CRUISE TAKE TWO

In an effort to get these photos posted, I neglected to write how I really felt about cruising. While I loved getting away, spending time with my daughter, and experiencing something new together, cruising is probably not my thing. It is my opinion that cruising is best for folks who enjoy drinking, gambling, running around half-naked, or who want to be a glutton for a few days--none of which are top on my list. The only show we attended left me feeling a bit uncomfortable and convicted about bringing my daughter to it. We did not go the next two nights--especially since one was had a strong PG-13 advisory. I couldn't imagine sitting through one any more revealing.

While the cruise line is not responsible for what their guests do, I do believe that they create an atmosphere that is either family-friendly or not. This one was not. When we turned on the tv in the room, the cruise channel was advertising something more inappropriate that we see on regular tv--which is bad enough. I won't go into detail here, but there were several instances where my sil and I were appalled at what we saw. I am thankful that Tessa is still naive enough to be a bit clueless, so I did not have to try to explain things.

Also, the pool was quite small for 2500 people. It really was just a place for folks to stand around in and drink from coconuts. ;) There really was no swimming or playing in the water. I could not believe how many poeple could cram into a hot tub either. Too cozy for me! They did have a water slide on the top deck, but it did not land in a pool, only a tube of water. None of us were interested in that.

I would love to go on a Christian cruise or a Disney one, but I realize that they will cost quite a bit more since they probably don't make as much up on drinks and gambling. It is a trade off that I probably will be willing to make if I ever cruise again. Again, this is just my opinion. :) In spite of that, we did manage to enjoy ourselves. We just did different things than we had planned--like played a lot of Phase 10.

arriving at Port Canaveral

painting Tessa's toenails

looking out to sea

getting a tatoo



eating ice cream--again

waiting to eat the first night

admiring the color of the water

pulling into port

following the leader

visiting the dolphins at Atlantis

not eating at Bobby Flay's restaurant (closed)

looking up in the lobby at Altlantis

looking up in the casino

visiting the aquarium at Atlantis

experiencing the Straw Market

not digging the straw market

returning to the boat

meeting our roommate

waking

learning to make towel animals with Nelson

sitting by the pool

enjoying last dinner

dancing with Clarence

singing happy birthday

returning from dinner

meeting new friend