Weekend Bahamas Cruise: Norwegian Sky

 

This birthday weekend, I definitely partied like it was my birthday. I enjoyed the sunny beach, pool time overlooking the endless ocean blue and multiple meals consisting primarily of tropical frozen drinks... for three days straight. Oh, and I spent my nights dancing, gambling, and imbibing in prosecco. 31 started off a little bougie and oh so enjoyable!

Without a doubt, I recommend this Norwegian Sky all inclusive (booze) cruise to any couple or group of friends that love music, cocktails, and sunshine. The quick trip from Friday evening to Monday morning, leaving from Miami and cruising two days to the Bahamas, was the perfect amount of time for a total blast and made for a grand, but not budget breaking birthday celebration, anniversary, or bachelorette bash.

There's a spa on board, entertainment including comedians and musical competitions, shuffleboard (we had fun!), DJs and a lot more. The food wasn't so bad either. You have the option for casual buffet fare or a sit down dinner that is either a la cart (if you want sushi or a steak) or included in the cruise package.

The three nights on board, feeling all alone in the middle of the ocean, was both romantic and pure fun. Z and I split our evenings roaming and discovering different bars and lounges + sitting our butts at the Roulette table. Morning breakfasts were enjoyed docked aside the Bahamian islands Nassua and Stirrup Cay, and followed by hours during the day spent on the beach soaking in the sun with drinks and book in hand. What a treat this Birthday was! One for the books. xo RCN

 

Cheeca Lodge & Spa, Islamorada

 

Zach surprised me for my 30th birthday. I am not surprised he planned a beautiful getaway for us, but I was surprised about what he planned. I LOVED it.

Islamorada in the Florida Keys is less than two hours from our home in South Beach, which is a perfect distance for a night away. Zach arranged with my girlfriend about watching Ethel for the night. THANK YOU Col!! Colleen, her husband Steve, and sweet boy Hudson, joined us for brunch at Yardbird on my birthday morning before we ventured off to The Keys. Also, a surprise! Oh, and Yardbird is one of the best restaurants in SOBE. Check it out HERE. The Eggs Benedict and pretty much everything else on the menu is to die for.

We checked into Cheeca Lodge early afternoon with champagne in hand and more awaiting in the room - good move Z. I slipped on my new favorite swimsuit from PacSun and we headed out paddle boarding on the still ocean. Kayaking, snorkeling, fishing excursions, golfing etc. are all available at the resort. They even have clear canoes! We spent majority of the afternoon just chilling by the water sipping on daiquiris and munching on Grouper ceviche, yum! Early evening, we took a quick trip off the resort to Morada Bay (very close to Cheeca) to see the sunset on the bay. Upon return to Cheeca, we ordered take out from Nikai, the sushi restaurant on property, and ate dinner at the tiki bar right off the beach. The sushi was wonderful. I love a unique roll option, which they had! My favorite rolls were the Big Kahuna: tuna & avocado topped with lobster salad, pineapple ginger glaze & toasted macadamia, and the Dirty Vegas: tempura shrimp & escolar tartar topped with spicy hamachi, sweet chili garlic sauce, tempura crunchies & black sesame seeds. So, so good!

The backdrop and beauty of Cheeca is perfect for a romantic and celebratory weekend in both daylight and darkness. The long dock is a perfect little stroll under the stars before bedtime. We closed off the night with a toast on our private balcony. I will never forget my 30th birthday or Cheeca Lodge. We will be back! xo RCN 

 
Source: cheeca.com