We recently returned from a visit to New York City and a cruise that took us to Florida and the Bahamas. This was a family trip as our daughter Sabrina, son-in-law Bryan and granddaughter Chloe joined us in an early celebration of our 40th anniversary (our actual 40th anniversary is August 19).
This was our first ever visit to New York City, though we only had one full day to see the city. This photo was taken in Times Square, and as you can probably tell, it was quite cold that day. The temperature was in the 40's, and it was quite windy. We're returning to New York City in early October and will have four full days there before boarding a cruise ship that will take us to Quebec City. 
One of our stops was Rockefeller Center, where we took the elevator up to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck. This view looks out over Central Park.
This photo is in the opposite direction. In the foreground on the left is the Empire State Building. Just to the right in the background, you can see the Freedom Tower, which is being built on the site of the 9/11 terrorist attack.
On the following day, we boarded the Norwegian Gem for our cruise down the east coast of the United States to Florida and the Bahamas. 
This is the party on the pool deck as we were leaving New York City. You'll notice no one is in the pool. Did I mention it was really cold in New York?
Fortunately, it would get much warmer. Chloe had fun in the pool and going down the water slide. Here, she's playing with Daddy.
And here she is poolside with Grandma.
As we were nearing The Bahamas, we passed through a bit of rain. Afterwards, I went out on our balcony and saw the brightest double rainbow I've ever seen.
One of our ports was Great Stirrup Cay, which is a private island owned by Norwegian Cruise Lines. We had lots of time on the beach and had a nice picnic lunch.
One of the features of Great Stirrup Cay is the Hippo Water Slide, which Norwegian describes as the world's largest inflatable water slide (40 feet high and 175 feet long). You can see Chloe on the flat part of the slade. We were quite surprised that she went down the slide.
Another port was Nassau, The Bahamas. This the view of downtown Nassau from our ship. 
Our main form of exercise was walking on the Prominade Deck, which goes all the way around the ship. Over the course of the week, we did a lot of laps.
Norwegian Cruise Lines partners with Nickelodean to provide entertainment for children on the cruise. Chloe is a big fan of Dora the Explorer and her cousin Diego. There were even photo opportunities. Chloe was a little to shy to go up alone but was just fine being with her Mama.
One day when we returned to our cabin, we found that Norwegian had sent us this plate of chocolate covered strawberries. We're not sure what entitled us to this surprise, but we decided it was best not question it. 
Speaking of chocolate, one evening featured the chocolate buffet. This chocolate creature was standing guard.
On the final morning of our cruise, Lady Liberty welcomed us back to New York City. We're looking forward to our return in October.
