The Memphis Diaries

Hello, happy July! I hope it’s sunny wherever you are reading this from. If it is not, I hope you’re having a great day anyways! With Summer officially here, vacation season seems to be in full swing. Normally, I like to go on a trip or two in the Summer. However, I stacked my trips in the Spring and Fall this year so I’m itching to daydream about a beach.

Why A Cruise?

Cruises are the ultimate low-effort adventure. You unpack once, see multiple places, and don’t have to worry about planning and/or cooking every meal! We departed out of Galveston, TX on a Carnival ship. It was my first time cruising with Carnival and I had a blast! As I’m writing this, I keep wanting to switch tabs and book another one. From sunbathing to epic excursions, this cruise created so many wonderful memories and I can’t wait to tell you all about it.

Roatan, Honduras: Jungle Exploration

Roatan was pure paradise! We docked and departed after a quick breakfast. I always love walking off the boat and seeing a new destination for the first time. For our first port days, we joined a jungle tour excursion and it was so fun to explore all the lush greenery and wildlife. I got to hold macaws and a monkey so it was definitely worth it! While walking through the jungle, we got dumped on by rain. Luckily, it cleared up quick and the rest of our day consisted of beach time.

Costa Maya, Mexico: City and Food Galore

Our day in Costa Maya was the perfect blend of city exploration and keeping it chill. The day began with breakfast on the boat and then I made my way around the port city. After spending a few days at sea, I found my legs feeling a little wobbly when walking on land. The sun was beating down and I decided to head back to the boat after a couple of hours. It was great taking advantage of the emptier boat and being able to get some yummy food and relax.

Cozumel, Mexico: Private Island Excursion

Our last port day was in Cozumel, Mexico and we did an excursion to a private island. after docking, we got on another boat and took a short ride over to the island. We spotted an old shipwreck, stingrays, and beach raccoons. It was absolutely stunning with a white, sandy beach and refreshing water. Lunch was served on the island and the rest of the day was spent in the sun!

The simplicity of a cruise vacation makes it an easy win. There is a set boat schedule with plenty of activities and things to do. The port days have fun excursions, options to keep things chill, and different ticket packages allow you to customize your vacation. I love being able to enjoy a wonderful dinner and catch a show at the end of each night. It is also so fun having multiple outfits to change into for the different boat events. The staff make every day enjoyable and are so friendly and welcoming. I love cruise vacations! The days feel longer, the sun seems to shine brighter, and the memories last forever.

Tips For Your Next Cruise

• Book smart: Check for deals and times of the year with cheaper prices. Pro tip: cruises tend to be cheaper when their departure date gets closer.
• Pack light with layers: Most destinations are sunny but the boat can be chilly, especially at night.
• Utilize the ship’s app: The boat schedule and other helpful features are available on the cruise ship’s app. You can also communicate with the rest of your party, book excursions, and more.
• Enjoy the ship: Free shows and food are your best friend! Hit every buffet and explore all the fun activities planned. Make the most out of your basic ticket.

So, is another cruise in my future? Most definitely! I’d love for it to be next weekend but I’ll settle on daydreaming for now. What’s your dream trip? Comment below or DM me on Instagram (@memphis.crane). Thanks for catching up!

Talk more soon,

Memphis