Adjusting to Island Time

-

And so our endless honeymoon continues and is shared with my brother and his wife who are celebrating 22 years of marriage, and their two children.  This will be my second cruise.  My first, was actually with Guy 27 years ago; a three nighter to the Bahamas.  Guy has cruised all over the world and Jeanne and John have about 15 cruises under their belt.  So, this should be great for me having seasoned cruisers on board guiding me along. Spending 8 glorious days on the open seas exploring the Eastern Carribean is a dream come true!  The crystal clear blue waters of  St Thomas, Antigua, Tortola British Virgin Islands and The Grand Bahamas were calling us to explore.  A week long shopping spree for cruise apparel along with plenty of sunscreen and we were on our way!

We sailed out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida and spent the first two days at sea.  The 952 foot, 13 deck ship sailed the open waters effortlessly.  Equipped with a theater, shopping mall, restaurants, casino, spa, gym, basketball court, running track, putt putt golf course, endless lounge chairs and cabanas, their was never a shortage of activities to keep our interests.  My biggest struggle was learning to relax.  We live an "always on the go" type lifestyle and slowing down to "Island time" was a bit of adjustment.  Leaving my watch, computer and phone behind was also a bit of a struggle the first day but I quickly accepted the fact that I didn't have to be in touch with the world and it was okay to be lost. 

-Bon Voyage as we watch Ft Lauderdale become a city in the distance 

 We left dock around 4:00 pm.  John and I explored the boat and all that it has to offer before getting ready for our first meal. 

We signed up for early dinner seating which began at 6:00 which allowed for us to enjoy the beautiful sunsets each night through our private picture window. Our table was no less than perfect along with our waitstaff.  The menu was diverse and the desserts endless.  We indulged ourselves to our hearts content.

 Apres dinner we were entertained with a game show in the theater and both John and Joseph were lucky to be contestants.  We laughed at their answers and applauded when they left the stage with a medal around their neck for winning!  We followed the evening with a game of BINGO and then off to make some contributions to the CASINO! 

 Joseph and Allyson joined the kids club on board and their evening was spent making friends, exploring the ship and spending dads money in the ARCADE.  The upper deck boasts an outdoor movie theater and each night can be spent catching a movie if your heart so desires.

                    After a fun filled exciting day, Guy and I retired to our room and were lulled to sleep with the slight sway of the ocean.  Tomorrow is a day at sea so we have no real agenda.  Again, this is foreign to me to not have a days activity planned.  But, we are on Island Time....and when in Rome......

                        This is our room for the next 8 nights with our own private balcony!