My very first cruise EVER was aboard the Costa Atlantica through the Caribbean … and I had a BALL! With a spacious, Oceanview stateroom all to myself, it was definitely an Adventure in Recess!

The first morning after dinner was a bit of a challenge, but nothing a daily dose of Bonine didn’t cure! After that, it was “smooth sailing” — pun intended!

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The Atlantica is a fabulous Lady, featuring Italian-inspired food and decor, including Murano glass art throughout the entire ship that is so elegant and beautiful!

This 7-day cruise sailed from Ft Lauderdale with ports of call in:

  • San Juan, Puerto Rico
  • Nassau, Bahamas
  • St Thomas, US Virgin Islands

I quickly learned that one of the many great reasons for cruising is getting to experience multiple destinations in a single trip through shore excursions. Highly recommend them, and booking them in advance increases your likelihood of avoiding sell-out situations!

I can’t believe I got to visit the El Yunque Rainforest in Puerto Rico, climbing the Yokahu Tower at an elevation of 1,525 feet! I was literally among the clouds — it was spectacular!

In St Thomas, I booked a snorkeling excursion, but chickened-out at the last minute. Don’t get me wrong, I WENT on the excursion, but kept to the tour boat enjoying the amazing scenery and the island libations, LOL!

Final destination was my all-time favorite place (at the moment, anyway!) — Nassau, Bahamas. The Atlantis Resort in Paradise Island, only a short ferry or taxi ride away from the port, offers so much to do, and there’s always Senor Frog’s right AT the port!

Can’t begin to fully describe how much fun I had as a first-time cruiser! Don’t hesitate to make your next vacation a cruise — you’ll be so glad you did!

In the meantime, please enjoy these wonderful photos of the beautiful Costa Atlantica and my excursions, and consider booking that next vacation with TVSS Travel!