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Picture me leaping into the warm Caribbean air on the very front of the Carnival Dream cruise ship as I find out that we are "stranded". This would be the most unforgettable vacation I ever booked-- as well as the most fun and stunning. I was working in a factory in 2013- young and in college studying psychology. I desperately needed a vacation and I decided to book my very first cruise. I chose the Caribbean as I have always been facinated by the ocean; and I have always dreamt of endulging myself in the "irie" lifestyle of the Caribbean. Stunning bright blue skies and clear almost fake looking picture perfect ocean views, white sandy beaches that felt like silk on my feet. It was the end of our cruise- my family started to show signs of sadness that we were to be leaving the islands the very next day. My younger sister, Haley- notices the ship was exerting large amounts of smoke from its engine as we were chatting, relaxed on the beach on our last day of land time on our cruise. Just as I was mentioning to my family that cruising is a good way of getting a "taste" of the different islands. Turns out- SHIP happens... Our cruiships backup generator had failed- which is great concern for the captain before allowing departure from the port of St Maarten to return to the USA. We were stranded at the port of St Maarten! Honestly- I had never heard better news. I realized that we were to receive 50% off of our next cruise as well as having just a few more days to be able to stay in the Caribbean. This was my first time out of the country of US and I was thrilled! Our stranded cruiseship made headlines in the news- as we had our very own news reporter on the ship as a passenger. Many people were very worried about our safety- however there was no need for worry. The cruiseline flew every single passenger home- even those without passports. For this cruise- we were only required to bring our birth certificates. I look forward to returning to the Caribbean for the third time one day as I would love to smell the fresh ocean air and the sun on my face again! I've dreamt of one day marrying the love of my life in the Caribbean and I have finally found that person. I dream of being able to fly over the ocean with him and experiencing so much happiness together on the islands as he has never been out of the United States. I have also always dreamed of being so lucky to be able to be a travel writer. I was involved in my high school journalism class and that is all I could talk about wanting to do in life. I went to high school in Kentucky in which everyone laughed at my dreams. This is a huge opportunity and anyone who is chosen will have a trip of a lifetime! Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story about my leap into the unknown.