This was a vacation that exceeded expectations.
We spent two days in the Florida Keys before returning to Fort Lauderdale to board ship.
The natives were very friendly. We visited the children and grandchildren of the same dolphins
that John swam with as a child many years ago. We had a complete tour of the Dolphin Research Center and were fortunate to be there just after some new babies were born.
We also paid a visit to Key West.
San Juan is in the background.
We cruised on the magnificent 866 foot Mercury.
In the Dominican Republic, we took a side trip to Altos de Chevon. 
Three miles east of Casa de Campo, on a
bluff overlooking the Rio Chavon in La Romana, this is the recreation of a medieval Spanish village and the site of an artist's colony affiliated with the Parsons School of Art in New York.
The town has a 5,000 seat Roman style outdoor amphitheater which has attracted international stars.
Our ship carried about 1,851 passengers, and a crew of 857 from 51 different countries. With 14 decks, a length of 866 feet, a beam of 105.6 feet, and displacement of 77,713 tons, the Mercury is a huge floating palace. Featuring multiple lounges, and nightclubs, a casino, an incredible theater, four swimming pools, a health spa, movie theater, game courts, shopping mall, etc. etc., there was no shortage of things to do. We also had day trips to Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and Nassau. (This sounds like a travel brochure, but it was a good family vacation.)
We traveled 2,731 miles aboard ship at an average cruise speed of 21.5 knots.
A large part of the experience was eating. Numerous meals were served (often simultaneously) starting at 6:30 AM
and continuing through the day and night until 1:00 AM.
This is a view of the four story atrium in the grand foyer.
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