MDSue

Anitigua by helicopter

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St Lucia

Thanks Mike for bringing back this inspiring post.

The reason my sister and I take an annual cruise now is not only to have fun and make a week a year to spend together since we live thousands of miles apart. Cruising was really not in my budget while raising a family, but 2 years ago my mom passed away after 5 torturous days in the hospital. It was the 5 worst days of our lives. But during those days and the week afterwards while going through her belongings we all spent alot of quality time together. My mom didn't have much money after years of poor health, but left us each a small amount. We decided that the best way to spend this money was to take a trip in her memory as she loved to travel. We have made a vow to do it every year as long as possible.

I think my mom would be happy that my sister and I are making the time to spend together since the rest of our family has all passed on [We have a brother also, but he isn't interested in travelling].

I have a husband and two adult kids at home, and we also take family trips together every year, but the annual cruise is just for my sister and I.

When I once questioned the afffordability of a certain vacation, my mom made the comment that she never regretted spending money on travel and since she had a disabling stroke at age 57, it was great that she was able to get in many trips prior to then. Her last big trip was her first cruise with my dad a year before he died that a very generous cousin gave to them as a gift. She always talked about that trip and what a wonderful time they had.

We never know when our time is up, so while I believe in saving for the future, making time for now is equally important:)

Thanks MD SUE....I know the tender only takes about 20 minutes from the ship to the port, I mean I have heard that it takes about an hour to GET OFF the ship. Because it is a tender port everyone is trying to get off at the same time and it is a zoo. Trying to get some feed back from past cruisers. Is Roatan also a tender port?

We went to Roatan and Belize on a Princess cruise 2 years ago and we docked at Roatan. I can't remember how long it took to get on the tender from the ship, but I don't think it was too bad. I know there was no line coming back. When we were on Carnival a few years before and had to get tickets for the tenders with a departure time- that was kind of a pain in the neck.

When you get back, I hope you'll post and let me know how it was getting off.

We will be on the Legend next week, is Belize the only tender port? I have read it could take up to an hour or more to get off the ship, is that correct? Thanks!

It's not that far, maybe 20-30 minutes at the most.

Enjoy your trip. We'll be sailing on the Legend in April.