Our Anniversary Cruise - Part II

Carnival's slogan is the "Fun Ships". From the moment one boards the Legend, on the second floor of ten or eleven, depending on how and what you count, there are constant and continuing reminders that "fun" is the Captain and crew's aim in life. Fun is defined for adults as an inexhaustible supply of bars, each of which offers tall, fruity, concoctions that go down so darn easily. Drink too many of them, one will do the same. For every bar, there are restaurants, buffet lines, pizza stations and ice cream self-serve places. For the most part, the food is all included in the price, including 24-hour room service.

This is in addition to meals in the Truffles Restaurant where waiters and servers and other staff deliver food to each passenger that would feed a small third-world nation!

The first day, at sea, Zachary found the ice cream dispenser; I think he polished off seven or eight cones that day! The grandchildren either lounged, played ping pong, miniature golf, scarfed down pizza between meals.

When we entered our cabin, we discovered a beautiful basket of fruit, cheeses and wine sent by old friends. It was a thoughtful and appreciated gesture. I must confess, however, that, although not required, it would have been nice for Carnival to have left a similar remembrance on the occasion on the anniversary of those paying for the trip!

That evening, we started a tradition for the week. TLJ and I had insisted that one meal a day would be attended by everyone. The dinner time was 8:15 P.M. and we all gathered in the ship's lobby-atrium for cocktails and Shirlies Temple (I leave that to be sorted out by any grammarians). It is, by the way, a very fine custom and an easy way to collect umbrellas to give to the smallest among us. Aaron, in particular, found the new tradition most enjoyable.
Dinner on a cruise ship is pure and unadulterated excess. One night there were served lobster tails, other evenings, prime rib, and every night steak and salmon and at least one different and unique pasta. Our petite Morgan managed to devour three or four lobster tails, Joshua, who is a teenager, polished off multiple steaks.

As for dessert, I know that I should have skipped the course or chosen fresh fruit. However I decided to get a preview of the meals in Heaven, just in case I do not get there. Carnival offers a chocolate warming cake topped with ice cream. This is a very rich dense chocolate cupcake, the middle of which is very warm and very caloric pudding. Stick a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top; let it melt into the oozing chocolate. If I get to Paradise, I'll request a portion of Carnival's Chocolate Warming Cake before fitting and issuance of wings.

Do I sound fixated on the meals and treats? Too bad. The first morning, Joan and I went to the spa-gym and walked the treadmill and stationary bicycle. We overcame that impulse after that.

In the evening, after dinner, most of us went to a show while some of the grandchildren chose to go to one of the many age-specific clubs and sing-dance venues. Shows on Legend consist of a comedian and, on one or two days, a hypnotist. There is also a troupe of young, talented and extremely energetic singers and dancers. There is also, less fortunately, a Cruise Director who continually seeks reassurance, "Is everyone having fun?".
After the show, Joan and I would wander through the casino. Beware, one can go practically nowhere without traversing the casino. TLJ is attracted to the slot machines. She plies the 2¢ slots because her $10 per night entertainment money lasts longer and the machines generate the same bells and whistles as do those requiring $1 - and it's the noise she likes. This voyage, over the full sever nights, she came out ahead by some $50 or so. I decided to play Black Jack and did wonderfully; I broke about even!

Grandson and granddaughter wandered the room. Joshua and Jessica had a dangerous experience at the slot machines. They won. Not much because their bets were small, but we warned them that winning over the long run was darn near impossible.

For me, the best aspect of the cruise was to get better acquainted with each child as an individual.

When we disembarked at Georgetown on Grand Cayman some of the group went on one of several tours and excursions. Joan and I had been to the island several times and decided to just wander the many shops near the waterfront. At these stores, like those at most of the ports, all sorts of souvenirs including watches and jewelry costing many, many thousands of dollars.

At the next port, Cozumel, most of the family decided on a seven-hour excursion to the Mayan ruins of Tulum in the interior. This involved a ferry ride, a bus trip and much walking over rough terrain. Daughter Sherry has inherited my bum knees and so she, husband Kenny, Jessica and I walked through the ubiquitous shops and then asked a street vendor of woven bracelets where he would go for a cold beer and a snack. We did not want to visit the Mexican operations of American corporations. No sir, authenticity is our middle name.

So the four of us, following directions to what was probably the vendor's relatives' restaurant, up a flight and one-half of steep stairs to a balcony overlooking the harbor. I asked for a local beer and soon the four of us were working on bottles of Negra Modelo, Modelo Especial and Corona. The waiter put a jar of salsa on the table. It did not seem very hot or spicy, until after it had been swallowed. At that point, a new beer was required. I gobbled the salsa, in the full knowledge that heartburn would follow. It did and was worth it!

Another port of call was Belize City in Belize, Central America. The wood carvings were absolutely beautiful. TLJ bought me a new carved cane for my collection, the handle in the form of a grinning whale. Dan bought his father two handsome carved canes, both made of very heavy mahogany. They seemed too heavy for me, but the recipient lives in South Florida and one can never have enough clubs.

Meanwhile Kenny, Jessica and I found a beach bar that had a very limited menu. Fresh fruit smoothies and the local beer, Belikin. We did not have the smoothies.

The cruise was far too short. The focus was not on the food, drinks, shows or tropical venues. I cannot conceive of a better anniversary or family event. Looking over the gang, Joan and I had a degree of satisfaction: we didn't do too badly at all.