As much as I have traveled, it might seem a bit shocking to hear that I have never actually gone on a cruise before.
Nope, not in all of my 29 years.
Tomorrow, though, that all changes. Pat and I are experiencing the good life and venturing out on the open seas on a 3-night excursion aboard the Carnival Spirit all the way from Sydney to Melbourne!
I mean, when your PR email comes to you and says that the ship is equipped with a whopping 20 bars and lounges… that’s kind of indicative of a good time, am I right?
Not only that, but more news about the ship tells me that it has:
- 24 hour pizza and ice cream
- 3 restaurants
- American bacon, despite being “Aussified”
- the steepest and fastest waterside at sea
- mini golf
- nightclubs, comedy shows, etc.
- a luxurious spa
Uhm… yes please? I’m beginning to question why we haven’t done this whole cruising thing before.
My whole travel philosophy revolves around the journey there being half the adventure. Long, enjoyable train rides, road tripping to the far reaches… and now, cruising.
Have you ever been on a cruise? What did you think?
American girl left to travel the world in 2007. Studied languages, slept in a yurt, taught English, met Aussie guy and fell in love. Moved to Australia. Calls Sydney home. Wants a puppy. Still loves to travel. Read more 
I’ve never been on a cruise but I do want to! Have fun!
It was fun! I think a trip where you get to get off and on at different ports would be even more exciting! Great way to lounge, relax, and shut off for a few days.
Adults only? Sounds racy. I’ve thought about cruises before but I don’t think I’ll do one for quite some time. There are still MANY places on land that I’d like to see before I spend them reliving Speed 2: Cruise Control.
Ahh no not adults only… That’s just the serenity lounge. Must have taken a screenshot of the website at just the right time
Lots of kid-friendly activities on the boat.
Can’t wait to hear about it!
I’m 30 and have never been on a cruise! My parents love them and do 1 to 2 a year, however! I really like being an independent traveler and hate feeling “trapped”, so I’m not sure how well I’d feel on a cruise ship… but I agree that having access to American bacon would be hard to resist…
Haha I think I understand that trapped feeling a bit. A 3 day tour wasn’t bad at all though
I’m SO beyond terrified of being on a cruise ship; especially the one that pulls in front of Circular Quay. Good luck and really looking forward to hearing how you liked it!
Terrified? Why?
I went on a couple of cruises with my family in high school and enjoy them. If you look at in therms of a “vacation” rather than “travel”, it’s a nice way to relax, have fun, and (briefly) see some new places.
Enjoy!
Vacation all the way. Maybe next time I won’t be so preoccupied with trying to get on internet. Oh, media trips…
I know you’ll have a good time, watch out for that bar bill though and note the required gratuity that will be added to it. The good thing about cruising is it is a way to get a taste of different ports to see if you think you would like to return. Bon Voyage!
Ah, the great thing about Australia is they don’t tip, and this cruise has been Aussified — no gratuity needed ever!
Two great destinations to start and end a cruise, Sydney to Melbourne, this just rocks! Looking forward to checking out your pics of the cruise. Some locals in Melbourne weren’t too happy with the redevelopment of the harbour when we visited in 2011, but I think its great. Happy cruising.
I have never been on a cruise but I’ve always been curious. I suppose it’s one of the few modes of transportation I’ve never taken. I too believe in enjoying the journey, and actually wrote a blog post about it. Though I imagine enjoying the journey on a cruise ship is much easier than on a night bus through Panama or an incredibly rough boat ride in Belize!
Hahah, yeah much more comfortable I’d imagine. It was an INDULGENT experience. I need to diet now
I’ve never been on a proper cruise either, and one with a spa sounds like a bliss, not to mention the 24 hour ice cream..!
Hope you enjoy it! We do a cruise every year or two. We like to do a one or two week Christmas cruise. It’s great to get all the family together, relax on the high seas and spend some quality time together. You’re update sounds great (Indulgent is a ringing endorsement!).