Trudy and the Cruisers 

Is it Margarita Day Yet?

  • Allure of the Seas
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  • Norwegian Gem
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The TATC 2009 Vacation was the first of many vacations, and began the cruising era. 

They began their trip on June 21, 2009, when they flew into Miami. They stayed at the LaQuinta Inn & Suites - Miami Airport West, where they famously ordered pizza for dinner, after going almost the whole day without food.

They then boarded the Majesty of the Seas, visiting Nassau, CocoCay, and Key West on their 4 night adventure.

Highlights of this cruise include their fantastic waiter Marlon, the relaxing atmosphere, the cleanliness of the boat, and the amazing shows that were live every night.

 

After a successful trip, everyone eagerly agreed to go on another cruise, thus, leading to the TATC 2010 Vacation.


On June 27, 2010, the family flew into Ft. Lauderdale, and stayed at the Comfort Suites. They ate Outback for dinner, and enjoyed the pool at the hotel as well.


Unlike the 2009 cruise, this cruise lasted 5 nights, and visited new destinations. Sailed on the Grandeur of the Seas, they visited Grand Cayman as well as smoking hot Cozumel.


However, the most memorable moment was from our assistant waitress, Mary Elizabeth, who was nice to Mark and Taylor. Or was it Joe and Joey? Maybe it was Vicki and Trudy?

 

The TATC 2011 Vacation was a major step forward, and a very memorable one.

The vacation began on June 24, 2011, with a short flight to Baltimore. The family then stayed at the Springhill Suites, enjoying the fancy decor and meals at Chili's and Olive Grove. It is said to be one of the best hotels the family has ever stayed at.

On June 25, they embarked on the Enchantment of the Seas, where they went on to visit Bermuda. Bermuda received mixed reviews from the family, with some loving the warm weather and beaches, while others seeing it as boring and way too hot.

Highlights included the fancy ship, Erky from Turkey's serial game show, and the team of Elmira and Lucille, who impressed the family with tricks and kindness.

 

The TATC 2012 Vacation was the family's 4th cruise. As a celebration to this historic event, Trudy decided to go with a throwback to the first ever cruise vacation, sailing on the exact itinerary and ship as that cruise.


The family flew into Ft. Lauderdale, traveled into Miami, and stayed at the Embassy Suites - Miami Airport. They enjoyed dinner, drinks, and the atmosphere at the hotel, which was beyond expectations for everyone, and is said to be one of their best hotel stays ever.


They then boarded the Majesty of the Seas for the 2nd time, sailing back to Nassau, CocoCay, and Key West. 


Highlights included the nice crew, the return to Key West, and the broom closet staterooms.

 

For the TATC 2013 Vacation, the family faced their biggest change ever. Due to limited options, the TATC family chose to sail on Carnival over Royal Caribbean.

They began their journey on June 23, 2013, by flying into Tampa and relaxing at the Wyndham Resort, which the family praised for its courageous staff.

They then began their cruise on June 24, on the Carnival Paradise. They visited the same itinerary as they did in 2010; Grand Cayman and Cozumel. This time around, Cozumel received critical acclaim for its weather and the many shops around.

Highlights included Grandma Trudy's list, which ran the whole ship, as well as the oceanview staterooms, which was well praised.

 

TATC 2014 brought the family back to Royal Caribbean, mostly due to the mixed reviews on Carnival.


They started the trip on June 22, by flying into Ft. Lauderdale and staying at a Hampton Inn. The hotel got positive reviews from the family for its cleanliness and friendly staff.


On June 23, they embarked on the Vision of the Seas, to mark their official return to Royal Caribbean. They visited Roatan, Honduras, which was well liked for its clear waters and shops. The family also planned to visit Cozumel again, but "rough tides" forced the ship to have a day at sea.


Highlights from this vacation included the great games (Joe won one of them!), the fantastic tribute for the countries on board, and the Thriller dance on the last night of the cruise.

 

TATC 2015 brought the biggest chances to the family in their history of cruising. First, Gary Tomlin, the official Chief Peace Officer, joined the family. Second, due to limited cruising options once again, the family decided to travel on Norwegian Cruise Lines for the first time. Lastly, the family decided to forgo the warm waters of the Caribbean and instead travel to Canada and New England.


Their journey began on June 20, 2015, as the family flew to Tennessee to get to New York. They stayed at the Hampton Inn, which was loved by the family thanks to their courageous staff.


The family visited Halifax, New Brunswick, and Portland, Maine. All 3 destinations received praise for their beautiful sceneries and the number of shops available. However, most of the family did not enjoy the colder temperatures.


The highlights from this cruise included the incredible views and pictures, the fancy dining rooms, and the relaxing atmosphere.

 

TATC 2016 went above and beyond anything the family had ever done before. Breaking tradition, TATC decided to try a 7 Night Cruise to the clear waters of the Eastern Caribbean.


The family's 8th journey together began on June 25, 2016, on a flight to Ft. Lauderdale. They stayed at the Holiday Inn Express, provided by CPO Gary Tomlin, thanks to his reward points. The family will never be able to thank him enough!


TATC visited St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, and Haiti, aboard the Allure of the Seas. While Puerto Rico and Haiti gathered average reviews, the family loved St. Maarten, especially Maho Beach, home to Princess Juliana International Airport. Many said that this was the greatest place they had ever been to on a cruise.


The highlights from this cruise include the stunning design of the Allure of the Seas, the beloved staff onboard, and finally going to the Eastern Caribbean.

 

TATC 2017 is well into planning and executing. With a new destination, premium staterooms, and a trip onboard a revolutionary cruise ship in the works, this vacation looks to be promising! Stay tuned for more updates.