For Christmas a couple of years ago our family received an interesting gift: an week long cruise in the Caribbean with our extended family. My dad must have really run out of gift ideas or just can't do math. A year of logistics later and thirty family members boarded Canival Cruise Lines in Florida, bound for a week of tropical paradise.
Cruise ships are ridiculous contraptions. There is only one reason to build a floating hotel that holds 6000 occupants: because you can. While no one will win any awards for writing a travel book from the cushy confines of their stateroom, cruise ships are a great way to get out and see a little peek of the world -- especially if you're carrying a three year old in tow. While Cole would quickly tire of a walk up the Eiffel Tower or an all day visit to the Louve, the short day-trips and consistent evening surroundings of the ship were perfect.
Happy to be here
Cole was in love with the boat the moment he stepped on board.
Excursions are tiring
Cole just pooped out.
Terrible View
Really, the Caribbean is a lovely place.
John Travolta
Cole loved the disco. It's unnatural, but funny.
Rosie
The boat was decoarated on some perfect '40's artwork and a lot of gaudy red white and blue. Which is interesting given that the boat and crew are Dutch.
Excursion Time
Danna, Cole and I get off the boat for a little beach time. Danna -- is that an orance mocha frappachino?
If I could only read
Cole, standing over the "Keep Clear" sign on the desk of the entrance of the boat.
Freddy
Cole formed a karmic bond with Freddy the Fun Ship.
Roar!
We kept Cole out for new year's eve and he got his face painted like a tiger. That, plus his Patented Dance Moves earned him a spot on the Jumbotron.