One of the best decisions we ever made was to take each of our newlywed children on a cruise a year after their wedding. It was the perfect opportunity to bond with our new sons and daughters and have fun together. We tried different forms of travel with a few of them, and always come back to cruising for all it offers. On a cruise there are natural times to be together—like meals and evening shows, or maybe shore excursions, but also space and time for couples to be alone relaxing or enjoying activities on the ship. A cruise provides endless variety for every travel style!
Cruising is an amazing way to travel with all the details taken care of. Food is waiting around every turn, “getting there” is planned, and all you have to do is decide what you want to do when you come into port or where to set yourself on a deck chair. Oh, and maybe whether it will be a wild night of karaoke or an evening stroll on the lido deck.
I am SO EXCITED to partner with Legacy Tours and Travel once again as we make your Valentine’s week cruise not only a great memory, but one that sends you home more connected and empowered than ever in your relationship.
I have facilitated the “Gottman 7 Principles for Making Marriage Work” workshop for seven years, and I never grow tired of it. I have provided the workshop in many settings from office buildings to National Parks, and I freely admit that doing the workshop on a cruise is by far the most effective and the most fun!
Let me share why…
First off, there is ample TIME. In most cases, we are cramming this life- changing material down in a matter of one or two days. There is a lot to digest here—not only information, but experience. This workshop is full of one-on-one time for couples to learn about each other and to get curious in really fun and meaningful ways. The fact that we have day-long breaks between sessions is incredible, providing time for the practices and information to digest while you soak up the February Caribbean sunshine.
Second, there is an atmosphere of FUN and ADVENTURE. Every relationship needs novelty and variety in order to stay fresh and interesting. What better place to rediscover your partner than on a cruise together! As you have new experiences provided by the workshop, on the ship, or at the exciting ports of call, you are creating new bonds within your relationship that will bring you closer through fun!
Third, it’s a wonderful way to LEARN and EMBODY your learning. I am a certified Presence Based Coach through the International Coaching Federation, which also means I incorporate the body as I teach and coach. I use physical experience to become more AWARE and PRESENT in everyday life as well as relationships. Hello! Could I ask for a more perfect setting than a Caribbean cruise to bring us into our full sense of body and presence while we are learning and trying new things? It’s just magical what can happen in this setting!
Fourth, there is a beautiful mix of PRIVACY and SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES. You decide when and where you want either one! On our last cruise, several of the couples chose to dine together and some nights gathered for games. Some joined together on excursions at ports of call. Others came on this cruise specifically to be alone and share the workshop material privately by themselves. Either one, or a mix of both works. It’s totally up to you!
Fifth, and do I even need to say this—it’s ROMANTIC. Sunsets on the water, warm tropical breezes, Valentine’s Day on the cruise—I mean, are you kidding me? You’ll have a hard time beating this for making memories and setting the mood on the day (week) we celebrate romantic love! To add to the romance, I will offer an optional 45-minute class in couples massage (head, neck and shoulders), and how you can bring more presence and attention to your partner through touch.
Finally, travel is always an education for me. I come home with a deeper understanding of the world and my travel companions, and new insights about myself as I experience the world on a larger scale. Us Elevated Caribbean takes travel to the next level—when you add adventure and education together, you are bound to integrate what you learn in a more potent, playful way.
Mark and I can’t wait to reenact our honeymoon drift dive in Cozumel! I hope you will jump on board and come cruise with us as we learn, grow and play together!
