Family Christmas Cruise 2

Sherry and I have now enjoyed 4 cruises. All in the last ten years.  Our first was with a church group arranged by or we probably would not have started.  We have enjoyed all of them.  This cruise was special.  It was a dream of mine, and Sherry gladly joined in.  We saved for the cruise so it would not be a strain on any of the family members.

I used the old worn statement 'we are spending our children's inheritance'. But then I explained on the cruise no one would have inherited this money we are spending, if it wasn't spent on this cruise, Sherry and I would have spent it on something else.  ;-)  It was my intent for this to be a completely expense free vacation for everyone (except Sherry), I think we succeeded.

The first thing I noticed on cruise ships is the 'elegance' and elaborate (ornate) designs .

Above is the main elevator system reaching the 12 decks. These are set in amid ship, curved glass enclosed. As you are in the elevator you can vied the circular dance floor below, usually with a live band.

Looking across from the elevator is the 8-10 balcony levels for folks to relax and view the action below.

The action and dancing below on the shiny tile dance floor

 The next thing you notice that is the crew is a smiling bunch and nine out of ten are foreign nationals.  These people work to make your stay a happy one.

Gratuities, big subject aboard ship. Tips over the years have become part of a 'bill' instead of the voluntary 'tip' for service. In the case of the workers aboard, I would say 99% earn their 'tips'. The ship will add $12 a day per guest for tips.  We prepaid everyone's tips.  At the end of the cruise you will take note the servers/stewards are 'exceptionally' nice and helpful. They appreciate an 'extra' gift. Many will miss Christmas with their families or travel a long way to see them. Anyway we always leave a little extra to see the smiles, although I think the ship should pay more. ;-).

Before we are out of the channel and into TAmpa Bay the cousins (new 'friends') are in the Kiddie Pool on the upper decks. 

Our first Sunset, and we still have not reached the Skyway bridge.

It takes a couple hours for a ship to exit Tampa Bay. We had hoped to see the clearance of the ships stacks compared to the Skyway Bridge between St. Pete and the south shore. But the sun was setting. and it appeared it would be dark before we reached the bridge and it was. So we hugged and said, "We did it. WE got the family aboard, NOW IT BEGINS."

Below The shops are opening, listed as 'tax and duty free' I imagine some of the prices are good, to me they were all expensive and over priced. (However I did buy a $10 watch ;-) )

 Shots of the Skyway bridge from the net:

The Skyway is one of the most impressive bridges we have seen. We have crossed it many times. The center section was once 'knocked out' by a runaway barge, taking a long time to repair.

An aerial view of a ship leaving Tampa Bay and heading into the Gulf of Mexico. 






Below is a shot of a Carnival Ship going under, you can see there is not a lot of clearance. As we went under in the lights it looked like we only had a foot or two clearance, but the sight up close is impressive, none of the pictures came out on my camera. I think Sherry has found one on her phone, when I learn how to get them off I will show them.

We are now headed for Georgetown in the Cayman Islands.









WE see most of the family on a yearly/monthly/daily basis but Ben and Elsie we see in frequently. This was a chance to sit and talk with everyone, many one on one. I must say the trip was better than getting a new car, which we do not need.

I have no word counter anymore and the blog is much harder to input, I hope to get the system back soon.
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1929 Packard