My family and I just got back from a cruise– our first cruise ever! We had a lot of laughs, ate too much food, and made a lot of memories.

The scenery from the boat every morning was beautiful. Seeing the sun rise and set on the horizon was breathtaking.

The ship made two stops: the first in Progresso, Mexico and the last stop was in Cozumel:

Feeling adventurous, I randomly decided to get a henna tattoo of a anchor and an infinite sign. After 30 minutes, I already hated it. It just goes to prove I could never have a real tattoo. I’d get tired of it easily. 

My brother, the only animal lover in the house, looks a little too comfortable holding that hideous creature. 

Our Carnival cruise ship was huge!

We went out again to check out the next island:

This pirate told us he was Johnny Depp’s half brother. He was so incredible crusty and dirty, but he was very funny and cheeky. 

Inside the ship, we occupied our time with Broadway-like musicals and an unnatural amount of karaoke:

One evening, I got to perform with a live band in front of a live audience for the cruise talent show. I had a blast! I won a plastic trophy and a bottle of champagne. 

Thanks to my brother Ye’s awesome camera, we were able to take some cute family portraits:

The cruise photographers were giving us the side eye when they saw us having a full-blown photo shoot by the staircase.

We dressed up for fancy dinners with our family friends who were also cruising:

Throughout the entire cruise, we experienced three-course meals, comedy clubs, and     . This was a much needed vacation. It was nice sharing a room and being in close quarters with my siblings again. I’d somehow forgotten how much I love and miss my family when I’m away. As I go back to school, well-rested and perhaps a couple pounds heavier, I am excited to see what this year will bring. Already 2014 has knocked me off my feet.

Photo credit: Ye