Phoenix: Live Love Laugh

December 2013 was a month of major celebration for me.
One of the greatest milestones of my life had finally been achieved:
I earned my Master’s Degree in Education.

But it wasn’t just about receiving the diploma—
I graduated with the highest GPA in my program and was honored to carry the degree flag at commencement.
When I opened the letter informing me of this special recognition, I was overwhelmed.
To be honest, never in my wildest dreams did I expect it.
But with God, perseverance, and relentless dedication, it happened.

As if that weren’t enough reason to celebrate, I was also turning 41 years old that month.
And after catching the “cruise bug” from my very first trip the year before, I knew I had to go even bigger this time.
Bigger than the 40th birthday party I had thrown for myself.
Bigger than just a simple celebration.

Enter: Carnival Breeze

I heard that Carnival was launching a brand-new ship—the Carnival Breeze—and it would be setting sail just in time for my celebrations.
Perfect timing!
Yes, we were cruising again—but this time, I wanted a better, longer, more luxurious experience.

One of the best things about having a December birthday—especially just a week before Christmas—is that the whole world feels extra festive.
Everywhere you go, there’s joy, lights, music, and celebration in the air.
It made my birthday and graduation celebration feel even more magical.

Lessons from Cruise #1

I took what I learned from my first cruise and applied it smartly:
No spending on professional cruise photos this time. (Thank you, lesson learned!)

Instead, I decided to invest in comfort.

I chose to stay in the Cloud 9 Spa Suite, which included:

• Full access to the luxurious spa amenities
• Saunas
• Jacuzzis
• Relaxing adult-only retreat areas

It was the perfect gift to myself—peace, pampering, and pure joy.

Looking back, that second cruise wasn’t just a trip.
It was a celebration of resilience, hard work, and faith in the journey when it didn’t always make sense.

And it taught me something important:
Every victory, big or small, deserves to be celebrated.

I really got a taste of the bigger and longer cruise.

The Christmas decor was so welcoming. The Dinner on my birthday was even more entertaining and special than ever. I had such a great time with my family. The food was good, the restaurant waiter was interesting and fun. Saw him through out the entire cruise. The desserts were just tasty we each had to try something different.

First port stop Grand Turk

Next port stop… JAMAICA. I listened to someone who told me the cruise excursion are too expensive just do it on my own because at the port stop have mini vans. Well, well, well, I did that and the driver did take us to the Dunn’s river fall we paid him round trip because he said her would be back. Guess what he never came back to get us – we had to plead with another bus driver to take us back to the ship. He called the driver who was supposed to pick us up told him he needed to give him the money because he will take us back. Scary lesson learned stick with the cruise on excursions. Jamaica left a bad taste in my mouth. Coming from a Caribbean island myself I know we would never do that to anyone. I believe this country is all about money and not able customer service.

Next Port Stop Atlantis Bahamas

Another sea day – there are so many activities to do and that is going on that sea days and night life were the best. Compared to my smaller cruise (4 days) I think I rather the longer cruise and bigger cruise ships.

Sickle cell always has a way in interrupting my vacations because of my low immune system I am easily susceptible to common communicable disease. I always come down with a fever or cold when I am in large crowds for long periods of time.but that never stopped me. On the best night the Christmas show I had a fever so I never made it out the room that night. But my family was able to catch in action.

Back Miami morning ..

My overall view of cruising is I still love it and would continue cruising but it also rates best on the Ship you sail on and the company that you are around. I really enjoyed this cruise with my family. I think my health sometimes factor in my enjoyment. I still have 2 cruise reviews to post. And I am looking forward to my next LONG cruise on a bigger ship. Claiming it in 2021 God’s willing.