After coming across a great deal I decided to reach out to my mom who LOVES cruising and do a long overdue mother-daughter trip. We sailed on the Carnival Sunrise cruise out of Miami that made stops at various ports in the Bahamas. Neither of us really knew what to expect from cruising during covid but since recent sailings have been successful, we decided it was time to try it out. Besides a passport and the normal paperwork, Carnival required a 24hr pre-departure covid test and proof of vaccination (although they do reserve a small number of spots for unvaccinated travelers). Since we didn’t have a big turnaround time I ordered us at home covid tests that included a telemed proctor. The whole process was super convenient and quick!
Once onboard, it was strongly recommended masks be worn in all indoor spaces unless eating or drinking; and they were required in the comedy club, theater, elevators and casino. When out on deck in the fresh ocean air, it was cruising as normal! If it wasn’t for the masked up employees you wouldn’t even know covid exists. The ships capacity was 3,000 but due to regulations and not as many people traveling, the ship sailed with only 1,900 passengers onboard! There was never a line for food or drink, no wait time for restaurants and a deck chair could easily be found at any time. Definitely something I could get used to!
Day 1: Miami – Embarkation day
We booked an early flight into Miami. This not only gave us wiggle room for unexpected delays but allowed us to be among the first to board the ship. We breezed through the check-in process and before we knew it were seated out on deck enjoying a delicious lunch from Guy Fieri’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que restaurant. After lunch we set up our cruise wifi and logged into the Carnival app so we could check out all the fun activities planned. A quick stop at the room to drop off our bags then it was exploration time! It’s always fun to explore and check out all your ship has to offer. We played a round of mini golf, grabbed some dessert from the buffet, checked out the shops and spent the remainder of the afternoon relaxing before making our way back to the room to clean up for dinner. We booked a balcony cabin and had a great view of Miami back-dropped by a gorgeous sunset as we pulled out to sea. We chose the dine anytime option and checking in for a table was quick and easy through the app. To our surprise the lights dimmed shortly after being seated and we were treated to a high energy dance by the waiters! Dinner was followed by a welcome show in the theater before heading to bed.
Day 2: At sea day
We were up early and ready to spend a day in the sun. First stop was breakfast though! Mom opted for the buffet while I chose to grab an oh so delicious and incredibly filling breakfast burrito from the BlueIguana Cantina Mexican restaurant. Finally time to soak in some sun. Since we were traveling childfree we chose to make our way up to the adults only section on the highest deck where we settled in for the next few hours. The chairs were super comfy and glass walls gave way to an amazing view! After lunch we attempted the ropes course. It wasn’t as big as one’s I’ve done on other ships but still a fun challenge – I even got my mom to try it out! More relaxing and sunshine before we headed back to clean up for dinner. We had no problem keeping ourselves entertained the rest of the evening with dinner, a comedy show and the show in the main theater.
Day 3: Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
The next morning we arrived at Half Moon Cay, a private island in the Bahamas owned by the cruise line. This was a tender port so it took a bit more work to get there but boy was it worth it! The sand was as white and soft as baby powder and the water a gorgeous, clear teal. There were more than enough chairs for everyone so finding the perfect spot wasn’t hard to do. We were blessed with a bright blue sky and nonstop sunshine. The chairs were comfortable, the water warm and the view breathtaking. I could have spent the whole trip there! Carnival hosted a BBQ lunch and brought the fun onshore with optional beach games and competitions. We made our way back to the boat late afternoon and enjoyed a refreshing drink poolside before heading back to our cabin. We checked out a magic show before dinner then a comedy show after. The comedian was great and had the whole room in stitches. We just caught the 9:30 show – although I think all the sun tired mom out since she napped through it!
Day 4: Nassau, Bahamas
After a delicious sit-down breakfast in the dining room we made our way off the ship. We chose not to book an excursion, instead I did my research and planned our day before leaving home. Printed maps in hand made it easy to get out and explore. First stop was the Queen’s Staircase, a set of steps carved out of solid limestone rock by 600 slaves between 1793 and 1794. They were created as an escape route from pirates and other invaders, and lead to a fort above. It was a quick, easy walk from the ship and we spent about half an hour there looking around. From the fort we made our way the mile back into town to do some shopping at the straw market and many other shops along the way. Finally, it was time to relax so we continued on to Junkanoo beach, a free beach just outside of town. When the time came we made our way back to the ship and took advantage of some great happy hour specials while playing “Name that Tune”. After cleaning up and a delicious dinner we caught an hysterical R rated comedy show and mom tested her luck in the casino – unfortunately, luck was not on her side!
Day 5: Freeport, Bahamas
Other than a small marketplace, there is really nothing within walking distance of the Port Lucaya cruise ship port. We had plans to hit the main straw market but upon arrival at the taxi stand we were advised the market wasn’t fully opened as a result of a recent hurricane and covid. So, instead we opted to take a taxi over to Pirate Cove where we spent the day swimming and relaxing in the warm sunshine – not such a terrible alternative! After the beach, we checked out the vendors on the dock before getting back onboard. The sun was still shining so after a late lunch we rested on deck and enjoyed the hot tub. After getting cleaned up we stopped at the bar for a final drink where we made a new friend. He had onboard credit to use before docking in the morning so he invited us to the steak house. We all had an absolutely delicious dinner! Then it was time to head back to our cabin to pack our bags for the morning’s departure.
Day 6: Miami – Disembarkation day
With only carry-on luggage and all our packing done the night before we were able to get up and enjoy one last sit down breakfast in the dining room before heading off the ship.
I wasn’t at all looking to book a cruise when I came across this itinerary but sometimes you come across a deal that’s just too good to pass up! Like many, the cruise lines were and continue to be hit really hard by Covid. As a result, there are currently a lot of really great cruise deals out there. They want you back on board and want others to see that cruising is a safe vacation choice. I felt completely safe throughout our entire trip and really enjoyed being able to get out and travel on the open seas again. Hopefully you will also!
Take vacations, go as many places as you can! You can always make money, you can’t always make memories!
“Take vacations, go as many places as you can! You can always make money, you can’t always make memories!”—Great advice. Sounds like you all had fun.
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