Jump In With Both Feet

My hubby and I took our very first cruise for our 25Th anniversary. Hubby tried many attempts to go on a cruise, but I always thought of one hundred fifty two reasons not to go. Secretly, I was a little uncertain, well, I'll confess, the word was scared. I was scared to step foot on a ship. He finally broke me and I succumbed to his wishes. In November of 1997, we sailed on The Splendor of the Seas.

There was much preparation for this trip. Lots of shopping. Dieting. Yet, more shopping. The most important aspect of this new life experience was that we decided to jump in with both feet and have the best time humanly possible. We planned on being the life of the party. We both agreed, after all, we would never see these people again so why not? Or so we thought...

And party we did! We danced the night away. Gambled for the very first time. Took wild and crazy excursions. Experienced Carlos and Charlies' in Cozumel. Made friends with every bartender on the ship. In the midst of all this fun and frivolity, we became friends with our table mates.

Turns out, Royal Caribbean placed 3 couples at the same table who were all celebrating anniversaries. We had two at 25 years and one 15 year anniversary. Throw in a couple on their honeymoon and you have a great mixture of personalities. We adopted a young gal, also from Atlanta, who cruised on her own. She just passed her CPA and the cruise was her gift to herself.

During the dinner hour, our table was heard from every corner of the great dining room. Where we loud? You could say that. They say laughter helps the digestive system. Let me tell you no one experience tummy overload from the grand cuisine on this ship. Somehow, these once seven strangers just melted together. It was MAGIC! Linda and Joe from Philly are on the left. Our adopted friend from Atlanta, Sandy, joined our group. There is Hubby and I in the middle. Lastly, Irene and Steve from LA.

Over the course of the years, we were all in touch. Sadly, only Linda and Joe still remain in contact. These are a great couple of people who have remained close although we are miles apart.

Thanks to Linda, she emailed this group photo to me a few days ago. With this picture, all of the great memories came pouring back to the front of my brain.

Cruising is so much fun. And I guess one can approach the cruise experience from many angles. But honestly, our strategy was perfect for us. So if you ever have the chance to cruise the Caribbean or the Mediterranean or even Hawaii, jump in with both feet. You will not be sorry.