Thanksgiving Cruise

Ah Carnival Cruise Line, what can I say?  I have never been a big fan of the idea of going on a cruise.     I pictured crowds, gluttony and imagined the environmental nightmare.  Well, after experiencing a cruise first hand, I was pretty much right on target.  Mimi joined us for the fun and craziness.  The kids had a blast so Josh and I tried to remain positive at least around them.  We did have fun, we made the most of it but we will never vacation like that again.  It's just not how we like to travel.  BUT...the kids had fun!  

We started the vacation by driving to Charleston and having lunch with an old high school friend of mine.  It's always wonderful to catch up with old friends.

After hours in the check in lines (shuffled in like a bunch of cattle), we made it onto the ship.

Our rooms were nice and spacious....seriously, I'm not being sarcastic.  They were nice.

The sunsets were amazing

The weather warmed up as we headed south but it never was quite warm enough for the pool.  The pool water was ocean water that was pulled in from outside.

Emma and Josh exploring

A floating, drunken, gluttonous, city

One of the best part of the cruise were the kind folks who worked on the cruise ship.  They were amazingly friendly and hard working.  The kids loved the towel animals that Sugi, our steward, made for them each night.

We arrived at Freeport, Bahamas.

The beaches were the most beautiful I have ever seen.

We were so happy that Mimi could come with us.

We walked around the marketplace.

The kids made a friend, Don the Iguana.

Grady was in heaven.

Emma wanted to give him a hug

They tried to convince me that we needed an iguana.  Needless to say, it didn't work.

Josh is not allowed in this restaurant 

You can't tell, but this is Myles on the water slide

Again, they used ocean water so it was super cold

Other cruise ships at port.  All these tourists descended on these small islands.  Grossed me out!

The boys loved the giant chess set on the ship.  We need this for our backyard

Planning their next moves

Meanwhile, Emma stole all the pieces

A view of the ship.  What you can't hear is the awful music that played non-stop.  Think B-52s Love Shack.....

We encountered "rough seas" as I was told is common for this time of year.  10 to 12 foot swells shook the boat like it was a toy.  I didn't sleep most nights and wandered the ship.  I met some really nice folks that also couldn't sleep.  The picture frames were swaying, elevators were clanging and the ship was slapping the water.  They cancelled the last show bc it wasn't safe for the dancers.  I'm telling you, it was rockin'.  I wasn't comfortable and kept picturing the Titanic each time my stomach dropped.  Oh and people were puking all over.  

I was able to watch the sunrise, something I NEVER do at home.  I relish my sleep

The next excursion was to Nassau, Bahamas.

We went to Atlantis, a mega resort on the island.

They had an aquarium that the kids really wanted to check out.

Atlantis in the background

The beaches were closed due to the rough water but Atlantis had its own man-made lagoon.

Back on the boat, Em enjoyed the comforts of the cabin

Fancy dinner time.  Emma brought with her a backpack to keep her busy.  Worked for about 10 minutes of a 3 course meal.

Mimi and the boys

This is just a sample of the crap the boys ate.  I let them eat whatever they wanted and they totally took advantage.  It was disgusting but one of their favorite parts.  I'm so glad they had fun but I've had my fill of cruising.