When my dad turned 75, I asked him if he had anything left on his bucket list. Without missing a beat, he said, “I’d like to go on a cruise.”

I smiled and told him, I can make that happen.

But just as quickly, the pushback came in: he had animals to care for and couldn’t be away for more than two nights. That’s not a lot of wiggle room in cruise world—but I was determined.

So I bent my own rules as a travel advisor. I flew him down to West Palm Beach the same day the ship was set to sail. The cruise options were slim, and we landed on Margaritaville at Sea Paradise.

Now, as someone whose previous cruise was Disney, I knew this wouldn’t be the same experience. But I also knew what to expect. My dad? He was a blank slate—a simple man who has spent his life surrounded by animals. You could literally take a page from my childhood and turn it into an episode of Tiger King (another story for another blog post).

A Cruise I Wouldn’t Normally Recommend…

This wasn’t a luxury sailing. It wasn’t five-star dining or elegant cabins. But my dad soaked in every moment.

We danced together at a piano bar.

We watched my kids win a hula hoop contest on Grand Bahama Island.

He discovered Sands Light Bahamian beer—and loved it so much he asked me to bring one home.

(Yes, I smuggled the beer. My dad doesn’t ask for much.)

He was like a kid in a candy store, smiling and wide-eyed and fully present. It didn’t matter that the ship was modest or the trip was short. It was perfect in its own way.

The Travel Lesson I’ll Never Forget

Would I normally plan a trip like this for my clients? Probably not.

Would I plan it again for my dad? In a heartbeat.

Travel isn’t always about the flashiest itinerary or the finest resort. It’s about setting the right expectations and being open to the experience—especially when you’re with the people you love.

I’m not saying to lower your standards. But sometimes, if you focus on what really matters, a trip that looks simple on paper becomes one of the most cherished memories of your life.