Cruises are known to be a sweet way to get out of the country, have good food and save money. I found the Grand Celebration cruise also known as Bahamas Paradise! As most may know I began my blog to get folks into traveling while not killing their pockets in the same trips. I put myself out there as an example to others that traveling and coming back with money is attainable, if you plan efficiently. I hope you all enjoy my journey on this cruise to the beautiful island of the Bahamas.

The cruise in itself is a smaller cruise; it is used for short and efficient trips. The cruise sails out of Palm Beach Port at about 5:30pm, they advice to be on the boat before 4pm to be on the safe side. The earlier the better, you are able to just hangout on the ship. You take a day to sail there, spend a whole day on the island, and then you sail back the day after that. You are also able to stay on the island for a few days, and then return on a different ship to the states. As soon as you come to the port you are greeted by the valet smiles. They charge $19 per night in which they receive upon arrival. I had the concierge package ($249 tax included, for two) which I will speak more on below, but it is your BEST bet for this cruise. Only thing really in addition was I bought drink tickets, 10 drinks for about $84. Henny Coladas, Jameson, Patron. Great choices. Since I had the concierge package, I had express check in, skipped lines galore, my luggage was taken to my room priority and and who doesn't like to feel super VIP?

The check in was fairly smooth; since they take your bags early, if you have the concierge package. I just had to go up to the check in desk, which is also priority. Even if you do not get this package, the staff works the best they can to get you in fast and smooth. Best is to have your passport to check in, but original birth certificates are acceptable too. They will give you a card that pretty much is your lifeline for the trip; it's used for paying and getting on and off the boat. After you check in someone comes to pick you up and walks you to the ship. There you are to meet your concierge helper; mine was Felishia, she was amazing every single step of the way. You will be very familiar with her throughout the trip as she tells you all the great things that await you.

When I arrived to the room, luggage was already there. When I came in I had a sweet arrangement of fruits and prosecco. Can not ever go wrong with some sparkling wine. So included in the concierge package one of the first things to do is head over for a wine tasting. There is also breads, cheeses and nuts to snack on. Wines from all over the world are presented with detail as you enjoy relaxation. Real cool decanter on the wine bottles, there are specials on bottles of wine with the decanter they will list once the wine tasting is coming to an end. They also give you another getaway to get your drink on. There you are able to see the game boards you can rent while having some drinks, unlimited.

The whole cruise has so many activities to do. A casino, pools, restaurants, clubs, stores, spas, gym, water park for kids, coffee shops, karaoke and shows both nights. First night I ate at the regular restaurant even though with my package you can have dinner at the specialty restaurant both nights. I wanted a feel of both, the second night I got the extra fancy food. It's so awesome that you can eat as many plates as are able to fit in your belly. The portions and quality of the food are awesome. The staff is very accommodating to diets and allergies. Chefs are able to modify just about anything for each guest.

I went ahead and worked out while I was here, I loved the small view it had to the ocean, and how clean it was. The first morning I got about an hour workout in before heading over to my champagne breakfast. Yes you read correctly, I workout and indulge in mimosas, sue me. There you have a sweet option of different meats, eggs, sweets/pastries coffees and juices to mix your champagne. You have that for both mornings on the ship.

Day on the island was perfect, its smooth to exit the ship. Have to be sure to have your passport and key at hand to make the exit and entrance more smooth. When outside a lot of taxis are available to take you to the different areas and beaches available. $14 for a round trip to and from Taino Beach. The beach was such a crispy baby blue. The sand was so soft and light. All the different things to do on the beach were fairly priced. There are excursions you can buy prior to getting there. But you are also able to just pay them cash while there. Heads up always have cash when you get off, it is the most convenient for everyone. On the beach you can stay at the hotel for the day, ride banana boats and jet skis, go snorkeling, try different food and a lot of drinks available. My favorite was just being able to lay out on the beach, take a relaxing nap and swim in the water as my skin got more color and shinier.

Coming back on the boat I went for a tour of the captains domain. If was so informative to know what all goes on at the head of the whole ship. I do not think we realize how much goes into keeping everything organized and keeping all the passengers safe, and for that we have the great staff to thank. On the tour you get mocktales also known as fruity drinks with no alcohol and finger food. There is pretty much always pizza and pasta around. And the last day they had a huge BBQ with all types of burgers, hot dogs, fries, and salads galore. There was always entertainment. I went in for a 50 minute massage that also comes in my package. Joyfull was my therapist’s name and she was divine. I almost wanted to ask if she just wanted to come home with me to work in South Florida. Her hands were so rewarding, she focused on my problem spots and made me feel such at ease. Everyone from the spa is so sweet and helpful. There is a full salon in there too. They include hair, nails, feet, facials and massages. There is no such thing as too much pampering.

After my massage I got ready for dinner on the fancy side, after that there was another show that I did not see the second night, only the first because I was so tired and wanted to nap before the comedy show the second nght. Being that I had my package I had tickets to the show, and perfect seats too. The first show I went to was filled with different talent that were all extravagant. After all the shows, it is time to party. The first night I went to a club inside, it has sort of a bar, game room and club in one. It was different but I loved it. Met some cool ladies in there that wanted to dance and keep drinking just as much as I did. Following night I enjoyed the DJ blasting music until late night on the top deck of the boat. To feel the wind up there and all the different lights was awesome. So many people having such a great time, the energies rub off and magic happens on the dance floor. Because I am a diva I had high heels on both nights. I do not expect ya'll to follow. I say choose whatever you are comfortable in. Make sure to wear something that really shows off that fresh tan.

Next morning I was ready for my next champagne breakfast before heading out. You give your card information while checking in, so the checkout is smooth. They do give you a printout of everything and throughout your trip you are always able to go ahead and ask customer service where your balance is at. When you are ready to leave someone goes to get your luggage and escort you down to TSA; where because you are concierge you get to skip the whole entire long line. Once you are out, make sure to save your valet ticket or take a picture of it so they can bring your wheels back.

I want to thank the whole entire staff on the cruise. Even though they already charge gratuity for everyone there were a sweet batch I tipped more (optional) because of their extended hospitality. I am grateful to have had such an amazing, short and pocket friendly trip. I hope to take another trip soon with my mom back to the island and stay for a night at a hotel. Below I have pictures of my trip, along with links to book your trip and your concierge package. Make sure to tag me in your trips. Thank you all for supporting me, remember to always love and allow to be loved.