Cruising Right Along

January was gone in a flash. Where did all the time go? Valentine's Day has come and gone as well. I know many people despise V-Day, but the holiday (I use that term loosely) isn't all bad. Couples and singles, alike, benefit from discounted candy currently overflowing the shelves of your local drug store.

Hubbs and I also recently returned from a wonderful Carnival Cruise to Key West, Florida, Freeport, Bahamas, and Nassau, Bahamas. It was my surprise graduation/Christmas gift (Best Husband award goes to Hubbs, naturally). We love cruising with Carnival, and this was our third cruise. Though we always have a fantastic experience, I found I am still learning the secrets of making the most out our vacation (ie: free stuff to cruisers in port and on the boat). If you're thinking about a vacation, a cruise is THE way to go. Why? I have narrowed down there only TWO key points I look for in a vacation:

Is it affordable?

Will I get what I'm looking for?

Please note: This is my REAL review. Carnival Cruiseline has not paid for or endorsed my review or opinion in any way. In fact, they had no idea I was writing this. They probably will never know, but that's okay. This is for YOU to know my opinions on cruising, specifically cruising with Carnival.

Affordable
It has been my experience that a cruise is the most affordable vacation for singles, couples, and families. Your price includes all of your meals, room service options, entertainment (shows, pool, Camp Carnival, and gym). Alcoholic drinks, sodas, and specialty coffees are extra, but regular coffee, water, lemonade, and regular tea is free 24 hours each day on the lido deck or via room service. They have on board laundry services (for a small charge). If you want to do laundry while on vacation (I didn't want to, but I had to because we didn't bring enough clothes) they have washing machines, dryers, and laundry soap available for a small fee. The gratuity is charged at the end of your cruise is currently priced at $84 per person for the week.

Before you scoff at that price ($12/day), let me share with you why this is completely reasonable and cheap considering what you receive.


According to Carnival the $12 is broken down as follows: stateroom service team (the people who clean your room, turn down your bed, and leave you cute towels at the end of the day) $3.90 per day, dining room service team (3-4 members) $6.10 per day, alternative services team (everyone else that assists you) $2.00 per day.

According to me, you get service far better than what you pay for. The staff remembers you, your drink choices, foods you do and don't like, how you like your room, and always serve with a genuine smile. If something isn't right, you can bet they will do all they can to make it up to you. You have roughly 6-9 people taking care of your needs for the day for only $12. This is cheap for the incredible service.

Excursions range from free (walking off the boat and exploring on your own) to very expensive ($250 per person). We always book excursions through Carnival (or your choice of cruiseliner). We find they're the most affordable and Carnival excursions are considered far safer than excursions you would book on your own. We had an incredible time para-sailing in Key West, riding dune buggies in Freeport (pictured), and Atlantis in Nassau is definitely something to see.

Versatile

I can get nearly any type of vacation I want out of a cruise.
Single and want some fun? They have Singles events and opportunities to mingle with others. Want romance? They have that. Need a family friendly vacation? They have that too. The entire family can enjoy the water slides on board, movies by the pool, and family friendly shows. Want the family friendly vacation with the occasional date night? You can most definitely do that! Carnival offers Camp Carnival during the day and in to the evening for the kiddos while you enjoy time at the spa, by the pool, in the casino, or taking a dance class. You can also utilize the babysitting services while in port for a minimal fee. This means you and your spouse can leave the kids on the ship for the day while you have a romantic carriage ride on shore.
If you want to leave the kids at home and spend a week or weekend with just the two of you, cruising is the way to go. Spend time at the spa with a couples massage or enjoy dinner in the dining room at a comfy, cozy table for two. Go see the "Adults Only" comedy show or the "Adults Only" section of the ship to catch some sun. They have an "Adults Only" hot tub too.

We cruised with another couple. My friend and I made use of the spa, hot tubs, and sun decks while the men went to the casino, gym, the steam room, tec. We vistied the comedy club every night. Jeff-theFun-Dude is hysterical (give that man a raise). We also managed to find some time to act like big kids and tried the water slide. Then followed up with ice cream available 24 hour a day on the Lido deck.

So, that's it! Pick your destination and go! If you can't cruise it, you may lose it from trying to plan it all by yourself. Cruises are so simple. Pick your place, how many people, and what you want to do while you're there. No need to search hotels, rent cars, or find restaurants nearby. Plus, you only have to unpack ONCE!

We had a fantastic time, and we can't wait to cruise again!

The Revolution of the Resolution

It's the beginning of the New Year which means there are New Year resolutions to be made. It's an eternal process that happens every time the Earth makes that 365 day revolution around the sun (hence my catchy title). We believe a new year is the time for change, so we resolve to do better.

Lose Weight - Quit Smoking - Save Money - Pay Off Debt - Keep a Cleaner House - On and On and On

Yet, each year we give up by February 1st, if not sooner. We have lots of excuses as to why we don't resolve our issues. Then we swear we'll do it the next year only to fall victim to February 1st. Hence the never ending revolution of the resolution.

Personally, I LOVE resolutions. I make them every year. Most of the time I'm successful. I didn't make any this past year. I was too busy with married life, school, work, and charity stuff. I had a full plate and I didn't want to commit to anything else at the time. However, in 2013 I made EIGHT (8) resolutions. Yes, E-I-G-H-T and I completed every single one. It's because I'm Super Woman. That and I have a nearly full-proof method.

I've made resolutions for myself already this year. Guess what? I'm going to share my wealth of knowledge absolutely FREE! Please, hold your applause. Ready?

Here's what you'll need:
1) Pen and paper (can use a laptop to type it up, just make sure you can print from it)
2) Access to photos referencing your resolutions (you'll be cutting them out or copying them to your list)

Here's how to make it happen:
1) Write (or type) a rough draft of your resolutions. You've heard this before. People who write down their goals are more successful (keep reading to see how my method is different). Be specific enough to create a goal but not so specific you limit yourself. Example: I want to lose 20-30lbs.

2) This next step is what will make the difference if you succeed or not. Under each resolution, you're going to create a simple action plan. I like to list 3 things to make that resolution a reality. Be as specific as you possibly can, but no more than 3 steps. You want to make plans that are easy and incorporated in to your everyday life. You can not succeed without a plan of action.

3. Write or type your resolutions with action plans in order of difficulty and/or chronologically. This is also where you can add pictures corresponding with your resolution. Why? Trust me. Pictures are motivating. Even cartoon pictures allow for you to envision success.

4. MAKE COPIES AND HANG WHERE YOU'LL SEE IT! Hang them where you'll see your list at least 5 times a day in different places. Hang the list on the refrigerator, in the bathroom, next to the bed, at work, or next to the door you leave out each day. Anywhere and everywhere. Why do I say 5 places? The science behind five is quite technical. Let me explain... it's my lucky number.

I know this appears to be a lot of work, but honestly this method has worked for me. If you continue to miss the mark on your resolutions, give this a try. If it doesn't work, what do you have to lose? Share with me! Let me know if this works for you, too!

PS: Here's one of my resolutions - I am going to blog at least once every 2 weeks. My action plan? Saturday mornings or Sunday afternoons. Take photos. Take notes. Good luck to you!