WE SURVIVED!
Lita and I are home alive after our cruise in the Mediterranean! There were 17 of us in our family group. Eight children, spouses, and Lita and myself. We started out in Spain and ended up in Monte Carlo. Our children flew home after the trip from Monte Carlo to Montréal, Canada and then to Seattle. From there they went to their homes in Skagit County as well as Whidbey Island where they live. . After the cruise, Lita and I were driven to Nice, France, and stayed overnight at a hotel there. The next morning we flew to London and made a connection on British air to Seattle and from there to our home in Gig Harbor.
We had good weather except for one night of wind and but otherwise a pleasant overall cruise. Regent cruise lines did a good job. The vessel had only 300 passengers and was a small enough ship that was easy to get around. The family package we provided the children was comprehensive. It included all of the food, drinks and expenses aboard ship as well as excursions onshore at the ports we stopped at. They had a good time and most of them had never been to Europe before. Lita celebrated her birthday on the cruise and got to sit in the pilot’s seat on the airplane we flew over on.
For my part, I am glad we are home. My knee disability required a walker on the ship and I never got off the ship at any of our stops. But, we had been on cruises on this route more then several times before. The cruise itself was relaxing. However, my challenge was the fact I needed a wheelchair to and from airports and hotels as well as on the ship. The international airport areas proved to be much longer than anticipated and crowded, with many travelers. While I was sitting in a wheelchair being pushed along, Lita was walking the whole time. I think she probably walked at least 3 miles in airports going and coming on this trip. It was really an ordeal for her.
Consequently, we are both tired and exhausted. I’m very glad we made this trip for the family. However, I think it’s safe to say at my age I am not making international trip again. My plan is to stay at home, sit on the porch looking at the boats going by and rest.