My First Cruise
A Winter Adventure on the Norwegian Joy
In December 2025, I took my very first cruise ever—a three-day adventure on the Norwegian Joy—and it was unforgettable. I went with my team from Travelmation, the company I contract with as a travel advisor, which made the experience even more special. I stayed in a balcony room, and waking up to the ocean views every morning was absolutely magical. This first cruise has me definitely looking forward to many more!
The cruise included two amazing stops. Our first port was Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island. The island was beautiful, and there were so many chaise lounges that there was plenty of seating for everyone. The water was too cold for my comfort, but that’s to be expected in December! While I didn’t stay all day—I forgot my book to read—there were so many activities for anyone who wanted adventure. The island offered a zip line, snorkeling, cabanas for rent, and wave runners and kayaks. When I visited, they were still completing construction on new additions, including the Splash Harbor splash pad and the Great Life Lagoon heated pool. Looking ahead, the Great Tides Waterpark and Jet Karts, a go-cart meets jet-ski experience, are coming soon. There was also plenty to eat, including a food truck called Tropic It Like It’s Hot, and live music throughout the day, making it a fun, lively atmosphere.
Our second stop was Nassau, Bahamas. I took an excursion that was both fun and engaging—the driver was funny and full of energy, which made the tour feel lively from start to finish. We visited a local market to shop for authentic items, the rum factory to taste the famous rum cake, and the Queen’s Staircase, a beautiful historic landmark. The tour offered a mix of culture, history, and local flavor, and combined with a visit to Atlantis Resort, it was a full day of adventure that showed me a very different side of the Bahamas compared to the peaceful private island we had just visited.
Onboard the Norwegian Joy, there was so much to do that I didn’t get to everything I wanted! The food was excellent, and the staff was great. I had the Free at Sea package, which included drinks, one specialty dining experience, and 30 minutes of Wi-Fi. For our specialty dining, our team went to Cagney’s Steakhouse, which was delicious. The Wi-Fi worked okay, but 30 minutes wasn’t enough, and if you forgot to log off, your minutes counted whether you were actively using it or not. I enjoyed the adults-only area, which had a large hot tub, and I saw a couple of shows in the theater. I also went to an art exhibition and was given a tour of the Mandarin Spa—though I didn’t splurge on the thermal suite, I would have loved to try it if I had the budget. There was also a go-cart track called the Speedway, mini-golf, and nightly game shows in the atrium, which were fun to watch. I even brought workout clothes with every intention of using the fitness center…and then never did! Between ports and onboard activities, there simply wasn’t enough time to explore everything, but it was part of the fun figuring out how to fit it all in.
This first cruise sparked my love for cruising and reminded me why I became a travel advisor: I love helping people plan trips that create memories and experiences they’ll treasure. Whether it’s a short getaway like mine or a longer journey, cruising offers the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and excitement—and I can’t wait to share more cruises with my clients and friends in the future.
Pro tip: If it’s your first cruise, try to balance relaxation and excursions. Enjoy the ship, explore the ports, and let yourself soak in every new experience—because each day brings something unique.
