My Best Vacation Ever

We set sail as Reggae music played out on the Lido. Our first night was casual; no need for tuxedo. We could eat a pizza by the Windows On the Sea or go beneath and dine on shrimp and meet the maitre d’ We could gamble, see a show, or just gaze at the ocean, then in bed, relax the head and sense the soothing motion. We woke up in Freeport where the ship would dock all day. Folks could disembark, take tours, or on the ship just stay. On board were people lounging or dancing to Calypso, working out or shopping or even playing Bingo. All day long you could find folks doing funny things like contests for the men with hairy chests or knobby knees. Day Two when we awoke, we were then in Nassau. There was stuff for everyone, from your kiddies to your grandma! Little ones could stay behind. The staff would entertain them, or the kids could tag along with mom and dad. No problem! Those who liked adventure could visit Blue Lagoon. For snorkeling with sting rays, the boat left right at noon. I got to pet a dolphin, but extra had to pay to swim with one! That was sure an extra special day. In town I got nabbed quickly by a plaza beautician. Getting braids was all the rage, so people got their hair done. We went to the gangway before the ship set sail. Those not having fun by then were deader than a door nail. “Day at Sea” arrived as the trip was winding down, and the biggest night was coming; women wore a gown. That final evening getting all dolled up to dine was when I wished instead of ending, the trip would start again! Gals and guys with braided hair; everyone looked nice. Ah, the midnight feast with pretty sculptures carved in ice. The ultimate for having fun unless you were just snoozing, in the laid-back natives’ lingo, I say “Mon,” I sure loved that cruising. (may not be following precise time line, but this was before year 2000 that I took my one and only cruise, so I'm a bit fuzzy on precise day by day details. it was a Carnival cruise only 3 to 4 days in Bahamas and back to Florida) Feb. 1, 2022 for "My Favorite Vacation In Rhyme" Poetry Contest of L. Milton Hankins