Cruising..ahhh, ain't life grand?!

On November 2nd, 2013, we embarked on a lovely cruise, out of Miami for the ports of St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Bahamas. I must admit it was simply relaxing and the perfect way to spend the week after trekking around theme parks. I could be quite happy cruising around the world. :)

 Here are snaps of us as the ship left Miami.

The scenery of Miami was spectacular, with all the slim slivers of white beaches, lined with stunning mansions of the rich and famous. The Norwegian Epic is about 17 stories high so we had quite a view.

Our stateroom suite was in an area of the ship called "The Haven". There was a pool, sauna, hot tubs, a bar and a restaurant as part of this area too. We opted for this suite for the space and the fact it had its own amenities. Not to mention, "The Haven" was very quiet.

Sun Beds at the front of the ship in "The Haven"

There was a ton to do on board the EPIC. Our children LOVED going to the kids club. They made crafts and played games. Each day was themed as well, and the staff was from countries like England, Chili and South Africa. What a great experience for kids. On the last night of our cruise, there was special event in kids club. Amyah made all her leaders drawings, and cried over how much she was going to miss her new friends. Max enjoyed it too, but mainly because he got his face painted everyday! LOL

Amyah playing mini Olympics on a top deck gym.

On board we spent time at the pool in The Haven, as it was quiet there plus two hot tubs! Every morning we spent time up on top, enjoying the water slides, and pools there. The kids made friends with whom they met up with each day. :)

During some of the evenings, we went to a few shows, tried out other restaurants, and explored the ship.

A Cirque de Soleil inspired show

We actually PAID to see inside the ice bar, and drink a sickly sweet drink! I actually felt more sorry for the young man from Bali, who had to come out and wait on us. He was lovely and chatty though, as it was just us three! Nothing like spending an evening in a meat locker on a ship in the middle of the Caribbean.

The kids and Chris also tried rock climbing on the ship, which was a popular spot. However, it did close on one day when the sea was rough. I am sure that would have been an added challenge- climbing while swaying!

There were three days where we visited ports on the islands of St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and The Bahamas.  Chris took the opportunity to scuba dive off the St. Thomas and St. Maarten. While he was away in the mornings, the kids and did check out the ports with my parents, and then head back to the ship for lunch. One afternoon, we did head back out on to the island with Chris to check out the infamous beach, Maho. Literally, airplanes are landing over right  your head!

Holy Camolies! They actually do land just on the other side of the fence!!!!

Jet Planes are SUPER loud!

Now that was a thrilling site! I just tried hard not to dwell on the idea of any part of a plane falling on all of us tourists, or a complete plane crashing for that fact!

En route to this beach we spotted the ultra luxurious and modern yacht of Steve Jobs! Oh La La! We hear his children inherited this pricy ship.

 We spent some time exploring the port areas with Grandma and Grandpa on the two islands. The day we were in port at Bahamas was extremely hot. The guys only made it as far as the first street, refused to go shopping but instead opting for an ice cream right then and there, then heading back to the pools, on this ship! Us ladies ventured on to conquer the shops! We just went in A LOT of shops to enjoy the AC, just browsing and enjoying the busy streets.

Max cooling off after some exploring of St. Maarten.

St. Thomas was a Danish territory from 1666 until 1917, when it was purchased by the United States for $25 million in gold.   This is a smaller version of the mermaid in Copenhagen.

Bye Bye St. Thomas! Until another time...

Traffic Officer in Nassau.

We really really enjoyed this cruise. I don't know if it was because we were coming off a busy week of amusement parks, or we had a great room, or it was easy. At the end of the stay, I really was wishing we were staying longer!This trip was special because it was with Grandma and Grandpa too. Hopefully, we can do it again someday.

Taken over the Caribbean Sea