Friday, December 23, 2005

Back from our cruise

Well I do not have pictures yet, but we are now back from our cruise!

We arrived at the port and were on board by about 2:00 on Monday. However, 4:00, our departure time, came and went, and we were still sitting in port. Actually, by Tuesday evening, the day we were supposed to be in Key West, we were still sitting in Miami on the boat.

Many of you saw heard about the Chalks plane crash with 20 people on board. Well, it crashed right where the ships leave for the open ocean, and the investigators wouldn't let us leave until everything was finished. We in fact could see the details from our ship.

It was hard to complain when you knew that 20 families were grieving the loss of their loved one during the holidays. It was also hard to grieve because despite being in port, we were having such a fantastic time! Keith's girlfriend "AD" (Adrian Broyles) is fabulous, and we were having a great time lounging by the pool, eating, playing cards, taking naps, playing nickel slots in the casino, reading, running on the top deck's track etc. to get upset.

On Tuesday evening the Cruise Director got on the speaker and offered us an option. They had finally opened the port and we could leave. However, we had run out of time to make it to Mexico. So, we could get off the ship and receive a FULL refund OR we could stay on the ship and head to the Bahamas. In addition we would receive $100 each to spend on the ship. We debated whether we should just leave, but we were having such a great time that we decided to stay and spend our $200 drinking fine wines (JB), and going snorkeling in the Bahamas. Of the 2,500 people on the ship, 400 left which only left more room for the rest of us.

The cruise was FABULOUS despite the bad start. We ate breakfast and lunch either in the main dining area or at the buffet each day. There was a 24-hour-pizza bar and ice cream all day long! Each evening we ate a WONDERFUL dinner in the main dining room where you could order as many of the appetizers, main dishes, and dessert dishes that you wanted.

JB and I both said that this was truly the first time we really took a vacation that was really a vacation where we actually chilled out and just relaxed. We were so relaxed and work was the FARTHEST thing from my mind. Each evening we went to a show which was really good. Comedians, balancing acts, and dancers and singers. It was great. We also played a little bingo, and only came out $3 down on the nickel slots. Those are fun!

Okay, so I will include pictures very soon. Heading over to the Kits now.

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