By now, it’s become pretty clear I love cruises. (Cough, I wrote a cruise ship romance titled Love Overboard, cough cough) After the pandemic, I can’t wait to travel again. With any luck, I’ll be boarding my next cruise in a little over a year.

I was looking back through my posts and realize I’ve never really specified why.

Reasons I love cruising:

Great for couples

Even with the kids. My husband and I took a Caribbean cruise for our honeymoon. He was hooked after that trip. Returning with our children, we have the chance to spend time in the adults only pool while they are entertained at one of the clubs (which they love). It’s nice to take a family trip, and still get some one-on-one time with your spouse.

Relaxing or Adventuring–your choice

My kids love an adventure. On vacation, my husband and I would prefer to sleep. On a cruise, everyone wins. On the days at sea, my kids are kept entertained by counselors and I can read a good book in a deck chair by the pool. By the time we reach a port, my husband and I are rested enough to enjoy a fun excursion with the kids.

Not living out of a suitcase

Unpacking one time is really something wonderful. Because I don’t have to worry about my suitcase, I love bringing a change of clothes for dinner each night (including a cocktail dress for formal night) and on the beautiful ship, you’ll feel very posh in heels and a cute dress. 

Entertainment

Movies? Check. Stage shows? Check. Comedy? Check.  The stage shows are spectacular. And again, I love the ability to choose what everyone wants to do. My youngest hates the big Broadway productions but my oldest loves the shows. Typically, one of the adults will watch the show and the other will take the younger to a movie

But wait, I hate crowds!

Oh yes, I do, too. So does my father. When I proposed my parents join my family of four on a trip a few years ago, I knew they were skeptical. My parents had taken a number of cruises on the smaller Viking river ships but were intimidated by the capacity (which was almost 3 times the size) on the Disney Dream.

They were pleasantly surprised. We are early-risers (except for my husband) and at every turn seemed to avoid the major crowds. By the time we had “finished” something (swimming in the pool, private island day), the majority of our fellow travelers “started” the same activity. We were able to navigate through the cruise ship freely and besides the mandatory muster drill, never felt squished or crowded.

After that trip, my father was convinced to take his first ocean cruise with one of their favorite companies. AND my parents are excited to take a big family trip with my family and my brothers’ next year. With the freedom to go our own ways during the day and meet up again at dinner, I’m sure everyone will have a magical time.

Crossing our fingers we will be able to set sail in a year. We are planning another multi-generational family trip, this time with my brother and his family along. These are priceless memories in the making.

 

 

Big things are happening around here! In addition to some other developments I’ll be sharing soon (stay tuned), I’m so excited to share the news about Her Hometown Dream.

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the amazing team at Anaiah Press. I can’t wait to introduce you to my fictional small-town and the wonderful characters living there. I’ll be sharing more, so be sure to follow along on the latest step in my writing journey!

She scrunched her nose. “I think you’re mistaken.” Dragging out the words for clarity, she grasped her understanding of their situation. He should have started blaming and berating her by now, not worrying about details of her vacation. She prepared for raised voices and an uncomfortable silence. Within the next ten minutes, he’d leave the ship and any discussion over payment was moot. She tightened her hands into fists and stood tall. “I reserved this cabin. You are standing in my stateroom. I’m taking this trip.”

Stuffing his hands in his pockets, he rocked back and forth on his heels several times. “No. You’re not. I’d like to pay for your half of the room.”

She gasped. Why was he acting like he had an undeniable right to the trip? For years, she saved for her passage. Between the two of them, she should remain onboard. Adam Benson wasn’t an unkind or thoughtless person, but at the moment, he bordered on cruel. Clarity chilled her bones, and she shook her head and studied the floor. Her sister couldn’t be added to the manifest because her cabin already had another occupant.

With an outstretched hand, he stepped closer. “My wife is ashore and waiting to board. I’ll cut you a check now. We can get your name stricken from the room, and she and I will then take our honeymoon. Just be reasonable, Caitlyn.”

She recoiled, drawing back her chin and crossing her arms.

He dropped his hand.

For the second time in as many minutes, he shot her a pitying look. She placed a hand against her swirling stomach and darted her gaze about the room at everything she stood to lose.

Excerpt From: Rachelle Paige Campbell. Love Overboard