Dear Kaleigh,
This is your future self, and I just wanted to write to encourage you in your future cruise endeavors. I know that right now you are totally wrapped up in Disney, and there is nothing wrong with that. You and James are stationed with the military up in North Dakota, and I can imagine that the idea of getting away to a familiar, fantastical place like Disney World is pretty appealing at this point. But, your way of vacationing is about to change completely!
Right now, you picture a cruise as being boring, claustrophobic and for people who are either old or don't have much imagination. You fear the small staterooms, aren't even sure if they actually have double beds or if you'd have to sleep in twin beds, bolted to the floor. Your sister in law just got back from a cruise and mentioned the soda card, and you cannot believe anyone would spend that much money on Coke. She tried to tell you about all the activities on board, but all you heard was "casino" and "learn to scrapbook", neither of which appeal to you. And, as we both know, you aren't a big sunbather, so laying by the pool day after day is not an option. Then you saw that Samantha Brown special on the Travel Channel, and raised an eyebrow at all the people in beaded outfits taking photos of the fruit displays at the midnight buffet. You're thinking "is it so boring that they get dressed up and stay awake til midnight, just to be entertained by some food?" You've heard horror stories about people getting sick on ships because they are in such close quarters, and really very little about the whole experience appeals to you.
It will be a fluke that finally gets you to consider a cruise: a great rate on a Disney ship (which I now know is insane!) But since you love Disney, it works. And you will have an amazing time, but even after that first cruise, you won't trust the experience thinking that maybe you only liked it because it was Disney. When you try it again and realize that cruising is, actually perfect for you, the whole world will open up.
Cruising will allow you to go to Europe for the first time, (and second and third) it will bring you to the Caribbean and Mexico and have you thinking about visiting places you've never considered like China and Australia. It will introduce you to some of the best people you've ever met in your whole life, lifelong friends. You will never be bored on the ship, alternatively you will have trouble fitting in everything you want to do. Yes, you will pay those high prices for Coke, but you won't even think twice about it. You'll sleep in comfy accommodations (not twin beds), hardly ever lay by the pool, but you will take pictures of food. Who knows? You might even start a blog or podcast. :)
So, just remember to stay open to travel experiences, and try not to prejudge. Something amazing could always be around the corner!
Sincerely,
Your Future Self
P.S.- Enjoy those last few "child-free" years, but that is a WHOLE other letter.
This is your future self, and I just wanted to write to encourage you in your future cruise endeavors. I know that right now you are totally wrapped up in Disney, and there is nothing wrong with that. You and James are stationed with the military up in North Dakota, and I can imagine that the idea of getting away to a familiar, fantastical place like Disney World is pretty appealing at this point. But, your way of vacationing is about to change completely!
Right now, you picture a cruise as being boring, claustrophobic and for people who are either old or don't have much imagination. You fear the small staterooms, aren't even sure if they actually have double beds or if you'd have to sleep in twin beds, bolted to the floor. Your sister in law just got back from a cruise and mentioned the soda card, and you cannot believe anyone would spend that much money on Coke. She tried to tell you about all the activities on board, but all you heard was "casino" and "learn to scrapbook", neither of which appeal to you. And, as we both know, you aren't a big sunbather, so laying by the pool day after day is not an option. Then you saw that Samantha Brown special on the Travel Channel, and raised an eyebrow at all the people in beaded outfits taking photos of the fruit displays at the midnight buffet. You're thinking "is it so boring that they get dressed up and stay awake til midnight, just to be entertained by some food?" You've heard horror stories about people getting sick on ships because they are in such close quarters, and really very little about the whole experience appeals to you.
It will be a fluke that finally gets you to consider a cruise: a great rate on a Disney ship (which I now know is insane!) But since you love Disney, it works. And you will have an amazing time, but even after that first cruise, you won't trust the experience thinking that maybe you only liked it because it was Disney. When you try it again and realize that cruising is, actually perfect for you, the whole world will open up.
Cruising will allow you to go to Europe for the first time, (and second and third) it will bring you to the Caribbean and Mexico and have you thinking about visiting places you've never considered like China and Australia. It will introduce you to some of the best people you've ever met in your whole life, lifelong friends. You will never be bored on the ship, alternatively you will have trouble fitting in everything you want to do. Yes, you will pay those high prices for Coke, but you won't even think twice about it. You'll sleep in comfy accommodations (not twin beds), hardly ever lay by the pool, but you will take pictures of food. Who knows? You might even start a blog or podcast. :)
So, just remember to stay open to travel experiences, and try not to prejudge. Something amazing could always be around the corner!
Sincerely,
Your Future Self
P.S.- Enjoy those last few "child-free" years, but that is a WHOLE other letter.
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