Hola! Back from my cruise to Mexico!!

Hi Everyone!! I just got back from a fabulous trip out to L.A. with a cruise to the Mexican Riviera. Trip was AWESOME! I was a little concerned about having all that food available on the cruise and the first couple of days it did feel like all we did was go from one meal to the next - but Norwegian was fabulous! They have Cooking Light menu options at dinner and tons of sugar free desserts so I never felt like I was 'missing out'. And I am extra proud of myself for using the fitness center daily and taking lots of their classes on board. Even tried stuff I never did before like 'spinning' and 'yoga'! Totally awesome. Here's a link to my photo album if anyone wants to take a peek (caution-I went nuts on the whale watching cruise so there's a lot of pictures!). http://www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?c=12dv3053.b2l5g73n&x=0&h=1&y=-pv45xm (no need to sign in, just click 'View Photos' on the bottom left under the photo album). Hugs to my dear friends on this CT board. How did the bowling party go?? Sorry I missed it! Carla

Welcome Home Carla! I am thinking about a cruise next year and the food thing really concerns me... That is great about the cooking light meu..and sF desserts! We are leaning towards Norweigian too.. Can't wait to see the pics! Welcome Home XO Joanie

Thanks Joanie! I really enjoyed Norwegian. I've also sailed on Royal Caribbean and loved them too. But I really liked Norwegian's freestyle cruising. So don't worry too much about the food thing. There's always good choices available and I didn't feel badly about leaving half my dinner on the plate when others were ordering 2 dinners!!! LOL!! Happy travels!! Hugs, Carla

Carla! We just came back from a glorious 10-Day Exotic S. Caribbean aboard the Norwegian Dawn! It was paradise! And I loved the free-style cruising. I was able to stay with my food plan the entire time. Anything that I needed they got me. Felt like a queen. Admittedly, I did have some of the sugar-free desserts! It WAS my vacation now...and lost 1.5 lbs to boot! I walked deck 7 every day and did my 2 miles and got my T-shirt that says..."In Motion on the Ocean". I also did the aqua aerobics class every morning. What a joy to be able to move, without all that shame I had just 75lbs ago. Oh...and the spa! I spent all my $$ there! What a treat to feel good about my body. I am one grateful WLS post-op. And our cruise director, Colin! What a hoot he was! If you ever cruise again on the NCL, go on the Dawn and check out Colin! A great experience, not to be missed. I totally humiliated myself doing the karaoki! (sp?) One might consider this OT...but I say no... This is testimony to some of the bennies of WLS. Towanda

Towanda - You're too funny!! Welcome home to you as well! I'm totally with you on the freestyle cruising! My family took that same cruise on the Dawn last year shortly after I had my surgery and they loved it! Our cruise director Kieron was a hoot as well and we had a fabulous magician on board who just blew me away. Anyways - I felt so free on this vacation, if you know what I mean. No hiding from the cameras, taking part in the exercise program (I got my T-shirt too!), and eating meals like everyone else but only eating until I was full. WLS has changed my life and I am so grateful for having the opportunity to experience life now! Hugs, Carla

Carla, Welcome home, I looked at your pictures with deep interest, as I have also been afraid of the "food issue" as I am going with my best friend on a Royal Carribean cruise in November for our 50th birthdays. I have never gone on a cruise in my life so I have no idea what to expect. Thank you so much for providing so much information, I feel a lot better going now after reading it. You look like you had a blast! Welcome home! Cheryl