Withdrawals

Morgan and I just got back on Sunday from a glorious 7 night cruise to the Eastern Caribbean.

Note: Those of you who want to read Morgan's take on the trip can go to his blog – click the link on the right, reading his entry makes me wonder if we were on the same cruise, you know, since I enjoyed probably everything he didn't.

Our cruise took us to San Juan, Puerto Rico;


Charlotte Amelie, St. Thomas;


and Phillipsburg, St. Maarten


Our trip was supposed to take us to Coca Cay, Bahamas, but due to bad weather we took a detour to San Juan. No love lost there! San Juan is a very old, historic town with amazing architecture (I know...) and the views from the Fort that we visited are amazing.


It's just a shame that we only had a couple of hours to spend there, but I did find a great deal on a Coach purse – tied to the rack since the “drug addicts run in and snatch them”. I think it was a good first stepping stone for Morgan who has never been out of the country, since it is considered the 51st state.

I enjoyed the island of St. Thomas as a whole. The terrain lends to spectacular landscapes – built and natural. We visited Magens Bay Beach, known as one of the top ten most beautiful beaches in the world. What I found most interesting was that besides having salt water and the water being crystal aqua, it seemed like more of a lake. There weren't any waves, just a gentle lapping on the sand. The beach is in a national park so there are also walking trails around the Bay with iguanas and mongoose scattered throughout – no snakes, though – the residents introduced the mongoose to take care of the snake problem.

After the beach we went to Blackbeard's castle which was basically one brick tower and a few British home museums...and a couple of swimming pools.

The island is part of the US Virgin islands, the next step in Morgan's quest to the unknown land beyond the borders. Our tour guide was telling us about the history of the island, mainly how it is impacted by the United States. Their official language is English and they use US currency. The residents pay taxes (although it's through a local agency) and they are assisted by America's welfare program, among others.


Our last island that we visited was St. Martin/St. Maarten – depending on whether you are on the Dutch or French side. I have never studied the island so I was unaware that the island is actually two separate countries...and the French side is technically considered part of Europe. I guess Morgan can't get much more international than that! I took him to the Caribbean and he ended up in Europe. He must have taken a wrong turn at Albuquerque.

The beach I visited (I say “I” because Morgan didn't go in the water, in fact, he insisted on keeping his socks and shoes on the entire time because he hates sand between his toes – does he sound like a huge baby or what?) was Kokao beach at the Orient Bay, which is also right next to the nudest club, Club Orient. We took a walk along the beach, through the club's beach, and quickly out. Side note: Morgan got his shoes and socks soaked by the waves, yes, this beach had waves, and he still wouldn't take his shoes off). Morgan did look the most out of place walking down a fully nude beach completely clothed.

We had a lovely meal on the beach, included in the price of the excursion, and served by very delectable looking French men.


All of our other experiences were on the ship since we had four days at sea.

We met a very nice couple from Asheville, NC at our dinner table and our waiter, Francis, and assistant waiter, Wency, are some of my favorite people ever.

So, along with the pools on board, we played miniature golf, Morgan climbed the rock wall, we sipped fruity drinks, spent time and money in the casino, strolled along the ships promenade looking in the windows of the shops, going to the casino, going to musicals (Morgan didn't go – I went with our dinner companions), seeing an ice show (there was an ice rink on our ship), seeing a few comedy shows, going to the casino, playing (and tying for first) sci-fi trivia, climbing stairs and more stairs, spent a lot of time standing at the railing and staring at the water trying not to throw the other one overboard, going to the casino...have I mentioned the casino? I think so. Casino.

The first day we were on board I wasn't sure whether or not I would like a cruise. There were so many people (over 4,000 including the 1,200 person staff) and the ship is so big that it was all so overwhelming. But, by the second day we started to get the hang of things. I think we needed a transition period from taking care of everything ourselves to be completely taken care of. I'm still half expecting my bed to be turned down when I get home from work with a cute towel animal and some chocolates. Instead I have to forage for my own food, feed the cats, scoop litter, and realize that my bed can't be turned down if I never made it in the morning. Sigh.

I am proud to say that I didn't gain any weight – if you stick to the stairs of a 14 deck ship you can pretty much not worry about what you eat – although I still watched what I ate. Our first day there we were told that the average person gains around 1.7 pounds per day on a cruise. I can see how that can happen having about 15 meals a day.

I am amazed at how much I really enjoyed the cruise, and how much Morgan liked it. I say that he liked it but his comment when I asked him if he would be open to going on another cruise (one that doesn't go to the beach which he hates) was “I'm not 100% opposed to going on another one”. That's actually high praise from someone who was dreading this one.

I'm thrilled that we went and that we were able to spend quality time together. We haven't been on a vacation together in a year, and although we don't have children and we live under the same roof, it's still hard to find time, especially time that isn't stressful, to spend together. We both work so much and at night I'm studying for my exams while Morgan is generally working from home. I'm really going to miss the cruise. I've created my top ten list of things I'll miss most – in no particular order:

1.The option of a twelfth meal of the day at 11:15 pm, free of charge, and cooked by someone else.
2.The stateroom attendants – especially the towel animals and mints.
3.Our waiter! He was so entertaining and just a fun person altogether.
4.Our dining experience at dinner with the wait staff and our new friends from Asheville.
5.Sleeping in without a care.
6.Being able to wash your hands in the sink and your hair in the shower while using the toilet – seriously, the bathroom was so small, but very efficient.
7.Fruity drinks (no alcohol).
8.Long walks on the deck just staring out to sea.
9.The entertainment on board - “The Honeymooners game”; “The Quest” Adult scavenger hunt; the musicals.
10.THE CASINO!

For those of you out there that are skeptics or not sure whether you would like a cruise, it's worth going on one at least once in your life. This had to have been the first vacation I've taken where when I got home I was actually relaxed and rejuvenated.

I'm definitely interested in going on another one. We think it would be fun to go with a group of friends (mainly so Morgan won't have to go to the musicals). So, anyone interested just give me a shout!