Shuttle launch and disembarkation

[SAINTHOUSE]

We've just discovered that a shuttle launch is scheduled for April 4th - the day we arrive back at Port Canaveral after our 4-day Wonder cruise!

Has anybody seen a launch from the ship or nearby? What time do they normally launch?

Also, what time will we be disembarking from the ship - we're booked on the Main dining rota?

Thanks!

[atigeg]

Don't forget that you don't have to go to your regular breakfast seating. If you want to disembark earlier (provided the ship is cleared by Customs), you can either skip breakfast or grab a quick bite at the buffet at Deck 9 and disembark at your leisure (so much better than Royal Caribbean, where you have to wait until your luggage tag color is called...can be hours!).
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.*****************

[Disney Dreamer]

DH and I were on the RCCL Soveriegn of the Seas (which is right in front of the Wonder in Port Canaverl) in March of 2001 and saw a shuttle launch. The lauch was at 6:45 a.m. and they announced it over the intercom. We were on the top deck and had perfect seats! Being from Utah and only watching one on tv, I thought it was spectacular! When it was over, we went down and had breakfast. If you are worried about traffic, I guess it would depend on what time the launch is scheduled, we had no problems and we debarked at about 9:00 a.m. I hope you are able to see it while on the ship.

[albiats]

The time hasn't been announced for the launch on April 4th.

I'll make a note and post the time when I hear what it is.

In the last 3 or 4 launches, they've been done after sundown, or just before it.

A night landing at Kennedy Space Center is also very cool to observe, along with the noise from the sonic speed of the craft.

[D,L and K's Mom]

We were lucky enough to catch a shuttle launch the day we were leaving on our Disney cruise. DH and DD got up early (5:30am) and went out to the beach to watch. They said it was beautiful!! DS and I didnt go out (long story, fire drill twice during the night etc so we were tired) They were a little disappointed that the camcorder would not work (hubby thinks it was the humidity) they were happily surprised to find wonderful pictures of the launch available to buy at Shutters on board the ship. Seems the photographer took many pictures of the launch. We were told that they can change the time of the launch at any time so that is why we opted to stay in Cocoa Beach the night before in case they posponed the time we didnt want to have to fight traffic etc and DD was excited to see an actual lanch. Good Luck!!

[SAINTHOUSE]

Thanks for all the info. I think we'll just have to keep our fingers crossed for a launch on that day! As we're from the UK it really would be a 'once-in-a-lifetime' event and would finish off the cruise beautifully!