El Paso High School Class of '61 Reunion Cruise 

          April 28 - May 5, 2024             


 


After months of Zoom calls, back and forth about amenities, shuttle services, excursions and wardrobe, Sun Travel agent extrordinaire Kathleen Wieland Coleman finally guided us across the finish line in Galveston. Everyone made it to the Tru Hotel on Seawall Blvd coming from California, Idaho, Georgia, Hawaii, New Mexico, Texas and faraway Hobart, Tasmania. 



 To kick things off Jerry Rubin hosted dinner in the iconic Gaido's seafood restaurant, a short walk from Tru.  Ron and Nancy Scroggins scouted Galveston for the class and made a great choice.  Seafood lovers enjoyed deliciously prepared fresh catch, lots of libations and catch up with their classmates. Back at the hotel numerous EPHS goodies from socks, earrings, magnets, mouse pads, eyeglass holders, lanyards and new tees and hats were distributed.

Boarding was so easy.  Ron had organized the shuttles to the ship and before long we were reunited with our luggage in our comfortable staterooms.  

After a meet and greet briefing arranged by Kathleen we set about exploring our new home away from home for our two upcoming days at sea as we head to Roatan, Honduras, Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico

There was something for everyone on the ship from high end shopping, gambling, sun basking and plenty of intimate lounges and eateries for spending time together.  


Five tables were reserved for us in the main dining room and everyone rotated around to share about their days.  Every night there was a major production for our entertainment.  We enjoyed Grease, a wonderful ice skating production and high diving and aerial acrobatics into this tiny pool at the back of the ship.  They were all very professional and well executed.  








Our first stop was Roatan where cruisers chose between snorkeling, hanging out on the beach or visiting a nature park, up close and personal with some friendly monkeys, birds and iguanas.





Costa Maya, home of the second largest reef in the world, was our second stop.  There was more snorkeling, ATV tours of the rugged terrain overlooking the serene blue sea, chocolate and tequila tasting and a trip to the Chacchoban Mayan ruins.







Next stop Cozumel.  A little bit of "Juarez mercado" vibe at pier side Cozumel.  A tour menu of catamaran sailing, snorkeling, beach experiences and dune buggy rides were available to all.  














No one could believe that this was day six as we gathered at dinner.  We were all well taken care of by our outstanding head waiter, waiter and assistant. Jerry hosted several small dinners at various specialty restaurants over the course of the cruise for our added enjoyment.

Our last day was spent at sea over a leisurely breakfast gathering later for pictures.

The next morning everyone hugged goodbye as we collected our luggage and began our way back home.  While it is said after every EPHS reunion, I think all the attendees would agree that this 63rd reunion cruise was the best ever!

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