Laurel poses near a mural of a cruise ship and a palm tree on a brick wall.
As an introvert, I was nervous about going on my first cruise.
  • As an introvert, I was nervous I'd be overwhelmed during my first cruise.
  • To conserve my energy, I figured out the ship's busy times and planned accordingly.
  • I also participated in only a few activities each day and made sure to take some time for myself.

I'm an introverted traveler who prefers remote islands to bustling cities. That's why when my in-laws, who love cruising, wanted to travel internationally, I knew the experience would push me outside my comfort zone.