USS HENRY B. WILSON DDG-7 reunion 2008

USS HENRY B. WILSON DDG-7
2008 Reunion

Reunion 18 Oct – 25 Oct, 2008

A few of us arrived in Cocoa Beach, FL on Thursday, 16 October with the remainder coming in on Friday. There were 15 couples staying at the Hampton Inn before the cruise. A nice beachfront hotel; not too many restaurants in the area but convenient to the cruise terminal, included breakfast, and every room had a view of the ocean.

On Friday everyone was on their own for the day and dinner. Some of us went to the Kennedy Space Center; quite interesting to see the blast off sites, control rooms, and models (actual size) of the space capsules/rockets.

Saturday started off with breakfast at the hotel. The shuttle arrived at noon to take us the short distance to the cruise terminal. We had a Welcome Aboard gathering in the BarBlue to hand out packets, badges, sign the reunion log, and take pictures. …………all this to the Magnificent Seven music. Then it was off to dinner in the Golden Dining Room. There were 6 tables (6-8 per table) of us with window seats.

Our first day was at sea with a Hospitality Room in the White Heat Disco during the afternoon. The walls had TV monitors floor to ceiling. We ran the DVD from Don Getz WestPac 68 (everyone received a copy) and it was quite a spectacular showing all around the room. Craig Durgin brought many photos from his Navy days. Then it was off to dinner…….. again!

Our second day, Monday, was spent in Cozumel, Mexico. Weather was slightly overcast, a sudden shower but still warm. Many chose beach activities while others went shopping.

Next day we were in Belize. It is quite a poor country so we were advised not to leave the shopping complex unless you were in a group of 4 or more. Most of us chose a tour of the city and the Mayan ruin, Altun Ha. The bus ride took us through the country side of jungle with few small villages along the way. The ruins were not as elaborate as others as there are so many in Belize and not enough funds to excavate them fast enough.

Wednesday, we were in Honduras. The buildings are all painted the Caribbean colors from pastels to vivid hues.

The tour buses were at the pier for those going on a shore excursion while others of us went down the main street to shop and see the town…………not too much of a town but interesting. Again, overcast skies but warm.

Another day at sea on Thursday. A tour of the bridge was arranged and names were drawn as only 10 could go. Our Hospitality Room today was the Cinn-A-Bar. We gave Kenny Vansant a “mess tray” for coming the furthest (OR to FL) and Johnny Fuselier received a Plank award picture of the USS Wilson. There was a brief discussion about the next reunion. Comments were to keep doing them each year with San Francisco (Fleet Week) or Seattle (Bremerton Naval Base) as the next possibilities.

Our last day was in Freeport, Bahamas. Not too much to see there. We had a great lunch at a small restaurant on the beach………..great food and drink and a bit of shopping.

Carnival Cruise Lines has a very different décor for their ships as compared to last year aboard Royal Caribbean.

This year it seemed complicated to navigate with many small bars/lounges. One highlight was the casino and Marvin Nors winning several thousand dollars. The cabins seems larger than last year but the food was not as good, overall. Royal Caribbian wins our vote!

Saturday brought us back to Cape Canaveral and homeward bound. Hugs and goodbye until next time…………….

The voting on possible reunion sites is in and the majority choose a cruise. Port Canaveral was selected as flights into Orlando (45 minutes from Canaveral) are better priced. We will have a hotel for those who want to come in a day early or stay a day later as we did last year. Hotel information will be sent to those who indicate an interest.

The Ports of Call have some very interesting shore excursions from tours of Mayan ruins, snorkeling on the barrier reef, shopping, jungle adventures, swimming with dolphins, kayaking, scuba diving, and bus tours for those who have trouble walking......something for everyone. You have the option of going ashore to sightsee or stay aboard the ship.

Cruise Reunion, 18 Oct – 25 Oct Carnival Cruise Lines, Ship is the Carnival Glory

18 Oct boarding the ship and registration in the hospitality room

19 Oct at sea, hospitality room will be open

20 Oct Cozumel, Mexico

21 Oct Belize

22 Oct Roatan Island, Honduras

23 Oct at sea, hospitality room will be open

24 Oct Freeport, Bahamas

25 Oct back in Port Canaveral

Get a group together and join us; this reunion is open to family and/or friends who will receive the same discounts as we do.

7 day cruise..... includes cabin, entertainment, all onboard meals, taxes and port fees

Attendees