Our Anniversary Cruise - the Beginning

For the seven or eight people who (a) read this and (b) give a darn, I'd like to report on the 50th anniversary cruise taken by The Lovely Joan and me last month. As those who follow such trivia, we were joined by our four daughters, three sons-in-law and nine grandchildren, ages three to 22.

We sailed on Carnival's Legend on Sunday, June 22nd, leaving our home in a vehicle as unconventional as our home. For the latter, the story is

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/117780/geodesic_dome_homes_are_fun_frugal.html?cat=6

We, some 12 of us, rode to the Port in a Hummer limousine, its interior fitted out as a tacky disco, flashing lights, bar, loud music, all of which made the younger children stare, opened eyes and mouths. Even I, a jaded old person, got "into the mood" once I managed to climb up on the seat.

The seven plus days on board were the finest of my life, and I know TLJ feels the same way, not because of the ship or its garish décor or themes not even because of the never-ending food available every day and night, 24 hours a day. The reason for the euphoria and the reason why I urge all long-time married couples to at least consider a family cruise with as many siblings and cousins and grandchildren as possible was that the bonding of the children and the awe in the eyes of the smaller ones was priceless.

Not that the trip was without cost! I'll get to that and the displeasure on my part directed at Carnival. But let me first introduce the cast of characters!
Starting with the youngest of our daughters, Wendy and husband Ken, both physicians in Sarasota, were with their four children, Joshua about to be entering the University of Florida (much to two of his aunts who graduated from arch football rival Florida State University) with a GPA of 5 Zillion, Stephanie, beautiful and charming, a top flight tennis player who has, so far, a GPA even higher, Jacob who at 12 is far more wise and intelligent than I, and the youngest guest, Aidan who, when not attached to Mom, has already learned how to impress and win over relatives and strangers alike.

Then, Amy and Dan, Amy a big shot administrator with the Hillsborough County School District and Dan a manager of a large tropical fish farm outside of Tampa. Their son, Adam, is an accomplished musician and has performed with several orchestras while still in High School. Adam wishes to be a professional clarinetist; my only issue with his talent is that he prefers classical pieces and chamber music rather than Artie Shaw or Benny Goodman. His younger brother, Aaron, when he forgets to be a wise guy, is a very fine athlete. His soccer playing is fantastic and he asserts that he is "pretty". I would describe him as "handsome" but to each his own. He is also getting to be a pretty good drummer. But I can almost beat him in the bowling Wii.

Sherry and Kenny, both in management positions in corporate America, flew in from Texas with Morgan and Zachary. Morgan, age 11¾, is a charmer and my e-mail correspondent and, whenever she wants an extra cookie, ice cream or anything, knows that Grandpa is the place to go; Zack is several years older and is blessed with a great sense of humor and a head of hair of which I am jealous.

Our oldest daughter, Holly, shared a cabin with her daughter, Jessica, our eldest grandchild. Jessica lived with us for many years and is adorned with tattoos in the current fashion. Jessica was looked up to by her younger cousins and the best part of the cruise, even more than drinks with umbrellas, was watching the young folks bond and respect and enjoys each other.

We left Tampa during a rain storm; the usual standing on a top open deck, sipping the celebratory cold drink, was not possible but, following the mandatory emergency life jacket drill, it was time to gather in the main lobby, the ceiling many floors distant, for our pre-dinner cocktails. I started a personal tradition by giving a small miniature umbrella to Aidan; I am nothing but a thoughtful grandfather!

I learned something, the parents of the younger children ordered "Shirley Temple" drinks. I had thought that these were for girls only and that boys would receive "Roy Rodgers". I was told by the wait staff that all children were recipients of Shirley! How times have changed.

Starting the next day, the adventures really began. I'll talk about them later.