Searls Stuff: cruise

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Thursday, July 20, 2023

June 2023 Cruise With the Glenn-Searls Family

Our close proximity to the port in Galveston affords us many opportunities to cruise the Caribbean. Ron and I have been able to sail with most of our kids at one time or another. Sometimes, the cruise was just for fun; and, some cruises had a special purpose. Our cruise this June had a very special purpose.

Jamie’s mother passed away unexpectedly after returning from a cruise with the family. While her death was sudden, I personally feel she was lucky. Dorothy had lived a full life, was loved by friends and family all across the country, and enjoyed a retirement busy with various hobbies and interests. She ended her journey on Earth by passing away quickly without enduring a long and painful battle with some terminal illness. I can only hope I am just as lucky when my time comes.

Dorothy left instructions for her ashes to be spread at places that held special meaning to her. One of those places was from a cruise ship. Ron and I were honored to be invited to attend Dorothy’s last cruise. Yes, the actual act of spreading her ashes brought tears. But, the cruise was filled with joy, laughter, and precious time with family. I think that made her happy.

Below are pictures taken either by Jamie or myself. One last hurrah for Dorothy

Opportunities to try exotic cuisine.

Yummy desserts eaten while enjoying the view.

Build a Bear… sea turtle.

Sophia Build a Bear flamingo.

One Ron’s many cruise shirts.

Sophia on formal night.

Samantha on formal night.

Jamie and Ryan…❤️

Ron and I on formal night.

Our entertaining wait staff.

One of many boats that we passed along our route.

Our first sight of Mahogany Bay.

One of our towel pets.

The peace of the sea…

Ron and the twins in dance class.

Waiting for instructions.

My favorite hang out while Ron played trivia games.

Ron and his many trivia prizes.

A speed boat in Cozumel.

The family in our formal night photo shoot.

Ryan an Ron racking up trivia prizes.

Enjoying the show.

Stormy skies behind Grand Cayman Islands.

Delicious, but small, side dishes.

Nothing quite as peaceful as the sun setting over the water.

The twins in the closing night show.

Ahhhhhh……

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

2015 update continued: Cruising with the Castellos.

Rebecca Searls Castello must be the luckiest person I know. She is forever winning things! Lucky for Ron and I, she won free cruises for not only themselves, but for 2 more people. She sweetly invited Ron and I to take advantage of their extra tickets! I love going on a cruise! It is the ultimate vacation... no cooking, no cleaning, no worries! Just rest, sunshine, good company, and beautiful scenery.

Most people that cruise spend a lot of time in the casino and bars while at sea. I don't drink, smoke, or gamble so I avoid those locations. Because most people are otherwise engaged, the decks are often bare. That makes it possible for me to do what I enjoy most; sit in a quiet spot with a good book and watch the water drifting by.

In my opinion, one of the oddest things about cruising is formal night. I have never been. nor will I ever be, the kind of person that likes to dress up. Needless to say, we were a little under dressed compared with most of our cruising companions. But, we had just as much fun!

What better way is there to travel to far away places than by cruise ship?? You sail along during the day, sleep soundly to the swaying of the ship, and wake up to see the wonders of Mexico! Sailing into port is one of my favorite times. Looking off in the distance to see the white beaches and sea side communities is breathtaking.

Our first stop on the cruise was spent wandering around the ancient landmarks in Progresso and Merida.

Becca and Edward

Ron and Gwen

Silly Becca!

After returning to the ship, enjoying the evening shows and entertainment, we sailed through the night to our second stop. We spent the day enjoying the resort in Cozumel.

Thanks, Becca. It was great trip and just what we needed after such a stressful winter!!

Friday, July 11, 2014

Anniversary Cruise - Cozumel

Second catch-up post: Our Western Caribbean Cruise

In February, Leslie suggested that Ron and I needed a break. Her idea of a break was to take a cruise to the Caribbean. Mom had been sick and in or out of the hospital between Thanksgiving and the middle of January. By February, it looked like she was well on the way to being 100% healthy again. A break sounded pretty nice. So, Leslie and G booked us a cruise for May 1-5. It meant I had to get sub plans written up and arrange for a substitute, get Scott to dog and house sit, and find a bathing suit! I hate looking for a bathing suit, but sitting in the sun on a sandy beach with a beautiful view of the ocean sounded so relaxing. It was a lot of fun to go with Leslie and G; and, nice because we didn't always feel like we had to go and do the same things the entire time. Our cruise line was Carnival, and I now understand why it is called the party cruise. Sitting beside the pool was not possible because that was where the drunks hung out. However, that left all the silly games, trivia contests, and quite spots for reading or napping completely quiet and peaceful. If I have a choice between using Carnival or Royal Caribbean for our next cruise, it will certainly be Royal Caribbean. Better food, better atmosphere, and a little classier cruisers.
I have decided that I missed my true career choice, which should have been something nautical. I love being on the cruise ship! The rocking motion is so relaxing and soothing. Unfortunately, most of the family is decidedly not seafaring inclined. Ron, Leslie, and G battled seasickness most of the time. They were real troopers about it, trying a combination of essential oils and pills, and not letting it keep them from enjoying themselves. Even with the seasickness (and the drunks) we've decided that the entire family needs to take a cruise for our 45th anniversary.