Caribbean Cruise - Bahamas

 This was our first trip by ourselves, that didn't involve family commitments, work commitments, or the kids since our honeymoon and Thanksgiving getaway to Napa in 2008. So obviously we were excited! We also increased our countries visited up to 13!  Yes, world travelers.....or not.

I could talk for a full hour about our cruise vacation but typing all that out would be ridiculous and we all have better things to do so I'll keep it semi short.  The ship, Norwegian Pearl, was pretty nice.  We spent most of our time in the spa when we were on the ship.  We enjoyed most dinners as breakfast and lunch at the buffet were sub par. We worked out everyday at the gym, or running around the track outside, and played shuffle board. The shows at night were really good and we enjoyed seeing those too!

Scott near the water slide and kid pool on the main deck.

First drink of the cruise at the piano lounge.

The hydro therapy pool was filled with jets. Awesome!

Tiled and heated lounge chairs.  If you couldn't find me, this is where I was.

View from our deck.

First sunset.

Taking in the sites of the wide open ocean.

Our ship from the tender boat.

Our first stop was at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. (We had previously been to Nassau and Freeport in the Bahamas but Great Stirrup Cay was new to us!) Norwegian Cruise Lines have their very own private island.  We took tender boats to the island and Scott and I signed up for the para sailing excursion.  It was a first for both of us and so calming being high above everything, feeling like your flying with just the wind in your ears.  There were about 8 other people on our excursion so we also enjoyed a boat ride around the island while everyone else went para sailing.  After para sailing we found two lounge chairs near the lagoon and spent the rest of the day playing and swimming in the tepid water, hanging out on the hammocks, enjoying some tropical drinks (banana daiquiris), and applying sunscreen!  It was so bright, sunny and hot outside!

First morning, ready for the Bahamas.

Approaching part of the island.

I apparently had one leg in the Bahamas. 

The water was so pretty.

Scottie walking along the beach.

Enjoying the view.

Enjoying the view.

On our boat ride.

Yikes! Getting hooked up to para sail.

Here we go....

....weeee......

.....higher....

.....and higher....

....and higher.  500 feet above the ocean.

Warm tropical weather on the last day of the year.  Can't beat it!