Cruising Along

Dear George,

Katja and I both celebrated big birthdays this year, and, in honor of the occasion, our son J and daughter-in-law K invited us on a Caribbean cruise.  That definitely was the highlight of our year.  We haven't been out of the country together for ages, and we've never been on a cruise before.  We flew down to New Orleans for Thanksgiving and then set off down the Mississippi to the Gulf and the high seas.

Our cruise ship was truly astonishing.  15 decks high and longer than the Titanic or the Queen Elizabeth.  We were still discovering new places on the ship after a full week on the ocean.

It's very mysterious and mind-altering to travel for days and see nothing but water (and perhaps an occasional ship) as far as you can see in all directions.     

Our stateroom (deck 1, #1319) was comfy as could be.  Our ship carried 3500 passengers and about 1500 crew.  Every morning the staff left an animal on our bed which had been sculpted from a folded towel. 

With a waterpark and multiple swimming pools, cruises are ideal for families.  There was also a basketball court, a gym, a spa, a jogging track, hot tubs, a miniature golf course, a library, continuous gatherings and games, and an "ocean camp" for kids that stayed open until 1 a.m.

The adults-only "Serenity Retreat" featured a well-stocked bar.  There were lots of happy-looking parents there.   

Our ship had a dozen or so restaurants -- Italian, French, Mongolian, Indian, sushi, tacos, pizza, burgers, steak, etc. -- all of them serving delicious food.  We had our fancy dinner every evening at 6 in the Scarlet Room.  Our grandson L pointed out that you can eat as much as you want and it's all free.  His dad explained that it wasn't exactly free, but you get the idea.  

Every night we went to a Broadway-caliber music revue in the main auditorium.  Then we’d follow up with a standup comedian in the Burgundy Room.  J and I are wearing our new headbands at the "America Rocks" show.  

We spent Day 4 at a beach resort at Montego Bay in Jamaica.  Perfect white sand beaches and crystal-clear blue-green water.  K participated in the music/dance contest, and she won first prize (a fancy cap which she gave to me).    

On Day 5 we docked at Georgetown on Grand Cayman Island.  Our grandkids and their parents went snorkeling with  stingrays (actually kissing them), while Katja and I browsed in the historic business district.  Along with fancy shops where Katja bought a new watch, the downtown streets were also home to well-fed chickens. 

On Day 6 we landed at Cozumel, Mexico.  Our family went to the beach while Katja and I toured the ancient Mayan ruins at San Gervasio, then traveled along the Caribbean shore.  

On the last day V and L and all the other children at camp received stuffed animal souvenirs of the trip.  

Then, before we knew it, we were back home in New Orleans.  Katja said it was the best trip we've ever taken and that she'd like to spend her entire life on a cruise ship.  That sounds good to me.

Love,

Dave