The Magnificent Seven on A Grand Cruise
As the Cruise ship drifted away from the port of Long Beach on the sunny afternoon of March 2, 2025, the energy of anticipation and joy coursed through our veins. For the Magnificent Seven—Darrell (72), Sheila (71), Sheron (70), Sandra (69), Rick (66), Jeannie (65), Todd (60)—this wasn’t just a cruise; it was a celebration of life, resilience, and the audacity to forge our own paths despite life’s challenges. At pureaudacity.com, they say, “Life begins at 50, gets really good at 60, and primo at 70.” This little M7 trip was long overdue. We were now in our 60's and 70's. We had all been on cruises separately but never together.
Our story is one of intertwined lives woven together by circumstances beyond our control. Growing up wasn’t easy; life threw us more than our fair share of trials. Our mother passed away in a car accident when I was only four years old, and the weight of that tragedy shaped the lives of all seven of us. My siblings and I—Darrell, Sheila, Sheron, and Sandra—were raised by our maternal grandparents. Aunt Pat, my mother’s sister, brought her three children—Rick, Jeannie, and Todd—into the same household, creating our unique family dynamic. Aunt Pat’s life was unpredictable, and her children lived with Grandma when she was in between marriages. Together, under one roof, we became a close-knit group, supporting one another with the audacity to dream beyond our circumstances.
Fast-forward decades later: the Magnificent Seven are now scattered across different parts of the country, busy with our own families, careers, and lives. This cruise was a long-overdue reunion with a twist—Darrell’s wife, Kim, and Todd’s wife, Katheleen, joined us, making it an even more joyous gathering. While Rick and his wife couldn’t come, their absence was keenly felt as we embarked on our adventure.
This is the second time we have been on this cruise. I have been on longer more exotic cruises but dollar for dollar this is one of the best values out there.
Day One: Setting Sail
The Carnival Firenze buzzed with activity as we boarded and settled into our cabins. The ship was a floating paradise, with vibrant décor, abundant dining options, and entertainment. Standing on the deck as the ship departed, we watched the California coastline fade into the horizon. The moment was filled with excitement as we turned to one another, toasting our first round of drinks.
We explored the ship that first evening, marveling at its grandeur. A band called “Outer Space” played an incredible set of Beatles covers at one of the lounges. Darrell, Kim, Todd, Katheleen, and Sheila watched the performance, their faces glowing as familiar tunes filled the air. Meanwhile, Sheron, Jeannie, and Sandra couldn’t resist the pull of the casino and spent the evening trying their luck at the slot machines. The divide-and-conquer approach suited us all, ensuring everyone enjoyed what they loved most.
Ensenada: Adventures Ashore
March 3 brought us to our first destination—Ensenada, Mexico. The bustling port city welcomed us with open arms. We spent the day exploring, sampling local drinks, and browsing markets filled with colorful crafts. Sheila had bought a pair of sandals when we were in Ensenada 10 years ago. She checked in a number of the gift shops and wasn’t able to find any of the sandals. Sandra couldn’t resist haggling for a handmade blanket in vibrant blues and reds—a skill she’s perfected over the years.
Back on the ship that evening, we gathered for dinner at the main dining room. The cuisine was as varied as our personalities, and the endless courses had us indulging like there was no tomorrow. It was a shared joy to sit around the table, swapping stories and teasing one another, just like the good old days.
Plans Change: The Rough Seas
On March 4, we had been scheduled to visit the picturesque Catalina Island, but the weather had other plans. The seas were too rough for us to dock, so our visit to the charming island was postponed. Though initially disappointed, we quickly rallied with audacity, making the best of our time aboard the ship.
Darrell and Kim, Todd and Kathleen, along with Sheila, opted to catch a performance by the “Outer Space” band. Their Beatles repertoire was impressive with the group singing along to classics like “Twist and Shout.” Meanwhile, Sheron, Jeannie, and Sandra headed back to the casino for another round of slots. They didn’t win big, but their laughter and camaraderie more than made up for it.
Onboard Fun: Bingo, Comedy, and Slots
March 5 and 6 were spent at sea, giving us ample time to enjoy the ship’s many activities. Bingo was a highlight. We attended a hilarious comedy show one evening, and the comedian’s playful banter had us roaring with laughter. We were glad we did not sit in the front row.
The casino remained a hotspot for some of us. Jeannie’s lucky streak on the slot machines earned her plenty of cheers from the group. Others enjoyed sipping cocktails and watching the action unfold. Whether at the casino or various shows, the joy of being together elevated every experience.
And, of course, the ship’s culinary offerings continued to delight us. From decadent buffets to late-night pizza runs, the Carnival Firenze had everything our taste buds could desire. As we shared meals together, it felt like a return to our days around Grandma’s dining table, where love and laughter were the main courses.
Reflecting on the Journey
As the ship docked back in Long Beach on March 7, our hearts were full. The cruise had been everything we had hoped for and more. It was a chance to reconnect not just with one another but also with our shared history. Each of us brought something unique to the trip—Together, we created memories that will last a lifetime.
The Magnificent Seven may have been forged through challenging circumstances, but we’ve emerged stronger, closer, and more appreciative of one another. This cruise was a testament to the power of family—the kind of family that transcends biology and is built on love, loyalty, and shared experiences.
As I sit here reflecting on our adventure, I can’t help but feel grateful for the journey we’ve been on, both figuratively and literally. The Carnival Firenze may have been the backdrop, but the true magic of the trip was in the people I shared it with—the Magnificent Seven (plus two!).
Here’s to many more audacious adventures together!
