My Spring Break

I woke up as I heard the flight attendant on the loudspeaker as I looked out the window through the gazing “Attention everyone, we will be landing at the Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport in approximately twenty minutes.” I asked myself “Why is there always a crying baby on every flight I am on?” Every time I travel closer to the equator from my home in Philadelphia, I am always wearing heavy clothes meant for chilly months, because it can be cold on the flight. When I exit the plane and walk through the airport gate, it is scorching hot like being in an oven.

I was on Carnival Victory the cruise line for my Spring Break. A requirement to be on the cruise ship was to attend the emergency evacuation drills. It was crowded. I felt dizzy and overheated from the body heat around me. I had to squat on a wall several times because I couldn’t stand surrounded by people for long. It was a half hour until the crew members showed us how to put on a life vest.

The cruise finally set sail. I stood on my room balcony, watching the boat in motion, leaving the Miami port. I looked to my left and right at other baloney and other people were doing the same. As it made its way to the international waters, it passed beautiful and expensive condos and other cruises. The cruise’s first destination was Key West, a city in Southern Florida and the second destination was Cozumel, an island of Mexican territory.

This incredible cruise ship has much to offer for those who want to vacation. For the kids and teens to enjoy so they are not bored or sitting in front of electronics all day, there is the Virtual Sea Arcade, Camp Ocean, Circle C and Club 02, the ultimate hangout spots for young people to meet and have fun with others. The Cherry On Top is the candy-and-more store, for kids of all ages with a sweet tooth.

For the adults, if you parents want some alone time check out the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat. If you’re feeling lucky, go to the South China Sea Casino and play poker, blackjack, roulette, or craps. The nightclub is here for those who want to wave their hands in the air like they just don’t care. Do you feel like busting a gut? I know I did. The Punchliner has comedians that will surely get people to get stomach cramps. Is your goal to lose weight or gain muscle? The fitness center is perfect for that, along with their fitness classes. If people tell you to relax, go relax at the spa and you will drift away in a feeling of tranquility.

For everyone to enjoy, miniature golf is on the highest floor of the boat. There are drinks for all ages at the RedFrog Rum Bar and BlueIguana Tequila Bar. Feeling hungry? The food you love to eat at home or at restaurants is here on the cruise. Guy’s Burger Joint, Pizza Pirate and Seafood Shack are the most popular eateries. Would you be interested in watching some movies? You can sit back, relax by the pool, grab some popcorn and watch a different variety of movies on the big jumbo screen with friends and family. Movies from Ralph Breaks the Internet to Black Panther, there is something for everyone to enjoy. If you want to be wowed, I say watch the Stage Shows in the theater.

An announcement was made by the captain, reporting that it was too dangerous to dock the ship at Key West because the waters were too rough. The ship would have destroyed the dock, so the ship was headed straight for Cozumel Island.

I woke up one day, got out of bed and decided to sit on my balcony. I was surprised to see I have finally arrived at Cozumel, so this makes Mexico the twelfth country I have set foot on. As I departed from the boat onto the port, there was much to see for foreign visitors: small shops giving out souvenirs, performers. As I walked close to a garden with a fountain, I looked around to see how marvelous it was. At that moment, I saw not one, not two, not even three, but THIRTY ANTS CRAWLING ON ME!!! I felt one bite my arm. I didn’t want to hurt them, but I told myself I need to get them off of me, no matter what. I saw other tourists go to the same area in the garden, and I imagined them being in the same situation.

In Cozumel, I got on a boat that transported people to a small private island called Isla Pasion. The boat ride, conducted by tour guides, was a fast, thrill ride that does 360-degree spins in the waters of the Cozumel bay. When it did, the salt water landed in my eyes and mouth. EW!! The feeling of wind was like being on Kingda Ka roller coaster. Isla Pasion has its own little forest. The only problem with it is that there is trash that can really be picked up. I would have done it, but I didn’t have gloves and there was too much of it. I have seen BIG hermit crabs, fast lizards, and motionless iguanas. I was glad there weren’t any snakes on the path because, at the time, I was wearing shorts. On Isla Pasion, I bathed in the sun rays as I lay on a mattress hammock that hung from the roof. The sounds of the ocean waves crashing on the beach were so soothing. (It’s ironic because when something crashes, it’s not soothing at all.

On the way back I took connecting flights from Miami airport to Atlanta to Philadelphia. A word of advice: never ride Spirit airlines. My original flight had been delayed and I had to locate another gate in the airport. Also on the aircraft, the tables are very very small. I enjoyed myself overall. I recommend everyone to go on a Carnival cruise line with your friends and family. If you have long days at school or work, please take a vacation and release any tension you might have. For me, it would have been more enjoyable if the cruise had more activities for people around my age. Well, I hope I got you to start planning your cruise trip now!