In 2007, I went on my first cruise with my husband.

We have cruised at least once a year ever since.

I get a very strong reaction from everyone I talk to about cruising. They either love it, hate it, or have no interest in it.

I love it!!

To me, it is the most relaxing vacation option.

We do NOT sign up for the Internet packages. When we said away, our phones are used for photos, and for future blogs (this one).

We spend a lot of time reading books…the kind you hold in your hand, and turn the pages. Sitting on a recliner in the shade onboard, watching the cobalt sea roll by, feeling the salty breeze caress me….it’s wonderful.

We love to eat in the main dining room (MDR). White table cloths and napkins. Three courses, served with personalized cheer and fun. “Show Time” – where the wait staff dances and sings and has us all grinning with pure happiness.

And sleep…glorious, uninterrupted sleep. The rooms are cool, with down comforters and feather pillows. Our beds are made daily, with a whimsical towel animal perched on the bed. The cool white sheets, the dark room, the sound of the ocean rolling past the balcony…it all adds up to the best sleep ever.

Where else can I see the world so easily? We have been to Cozumel, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, Belize, Roatan, Aruba, Curaçao, St Thomas, St Martin/Maarten, St John, Dominican Republican, Grand Turk, the Bahamas…and I am sure I am forgetting some place.

As I write this (albeit with some intense, potentially torn rotator cuff pain), I am in a lounge chair on the Dominican Republic. Palm trees above, the ocean before me, local food free for my taking in the all inclusive resort.

We got this cruise for a song, booked last minute after my doctor put me on time out for said shoulder. I didn’t think I’d be cruising this year of pandemic – especially after having two cruises cancel on us this year.

Here I am, though. Four days in to an amazing cruise. I admit I got a little misty eyed as I crossed the gangway from land onto ship.

I never took the blessing of travel for granted – but after 2020, I embrace the amazing blessing of this ship, sailing at half capacity, and carrying me to Bimini, Half Moon Cay (most beautiful place ever!), and today, Dominican Republic.

I’ll breathe the salty air. I’ll buy locally made souvenirs. I’ll enjoy my sea day tomorrow, reading and napping.

Then disembark on Saturday, more grateful than ever for the privilege of cruising.

Then I’ll get my MRI and see if this painful shoulder needs surgery.

Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic