We’ve always tried to celebrate graduations with a trip. With the high school graduations, it was an attempt at one last family vacation, although our youngest got his graduation trip alone with us because brother and sister didn’t have the same spring break! When it came time for college graduations, we decided trips were still in order, mostly since we hadn’t really seen that child much in four years and also their entry into grad school and/or the working life would mean it might be their last vacation for a while. Our 2nd college grad chose a cruise for his trip, so we took younger brother along to give him a companion to do things with.
For hubby and I, this was our 2nd trip aboard Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas, and it was just as lovely as we remembered. (Side note: after years of thinking we wouldn’t like a cruise, it is now hubby’s vacation of choice because he must unplug. He only buys the 30 minutes/day of internet access to check a secret email account where his assistant sends on only the most crucial of his emails.)
We enjoyed dinner together each night, while during our “at sea” days hubby and I read in shady spots overlooking the ocean and the boys alternated between the competitions on the sport court (basketball, volleyball, dodgeball, ping pong–they came home with 10 medals between them) and the buffet. I think they actually got their fill of food! And hubby and I got our fill of books. I read 4 1/2 books in 7 days–and we’re not talking novellas! We both took physical books with us–hardcover books, no less! (In fairness, I also read 2 ebooks along with the hardcover books, but still full length works.)
We also had fun when the boat docked, enjoying the beach in Cozumel, snorkeling in Grand Cayman, and touring the town of Falmouth in Jamaica. Mostly all of us just enjoyed the respite from a very busy year of school and work. And we loved the sunshine after this spring of so much rain. (I’m not complaining, mind you. It was just nice to see the sun again!) And I have to say, it was especially wonderful to come home to an extra day–Memorial Day–to catch up from being gone!
I’m terrible at taking pictures, but I did manage to get a few–as well as buy a few! Think of these as my “Wish you were here” postcard to you, my dear friends.
These are all great pictures. I love the one with you two all dressed up.
I thought that one turned out really well, too.
Yes, all your men are dashing !! =) And you look all glammed up and about 25 in that photo with hubby. =D Love those bouncy curls !!!!
Thank you, sweetie!
We were the same, did not think we would like cruising.. however we have definitely decided they are very relaxing, and being forced to unplug is the best! They make great trips for multi-generational groups. Did the boys like the flowrider? That was where mine spent hours of their time..fun for us to watch.
Yes, we were one of many groups of parents (and some grandparents) and kids in their 20s, especially being the week after many college graduations. The boys didn’t end up doing the flow rider. Not sure why. But we loved watching them compete in the sports court activities. It’s been a while since we’ve done that. It was nice. We look forward to doing it again when Elizabeth can come, too!