Family Vacation by Margot Justes

I spent a week with my whole family at sea; a Celebrity Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean.

Even Dina who hates cruising-but went for the family-admitted
this one was not all bad. She did get to go to 3 wine tastings, the last one
was a course on proper glass selection. Her new motto, "Life is too short
to drink wine from the wrong glass." Apparently the correct glass makes a
huge difference in the taste of the wine.

On our last dinner, Dina reminded the sommelier about using the correct glasses, and soon the master sommelier brought the large, wide rim and ultra thin goblets to our table. I have no idea what wine was selected, all I can tell you is it was red. I'm not a wine drinker, and saved my calories for chocolate.

The two little munchkins loved being at sea. My grandson said he wants to go on a cruise for his birthday, which is this May. Somehow, I don't think that is going to happen.

This was my first cruise on Celebrity, but not my last. The service was exemplary, even cold water, juice and ice towels were provided as we boarded the ship from the excursions. It was very hot and very humid. There was a tent with a couch and a couple of lounge chairs, just in case you wanted to take a break before going back to the ship, or while waiting for your
excursion.

There was even an artist in residence, Graham Denison, a palette knife artist. I
watched him work and found it fascinating that a couple commissioned a painting
using colors that are currently in their home. I wonder what happens if they
change the paint on the walls?

Mr. Denison is British, and his work has a distinct European
flair, scenes from Paris, Venice and Portofino dominated the available selection.
Bill and Solonge liked his work so much that they bought an enhanced serigraph,
a scene from Portofino; and no it will not match their decor at home.

I found the glass furnace on board ship to be truly astounding, there were lectures provided by the blowers in residence and sponsored by the Corning Museum of Glass. All the pieces that were completed during the lectures were signed by the artists and sold at a charity auction on the last day at sea.

I'm looking forward to another Celebrity cruise.

Till next time,
Margot Justes
Hearts & Daggers
A Hotel in Paris
www.mjustes.com