Caribbean Cruise 2009
I could really get used to cruising. Many Alaskans cruise regularly to take a break from winter and save their sanity, but we have never cruised until this past week. Orie’s partners at work gave us a cruise for a retirement gift so off we went with hopes for a fun time. Our hopes for a fun time were definitely met and then some. We loved the cruise! We have decided if we are able we would like to make a cruise a yearly thing and hopefully bring along family. On this cruise to the Eastern Caribbean we were joined by Nathan, and Erin and Jason and their girls. Megan had planned on coming but got stopped at the airport by an erupting volcano. Grrrr.
Here’s our list of why we like to cruise:
1. The food is fabulous! We ate gourmet meals each day with no pressure of where to go, how much will it cost, or will it be good. We ate in the dining room each night and it was wonderful fine dining with no stress. Our hats off to the chef on delicious food that was presented so nicely. We ate in the buffet for breakfast and lunch and in between. It was delicious too. Everyday there was a different theme so we ate way more than we needed to but it was hard to resist. The best part was I didn’t have to cook, clean up or worry about spending one minute of the vacation preparing food. Everyone in the family could order and eat just what they wanted and I was stress free. Fabulous!
2. The weather was perfect. The sun was out and it was so nice to soak up some warmth and sun to warm up our bones from the long Alaskan winter.
3. The beaches were beautiful. We loved being on the beach sunning, playing in the water, snorkeling and just enjoying the gorgeous scenery. The Caribbean is unbelievably beautiful.
4. There was something for everyone on the ship or on shore. We had no problem finding something fun or relaxing to do each day. Grandpa and Grandma were content to relax and swim in the adults only “Sanctuary” when we needed quiet time. It was also fun to hang out at one of the two large pools where all the action was. There were 6-7 pools on the ship…one for every kind of enjoyment. The ship has lots of activities, shows, seminars, etc. so we were never bored…unless we wanted to be. Our shore days were great too. Some islands were best to just lounge on the beach and others had fun things to see and do. Our favorite island was St. Thomas where we took a taxi to the other side of the island and spent the day at the most beautiful bay I have ever seen. It was called “Magens Bay”. We felt bad our Megan couldn’t be there to enjoy it with us.
5. Spending time with the kids and grandkids. I loved being able to see them each day and hang out doing fun things. The grandbabies were so cute. I loved that part! It gave me a taste of what it would be like to live on the same street.
6. Movies under the stars. Each night we watched movies on a huge screen while laying on our padded recliners with fresh popped popcorn and breathed in the moist warm night air under the stars. It was a blast.
7. Room stewards are wonderful. Every time we left our room our steward came in to tidy up our room. I wish I had one at home. Come to think of it, I guess Orie does have one of those at home….me. But I want one of my own!
8. Cruising is cheaper than living. We figured it out that if we gave up our home, cars, and life on shore and all the bills and taxes that go with that life we could actually live much cheaper by cruising year round. Afterall, on a cruise you don’t need a home or a kitchen to make meals, a car to go shopping for food to make the meals or to take you to the beach or anywhere else. Each morning when you wake up you have been taken to a new and interesting place or beach. Cool! You wouldn’t have to do much laundry except for a pair of shorts and tee shirt once in a while. The ship does the rest. And, as for health care, there is a doc on board so minor things are covered. And, did I mention taxes? Just think of all the taxes you wouldn’t have to pay!!! Hmmmm. I am seriously considering it…. If you don’t ever hear from me again, look for me or imagine me on a cruise somewhere. I could definitely get used to that life, at least until I felt like I needed to be productive or some such thing. It would be interesting to see how long it took until I felt like a total slug.
