Its been a lovely cruise!

WOW! Is the only way I can describe our first cruise. I have to say that I can't imagine a more perfect setting for our 25th anniversary trip. We were catered to, pampered, and fed. I think I have had the perfect vacation!

We flew out of Charlotte, NC to Miami which is a short flight - just under two hours. We had purchased transfers on and off the ship so, that was no problem. We just found the lady with the Carnival sign and showed her our receipt. The bus took us straight to the port. The only problems on that day were the very long lines. Waiting to board the ship in the hot Florida sun was not pleasant. I remember thinking that if the entire cruise was going to be like this I was ready to go home! (I had heard from friends that the ONLY bad part of a cruise was the lines.) However, many veteran cruisers waiting with us assured us that this was not normal! We did find out later that there had been a medical emergency on the ship the night before which made her late for port - so, they weren't quite as ready for us as they should be.

The second day was Key West. Rande and I took the pub crawl late in the morning. We had a great time. I have to admit that I don't remember much after the second pub. But the island is beautiful! I must say that I would like to go back there when I have more time and less alcohol! I would also like to see more of the island earlier in the year. I am thinking March maybe?

Our next stop was Grand Kayman. We elected to do a kayaking tour of the island which was a lot of fun. We had two person sea kayaks which turn out to be very stable. We learned a lot about the mangrove swamps and some of the creatures in the area. We even got to touch a type of jelly fish! AND, believe it or not, I did a bit of snorkeling!

Lastly, we stopped in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. After the busy day before, we decided just to chill out at Margaritaville on the beach. After running the gauntlet of Jamaicans who want to sell you everything from weed to a ride three blocks away, we made it to Margaritaville. The beach was really beautiful and the pool bar was a hit! Rande says I can have a pool now - if it is just like that one!

Of course, all good things must come to an end. So, we are now back to life and back to reality....The question is....who is going to leave me a folded towel animal every night and a chocolate on my pillow!