first post! (cruisin' the east carribean)

Let me start off this chaotic picture-crazy post with a hello! And welcome. I'll work on an intro post, but those are boring so let's jump right in!

I went on a cruise recently (like, 2 weeks ago okay... I'm really bad at actually getting around to stuff I plan on doing) with 13 other family members. Now, maybe it doesn't sound like a lot on paper-- err, blog-- but wrangling everyone together even just for dinner was equivalent to collecting a bunch of hyperactive hamsters. Terrible simile, but hopefully you get the gist.

Some tea to hold me over on the long car ride

Daddy-o and me, ready to go
(see also: classy camera backpack strap NOT securely fastened)

We got to port sometime around afternoon-ish (yes, that is a precise measurement of time) and I must say, it was the quickest check-in I've ever gone through for a cruise. Granted this was only my second time cruising, so I don't really have pro-vacationer authority, but it was easy. And there were a lot of us. So props to you, RC.

'Sup Carnival?

DAY 1: The first night was mostly spent looking around the ship and fighting with the dining accommodations (quick back story: my grandfather, who booked the cruise, did so 18 months in advance and specifically requested to have all 14 of us at the same dinner table. Needless to say, that didn't happen until day 3). I spent the night reading and pouting about not having any cell service (and no free wi-fi either! c'mon guys... really?)

DAY 2: Nassau! This was the view before the other ships pulled in. It was... crazy. But the water was crystal freakin' clear and the people were absolutely darling (especially our second cab driver, Joan! Yay for getting us back in time AND in the luxury of her conditioned van)

The bridge that brings you to the famous Atlantis resort
...and the beach we went to

It was also formal night! Can I get an AMEN for excuses to dress up?

My "formal" outfit.
Not pictured: killer heels that were slippery as heck with nylons on.
I think I need new cardigans, too. Yikes.

Dinner was always pretty and professionally arranged. Even if it wasn't as delicious as I wanted.

"Dirty Arnold Palmer"
(With some lemonade flavored vodka-- tropical AND tasty!)

We quickly made friends with our room attendant. I still miss that guy.

Our towel dog featuring my mom's sunglasses. So cute!

Aaaaand some more tea (thanks room service... only took ya an hour!) with my nightly nook dates.

Reading Before I go to Sleep: A Novel
which was surprisingly really good.

They had a Johnny Rockets on board, so my grandpa took us grandkids out for milkshakes. Being the rebel I am (and y'know... not having a stomach tough enough for rough waves and ice cream) I got an orange soda float.

DAY 3: At sea

After dinner and a delicious raspberry mousse dessert, we saw a show that was part acrobatic, part diving, part synchronized swimming and part dance. It was absolutely beautiful.

 DAY 4: St. Thomas. I felt sick so I stayed on board and party pooped. Not literally. But I did get off to wander and look at the shops, if that counts.

IGUANAS. JUST ROAMING ALL WILD AND FREE.
HOW FREAKIN' COOL IS THAT.

Then I had some "lunch" (aka tea, a croissant sandwich and lemon poppy cake) at the little cafe. And read some more (anyone noticing a trend?)

Bat towel (officially the coolest towel animal EVER)

Room service this go around was okay. Honestly, I wasn't that impressed aside from the cheese plate (pictured) and it took forever to get anything, especially if it was a day at sea and everyone was on the ship.

There was a cupcake shop on board. Cupcakes.
IN THE MIDDLE OF THE OCEAN. My mind was blown.

Motown live was AWESOME. I ended up liking the group so much I bought their CD. All covers from the motown era. There's a video at the end of this post for "Soul Man." Check it out.

DAY 5: ST. Marteen was infinitely awesome. I went ziplining and on some really cool (and challenging) challenge course. We're talking tight rope walking, wooden plank bridges and balancing on logs 20 feet up in the air. We went to a place called Loterie farms, but I wouldn't suggest them. Even if the course was awesome, the staff were all really rude. We saved $35 by not doing the ship's excursion though! Yay :)

Little VickyT & me at the ice rink show

Couldn't see anything out the window,
so here's the view out the balcony

DAY 6 & 7: As we finally made our way back home, we enjoyed some final moments on the ship and I gambled for the first time (and won $16! Weeeeee)

I wish I could zoom in on that lady's face.
I did so on my phone and let me just say-- it's priceless.

 
Finally back on land (the morning we docked I was sick to my stomach), I was able to text my boyfriend (who you all will eventually hear plenty about)! He had his wisdom teeth removed while I was at sea. Funny how things work out sometimes ;)

And, as promised... here's the video for the motown group!

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