We have successfully completed our first family cruise. There were many things we loved about it, and then there were some things we didn't love about it. Overall, it was a great way to see the islands we wouldn't have otherwise been able to see. We ported out of Venice. I just loved this city. It was so neat to see the way construction workers have to use boats to bring in concrete or how the trash is loaded onto boats or the water ambulance. Plus, the views, architecture, food, and history.
Kate loved trying on all the Venetian masks. We took two home with us!
Jane LOVED chasing the pigeons at St. Marks Square.
The gorgeous St. Mark's Basilica.
Build you own Magnum Bar. Best idea ever!
And of course, a gondola ride! Checked that off my bucket list. The girls did fantastic, and the ride was exciting as we had to lean to one side to clear the bridges!
On the boat, in the hot tub with a butterfly painted on her face. She loved the endless ice cream, flavored drinks, and swimming!
Making good use of the selfie stick! We went with some friends on the cruise, which was definitely a plus. The sea days can get long, especially with the girls. Kate loved being with her friend Sami and we enjoyed playing games together after the kids went to bed. Meal time was endless fun!!
First day off the boat in Corfu, Greece. Rained cats and dogs until we got back on the boat. I was not prepared for that!
So cold and wet!
My cute little Jane.
Our second boat stop was Santorini, Greece. We hiked a volcano and swam in a hot spring. Such gorgeous views of the volcanic island and white washed buildings.
My hiking buddy on the volcano.
Blue topped church. That is what this island is most known for.
Cutie Kate!
Our third stop was Mykonos, Greece. These are the famous windmill churches.
Jane posing at the "Little Venice" of Mykonos.
We played in the sand at Paradise Beach. The water was chilly and the wind was strong! But we enjoyed the views, the food, and the sand between our toes.
Our fourth stop was Athens, Greece. We got a tour of the city on a hop-on hop-off bus. Very big and very busy. Half of Greece's population is located in Athens. The lines were long because of all of the cruise crowds. Definitely a negative for traveling with cruise lines. But the Acropolis was pretty awesome. Great views, great pictures, fun climbing rocks/walls for the girls. I can't wait to check it out again next month!
It was also 80+ degrees! Missing the sun right now!
Kate and Sami loved the towel animals created by our house keeper. He even showed us how to make a few. Kate still asks if Sami can come over and play at her hotel.
Our fifth stop was somewhere in Croatia? We were supposed to go to Split, but the weather wouldn't let us port there. We got off the boat for a little, but the city wasn't anything too exciting. I am glad we were able to go to Croatia over the summer...
We very much enjoyed spending time together in our cozy little bedroom. We enjoyed the endless amounts of food and not having to do dishes. I am glad I didn't gain 10+ pounds. Not sure about Bryan though....
Seven more years until our next cruise!
