My Love of Cruising: A Journey at Sea

My love affair with cruising began on June 1, 2018, when I stepped aboard the Carnival Victory (now Radiance) for the very first time. It was a 3-night itinerary from Florida to Nassau, Bahamas and back, and it was my introduction to the magic of cruising. I’ll never forget the awe I felt seeing waters that were truly blue for the first time and stepping onto a white sand beach that looked like something out of a postcard. Little did I know that this initial voyage would ignite a passion for cruising that continues to grow with every adventure. There’s something magical about boarding a ship, leaving the everyday life behind, and sailing into the horizon. The thrill of visiting new destinations, the luxury of floating resorts, and the freedom of the open sea have made cruising my favorite way to travel.

Each cruise holds a special place in my heart, filled with unforgettable moments. After my first Carnival experience, I ventured onto other cruise lines, each offering its unique twist on the cruising experience. I find cruising to be the ultimate form of travel. It's all-inclusive, with food, entertainment, and relaxation at your fingertips, but it’s also about the incredible destinations and the diverse cultures you encounter.  Even more, each ship within a cruise line brings its own adventure, but the common thread is the joy of cruising itself.

One of the things I love most about cruising is how easy it is to meet new people. There's a sense of camaraderie on a ship, whether you’re bonding over shared experiences during excursions or simply chatting by the pool. Cruisers often come from all walks of life, and it’s so effortless to strike up a conversation with fellow passengers over dinner or while exploring the ship. Even more special is the opportunity to connect with the crew. The crew members work tirelessly to make the experience unforgettable, and their warmth and friendliness create an instant bond. Over the years, I’ve met crew members who’ve become like friends, and it’s always a joy to reconnect with familiar faces on return sailings.  If you hear me telling stories about some of the bonds I made with crew members, Wendy, from the Philippines, is one that you will hear most often.  From her beautiful smile, to her warm personality, Wendy made my first cruising experience amazing.  I often take pictures with crew members to remind me of the cherished time we spent together.

As I prepare for my 21st cruise, I’m reminded how each sailing provides a fresh perspective and a chance to reconnect with the sea.  Here is a list of my first 20 cruise.

06/01/18             Carnival Victory

03/07/19             Norwegian Epic

04/30/19             Norwegian Joy

11/09/19             Norwegian Dawn

11/13/19             Norwegian Encore

08/06/21             Norwegian Encore

10/15/21             Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady

11/27/21             Carnival Mardi Gras

12/12/21             Norwegian Encore

12/26/21             Carnival Sunshine

01/30/22             Norwegian Encore

05/02/22             Navigator Of The Seas

05/22/22             Allure Of The Seas

11/09/22             Allure Of The Seas

08/22/22             Carnival Sunrise

10/10/22             Norwegian Prima

12/29/22             Carnival Breeze

05/14/23             MSC Meraviglia

06/18/23             Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady

11/23/23             Carnival Vista

In closing, for me, cruising is more than a vacation; it's a lifestyle. Each ship, each destination, and each day at sea reminds me why I love this way of travel. The adventure is never the same, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.  For more information on Upcoming Group Cruise Journeys, visit www.successjenkins.com/trips and come join me on an amazing adventure at sea.  I look forward to “SEA-ing” you onboard one of the sailing, if not all of the them.