It started with the prospect of spending our first Christmas in 40 away from our children…or any family members. We would be warm. No shovelling snow or freezing temperatures. No slaloming down an icy hill in the car. No jackets or toques or mitts. Pass the sunscreen, please.
"At what price are you interested in flying to family for Christmas?" one of us asked 
as he scanned the exorbitant airfares that come with traveling near Christmas.
"No price," she replied.
In the end, the other "no" ruled. No family. In the end, terminating 40 years of being with offspring — even just one — was not acceptable. In the end, a radio commentary reminding her that Christmas was ALL about family was the deal-maker. In the end, we boarded a plane to take us higher from the ground to lower temperatures.
That raises the question about cruising at Christmas.
Do you or don't you? Obviously, we never have. Just as obviously, many people do. We have a friend on a cruise ship this week and when we told him of our change of plans his response was: "Lucky you. Wish I was at home."
The radio commentator was right. It is all about family.
Norwegian Spirit
9 nights
February 20, 2014
Barcelona (return): Casablanca, Santa Cruz, Arrecife, Granada
Inside: $429
Cost per day: $47
www.ncl.com