Do You Know About "Tiger" Cruises?

For all those new (& us old hands - haha!!) Navy parents, I want to let you know that there is a wonderful experience just waiting for you once your child is on his/her own ship. As soon as your loved one settles into their new 'home', have them find out if a 'Tiger' Cruise is on the upcoming agenda for their ship. A typical 'Tiger' Cruise, is a short 2-3 day cruise (yes, out into the ocean!), during which time, parents and/or other family members may join their Sailor onboard. During the cruise you will eat and sleep and spend your time in the same areas your Sailor lives on a daily basis. Although there may be some scheduled activities, each ship is different. Most parents, grandparents, uncles & aunts, and even siblings say the greatest satisfaction and fun is really in getting to see where and how their Sailor lives day to day. If permitted, it can also be very interesting to learn about your son or daughter's onboard job and work area (make sure approval has been given for family members to be in these areas). Being on board a US Navy ship over night is a fascinating experience and a wonderful, memorable time with your son or daughter. Obviously, there are rules that apply to these trips. There is a formal process and sign up period & each ship is different on who may be elgible for their Tiger Cruises. Women were not allowed on my son's first ship .... no women's quarters! Oh yes, tho I never let my son know, I was very sad to be left behind. But, I have to say, my husband had the absolute T-I-M-E of his life. He was allowed, at that time, on that specific ship, to take pictures and video. He still talks about that cruise as if it was the best trip he ever went on. My son dragged him all over that ship and he, my husband, was in pure heaven!! HaHa!! They saw demonstrations of the ship machine guns, etc. and all kinds of things shot off of the ship. (Of course it was safe. And approved, for those wondering.) They went swimming at some 'deserted' island in the Bahama's, ate like little pigs (my husband's description) and even had fireworks set off the ship's bow. In plain English, my son and my husband had the time of their lives. Although my son has just gone back to sea after 3 1/2 yrs on land, I am looking forward to and hope to participate in the next "Tiger Cruise"!