Well, I’m back from another little getaway. I guess after 3 weeks in the Middle East and the other international adventures a quick 4 day cruise to Ensenada doesn’t seem to exciting.   But this was my third cruise.  The first time I went for a cruise I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it.  But I really love cruising.  It’s the one getaway that is totally relaxing…I only have to unpack once, I know where I am sleeping, and there is unlimited food and I don’t have to worry about anything.  Plus, it is a nice way to travel with my mom.  It’s a few weeks late, but it was our Christmas/Holiday getaway. Since there is only mom and I left, rather than having a big holiday party, we have opted the last few years just to save our money and go somewhere for a few days, especially now that dad is gone.

Mom and I had been on this cruise before a few years ago. Last year we did the 8 day Riviera Cruise, so this really seemed to go fast.  Once you go for 8 days…it is hard to go back to a 4 day cruise.  In fact, I was thinking that the in the future, I will probably only do 8 day or longer cruises.  The 4 day cruise is a good way to “test the waters” and see if you like cruising, but there isn’t enough time to experience all that cruising has to offer.  But nonetheless, it was a great time.

On day one, we got on the ship as early as possible. It’s always sort of maddening to get on the ship trying to get 2,500 people on.  But if you get there early it goes smoother and you have time to start enjoying the food and entertainment.  At 4:45 pm they did the mandatory life/safety drill which my mom hates.  We set sail at 5 pm and had our first dinner and then went to the show that evening.

Day two we arrived in Avalon.   We didn’t get off the ship this time.  First reason, because we have been to Avalon so many times we opted just to stay on board and relax and eat!  Also, Avalon is a tinder port…meaning there is no pier and they dock off the coast of Avalon and you have to take tinder boats back and forth.  Mom did this a few years ago but with her arthritis it really would be kind of dangerour for her to do this. We spent time relaxing and I used the gym. That evening was the Captain’s cocktail party, the Captains formal dinner which is always fun to get dressed up for.  Then was the Las Vegas style show.  After that I went and gambled in the casino for a while and then went to the midnight buffet.

Day Three we arrived in Ensenada.  After breakfast, mom and I got off the ship.  We have been to Ensenada numerous times but it is always fun.  We went shopping, looked around, and got back on the ship in the late afternoon.  We had dinner, the show, and the Fiesta Deck Party with latin dancing and Mexican food!  We left Ensenada at 10 pm.

Day Four was the “Fun Day at Sea” as we headed back to Long Beach.  The day was filled with entertainment like the hairy chest contest, ice sculpting on deck, Reggae bands, dancing, eating, shows, more eating!

Day Five we get back at 7 am and had to disembark which is as crazy as getting on the ship. Plus you have to go through immigration and customs which is time consuming but it only took us an hour from the time we left our room to the time we got in our car.  So it wasn’t that bad.

Now that it is all said and done, it was a wonderful little getaway with mom and very relaxing.  Mom and I have decided that our next cruise will probably be Hawaii, Alaska, or the Caribean.   However, I have to start working on the travel plans for this year…for the first time in 10 months….I DON”T have any tickets, reservations, or plans to go anywhere.  But the Travel Convention is coming up in February so that is usually when I start making my plans….However, I do have some local day trips planned.  I’ll keep you posted as the plans unfold!