As I prepare to embark on my latest adventure, I am very excited.  Not only because I booked this cruise Thursday and leave Saturday, but this one just happens to be my 50th cruise, a milestone I’ve been eagerly awaiting.  I will be sailing on the Mardi Gras from Carnival Cruise Line which is the original Excel-class ship in the fleet that now includes Carnival Celebration and the soon-to-be-launched Carnival Jubilee.

Yes, I did just return from seven days onboard the Carnival Celebration and the Mardi Gras is pretty much identical, so it will be interesting to compare the two.  By the way, be sure to check out my Carnival Celebration Western Caribbean cruise review!

Departing from Port Canaveral in Orlando, my home base for the next 8 days will be an inside cabin. Yes, an inside.  This may come as a surprise to those familiar with my previous voyages, as this is my first time opting for an inside cabin since my first cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Sovereign of the Seas in 1994. But sometimes, the unexpected adds a dash of excitement to the journey, right?

 

Me on my first cruise on Royal Caribbean's Sovereign of the Seas
Me on my first cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Sovereign of the Seas

 

The former Sovereign of the Seas.  She was scrapped in 2021.
The former Sovereign of the Seas. She was scrapped in 2021.

Plus, this free inside room was courtesy of Carnival’s last-minute casino offer – a reward system that proves a great way to score free or discounted cruises. I can’t recommend these offers enough and you don’t have to drop a ton of money in the casino to get them – I certainly didn’t!  Offers like this one provide opportunities to cruise without breaking the bank.

Since I work for a tech company and we’re all remote workers, being able to take advantage of last-minute deals like this one is an added bonus.  All I need is my laptop and WiFi and I’m good to work from anywhere in the world and can easily book a cruise with little to no lead time.

My 50th cruise is an 8-day Eastern Caribbean one and the Mardi Gras will take us to four great destinations. One stop I’m looking forward to is San Juan, Puerto Rico’s vibrant capital. An enchanting blend of old and new, San Juan’s cobblestone streets are lined with pastel-colored colonial buildings, while its modern district boasts upscale restaurants and pulsating nightlife. I look forward to rediscovering this city, as I haven’t been there since before COVID-19 shut the world down.  It will be great to walk around, visit El Morro, and stop at a cigar store I visit each time I’m in Puerto Rico to pick up some great smokes.

Another destination is Grand Turk, the capital island of the Turks and Caicos archipelago. Renowned for its pristine beaches and crystalline waters, Grand Turk is a paradise for snorkelers and divers alike. Here, the vibrant coral reefs teem with marine life, offering a spectacle that is nothing short of magical.

Amber Cove, our beach day, is nestled on the Dominican Republic’s northern coast. This relatively new port offers an array of activities for every kind of traveler. From adrenaline-fueled adventures like zip-lining and ATV rides to leisurely pursuits like shopping for local crafts, Amber Cove ensures a day full of excitement and exploration.  I’ll be skipping the beach this trip, instead, I’ll be visiting our Dominican Republic office where we have a team of programmers that I work with on a daily basis, so it will be great to see them in person, rather than thru video conferencing!

The final port of call is St. Thomas, one of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Famed for its breathtaking views, it is a haven for photographers and nature lovers. Whether it’s exploring the lush landscapes, basking in the sun-kissed beaches, or sampling the local cuisine, St. Thomas offers a piece of Caribbean paradise.

Flashback to 1994 when I was on my first cruise making a stop in St. Thomas
Flashback to 1994 when I was on my first cruise making a stop in St. Thomas

As I embark on this milestone journey, I invite you to join me virtually. I’ll be blogging daily about my experiences aboard the Mardi Gras and in each of the destinations we’ll visit.  So, stay tuned for stories from the sea!

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