Bahamas Cruise to Celebrate Lyana’s 40th birthday! Day 2

This was a FUN ONE! 

We arrived to Coco Cay, Royal Caribbean’s private island. 

Look at how huge these ships are! 

The Perfect Day at Coco Cay is the name of this spot. 

And indeed it was absolutely perfect! 

At first, we took a shuttle to one of the far away beaches, so we could have more peace and quietness. 

The kids, though, talked us into letting them go to the water park for the day. It was a bit pricey, so we were hesitant at first, but at the end, it turned out to be the most brilliant way to spend the day for them! 

We just had lunch, swam, read a book, explored the beach. 

Found a secluded area with a bunch of hammocks. 

Running out of ideas of how to take pictures of each other-hahaha. 

Same tree, different person-hahaha. 

In the meantime, the boys enjoyed the thrill of their lives at this place!!! 

They capitalized well on their passes and at the end, Alex switched with Robert for the last half an hour so he could try out the craziest ride as well. It was epic, according to all the boys! 

The walk to the ship is super short because, well...it’s their island. 

As usual, pictures of us going back to the ship. 

That’s when we always feel like--wow...we did it...we used our time wisely, saw a lot, and whatever things we were worried about all worked out. This is the reason why late afternoon and evening are my absolute favorite times of the day when we travel! I always feel quite fulfilled and have permission to take it easy:). 

And back for more food, of course. Shrimp for the win! 

Happy 40th to ME! 

This was a perfect trip and I am so happy we took this quick easy break for some fun in the sun! 

Lyana. 

 

Bahamas Cruise to Celebrate Lyana’s 40th birthday! Day 1

 I thought long and hard about what exactly I wanted to do for my 40th birthday. On my actual birthday, I usually like to stay pretty solitary all day, enjoy the quietness and stay at peace with myself without any responsibilities. But to celebrate my birthday, I decided I wanted to take the easiest vacation ever--go on a Bahamas Cruise with the boys! So I quickly gathered my thoughts, found the perfect 3 night cruise with Royal Caribbean and planned our long weekend away. 

We drove to Orlando both ways, and it wasn't too bad (especially since we experienced Buckee's for the first time in our life:)). The cruise was on the third weekend of September, so we knew the risks of the hurricane season, but dodged the bullet literally as the hurricane did come through just a couple of days after we had come back to Orlando. 

The boys were so excited about all the cruise perks like the unlimited food! Teen club didn't meet much of their expectations, unfortunately, so they ended up being almost the only people that would sometimes show up for some evening activities. But that didn't take away any coolness from the cruise. 

Here is Mark on our Royal Caribbean Independence Ship. 

First dinner and first order of multiple servings of cocktail shrimp.

Mark captured here candidly looking over the menu, excited for what's to come. 

And then the serious face for Mark the Watson.

And Alex, so grown up, 17 years old! 

Being fancy in his favorite shirt. 

Here is our beautiful family! Together but not feeling complete without Katya. It's a strange feeling to be missing her on trips. 

Our handsome boys that clean up nicely for the sake of a nice dinner on the cruise. 

And the parents. My dress has been through many celebratory events over the last decade but I still absolutely love it. 

Celebrating my 40th and feeling so loved! 

My favorite boys in the whole wide world!

And look at this bunch! Mark is already taller than me, although I am wearing heels. 

Wow, we are on a roll here. More family pictures! 

And I love this picture with Alex too. 

So yes! We didn't just go on a cruise to eat! Our first stop was at the port of Nassau. 

We took a ship excursion to Pearl Island, a beautiful spot where you find this amazing water and scenery. 

Robert's pictures from the tower in the middle of the island. 

The colors of the water were amazing! 

We got to explore the island for a few hours. 

Robert was a very cooperative photographer as I was trying to get some pictures of me-hahaha. 

Beautiful place! 

To some it comes naturally, but not to me-hahaha. 

I could tell he wanted to get a picture with me as well😆!

Waiting for the boat...

Actually no, just looking out into the abyss, the other side from this part of the beach. 

And Alex really wanted me to get a picture of him! Best shape of his life right now!

The boys ready to party on the beach! 

And while the guys got to play with the paddle board, I just relaxed in the water with Robert. 

It was SO warm and inviting! Beautifully crystal clear too! 

The boys on the paddle, Alex showing off all his "rowing" skilz. 

We got to relax and eat lunch on the island as well. 

Alex and his Tiger sunglasses.

Robert looking great! 

Lyana looking great! 

Mark looking great!

And Alex looking great!😂

I definitely recommend the shore excursion that takes you to the Pearl Island for a day. 

Traditional picture of us heading back to the boat.

Good thing we took these pictures because that’s what helped me remember the name of the ship! 

The boys...

Oh yes, I have to mention that miraculously they were showing the last match of Roger Federer playing doubles with Rafael Nadal and then the whole retirement ceremony for Roger. It was such a moving event...I know it’s just sports, but still it was absolutely incredible to see such a legend retire from tennis. Very emotional. 

Moving on to Day 2!