Finding Paradise

I have to admit, we haven’t been up to a good start, the Celebrity Solstice and I. First I had to be convinced for three years to actually go on a cruise (=prison in my world). Secondly, the day we actually drove to the ship on Monday (Civitavecchia) was rainy and windy, and we almost ended up with our luggage on board of a different ship (due to the remarkable skills of our Italian taxi driver). We were already welcomed by our friend S and parents and the procedure for going on board was easy and after 30 minutes or so we stood in our cabin, which should not be called cabin, but I forgot the name and it actually is a cabin. But what a cabin. I have to admit I am not easily impressed, I am picky, very set in my conception of how things have to be, but – this surely is Paradise. It is not only a spacious, tastefully decorated hotel room with a spectacular view, we also have a very comfortable veranda and a luxurious bathroom, where we almost could take a shower à deux.

After a spectacular brunch-lunch, some slight changes (extra blankets for the always freezing me), we were introduced to life saving measures and had our emergency training. Although it might save lives when on sea, in times of infectious diseases cramping 100 persons into small rooms might be a little contra productive. We finally left the harbor and dined in style with our friends D&D, S&C, J, S’s parents and C’s mom and friends.

I am still getting used to luxury, but it sure is fun

J