My husband Gregory and I have called Marietta Country Club home for 19 years. Over the years, we have renovated two homes here, and I can honestly say there is nowhere else we would rather live. We love the charm of the neighborhood, having the club so close by, and most of all the friendships we have built here. Our friends in the neighborhood have become like family to us, and in fact, those friendships went far beyond our lawns and porches.

Earlier this year, Gregory and I joined several close friends for a seven-day Caribbean cruise aboard the Silver Shadow. We traveled with Robin and Steve Reich, wonderful close neighbors who lived many years in the Marietta Country Club near us, along with Celeste Coggin and her husband Houston Lennard, and Rob and Dee Fischer.

The cruise departed from St. Martin and included stops in St. John, St. Thomas, Montserrat, St. Lucia, Bequia, and Guadeloupe. What made this trip especially fun is that Gregory had never been on a cruise before. I had only been on one many years ago with my cheerleading girlfriends, and it was so long ago that I barely remember it. Our friends thought it would be fun for Gregory to experience cruising for the first time, and I was just as excited to rediscover it myself. 

The Silver Shadow turned out to be the perfect introduction. The ship carries just over 300 guests with almost as many crew members, so it feels intimate and incredibly well cared for. Gregory and I stayed in the Owner’s Suite, which quickly spoiled us in the best possible way. Our suite had a beautiful deck with sweeping ocean views, and honestly it was sometimes hard to leave it. A few afternoons we even chose to enjoy lunch right there in the suite just to take in the scenery. Of course, having a butler available whenever you need anything certainly doesn’t hurt.

One of my favorite parts of the entire trip was how each morning began. Gregory and I would wake up early, step outside with our coffee, and watch the sunrise over the water. There is something incredibly peaceful about starting the day that way, surrounded by nothing but ocean and the quiet excitement of arriving at a new island. Every destination brought something unique. In St. Thomas, we made our way up to Paradise Point where the views over the harbor were absolutely spectacular. On the way up, we stopped and spotted a huge iguana sitting in a tree, watching all of us as if we were the visitors in his world. It was such a fun and unexpected moment.

One of the most memorable islands for me was Bequia, pronounced “Bek-way.” It is a small island with only about 6,000 residents, and it feels incredibly picturesque. Sailboats fill the harbor, and the cliffs and beaches create a landscape that feels both dramatic and peaceful at the same time. It is easy to see why sailors are so drawn to it.

Back on the ship, our evenings quickly became a highlight of the trip.

We would gather for dinner, share stories from the day’s excursions, and laugh our way through the evening. Each restaurant on board had its own elegant style and wonderful cuisine, and the food was outstanding throughout the week. Gregory especially enjoyed the desserts. Ice cream and cappuccino became something of a nightly tradition for him, and on one occasion he even added chocolate syrup to his chocolate ice cream, which of course made the rest of us laugh.

Midway through the cruise, we also celebrated our anniversary. Our actual date is March 13, but we decided it would be fun to celebrate while we were on the trip with our friends. When we returned to our suite after dinner that evening, our butler had arranged a beautiful surprise. Waiting for us was a tray filled with colorful desserts, champagne, and a sweet message wishing us a happy anniversary. It was such a thoughtful moment and something we will always remember.

Throughout the week, we also enjoyed relaxing by the pool with live music, spending time in the spa, and taking in the nightly shows on the ship. But truly, the best part of the trip was simply being together. Travel always becomes more meaningful when it is shared with people you care about, and spending that time with our friends creates memories we will carry with us for years to come. Oh and also, we may be a little spoiled now. The Owner’s Suite has set a pretty high standard for any future trips.

Looking ahead, Gregory and I already have our sights set on the Mediterranean. After experiencing how relaxing and enjoyable this cruise was, exploring that part of the world by sea sounds like the perfect next adventure. For anyone considering a Caribbean cruise like this, my advice is simple. Be ready to relax and have fun. The islands are beautiful, the views are unforgettable, and the time spent with friends makes it even more special. And one more lesson I learned along the way. Next time, I am definitely packing a little less.