Cruising around the Western Caribbean: An Overview

We're back, people! After eight wonderful days of sailing through the crystal clear waters on Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas, eating far too much, working on our tans, and meeting some new friends, we've returned home.

We didn't take our daughter since the cruise was our fifth anniversary present to ourselves, and we missed her so much while we were adventuring. Landon and I were both incredibly happy to see that little face waving at us on our porch as we drove up!

So, what did we do while we were missing our daughter?

We explored a cave in Jamaica that has served as a pirates' hangout, an escape route for Spanish government officials, and a night club at various points in its career.

Green Grotto Caves, Jamaica

We walked 12 miles in and around Cozumel, Mexico, and figured out how to haggle in (very bad) Spanish.

We individually ate about nine pounds of bacon. Every morning.

We saw the hugest, grossest, greenest eel while we were snorkeling in Grand Cayman. It was like a train wreck: it wasn't a pretty sight, but we couldn't look away.

I finally got around to reading Gone Girl. Spoiler alert: Amy Elliott is just as insane in the book as she is in the movie.

We discovered what a silent disco is--and loved it!

We watched a cultural dance, band, and gymnastics show in Haiti. Even the best cultural offerings are improved with a background of gorgeous blue water.

We learned that it is possible to climb a waterfall, and that there are no problems in Jamaica, only small situations. (We must have heard "No problem, mon!" at least a hundred times while we were there.)

Dunn's River Falls, Jamaica

When you consider that all of that occurred while we had not one, but two major medical emergencies (both of which caused us to detour from our planned route), it's pretty impressive. Even with those delays, this cruise was fantastic.

I have so many great pictures and stories from the cruise that I can't wait to share over the next few weeks. Keep checking back for those updates!

Have you ever been on a cruise? Where did you go? What were your favorite shore excursions?

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