Cruisin' Paradise 2015

About three weeks ago I went on my very first cruise. Needless to say, it was one of the best vacations of my life and I feel the need to share it with you...

(You can read the whole post, or watch the video, or both. You decide.)

This is my dear sweet cousin Madi. We're bff's and I wouldn't have wanted anybody else to vacation with. I would also like to point out that while she is older than me, I am still taller. :)

The flight to Houston was definitely one of the most interesting flights I've ever been on (which is saying a lot because I've been on my fair share of flights... #flyDelta). We felt the need to take a picture of the lady that made it so entertaining (she's right behind my mom).

 THIS IS THE COOLEST MOST ACCURATE FORTUNE I HAVE EVER RECIEVED. 

Courtesy of Pei Wei in the Phoenix airport.

 This is downtown Houston, on our way to Galveston. I love this city so much.

Check-in line was killer.

 We didn't even know what was in store for us.

This is our room, which wasn't at all like a jail cell (which was what we were expecting). Madi's probably the best roomie I've ever had. 

INTRODUCING... our cruise party, total of 14 people, all from Utah. Most of them were from my ward, and I can honestly say they were the best people to be stuck on a ship with. By the end of the week most people recognized us as the "crazy Utahns". No joke. 

Sea days were fab, and created perfect photo ops.

Plus we got private dance lessons, and Jen taught us all how to stall. 

 That night was the first formal night, where it's actually acceptable to wear a prom dress to dinner.

These are my YW leaders who were part of our group. They are best friend goals, and I love them both so much.

 Day #3- Cozumel, Mexico.

 LOOK AT HOW BLUE THE WATER IS. 

(That's our ship btw, the one to the left.)

We took a 45 minute ferry ride over to the mainland to get to Tulum.  

Our excursion was touring the Mayan Ruins. It was such a cool experience to learn about one of the most amazing civilizations of all time. (And on a separate note, it was cool to see how it all related to the Book of Mormon. Church is true everyone.)

 These iguanas were EVERYWHERE. 

Here's a funny story: So we were walking around the ruins, and our group came across this sweet bride and groom who were recently married and wanted their pictures taken. She was attempting to slip her wedding dress on over another dress, and they were looking for someone to take their pictures. So naturally we all jumped right in to help. Her name's Robin, and I'm sure she'll forever remember the Utahn's who orchestrated her bridal photos.

After the ruins we proceeded to the flea markets. Lemme just say that they have hard core selling tactics, like wow.

 When we boarded the ship again, we did the ropes course.

It was so. awesome.

 Day #4- Grand Cayman

 This is a world renowned beach called Seven Mile. It was the perfect place to snorkel, and probably the most beautiful place I've ever seen.

Talk about paradise.

That night, Madi and I went to all of the photo backdrops they had available around the ship. To say they were cheesy pictures would be an understatement. 

 Day #5- Montego Bay, Jamaica

 Have you heard about the shampoo shortage in Jamaica?

It's dreadful.

 This was our driver, Everton. He taught me how to drive offensive, and proved that Jamaicans really do say "no problem mon". 

These were the flea markets that we visited. This whole experience was so humbling, I can't even tell you.

 This guy showed up out of nowhere and told my mom to take a picture, so obviously she did. He called me "Bob Marley's sista" and that is why I love Jamaicans.

And for the rest of the day we just partied...

(please give a round of applause for us bc we fit all 14 of us in the elevator)

and we continued to party all night...

The following day was a sea day, followed by the second formal night.
(feat. fake candid laughs)

They're actually a boy band in disguise... And their karaoke performance was stellar.

Day #7, last sea day. Holla at speciality drinks (virgins of course). 

Beanbag toss was actually a huge deal, and we had practice almost everyday for the competition (which we didn't even place in).

 That night we watched the most beautiful sunset I have ever seen in my life.

This was us at our last dinner, served by the one and only WAYAN (and his team). We ate here every night, and Wayan was so wonderful to us. And the food was pretty great too. 

This is called strawberry bisque. It's basically a strawberry milkshake, but they call it an appetizer. I don't think I've ever eaten so well in my life.

All of the employees on the ship were just so happy and amazing. Take Hery for example, he cleaned our rooms every single day and left sweet little towel animals for us. 

I wish I could cruise forever. 

Let's do it again sometime.