Destiny Across The Sea

It all started on an early morning on December 3rd, 2011, I woke up to the voice of a loud, anxious, yet excited mother yelling, “RISE AND SHINE TODAY IS THE DAY!”  In reality, I didn’t even know if I had really been woken up or if I was still dreaming since I was too tired to even think. All due to myself trying to pull the ultimate all-nighter the night before, just because of the immense excitement held within me knowing that I was going on my first cruise to one of my most anticipated destinations; Jamaica! But after a good couple of early morning yawns and bright sunlight hitting my face; it finally hit me, today was the day I would embark my adventures at sea. I promise you I looked like a little kid going to Disney World for the first time, ready to take on the world!

But that was the least of my worries; I had forgotten that we had to take a three hour drive down to Miami before I could even sail the sea. Thankfully, those three hours flew by and we arrived at beautiful Downtown Miami where the Ports to most of the cruise lines were located. All I wanted to do was jump right out of the car door and aboard Carnival’s Destiny Cruise Ship, but let me not get too far ahead. We unloaded the trunk, put our bags on a luggage cart and entered the building where they would check for our passports, tickets, and all that jazz. After all of that was taken care of, we got on board and to be honest, I didn’t know what to do first; there was just so much to do! I headed straight to where I would sleep for the next five nights.

As soon as I opened the door of my cabin, I immediately ran to select my bed; since I was sharing the room with my two step-sisters. My older brother and his wife were located in the room on our right and my mother and step-father on the room on our left. We all settled in and decided it was time to have fun and explore the ship. For the days I spent on the ship before arriving to Jamaica, all I could do was eat. It was like Heaven on Earth and I couldn’t forget my karaoke nights. When we docked at Ocho Rios, Jamaica, the first thing I thought of was paradise.

I was just in awe of the astonishing view of blue crystal waters and the forest green mountains. We spent almost the whole day there and as a family we took a small bus to the famous Dunn’s River Falls. This place was mystical; it was like traveling through an amazing enchanted forest. We had the opportunity to climb the waterfall and take a rejuvenating swim at the beach. It was the beauty of the urban town that really caught my attention. Even though you could tell poverty ruled amongst the community, it was the joy and humbleness of the people that really made Jamaica shine for its beauty of the land. This trip opened up my heart and mind in a new, yet loving way. I realized I should be thankful yet joyful for all the great and less fortunate blessings I have, because in reality there are people who are extremely less fortunate than I am. But in which they seem to not have a care in the world, because they are too busy trying to live in peace, love, and joy.