Sometimes cruising means taking it slow… and by slow, I mean kicking back on a balcony and looking at the stars – just listening to the waves roll by your stateroom.

On the first night of our eight-day voyage on the Carnival Freedom, I took advantage of some quiet time when the rest of my family turned in for bed early. For the first time in months, I treated myself to read a book. What some would consider an everyday occurrence, is just the opposite in my world.

It’s no secret that I don’t go far without my phone. I frequently share my everyday activities on social networks (whether people want to hear about it or not) and I’m a hardcore news junkie. Picking up a book always seems to be my last choice.

But, put me on a cruise ship – where I’m almost forced to unplug from the ‘real world’ and I’m an entirely different person. I tend to crave the quietness of the ship.

 

During the day, find me a spot on the Serenity deck, where its adults only with shady lounge chairs, drink servers ready to assist and plenty of spots to hideout for awhile.  (I recommend the Shade-Ade fruity beverage. It tastes just like pink lemonade with a kick.. and a tiny umbrella.)

Another of my favorite spots to unwind is the ship’s spa. On the Carnival Freedom, I treated myself to a hot stone massage and walked away feeling like a new person. Who knew I was so tense?! It was the biggest ‘splurge’ of our trip and I’m so glad I did it.

Sometimes we all need to unplug – and for some like myself, we need to be forced to do it.

While the folks on the deck below me were dancing the night away in the 70’s Disco nightclub, I was soaking up some precious ‘me time’ and loving every minute of it… and my book too.

Do you ever crave quiet ‘me time’ on vacation? 

 

** My family and I were invited guests of Carnival Cruise Lines on this media trip. Thoughts and opinions here are 100% my own. **