cruisin' when you are bruisin'

This summer was a total bust.
I had hoped my foot would be "normal" by the end of the summer so that we could sneak off to Bonaire for some serious diving. Unfortunately, that was not in the 'cards". I am in rehab now learning to walk "normal" and also dealing with neck issues.
I've been really down in dumps so my husband suggested we take a cruise out of Boston for a 'change of scenery". I thought to myself, "hmmm... no dirty digusting painful airplanes and suffocating migraine inducing germy airports to deal with" "A week of NO cooking/cleaning/ just pool side relaxation..."
Hmmm That did sound appealing.
So off we went.
We drove into Boston and whamm, we were immediately on "vacation".
Since funds were a bit limited since I have not been working we stayed in the "bargain basement" room which was the size of a closet. (My shoe closet is bigger). (I called this below deck area with all  the other "budget conscience" folks 'the projects") With that being said, the bed was the most comfortable bed I've ever slept in. Seriously. it was so comfortable that I went online to see what mattress they used. (It's a Italian memory foam topper) This was the first time in MONTHS I actually fell asleep.
 I still got up at 3:00am to do my yoga stretches.Mostly because my 'neighbors' got into a massive fights every night, screaming, swearing in spanish and throwing each other against the wall. When this finally subsided, they "made up" by getting "busy". If you know what I mean (wink wink)There was a lot of creaking and moans.I never saw them and they always ordered room service.
When people talk about cruises they obsess about the food.
For two days, I just ordered steamed broccoli and rice. I hadn't had an appetite and had shriveled down to about 104lbs. After a few nights of good rest and no headaches, my appetite came back like gang-busters and I had discovered the vegetarian Indian buffet.
It was wonderful.The main chef was Indian. The food was delicious.
It was also so nice not to have to cook and clean for a full week.
I got up at 6:00am and worked out in the gym overlooking the ocean for a good 1 1/2-2 hours in the morning. It was mostly yoga stretches and weight training. The spectacular view was very motivating. My husband would go off to play basket-ball on the upper deck when I hung out at the gym so we both got our exercise.
Since my activity level was still limited I was happy to be able to get in the pool and move my legs around. The water was cool and refreshing although a bit crowded.
I splurged and went for their on board spa treatment where I had a facial and mini massage. I ended up buying one of their cooling/detoxifying gel for my feet. It seemed to take away a lot of the swelling. It was expensive at $55.00 a bottle but it was worth it.
I liked the fact that I could dress up at night for dinner and a show-which I did every night.I bought a pair of flat healed sparkly sandals for this occasion  since I could not wear any of my many sky high heels. (Sadly, it is going to be a very long time that I will be able to wear heels or most of my shoes for that matter since my foot is still huge)
I don't care much for singing/dancing shows since I am not much of a music lover but I did enjoy the game shows(Newly wed game) and comedians.
The weather going down to Bermuda was foggy and drizzly but when we arrived in Bermuda the sun came out.We didn't do any of the "shore excursions". I would've liked to go on the catamaran snorkle trip (maybe next time).
 There was a small beach near the docking station that I could walk to. I was happy as a clam to be able to walk to it and get in the water. The water temp was 80F! We took the bus into town the next day for 'high tea" but it turned out the day we were there no high tea servings were available so we just did some shopping instead. My husband bought me a UW citizen watch. Isn't he sweet?
After being out and about most of the day, walking around and photographing the local pigeon population. I was exhausted and my foot was really bothering me at that point. I overdid it but at least I felt somewhat "normal" to be able to do some things..
The staff on the cruise were extremely nice and helpful. I usually had an "escort" help me up and down the stairs. They would also 'special order' me a plate of steamed broccoli and spinach. There was this one Jamaican guy on staff who had multiple duties.He had many talents He would deliver coffee and sign it off making this amazing rooster call.He was my favorite guy.
No, a cruise is not for everyone. People joke and say it for the "newly wed, over fed and nearly dead". Well This trip worked for me. It was true VACATION!
 No hassles, no stress, no work. NO F*CKING  airplanes!(Did I say that already?) I just relaxed, read books, sunned by the pool, dressed up at night and was pampered. When we arrived back in Boston we were back home in less than 2 hours (compared to 14 hours leaving the apartment in Bonaire to arriving to our home.ugh)
Would I do it again?
Yes! But the next time I would definitely upgrade and get a la de da balcony room. I would probably be fit enough to do the catamaran snorkle trip as well and hike to the more adventurous beaches.
This is just what the doctor ordered! :-)