August, 1996
For our honeymoon, we decided to take a cruise via Holland America cruise lines.
The cruise ship started from Florida, then headed to the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and then back to Florida.
The cruise was definitely the most relaxing vacation I have ever taken. And after the chaos of our wedding, we definitely needed the relaxation.
St. Thomas, the U.S. Virgin Islands. Our cruise ship (the MS Veendam) is in the background.
Cruises are definitely for those people who enjoyed being pampered. From the room stewards, to the dining room busboys, the entire cruise staff treat the passengers like royalty.
Although our stateroom was a bit on the small side, it had all the amenities that we needed.
The room had a queen-size bed, a desk, a table and chairs, a small sofa, plenty of closet space, and a decent-sized bathroom.
A nice touch was that once we left the Miami Hilton hotel (which Holland America paid for), we didn't have to handle our luggage again.
When we first entered our room, we were greeted with our luggage, along with a bottle of champagne.
A typical dessert on the cruise.
The food alone is worth taking a cruise. The cruise provides all-you-can-eat gourmet food, such as filet mignon, caviar, smoked salmon, baked Alaska, lobster, and prime rib.
The ship serves about seven meals a day. Almost every day, I tried all seven meals, much to Julie's chagrin. I even ordered room service when I wasn't that hungry.
No matter where I went, food was being prepared.
The ship had a formal dining room, an informal dining area for lunch and breakfast, and a barbecue by the pool.
The consequences of eating too much dessert (note the unfinished cake in my right hand).
The ship had an art gallery, a movie theatre, a night club, an exercise room, basketball courts, a few swimming pools, a night club, and a huge showroom (for Vegas-style shows).
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