Christmas 2014 Family Cruise

We've been busy!  I know, it's our constant refrain.  Now that my new laptop is set up and functioning, and I have access to our picture files again, more regular posting should occur.  But there has been a lot to catch up on!

Last December, Kate had a fantastic idea.  The whole family - Kate, Krista, Aunt Susan, David, Granny, Rob, Tia, Jason and me were going to take a cruise to the Caribbean just before Christmas.  We set sail on The Vision of the Seas with Royal Caribbean on Saturday December 13.  The family had met up in Tampa the night before and spent the evening there before boarding the next morning.

The Vision of the Sea in port in Tampa, just before boarding.

Jay had just had his knee surgery a month before, and was still very restricted in his activities.  Since Granny was in a wheelchair for much of this trip, it worked out well to have them together.  We could all go our separate ways during the day (enjoy an excursion, hang out on the beach, or relax on the ship) then we all met back onboard for dinner and the evening's entertainment.  The itinerary for the trip included stops in Honduras, Belize, and Mexico before returning to port on Saturday December 20.



During the first day at sea, the family mainly lounged around the ship.  I chose the Solarium, the indoor pool.  Lounging, reading, napping, eating...Tia and I also enjoyed a tour of the spa and sampled their facial creams.  Our first activity as a family was a wine tasting. Jay and I then enjoyed a couple's massage in the spa before dressing for our formal dinner that night.

The family in Chops Grille enjoying the La Fite wines. 

Day three we arrived at our first port of call, Roatan Honduras.  After a quick breakfast, Aunt Susan, Rob, and myself left for a dive trip with Anthony's Key Resort.  The rest of the family took a boat tour of the island followed by a visit to Punta Gorda.  Once again, that evening the family met for dinner and then attended the "Boogie Wonderland" show in the ship's theater.

Day four we awoke in Belize City, Belize.  For this stop, the ship cannot pull into port and so tender boats ferry the passengers to the dock.  No one had booked excursions, so Rob, Tia, Jay and myself went to explore the city on our own.  We visited the markets at the waterfront, then wandered further into town across the river.  We met a local who took us to visit a local bar.  That evening, dinner followed by the ship's orchestra performing live music in the theater.

Day five was our first port in Mexico, Costa Maya.  At this stop, Jay and I joined Granny, Aunt Susan, and David for an exploration of the local town and a Mayan temple.  We loaded onto a bus at the port with our gregarious tour guide and we were off to Limones, where the temple is located.  Just outside the village we had lunch with local Mayan descendents.  We learned about the trades, local herbs, food, and Mayan society.  When we returned to port we did a little shopping and joined Rob and Tia on the beach. 

Outside the Mayan temple located in Limones, Mexico.

Day six was a visit to a familiar port for Jay and I - Cozumel!  I can't miss diving in beautiful Cozumel, so Rob and I took off to enjoy the scenery below the waves.  The others visit the local Mayan ruins.  Dinner that night is pretty quiet- as you can imagine, we are all exhausted, and looking forward to a quiet day at sea tomorrow.

About to enter a swim through in Cedral Pass.

Day seven was at sea.  We enjoy breakfast together again and then a day of lounging in the Solarium.  The dinner is another formal night, and the family gathers for a picture in front of the tree in the central hall.  What a wonderful way to spend time with family - we made so many memories together that I know we will always treasure.  It was also a nice way to relax just before the holidays!

Jay and I in front of the tree in the central atrium.