These days we struggle to turn on our phones, TVs and computers. self careTips and tricks look great, but they really aren’t. Take more baths, they say. Maintain a consistent fitness regimen. journal. Or my favorite, light a candle! (So novel, isn’t it?) The truth is that being a black woman in America is just exhausting. If you’re a wife and mother of a busy toddler who’s been working from home for the past two and a half years due to the pandemic, that fatigue can start to look and feel like burnout.
Earlier this year, I was given the wonderful opportunity to travel through Disney Wonder. As a true black woman’s fashion, I immediately thought about how the cruise would affect everyone around me. disney Involve your son and husband so you can experience it as a family. After all, travel is technically going to be work for me. But the opportunity for her three-year-old son and her husband, who are true Mickey Mouse fans, to accompany me was the reason I was thrilled with the invitation in the first place.
Unfortunately, my son was unable to join the cruise. At that time, he could not be vaccinated. This was a requirement for all press travel attendees. mom’s guilt Fact and usually unfounded. I was disappointed to disappoint his son, but he knew nothing about cruises. He’s more focused on sneaking extra snacks and staying up past bedtime most days.
My son had to stay home, and my husband had to stay home too, because reliable childcare costs hundreds of millions of dollars for a working family like mine. Did Taking a cruise soloI’m glad I did. I’m a better woman for it. My body, mind and spirit were craving a change of scenery. because it’s september self care month, here are the top 7 ways to take a Disney Wonder Cruise to Cozumel, Mexico. Thank you Disney!
01
Sing your heart out and release your stress
If you need to let go of the silly and just enjoy the moment, singing Prince’s “When Doves Cry” loud and off-key in front of complete strangers who are ashamed of themselves is the perfect way to go. to do it. Thankfully, Disney Wonder’s swanky Azure Nightclub hosts karaoke-themed nights.
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02
time in the water
There is something healing about water. My late grandmother used to say that still water runs deep. Viewing the Caribbean Sea from our stateroom balcony was soothing. The calm waters have evoked cherished memories of my grandma and other deceased loved ones and helped put the stressors of our current life into perspective.
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03
Expressions have great meaning for both children and adults
The cruise departed from one of my favorite American cities, New Orleans. It was great to see Disney’s intentions to have Princess Tiana (Disney’s first black princess) on board. After all, her character was inspired by NOLA’s Dookie Chase her restaurant’s legendary chef Leah Chase. I loved being photographed with Princess Tiana and practically inhaling delicious buttermilk beignets at her namesake restaurant, Tiana’s Place in Wonder.
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04
Big screen for enjoying big movies
Saw this hit movie on the big screen at the lovely Buena Vista Theater on board. It’s rare to enjoy an uninterrupted movie alone these days, so I was really looking forward to seeing Encanto on the Ship. When it comes to unraveling topics as heavy as generational trauma in a PG-rated animated film with a bombshell soundtrack, Disney has you covered!
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05
indulge in childless fun
I used to be one of those naive people who thought everything on a Disney cruise was for kids. There are plenty of activities that only adults can enjoy, such as carefully selected premium sake and chocolate pairings. It was sexy, informative, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself as a solo traveler.
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06
Spa treatment
Indulging in a luxurious massage may seem like a simple thing to do to improve your self-care, but I had no idea that a ship’s sensory spa & salon would offer such a blissful experience. My relaxing bamboo massage promised to release tension and relax my muscles with warm bamboo shoots and essential oils. It gave everything it was supposed to give and then some.
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07
accept the inner child
Eat Mickey Mouse-shaped waffles during brunch at Palo, the ship’s chic Italian restaurant, watch a fireworks show surrounded by childhood Disney favorites like Minnie Mouse and Pluto, and explore the ship’s massive upper deck (Okay, I didn’t really conquer the latter, but I definitely will next time!), I spent the best carefree 8-year-old life on Disney Wonder. It was sent. Mission complete.
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https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/disney-cruise-solo/ 7 Ways Solo on a Disney Cruise is the Ultimate Self-Care