Tuesday, June 09, 2009

Embarkation is in 5 days!!

Our Royal Caribbean Cruise ship :)
About 4 years ago, Shawn and I went on our first cruise. I have to stress the word "first" because we instantly knew there would at least be another in the near future. Technically we went during our 11th anniversary, but we didn't care. We had a fabulous time. What with all the food you can imagine, dessert upon dessert, activities planned throughout each day, excursions that involve adventure and sightseeing,  getting to dress up in a formal gown or two, etc, etc, we couldn't dream of only doing it once. It was more than we expected and we wondered often what the kids would think of such a monstrous ship with everything they could dream of all in one place. I suppose it will not have as many romantic moments for us, but it will be worth the awe and wonder on their sweet faces.  As all of our recent travels have been a great blessing to us, this one is huge!
 When we moved to England, I don't think we even came close to imagining all the great places we would be able to see. In thinking of all the reasons why we should make a ginormous move like this across the pond with 5 kids in tow, we realized over and over again that it would give us the opportunity to travel. An opportunity, we reasoned, that just couldn't be passed up. So here we are... traveling and enjoying it immensely.
Our plan is to fly into Rome and stay there for 2 days to see as much as our eyes can see. We will then take a taxi to a town called Civitavecchia to board the ship, called "Navigator of the Seas". Our kids have absolutely no idea how awesome this will be. We have tried to describe it, but I don't think they quite grasp it. 

Mediterranean Cruise Map
We go from the town I mentioned, to Messina, Sicily, then to Athens, followed by Ephesus, then to Crete, and back to Civitavecchia, near Rome. 
Your prayers for safe travel for our family will be coveted. 
Blessings to you!

14 comments:

McCrakensx4 said...

oh what fun!! Ryan and I went on a cruise for our honeymoon and LOVED it! There is hope for another! Have so much fun. What great destinations! Can't wait to read and see all about it!

LisaShaw said...

First I loved hearing the "Love Boat" theme when I clicked on to your blog. Boy that took me back :)

I pray a beautiful, safe, enjoyable and loving trip for you both.

Blessings and peace!

Heart2Heart said...

Yikes, the Love Boat! I always wanted to be Julie and if I could go back would probably still sign up to be a cruise director. I mean how fun is that helping people have the best time possible.

I am officially jealous! Your cruise is amazing. Can't wait to see all your pictures and here what your kids thought of it all!

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

momstheword said...

This sounds lovely! How cool to go to Ephesus! And Rome! Wow!

I'm glad you're documenting the pedi, it'll be fun!

Have a lovely time and don't gain the cruise-10 that my friends always say they gain, due to all the food, lol!

With all those kids and running around you'll be fine!

Corrie said...

They'll love it! I think a cruise is probably the best vacation - no cars, no unpacking again & again, child clubs on the ship :-)... have a blast.

He & Me + 3 said...

Cracking up at the song you had playing. LOL
I used to sneak and watch that show back in the day.
Have a blast...I can only dream of a trip like that.
You have my prayers.
Enjoy!

fullertribe said...

Praying and can't wait to see pictures.

Five Moms & A Blog said...

You're not fooling me girl, it's "ta ta for now!" Ha!!!! I got this!

~ Nan

petrii said...

Oh how terrific!!!

Have a Blessed and GREAT time!!!
Dawn

Kat said...

This sounds like an amazing trip. I can't wait to see pictures. I am sure the kids will be in awe.

We have friends who recently returned from a trip to Greece and they were really taken by being in Epehsus and the thrill of walking where Paul may have walked.

How exciting for all of you!!

Mikki said...

Wow!! I am so green with envy right now.. LOL!!!

Have a WONDERFUL time. Enjoy!! And take LOTS of pictures.

Tara Steffen Fotos said...

Oh Man Carol! Ours cannot come fast enough, and then will go too fast!

Enjoy your trip! I'm sending angels!

Anonymous said...

Praying for you now for safe travels. What an amazing blessing being able to experience these places will be for you and your children!!! ENJOY. Looking so forward to pictures. PS ~ You are so right to embrace this time abroad and see all that you can.

Joyce said...

Enjoy every minute...safe travels. It sounds amazing.

I'll pray.