me the value of connection. Whether it was bonding with my dinner companions or chatting with the ship’s crew, the human connections made during this journey were as memorable as the destinations themselves.

Checking It Off the List

As the cruise came to an end and the ship returned to port, I found myself with mixed emotions. I was sad to leave this floating paradise but thrilled to have checked such a meaningful item off my bucket list, especially being able to share the experience with my daughter! The joy of accomplishing this dream was accompanied by a newfound determination to keep exploring, keep dreaming, and keep checking off those bucket list items one by one.

Final Thoughts

Going on my first cruise at 61 was more than just a vacation – it was a celebration of life! A reminder that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Whether you’re 21, 61, or 91, there’s a whole world out there waiting for you to explore it. So, if there’s something on your bucket list that you’ve been putting off, take this as your sign to go for it.

Have you ever been on a cruise? Have you visited somewhere that was on your bucket list? Let me know in the comments.

Thanks for sharing this adventure with me!

Until next time,

~ Belle

P.S. – I thought I’d have a lot of downtime to crochet on the cruise! But with so many activities, we stayed pretty busy. We had several hours to wait at the airport for our flight, so I did take that opportunity to crochet a bit.