Cruise 2001


Biz's graduating class at commencement.Elizabeth graduated from Clarke Central High School this past June, so it was time to hit the high seas once more. For seven terrific days in July, Jo, Biz, Julia, Doug and I cruised the western Caribbean. Charlotte came along as Doug's travel "buddy". (Unfortunately, Greg's work schedule precluded his being able to go along.)The obligatory shot before boarding the Paradise in Miami We had quite a group on this trip, with the Antals (Linda, Butch and Katie) as well as my parents along with us.

We had a wonderful time. It was so great to be in an atmosphere where no one was allowed to smoke. There was never a place or activity that we couldn't participate in because of smoking. The weather was simply gorgeous for the entire week.

Carnival Paradise We sailed on Carnival's Paradise, the only totally non-smoking cruise ship extant, traveling from Miami, Florida, to Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumelbefore returning to the US. The Paradise is a good sized boat, sailing with around 2100 passengers and 900 crew members. Carnival does a great job with their food, as do other lines that we've cruised. However, their entertainment was a far cry from what is provided by Royal Caribbean or even Norwegian. Their facilities were undersized for the number of passengers aboard, most especially their theater.

Our western Caribbean itinerary

We left Miami on Sunday, July 15th. Here you can see the girls posing for a shot with Miami harbor in the background, with Dad looking over the railing. Julia, Biz, Katie and Dad Here's another shot of the deck crowd. This time, Dad is no longer on alert! Julia, Biz, Katie and Dad

COZUMEL

Our initial stop was at Cozumel. This picture was taken when we were coming off the boat. Doug was greeted by a native carrying an iguana. His reaction to this presentation was priceless.

Charlotte, Doug, Julia and friend

Many of us went off the ship for a snorkeling excursion. It was a bright, sunny day and the snorkeling was fantastic. Coral with Tigerfish swimming about Unfortunately, many of our pictures didn't turn out as we had hoped. However, we had a terrific time, out in the water for almost an hour.

On our way back in from snorkeling, we made some new friends, Christy and her mother, Linda. Christy was kind enough to take these photos with her digital camera and emailed them back to us once she returned home. Thanks, Christy.

Joann, Doug and Linda. Mr. Excitement

GRAND CAYMAN

Here are a number of other photos from Stingray City at Grand Cayman. Rest your cursor over each one for a short narrative description.

Stingray City advertisement This is an advertising shot of the boat that took us out to Stingray City. The water was unbelievably clear. It almost looks likes Biz is standing in a swimming pool, doesn't it? The guides were very comfortable with the rays, as evidenced by this one actually kissing a ray as we arrived. Julia and Biz posing with a female stingray. You can see Mom in the background left. Doug and Charlotte get ready to face the stingrays. Katie and her grandparents just got off the boat. As you can see, the water was only waist high. The baby rays were more lightly colored than their adult counterparts. Here Linda is petting a young one. Doug, Jo and I mugging for the camera. It took some reassurance, but here's Doug petting a stingray who was passing by.

OCHO RIOS, JAMAICA

Julia and a beautiful Jamaican sunset. Biz and a gorgeous sky.The next and last stop was Jamaica. The girls headed off ship to some touring and shopping.

At some point in every cruise, you get the obligatory sunset pictures. We had some beauties this trip. Here are a couple of them.


Mom at the pier in Jamaica. Biz getting her hair braided. Julia was much happier with the braiding process. While Biz was in the torture rack, Julia and Mom mugged it up for the camera. You can see exactly how pleased Biz is with having her hair braided!

ON BOARD THE PARADISE

The remaining photos were taken while at sea.

Everyone dressed up for the occasion. Charlotte and Doug at dinner Here are some of the food carvings from the midnight buffet. Doug and the dining room crew doing the macarena. These three formed our dining room crew. From the left, Ikitu, Ernesto and Julis Ceasar. That really was his name! Biz, Katie & Julia somewhere on the ship. Tim and Joann at dinner Katie, Julia & Biz at dinner Linda and Butch at dinner We cleaned up pretty good, eh?

We did have a hilarious time at the knobby knees contest. Doug competed in it along with 13 other male passengers. Each contestant had to dance across the stage to the Prince tune, "Kiss". Two judges then examined their knees. Finally, the contestant had to deliver his best pickup line. You can imagine our concern! We had absolutely no idea how or what Doug would be doing during this routine. He was about the fourth one in the row, so he was able to examine what others did and come up with a plan of his own. When he got to the pickup line, we held our breath. He proudly stated, "I just want to say that my family is really cute and I'm having a great time on the cruise." The place went wild. He won and received, as they described it, a genuine gold plastic ship on a stand.

We were laughing so hard that it was tough to keep the camera still for a picture of his dance routine. Doug proudly displays his knobby knee trophy.

We had a wonderful time cruising for this week, enjoying each other's company, yet having plenty of time to ourselves. In two years, we look forward to our vacation as it will be Julia's turn. We can't wait!!

On our last evening, I was able to capture one last sunset from the rear of the ship.


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