After enjoying a delicious dinner served in a style I could easily get used to, we visited with lots of people, and got to know new people. We had no problem with sea sickness, in fact, you hardly knew we were moving! Yay from me!
Each evening we were treated with different singing groups and a comedian ventriloquist. We enjoyed each of their programs a lot although we usually visited so long at dinner that we had problems finding seating at these events. (That's us!) The programs always had its serious moments and its hilarious moments!
This special cruise was called "Sail and Sing Christian Cruise" and was hosted by different groups of singers, actors, and musicians, most who also happened to be personal friends of ours. There were approximately 450-500 Anabaptists on this cruise of about 3000 people. Yes, we got a lot of attention! It was really neat though, because it gave us many opportunities to witness about Jesus. Many of the staff and fellow travelers wanted to know who we were and what we believe. We were able to share with people from all over the world and also learn about their culture. Different testimonies were shared of how they could tell we were Christians by the countenance on our faces.
Our first morning we awoke arriving in the port of Nassau, Bahamas. A small tv screen in our room let us know our speed, depth, and location. After enjoying the breakfast buffet we packed our day bags and prepared to see Nassau.
Tours were a little pricey so we decided to do our own guided tours through the city. Following signs we found the Straw Market where we purchased some souvenirs and soon learned to turn our ears away from everyone who wanted to sell us something. Each vendor seemed to talk to us 'quietly and confidentially' to let us know how much cheaper they would sell things to us then their competitors. It took discernment to know who to buy from and who not to.
This police lady seemed pleased that we were taking her photo and waved and posed for us. Notice the little wheels under her podium so she can move it wherever she needs it.
Looking at this traffic jam and the dents in vehicles makes me think the police lady's job may have been a risky job!
Tired, hungry, and hot we went back to the ship for lunch and then the youngers of the group went to tour beautiful Paradise Island. The 2 "older men" of our group thought they should have naps. We ladies decided it was a good time for some quiet, sun time up on the top deck. Later the revived men and their ladies toured the mighty ship.
The kids returned in time for dinner (well, okay, several guys had to clean their room before the porters would allow them to have dinner!!) After another gourmet meal, an evening of worship and some entertainment, the night was still young (not!) but there is never enough time to visit, catch up on friendships, drink more coffee and tea, eat, and eat a little more, and then head for bed quite early in the morning...... to meet your son knocking on your bedroom door as you round the corner of the hallway. His eyes get big and he's wondering what we are still doing up when he thought we were in bed already!! ( ....and we're wondering why he is still up!!! lol)
After a short night of sleep, (while the ship traveled on to CocoCay, Bahamas), we packed our day bags, ate breakfast, and got on our ferry to the island. Royal Caribbean had several ferries, each held 250 people, so it didn't take too long to get us ferried over. We were assigned different times to leave, according to our Sea Pass numbers.
It seemed like a dream!
Suddenly it seemed like we were standing in the middle of pictures we've seen for years!!
It was amazing!!
Somebody was supposed to watch our backpack so they "hid" it under an Angry Bird beach towel!!
While the guys went scuba diving, the girls soaked up the sun.
They loved it and eventually talked the girls into going, too.
A huge buffet lunch was served on the island, compliments of Royal Caribbean. Then while the kids went for the second round of scuba diving, Matthew, Becky, JR and I went on a Glass Bottom Boat Tour. It was fairly windy and tossed the boat around enough that the driver wouldn't take us too near the rocks and reefs. He was afraid everyone would lose their lunch. He did a great job of keeping us entertained and we enjoyed the tour a lot. He let us touch a lot of under water sea creatures.
Dinner that evening was formal. It was fantastic and once again we enjoyed chatting with our friends from here and new friends from Mexico. There were so many people on this ship that the only time we could catch up with our dear friends from Sarasota was over dinner. Other than at dinner, we only saw each other in passing. Crazy, I know!!
I was privileged and honored to be escorted to dinner
by this handsome man a.k.a. the Love of my Life!!
...the romantic view of the sea at night!
At midnight, as if anyone could possibly be hungry, the staff served a buffet of delectable foods. Of course, we had to see what there was to taste and enjoy.
...followed by an even later night/morning!
By now we understood even better how little time you spend
in your room! Too much to do, too many people to enjoy!
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