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Cruise Type:3-Day to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico
Cost: $$
Rating: 3.5 out 5
Highlights: I love the cruise life! Yes, it is totally a lifestyle! There is something truly amazing about being at what seems like a non-stop party. I am not even one for a party, but there is so much to do. You can swim, play games, dance, eat, and eat some more. There are tons of fun games, contests, and live shows. This cruise seems directly geared towards a younger crowd, so it made it quite fun for me.
Now let's talk food. I love pizza, like really love pizza. There is pizza 24/7. Now there is also burger bars, different dinner and lunch themes every day, and fancy dinners. The real hidden gem is breakfast. If you wake up too late, you don't get the option to enjoy this. It is worth waking up for. You have all the options you would want for breakfast, but served in a really nice restaurant. There is a ton of drinks. Try things you haven't. You will learn new drinks all the time. Now there is still food you have to pay for, and
with everything around you, it isn't worth it.
Entertainment is fantastic. If you have been busy all day, are feeling like down time, and need some fun, go to a show. They are highly entertaining, well done, and just a great way to pause. Never underestimate karaoke. It is so much fun to be there, watch, and participate. The piano bar is also a blast. Get around the piano and make friends. It is so much fun to sing songs that you love. If you hang out just right, you will get to meet the crew that does the entertainment. They are often in several different places. One of them was from my state. It was cool to meet someone who was from my area that worked on a cruise ship.
Lessons Learned: Diet before you go. It is so hard to control your eating when on the ship. Do the work before hand, so you can enjoy the food presented. I mean who doesn't love unlimited food. Also, get the drink package. If you love coffee, alcohol, or other, it is just worth it. Try new things! If you haven't ever had eggs benedict, try it
when you are on the ship.
Never take the elevators. This was a lesson told to my friend on the very first day. Again it keeps you moving and it doesn't take too much time to walk down to your room. It is worth taking the steps.
Make friends. Everyone is there to have a great time. You can really engage with people and have fun when you realize everyone is there for the same thing. I will never forget the hot tub buddies.
Tip the people who earn it. Everyone on the cruise ship works really hard to deliver excellent service, but there are those that just take it one step further. Most employees live on these ships for six months to a year. They make their extra cash through their tips.
If you want to win, make friends with the employees. They will tell you secrets to the games to get you ahead.
Have fun! There is so much to do but also plenty of ways to relax. Enjoy times in the sun, and if you can afford it, get a decent massage. Have dinner outside on the edges of the boat. It
can be quite wonderful.
Recommendations:
If you do not like a party, this isn't the cruise line for you. Look at other cruise lines that have a more family feel and slower pace. If you do, this is a great starter cruise. The sights are nice, but not the best. The ship isn't the fanciest or newest, but it has all the elements that a cruise should. I would highly recommend letting this be your first cruise. You can really learn a lot about whether you do or don't love cruises without spending an arm and a leg.
List of Don'ts Don't get the smoothies. Flavored sugar.
Do bring sea sick medicine in case. I only needed it one day.
Pay for the excursion. Ensenada just isn't that cool without it.
Catalina is such a blast to explore. Have fun exploring the island.
Don't expect perfect weather. Always bring a light coat.
Don't expect a cheap price and a nice room. You will only be in there long enough to recover, so a nice room doesn't matter.
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