neverwinter2

My first was the Canada Star sometime in the 1980's - it was a family vacation and my brother and I were very young. We loved it. The best memories: getting to 'dance' with the staff in the dining room (I think we were the only small children on the ship, it was during the school year), our waiter bringing dessert even when our parents said no, and chocolate on your pillow at night! We also loved dressing up for the dinners each night. The only info I found on the ship in a quick search:

Built for Moore McCormack. Launched 16/12/1957. Last in service as Universe Explorer, in late 2004 was discovered to have structural problems and her refit was cancelled. The ship would not be repaired and she arrived at Alang for breaking up in December 2004. Name sequence: Brasil, Volendam, Monarch Sun, Volendam, Island Sun, Liberte, Canada Star, Queen of Bermuda, Enchanted Seas, Universe Explorer."

Josh's first was the Carnival Tropicale, not sure when that one took place. From all reports, he loved it too. I think the Tropicale is a Costa ship now.

Our first cruise together was our honeymoon in 2005 on the Carnival Valor. Of course we loved it... no surprise there. My favorite part of the Valor was the enormous "Rosie the Riveter" wall in Rosie's Restaurant. Just the coolest thing - I told Josh I wanted to make something similar in our kitchen. :D

My first was the Canada Star sometime in the 1980's - it was a family vacation and my brother and I were very young. We loved it. The best memories: getting to 'dance' with the staff in the dining room (I think we were the only small children on the ship, it was during the school year), our waiter bringing dessert even when our parents said no, and chocolate on your pillow at night! We also loved dressing up for the dinners each night. The only info I found on the ship in a quick search:

Built for Moore McCormack. Launched 16/12/1957. Last in service as Universe Explorer, in late 2004 was discovered to have structural problems and her refit was cancelled. The ship would not be repaired and she arrived at Alang for breaking up in December 2004. Name sequence: Brasil, Volendam, Monarch Sun, Volendam, Island Sun, Liberte, Canada Star, Queen of Bermuda, Enchanted Seas, Universe Explorer."

Josh's first was the Carnival Tropicale, not sure when that one took place. From all reports, he loved it too. I think the Tropicale is a Costa ship now.

Our first cruise together was our honeymoon in 2005 on the Carnival Valor. Of course we loved it... no surprise there. My favorite part of the Valor was the enormous "Rosie the Riveter" wall in Rosie's Restaurant. Just the coolest thing - I told Josh I wanted to make something similar in our kitchen. :D

debcip - your husband is not alone. i adore those container boxes. and CRANES. my poor husband watches as i snap photo after photo of cranes and conexes in each port where they appear. i have no explanation or apology! :D

my other favorite things....

- Seeing the ship for the first time and knowing all the planning and packing are over... time for the fun!

- Finding our cabin and unpacking... settling in

- Towel animals! We take their pictures. Anyone else notice that they are rarely identifiable as an actual critter? We name them after their appearance.... elephamoose, ninja bunny, etc. Too funny.

- Waking up each morning to either the open sea or a new gorgeous port (and a new adventure)

- Getting to know the other passengers on our excursions - we always do the super active excursions so we meet people we have a lot in common with

- Afternoon naps before dressing for dinner (the best!!)

- Seeing my handsome husband in his tuxedo (ok, maybe this is the best)

- We play a game at dinner... both read the menu and guess what the other one is going to order. Why is this so amusing for us? No idea.

- Post-excursion cheeseburgers (in paradise) on the deck... fruity drinks included

- After dinner stroll around the ship

- Watching people rush back to the ship before we depart from a port. A cruise director clued us in to this and it's hysterical. We get back a bit early to get a good spot to watch people make a run for it.

- Learning about the crew and getting to know the steward, the waiters at dinner, etc. It's more fun when they get to know you and joke around or remember what you like. They tell great stories, too.

Oh boy, I have quite a few. Didn't think this post would get so long!