John and I decided that we needed---and earned----a quick getaway, after surviving busy season and before baby #2 comes along. We took a quick 4 day cruise through Carnival Cruises. We left from San Diego and stopped at Catalina, Ensenada and came back to San Diego. It was so nice to get to have my hubby all to myself. We had a blast exploring the ship, visiting with people aboard, seeing the shows and eating, eating, eating.
San Diego Port.
It was a really quick boarding process, they didn't mess around getting you aboard the ship. It was really awesome how smoothly everything went.
Carnival Elation
It was a huge ship, equipped with 9 holes of mini golf, a race track, ping pong, oversized chess, water slide, pool and hot tubs. Unfortunately it was too cold, for me, to take advatage of the pool and hot tub, but we never wanted for things to do and see.
John got pulled out of the crowd to "volunteer" in a hip hop dance of verses other unfortunate "volunteers."
I died laughing and to my happy amusement John's team schooled the other team. After which the professionals showed up the crowd and did some amazing stunts.
The dressy night out/night at sea. To my shock, I grew out of many of my regular clothes while on the trip and had to improvise many of the essential outfits and such. John got a good laugh at me trying to find clothes that would fit my ever expanding midsection.
Catalina, our first port.
It was my favorite port. We went on a glass bottome boat and saw SO many fish pressed together to eat, we couldn't get a good look at a single one of them!
We explored the island on foot and took in some of the many shops in the area too. I don't think I would mind visiting Catalina again, it was really beautiful.
Ensenada, our last port.
It was a smelly place, perhaps only enhanced by my sensitive pregnant nose. We just decided to wander around and find inexpensive toys to take home to Jackson. It really isn't that exciting of a place. I honestly don't know why it's even a port of call, but oh well. John and I enjoyed navagating the street and couldn't bring ourselves to bargin on prices due to the extreme poverty in that area.
Having armed military cruising the street didn't give me the warm and fuzzy feeling of safety that I think they were trying to project. We were glad to get back to the boat and hang out the rest of the day there.
I miss not having daily room service and meals provided, but am glad to be home with Jackson. I don't think he missed us at all. Grandma's houses always seem to have that effect. ;)
Here's to another unknown amount of time before John and I vacation alone again! But here's to many more fun memories!
