I am missing finals for a cruise! It is obviously not ideal for my family and I but unfortunately it was the only date that worked with the rest of my family friends. I am going to be so stressed after I come back but hopefully the twelve days will be worth it. People keep saying how lucky I am to miss finals but they seem to be forgetting that I have to grind during the last week of winter break. For my final blog, I am going to preemptively rate the locations I will be visiting. The last time I went on a cruise was when I was in eighth grade and I remember having a really good time. Hopefully I am not setting my expectations too high this year. Here are the locations, ten days and six ports. I personally have not heard of some of these islands before, I searched them up on google maps and they are pretty small. The Bahamas, Virgin Islands, and Barbados are the bigger and more popular locations. Ok here are my anticipated ratings!

Port #1: Bahamas5/10 

I went to the Princess Cays in the Bahamas on the last cruise but honestly it was really not that fun. This cruise line doesn’t actually take us to the Bahamas but rather a small offshore town that they own. There really is not much to do, it’s a saltwater beach, a few shops, and some food areas. If I remember correctly, last time it was insanely hot, saltwater is not that much fun to swim in, the shops really did not have anything interesting and the food was ok. I am going to presume it will be the same as it was a few years ago. Maybe I will get a wave of nostalgia and try the banana boat ride, aqua boats, or the stingray encounter this time. I freak about touching stingrays though, they are way too slimy. 

Port #2: St. Thomas, Virgin Islands

8/10

I have heard so much about the Virgin Islands but I’ve never been! They have a coral world ocean park that I am so excited to explore, they have colorful lorikeets and view red footed tortoises. We get to interact with the animals in indoor and outdoor exhibits and there is also a Coki Beach near the park where snorkeling and diving opportunities are available. There is also something called the Paradise Point Ariel Ride which includes an ariel cab ride to the highest mountain point that overlooks the island. I am really looking forward to seeing the different parts of this island!

Port #3: Antigua 

7/10

Antigua is an island I have not heard of before. Antigua is known for its coastlines, rolling hills, and sugar mills. It is rich in nautical history during the colonial times. They offer a rainforest zipline adventure, which seems super fun but when I went zipline in the Smokey Mountains over spring break, and it was not as fun as I thought it would be. Maybe in Antigua, it will be higher and the rainforest aspect of it will make it more appealing. There is also a popular beach called Fyres Beach which serves authentic Caribbean  cuisine which I am really looking forward to. It is such a cute little island! 

Port #4: St. Lucia

10/10

St. Lucia had so many interesting activities available. There are sulphur springs, volcanic island trip mud baths, and whale/dolphin watching. Sulphur springs is a drive-in volcano which sounds insanely cool. It is the most active volcanic area in thai region and I have never seen a volcano in real life before. I would be able to see the bubbling hot springs, mineral mud pools, and sulphur steam. I am also excited for the mud baths because I have always seen them on social media but also never got a chance to do one in real life. They look super relaxing and satisfying to do! Also, I have never seen whales in real life before (dolphins I have), so that will also be a fun experience. Overall, St. Lucia holds so many new experiences for me which is why I am the most excited for it!

Port #5: Barbados

10/10

Barbados is such a beautiful and therefore popular vacation spot for many. My family and I are going to go on an Atlantis Submarine Adventure, which is actually something that I have been looking forward to for a long time. I have always wondered how it would feel to be in a submarine and seeing all of the ocean life that underwater is an exciting prospect for me. There is also a cave adventure, and I have also never been in a cave before. I admit, it scares me a little bit to go in it but maybe I will like it! Barbados also is a host of new experiences for me. 

Port #6: St. Kitts

7/10

St.Kitts has a scenic wooden railroad ride! The pictures looked really cool and I have never been on open train so that will be fun especially with the nice weather. There is also an 4D expedition where we get to take a jeep through the jungle to get to a beach. St. Kitts has a lot of adevntury stuff along with plenty of beaches so it will be such a nice way to end the cruise.

Overall, I am so excited and hopefully I will get to do everything that I want to do. Missing finals better be worth it.