The Anniversary Cruise

The Anniversary Cruise

In a month’s time, I will be married 40 years.  Hard to believe that so many years have passed since that very first cruise on The Home Line’s Oceanic .  It was a chance meeting, paired together by an attentive maitre d’, who sat me at breakfast with three single women, one who, ten month’s later, became my wife.

So here we are in June 2012, two children, a daughter-in-law, two granddaughters, and ten cruises under our belt, ready to embark on our celebratory 40th Wedding Anniversary Cruise on Celebrity’s Summit to Bermuda.  How perfect to set sail on our anniversary date, July 8.  

The idea for an anniversary cruise had been in the works for quite a while. Bermuda seemed like the ideal destination…  not too many sea days… Port Liberty, an embarkation port close to home, thus no plane travel, and a cruise line known for good food and entertainment.  On the advice of my daughter, Kristen, we selected Celebrity Cruises and as soon as it was possible to make reservations (March 2011) we reserved two balcony rooms and one family suite…to accomodate Melissa, Andrew and the girls.

In March of last year talking about the cruise seemed so remote, but it was necessary to book far in advance so as to secure the coveted family suite. Now, with tickets paid, the planning can begin.  I think it is the planning that I enjoy almost as much as the cruise itself.  It’s fun to have discussions and do research about the ports of call; the pros and cons of early or late dinner seating, and for Ellen… it’s all about the wardrobe…what to wear on formal or semi formal nights.

Over the next month, as we prepare for this special event, I will review some past cruises as well as share some thoughts about shore excursions, cabin up grades and itineraries.  Looking forward to sharing this adventure with you all.

Ellen Sullivan & Ray Signore:  August 1971