There’s something magical about finding adventure practically in your backyard. When I “accidentally” discovered an irresistibly priced Carnival cruise from Port Canaveral (literally a rock throw from home) over Veterans Day weekend, I couldn’t resist. July 4th weekend had better rates, but our calendar wasn’t cooperating, so November it was!
If you’ve followed my travel blogs, you know I’m all about that budget-conscious-but-not-suffering sweet spot. Give me affordable luxury or give me… well, a different trip. My wanderlust runs deep, and travel research has replaced doom scrolling as my evening pastime of choice. Pinterest boards, Facebook groups, travel blogs—I consume them all like others binge Netflix or scroll social media.
Our friends Mike and Helen (whom we may have gently coerced into booking) joined us, making dinners and comedy shows even more entertaining.
For this Bimini getaway, my Pinterest deep dive paid dividends. While most passengers flocked to the overpriced tourist shopping plaza and overcrowded beach, we went rogue. Armed with a rented golf cart (cash and a handshake), we explored the entire 7-mile island at our own pace. The reward? A stunning, secluded beach with an abandoned rusty boat and the most hypnotically blue water I’ve ever seen. No crowds, no overpriced drinks—just unbelievable shades of blues.
My favorite ritual quickly became morning solo jogs on the top deck. There’s something soul-restoring about having the entire deck to yourself, feeling the ocean breeze, and watching the sunrise paint the sky while most passengers are still sleeping off last night’s piña coladas.
Pro tip: search Facebook for your ship name and sail date. The community group we found offered insider tips. Seeing familiar faces around the ship created a fun sense of community during our short voyage.
As a self-proclaimed spoiled brat, I insist on booking a balcony cabin. The extra cost is worth every penny for private sunrise coffees and sunset snuggles. Though we do hope our neighbors didn’t get an unexpected show! 🙈
Cruise Hacks for Fellow Wanderlusters:
- Pack a small medicine kit with headache tablets, seasickness remedies, and any other essentials.
- Magnetic hooks are GENIUS on cruise ships. The walls are metal, so these hooks can hold wet swimsuits, towels, or bags without taking up precious closet space.
- Bring a reusable water bottle. Some cruise lines charge for bottled water, but tap water is perfectly fine and free. Plus, don’t forget to stay hydrated!
This was only my second cruise experience. My first cruise was the year before with my mom, aunt Lissa and my girl Heather, a local cruising pro who showed us the way. I’m already plotting the next one—so be cautious of getting hooked. There’s something uniquely relaxing about unpacking once while visiting multiple destinations—especially when one of those destinations holds a secluded beach that feels like your own private slice of paradise.
Until the next adventure!
