The crew of the Anhinga met Patti’s family in Baltimore to board the cruise ship, Enchantment of the Seas, a vacation planned by Patti’s parents to celebrate Renée’s 80th birthday. The itinerary included stops in Bermuda, Boston, and Newport. But first, there was the surprise presentation of a photobook and DVD with over 500 photos recounting “Renée’s Journey” from Brooklyn to California, Queens, Jericho, Washington and Delray Beach, as well as travel pics from around the world. We laughed, we cried, we remembered.
First stop, Bermuda. The ship docked at the Royal Naval Dockyard harbor. We took a ferry across to Hamilton, the main town. Beautiful buildings, gardens, houses. Next day we rented bicycles and Jay led us on a tour using the rail trail. We ended at the famous Horseshoe Beach where Jay flew his kite and camera for some interesting overhead shots.
Next stop, Boston. We couldn’t have had a more beautiful day, so we planned to walk, and walk, and walk. From our berth at the cruiseport we went through the financial center of town, the historical center, and on to the Common. From there, we took the T to Harvard Square and then from Harvard to MIT and across the Charles River to town and back to the port. It was a walk down memory lane for Patti who had been in college there in the 1970s and for John who had lived outside Boston in the early 90s. We only wish we had had more time to explore.
Last stop, Newport. As sailors, we were very interested to see this place that we never made it to while in NY and CT. Crowds! The anchoring/mooring field was immense and packed with boats. The town incredibly small considering the reputation Newport has among sailors. Back on the ship, we delayed departure in order to enjoy the town’s 4th of July fireworks. They were beautiful!
The family got to spend lots of time together onboard. Dinners at our odd-shaped table, nights dancing in the Boleros lounge, gambling in the casino, shows in the theatre. And our windswept photo session on deck!
