And so it begins 1/07/2023

And just like that, we're off! Flight from GJT to MIA was uneventful. First and 2nd of 30+ flights this year. On-time and luggage arrived.

Still kind of in shock that this is happening. So many emotions: nervous, excited, anxious, disbelief...

It's fun that this journey starts with a "basic" Caribbean cruise. Like who says that? And how pompous is it to even think that? It's a trip of a lifetime. 2 weeks on the new Carnival Celebration that just launched in Nov 2022.

Carnival Celebration Ship Stats:

Name : Carnival Celebration

Registry : Panama

Capacity: 5374

Number of Crew : 1735

Gross Tonnage : 183,521

Average Speed : 17 knots

Length : 1130 feet

Beam : 137 feet

Number of Passenger Decks : 15

Number of Inside Rooms : 852

Number of Outside Rooms : 1835

Number of Restaurants : 19

Number of Pools : 4

This will be the largest ship I've sailed on. And it includes a Roller Coaster at sea! 🤷🏻‍♂️

I am booked for 2x 7 day cruises. Itinerary:

Miami + Amber Cove, Dominican Republic + San Juan, Puerto Rico + St Thomas, USVI

Back to Miami And then change from a balcony to an interior room

Miami + Amber Cove, Dominican Republic + San Juan, Puerto Rico +St Maarten

FIRSTS:

First solo cruise. First B2B (back-to-back), which is cruise industry lingo meaning you stay on the same ship for 2 different sailings. First interior room. First Zip Line. First surf lesson!

The more I type, the more excited i am getting! I can't believe I even thought "basic". There's nothing basic about this!!!

I don't have a lot of planned activities. I am going to go on an ATV/Zip line/Snorkel adventure in Amber Cove on the first week, and then will be taking surf lessons (also a first) on the 2nd week in San Juan Puerto Rico!

I definitely still have and will maintain work commitments including prospecting for new clients, keeping a (small) Loan pipeline moving forward, and attending both a Community Food Bank AND a Colorado Mortgage Lenders Association Board Meetings while away!

So while I sit here and type poolside in Ft Lauderdale, already reflecting on the future and how fortunate I am. Pinching myself. Almost teary-eyed. How is this possible? How is this my life? 🤷🏻‍♂️

Thank you for your love and support. While I may physically be "solo" I know I have the honor of having all of you alongside me, cheering from near and far. ❤️

-Cole

Mortgage Guy Travels the World