What to pack for a caribbean cruise:

Last May 2013, I had the pleasure of going on my first cruise. 

We went to the Caribbean and it was amazing. 

I ended up over packing, but I'd rather be safe than sorry!

My advice however, is pack what you can in a carry on, like shoes and bulky/heavy items and then pack the toiletries and remaining clothes in your checked luggage. This allows you to avoid the 50 lb mark on the way there if you take a plane, and it also allows you more space/weight for souvenirs when you return home. 

I ended up packing more things to put over my bikini than I needed. Really all you need is either one pair of shorts and tank top/cover up just for the pool, and one for when you go to the beaches while docked in the port-of-calls. 

Because I was on a huge ship, and because we would go to the beach early and come back in the afternoon, I had a lot of time to explore the boat. this is when I would wear a cuter outfit. I didn't always want to be in a wet bathing suit and you don't want to spend time in your small state room. I brought interchangeable pieces that I would walk around deck with. 

I ended up bringing two sweaters and a wind breaker. I could have done without the sweaters. Even the one day it rained at sea, it was SO HOT!

So here's a rough list of what I would pack for my next Caribbean Cruise:

3 bikinis

1 Cover Up

3 Jean Shorts

1 Yoga Shorts

1 Yoga Pants

1 Windbreaker

2 Crop Tops

3 Knit Tank Tops

Flip Flips

Lots of hair elastics

Big tote bag for the beach

Toiletries

2 heels for dinner

3 formal dresses

5 semi formal (you want a backup of two)

underwear and those types of things

My own blow dryer! 

My own sunscreen. Two bottles. SPF 30+

2 Books for the beach

*extra batteries

*camera

*extra memory card

*phone charger - picture backup (CANT USE *PHONE! turn off at sea, so roaming is not activated.)

No Sneakers

No Towel - they have tons on the boat

No Jeans

No Sweater

No socks

No leggings

No hats

Enjoy your cruise and don't forget to comment if you have suggestions!

Until next time, 

Ines xoxo

My First Time: Royal Caribbean Cruise! #tbt

Back in May of 2013, I had the privileged of going on my first cruise ever! 
It was amazing!! 

It was also my first time visiting the Caribbean. 

And, believe it or not, it was the first time I had ever taken a vacation with a boyfriend!

Coming from a conservative family, whose parents are older than most and are also immigrants, you could say I was extremely sheltered as a child. 

Now, I'm thankful because I know I have a better head on my shoulders than most people do. But, back when I was a teen, I couldn't see this.

I guess you could say my anxiety level was through the roof before I told them.

But, once I got enough courage to, their response shocked me. 

They told me to enjoy myself.

Wow.

Trust me, I did.

We spent a week aboard the Oasis of the Seas, the biggest cruise liner to date at the time.

We visited the Bahamas, St. Maaten and St. Thomas and enjoyed 7 days of full on sunshine.

When we were docked at the ports, we spend our mornings laying on the hot sand and swimming in the crystal clear ocean water.

On days where we were at sea, mornings were spent on the deck, laying under the caribbean sun.

During the afternoons, we would eat lunch on the ship.

Eating is one of the best parts of a cruise ship. It's all inclusive when you buy your 'ticket' so you can eat at any of the dining areas, anytime they are open, 

as much as you want without paying additional money on your trip.

That's my kind of living.

After lunch, we would either head back up to the deck or explore the ship. 

With 18 levels, an outdoor garden, a boardwalk, plaza and much more, there was always something to discover on the Oasis. 

We never spent any time in our stateroom.

We would only return to change our clothes or get ready for dinner.

This took me about 2 hours.

But without fail, each time we returned to get ready for dinner, the wonderful cleaning staff would leave us a towel animal. 

We loved our elephants!

To get ready for dinner each night,  showered, did my hair, and put on a full face of makeup.

I was also dressed formally pretty much every night.

But, that's just the way I am.

I could have worn sun dresses or jumpers for their semi-casual nights, but I enjoy being over the top.

You're on a cruise!

When else will you get the chance to dress up completely from head to toe 7 nights in a row?!

I took advantage of the oppertunity.

Formal nights were my favorite and me and Brendan could not pass up the opportunity to take a selfie to remember our vacation.

 

Right before dinner, Brendan and myself would also always meet up with his parents for a drink. 

Although drinks are not free on cruise ships, there were more than 30 bars for us to chose from over the course of our trip.

At dinner, you enjoy the finest of dinning and a full course meals. You can order as many of whatever it is you want from the menu.

If you don't like it, just send it back. It's okay.

After dinner, you were free to either roam around the ship, enjoy a show in the theaters, or one of the parties hosted by the cruise director.

The best part about a cruise, especially to somewhere like the caribbean in a huge ship is that there's always so much to do.

You'll never be bored.

You can relax when you want. 

You can eat anything anytime.

You can explore the ports.

You can enjoy time with your family.

It was one of the best vacations!

Until next time, 

Ines xoxo