Today I thought I would discuss some of the values of cruising.
Friendships: we have 10 people on this cruise, 3 couples and 4 single ladies. Everyone is congenial and a delight to be with. We have a table of 10 for dinner. We are fortunate to be able to dine together each evening. Everyone awakes when they want and then the day offers so many activities, it is impossible to stick together. When we assemble at our table in the evening, we share with each other the fun and interesting things we did during the day. We have been known to order 14-18 desserts for the 10 of us and make 4-8 as samples for the table. Our table is oblong so we can easily talk across the table.
Along with sharing our own table for dinner, breakfast and lunch offers seating with strangers. We have enjoyed meeting and learning about other parts of the U.S. and Canada. There are people from all over the world. We have not met them, but others have. Just to name two of the interesting people, we had breakfast with 2 gentleman who have been cruising with Holland America for 25 years. This is their 5-6th time to do the Panama Canal. Not only that, but they are on the ship for about 30 days. They left from Ft. Lauderdale and cruised to San Diego and without making any changes, they are now returning to Ft. Lauderdale with us. They are from Akron, OH. They already have their next two cruises booked and each of them are about 30 days. Such is the life. We also met 2 sisters. One is from Kansas City and the other from Waterloo, Ontario, just about 1 1/2 – 2 hours from Detroit. She loves animals and has traveled all over the world with small group tours. It was a delight to hear her stories. She has boated on the Amazon, watched the polar bears near the Artic Circle, been on several safaris to Africa, been to Antarctica, and on and on. How exciting!!!! Still another meal, one of the guests queried Ron for the whole meal wanting to know all about the bands (musical) in the military. Almost every meal you learn about people and their lives.
On this cruise we have a number of classes for the computer. Those who are interested find their way to the Digital workshops. The weather is gorgeous so we all want to spend some time in the sun, some more than others. There is a casino on board for those whose interests lie there. There are several cooking classes every day at sea. There is shopping for both high-end jewelry and 75% off articles right next to each other. I should have avoided the jewelry auction. Let me show you what I bought when I see you. I have to wear it every day for 30 years to pay for it. (A little exaggeration.) Several have enjoyed the classes by the naturalist on board, named Eddie. There are talks about the areas we will be visiting in the next few days, and of course musical offerings in any number of lounges. Don’t forget the professional entertainment each evening, so far outstanding dancers, a comedian, a harpest, and tomorrow a pianist. If anyone is so inclined, they can spend a ton of money in the wellness spa. This cruise even has an acupuncturist on board. There are games of all kinds, Mahjong, shuffleboard, even pickle ball, plus a rather large library, and first run movies. The Orientals from Canada are dominating the Ping Pong games. Quite a few “fours” are playing cards in the room with tables, others are sitting and reading.
I am thinking it is also good for your health because you are walking a lot and breathing in some really, really fresh air.
There are many more good things about cruising, but I have to end this somewhere. I forgot to mention 3 gourmet meals almost every day. Also, what about the opportunity to visit far away lands? That is important.
Below are a few pictures that convey the above ideas. Picture 1 shows the 2 men who are doing Panama Canal back to back. Picture 2 shows Jann and Sue at the jewelry auction with Pete giving his approval. Picture 3 shows Sue relaxing by the pool. Picture 4 shows the two sisters.
Take care, and happy travels,
Sue Biggs