Earlier this year I decided that I would be traveling solo! I had started a new job and did not have a lot of accrued vacation time, so the vacation had to be a short one. In due time, Greece, in due time! I researched several destinations and experiences but quickly decided to hop on a cruise from the West Coast.
THE BACKSTORY
This year was supposed to be the year of me island hopping in Greece, but life happened. I quit a job of 7 and a half years, leaving my 3 weeks’ vacation behind, and started a new career. This new career came with no accrued vacation, so I had to put that dream vacation on hold. I knew Greece or any other overseas trip needed at least 10 days or more for me to truly enjoy myself and recuperate afterwards.
After receiving numerous emails, I decided to go on yet another cruise since they were so deeply discounted at the time. I chose a cruise that left from LA because I’ve been to almost all the ports that the ships from the East Coast go to. I also decided to make this trip a 2-for-1 and stay in LA for a couple of days. Let me share the details of my trip.
LOS ANGELES
My trip started off on a sour note. I arrived to LAX only to find that the airline damaged my hard side carryon luggage. This angered me because I was forced to check my bag, and I always travel with just a bookbag (my personal item) and my carryon. I travel this way as I don’t like waiting for my luggage or trust airlines not to lose or damage my luggage, but here we were. My bag now had a huge dent in it and a broken spinner wheel. I immediately notified the airport and am still awaiting repair. I decided to not let that spoil my trip, so I babied my carryon and kept it moving.
After arriving to my hotel, I was exhausted and famished, so I ordered birria tacos from a local restaurant. They were good but not “going viral” good, but social media hypes everything up. The time change, the red eye flight, and my age all hit me with a combo, and I passed out for the night. The next day was tour day.
The next morning, I readied myself for an all-day tour of LA. I met the tour down in Santa Monica where the bus picked up all tourists. While on the tour, I met people from all over the US as well as people from Poland and other European countries. The tour kept me occupied from 8:30 AM to 6PM. It was worth the money. I loved the tour as it was a glimpse of everything metropolitan LA, such as the Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, and Hollywood. And this is the same reason I love cruises.
THE CRUISE
The next morning was cruise day. But let me first say that I am Carnival cruiser, and I don’t care what anyone says. Their cruises are usually cheap, and there are usually plenty of events to do onboard. Anyway, so I get to Long Beach 1 hour early than my embarkation appointment, wondering what I was going to do for that hour. To my surprise, staff allowed guests to get on board early. After waiting about an hour and two, my room was ready. I was excited as I booked my first balcony room, and I wanted to go outside and check out the view. Big mistake! I was on the 10th floor. I’m afraid of heights and can’t swim, so the balcony was rarely used and a waste of money for me. Check out the view though.
That first night on the cruise was AMAZING, and my onboard balance that night can show for it! SMH. I had to make my first drink a Miami Vice (half frozen strawberry daiquiri and half frozen pina colada). It was downhill from there, well uphill. I toured the ship and made sure that I knew where everything was located. I loved the layout of the Carnival Radiance as everything was located in the middle. That helps with finding your room after, AHEM, several drinks. I hope this would be the layout for all new or remodeled ships. By the end of the night, I had patroned several bars and the nightclub, making friends in between.
The second day was for Catalina Island and uh, they could have kept her. I got to the island, walked around a little bit, and tried to find a tour unsuccessfully. So, I took a couple of pictures and got back on the boat. I spent the rest of my day relaxing. I was asleep by 6pm. Don’t judge me!
The next stop was Ensenada, Mexico, my favorite stop of the cruise. I signed up for a food tour because I thought it would be safer to travel and explore in a group especially with me traveling solo. My food tour group was amazing. We had a wonderful tour guide who showed around the city while also taking us around to the local eateries. We ended the tour with a trip to a tequila distillery, which had a tequila and ceviche tasting.
After returning to the boat, I went to the adults-only hot tub, which was interesting. I should write a book called the Cruise Chronicles because there were so many things I learned on that cruise. It was hilarious. I caught a show and then ended my night in the club. The rest of the days on the cruise, I took it easy. I ate, drank a little, and watched TV in my cabin.
THE VERDICT
So, would I do it again? Hell yeah, I would, but with a different location and in one that is safe to do so as a Black woman. I don’t want to get snatched, trying to see the world. But for real, traveling solo may be my new thing. I didn’t have to worry about anyone else’s needs or wants but mine. I didn’t have to hear anyone complaining, none of that. As I did with my last trip, I enjoyed this one as well. The food, the companionship, and the overall experiences were great! You’re not really traveling solo when you are surrounded by people who are trying to have fun.
As always, talk to you later, ladybugs!
