crossrhodes

Today my REAL vacation begins! James left for summer camp and I am child-free for 7 days. Although he’s really not a child anymore and pretty self-sufficient at 15, I’m still thankful for the break. I don’t have to hear the TV on all day or the know-it-all attitude in every conversation. Teens are notorious for arrogance! I know so; I was the worst of the kind :) But James is still a good kid. Don and I could have worse! For the most part, James does what he’s told and he tells what he does.

I knew he hooked up with a girl on the cruise. (I had no proof besides personal experience and maternal instinct.) Well, here I was on the computer uploading vacation pics when I heard him say, “I can’t believe how stupid I was!” I was the only one in the room so he must’ve been talking to me and waiting for a response. He’s done a lot of stupid things so where should I begin? :)

Tell me more, tell me more,
Was it love at first sight?
Tell me more, tell me more,
Did she put up a fight?

He went on to tell me about meeting “the perfect girl” on the cruise and how she was “the perfect girl” version of him in personality and everything! They were just “perfect” for each other!

Summer lovin’ had me a blast.
Summer lovin’, happened so fast.
Summer days driftin’ away,
To uh-oh those summer nights!

Then he hashed out his regret of listening to his heart instead of his mind coz it didn’t work out to his expectations after all… yada yada yada. You wouldn’t believe all that transpired in just 5 days at sea!

Summer dreams ripped at the seams,
But uh-oh, those summer nights!

All you parents reading this are laughing out loud! Meanwhile, I had to maintain a serious face while he poured his heart out to me! Okay, I let a giggle slip here and there, but it didn’t stop him from talking about it everyday until he left for camp. Oh, the tragedy! I only hope I can continue to be his sounding board after all “the perfect girls” in his near future let him down. And I pray that holding in my laughter will be the worst I’d have to endure as a parent to a walking hormone.

Four nights were not enough! Another day or two would’ve been great. Any more and I can imagine having “island fever” and landsickness. Regardless, we had a blast!!! That was one of the best vacations I’ve ever had next to Disney Orlando with my extended family last year. Only another cruise with my extended family can top it. *hint*hint*

CRUISE TIP #1: Arrive at least 3 hours earlier than the official boarding time. While most passengers were just leaving their homes, we were already at the buffet lunch onboard. I got this tip online and from a lady I met at the manicure place :)

We met some nice New Yorkers (is that an oxymoron?) with whom we shared dinner each night. James met a lot of friends too. We hardly saw him except for breakfast and dinner. The ship has a teen lounge, day camp and programs for all age groups. While Don and I took Salsa lessons, James was dancing (or watching the girls dance) at the teen disco. While Don and I watched the after dinner shows, James was at a hot tub party w/ his peers. On our last night, James and the other kids hung out all night long. He was so tired at breakfast the next morning, his face almost fell into his cereal bowl.

Don and I didn’t get much sleep either. It’s definitely a party vacation. There was so much entertainment, I never laughed so much 4 nights in a row! Even bingo was funny! There was music everywhere all the time. My favorites were the vibrant Latin themed club and mellow brandy-sipping sing-along piano bar. I wish I could take the piano guy home. Our piano hasn’t been played well in years :)

CRUISE TIP #2: JUST DO IT! You MUST go on a cruise at least once in your lifetime, every year if you’re able! Never mind the destination. There’s so much to do onboard.

Speaking of destinations, the one thing I looked forward to in Nova Scotia was the sea cave tour. I did my research online and found an oceanside campground that will take you deep into sea caves by Zodiac boat. I was devastated when they cancelled the boat tour due to inclement weather. None of the cruise excursions appealed to us and there was nothing in Nova Scotia I haven’t already seen in coastal New England. It was a beautiful place, but nothing new to us.

The food was excellent in the main dining room. The buffet in the casual dining room, however, was great but nothing spectacular. I preferred the main dining room because we were served hand and foot like royalty! In fact, the crew was just exceptional! Everyone from the mechanics to the captain was extra friendly and accomodating. Did I mention all the Filipinos who work on cruise ships?!?! I was constantly greeted in English AND Tagalog.

CRUISE TIP #3: You can order more than 1 selection per course on the menu. If you can’t decide between the lobster bisque and escargot, have both! I was also told that because there are so many Filipinos in the crew, I could’ve asked for Filipino food. Of course, my sister-in-law told me this AFTER the fact :)

All in all, we really enjoyed our first cruise. We’re planning to take advantage of a free resort stay in Mexico this winter, but I’m already looking into cruising next summer. I was told to give Norweigan Cruise Lines a try. James can’t wait to sail again, he offered to pay for his fare the next time Don and I plan a cruise. Should I bother to tell him how many lawns he’d have to mow to earn his cruise fare? :)

Anyway, enjoy the pics in our online photo album. It was a gorgeous ship!

CRUISE TIP #4: Just as you can arrive 3 hours early for embarkation, expect a 3 hour delay in debarkation. We waited for hours before we finally got off the gangway. Had we known it would be hours, we would’ve enjoyed the pool a little longer.

Now he’s gotta have them, but he won’t buy them. He HAS to build them himself! *sigh* But you gotta love a husband who can fix anything and leaves the decorating to the wife :)