Harrisburger with cheese

I always felt the weather plays an important part of a vacation and this week (2/9-2/16) on the Celebrity Silhouette proved it. We left the miserable winter weather of PA for the sunny Caribbean and we were not disappointed. The worst weather all week was embarkation in Port Everglades and that was just because it was cloudy. On sail away, the clouds broke up and provided a beautiful sunset.

Embarkation was good. We got to the port about one-ish and were on in less than an hour. We had sailed the Silhouette about two years earlier when she was based out of Port Liberty and it was good to see some familiar faces. However, this was the first cruise I felt a little disoriented. I don't know if it was the first time we were in a starboard cabin or I'm getting old.

I really liked the itinerary although we had done something similar 18 years ago. First day at sea, then Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Haiti, Labadee, then last day at sea. In Cozumel we went on the mainland to do an excursion of Tulum. It took a while to get there but the last time I was in Cozumel I regretted not doing it.

In Grand Cayman we did Stingray City, in Haiti we stayed in the dock area and in Labadee we had a beach day. Well rounded cruise with history, nature, the boat and the beach.

Disembarkation was also one of the best I've experienced. Quick breakfast in the Cuvee, called a little earlier than expected, and a short wait for customs.

Couple minor complaints: the stage shows were a little too familiar; the emergency drill had us packed in like sardines, standing for too long a time; and the main dining room seating was a bit clumsy.

I may just do the same thing next year. It was a great way to spend Valentine's Day.

Better food, better food, better food. If there's one thing that helped me fall in love with cruising, it was the wonderful meals in the main dining room. My wife calls them the aaah meals where you can't believe how good it is, night after night.:p

As far as size, smaller is better although I don't see it going that way. Azamara is looking better and better.:rolleyes:

Our first too. We sat at the honeymooners' table in the back of the dining room and had an inside cabin. Still one of my best cruises and my favorite waiter. Frank from Serbia. Miss you Frank. And Sylvestro who used to scrape the crumbs off the table between courses. Good food, good times, good memories.