A Wish Granted - One Mom's Escape to the Sea

[IrenicMom]

Gosh - I can't believe it's already come and gone. And now, it's time to write a trip report of my own!!!

Let's start with the player. Yes - only one. This should be easy!

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I'm Cheryl. (That's me, on the right. :rotfl: ) I am a SAHM to three kiddos - a son who is 7 and 4 year old twins (son and daughter). We're a busy family - and as CEO, CFO and COO of our family, I'm busy by default. My dh works 5 days and 2-3 nights a week, and travels regularly for business.

I'm a retired (ha!) engineer (civil, to be exact) and believe the "stay-at-home" part of my new title is a misnomer. We're not home very often, between sports and school (and thus, school volunteer requirements) and general day to day things as a family of five.

The title of this trip report comes from my long standing belief that mothers are much like Genie (a'la Aladdin). Our days are filled with requests, rubs at our lamps, as Genie says "Poof, what do you need?"

So, Genie and I have been linked for a long time in my family - so much so that everyone always seems to be on the lookout for Genie themed things for me. (Seriously? He's one of the most undermarketed Disney characters on earth. Right up there with Phinneas and Ferb.... but I digress)

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(Note - when I shared my theory with the guys, Aladdin had a good laugh. He said he'd never heard that before, but totally agreed!)

So, while I normally take a girls trip every year, this year, it just didn't work out. So much so that I had pretty much decided to cancel it all together. But, my husband was adamant. "Go," he said, "it's been a rough year. You deserve a break!" :goodvibes Have I mentioned that I love this man?!?

So, I contacted the TA, found a cruise date that worked with our hectic schedule, and booked it. I had 35 days from book date to sail date to prepare for not only my first ever DCL cruise, but my first ever cruise, period.

We are AP holders, so WDW is an easy vacation for us. But DCL? I won't lie - I was intimidated!!!! I was thankful to have everyone here on the DIS, as well as my TA, to help me through the process.

So, while my husband made it all possible, you all made it Wonder-ful!

Now hang on - it's a wild ride!

Up next - 4 am is a dark, dark time......... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32930152&postcount=15)

[joseph'smom]

OMG CHERYL! I DID meet you! You were in front of me to meet Jack Sparrow and you let my son go 1st - remember? I took some pics for you with your camera. HOW FUNNY!

[TiggerTails57]

Great start! :thumbsup2 Can't wait for more.......:goodvibes

[MagicMe]

Great start - I love reading trip reports from first-timers and getting their initial reactions to everything (although I feel the same everytime I board!!!).

[RoyalVizier]

I had 35 days from book date to sail date to prepare for not only my first ever DCL cruise, but my first ever cruise, period.

Yay! :banana: :banana: :banana:

[Skyw]

WOW. A solo cruise. I don't know if I would have to guts to do that!!! Can't wait to read more.

[kileybeth]

Oh wow! This sounds soooo awesome. What a great hubby to send you off for a bit of R&R!

Can't wait to hear more.

[Lucille1963]

I can't wait to read more!

[IrenicMom]

OMG CHERYL! I DID meet you! You were in front of me to meet Jack Sparrow and you let my son go 1st - remember? I took some pics for you with your camera. HOW FUNNY!
No WAY! Oh my gosh. How funny!!!!! I kept thinking, every time I would come across a boy that looked to be around 7 - "hmm, I wonder if this is Joseph?" I never was brave enough to ask, though :rotfl:

So, you were first hand witness to my awkward moment with Jack. Yikes!

I'm so sorry we didn't connect - on purpose! - on the cruise. You guys seemed very sweet!!!

WOW. A solo cruise. I don't know if I would have to guts to do that!!! Can't wait to read more.

Ahh, I think you're not giving yourself enough credit. Solo trips are fabulous, and of them all, the cruise was the easiest to plan! I used to have to travel for work, so traveling alone was necessary. Now, it's a luxury!

Oh wow! This sounds soooo awesome. What a great hubby to send you off for a bit of R&R!

Can't wait to hear more.

He is a wonderful guy. He takes good care of us :lovestruc

More later - I have a meeting to go to tonight!!

[joseph'smom]

Yes, I think ole' Jack Sparrow had quite a bit of rum before showing up for photos. He told me I was frumpy and that he didn't like my dress so I told him he had on way too much make-up. He then proceeded to pick imaginary bugs out of my son's hair. He did make a great Jack Sparrow though. Did I get any good pics at all? I just kept clicking away. BTW- do you have any idea why we were so late leaving Port Canaveral? I never heard...Well it was great to meet you even though I didnt know it was you at the time. Thanks so letting Joseph "win" in line! What did you think of the Disney stars? I have already voiced my opinion on my report (see the Yay me..)

[OurOhana]

Great report so far - and I agree with other posters - great husband. My husband subscribed us to this report so he could hear some of the tips you've talked about in your other thread. (I think he's most curious about how to get a discount on the massage.) I hope he also pays attention to what a wonderful husband you have who insists you pamper yourself with a vacation. ;)

[BethA]

glad your trip was great-can't wait to hear more
Beth

[Narnia_girl]

Yeah, another fun report to read!! I'm ready for the adventure.

I LOVE your Genie analogy and never would have thought of that. It's so true!!! I'm also a SAHM who's hardly ever home!

What a special blessing to take a trip on your own. I can't wait to read all about it. Were your kids upset that they couldn't go too?

[IrenicMom]

Yes, I think ole' Jack Sparrow had quite a bit of rum before showing up for photos. He told me I was frumpy and that he didn't like my dress so I told him he had on way too much make-up. He then proceeded to pick imaginary bugs out of my son's hair. He did make a great Jack Sparrow though. Did I get any good pics at all? I just kept clicking away. BTW- do you have any idea why we were so late leaving Port Canaveral? I never heard...Well it was great to meet you even though I didnt know it was you at the time. Thanks so letting Joseph "win" in line! What did you think of the Disney stars? I have already voiced my opinion on my report (see the Yay me..)

I'm sorry. You? Frumpy? Maybe he was confused and was looking at ME that night. It wasn't my best night, unless, of course, I was **trying** to channel Danny DeVito as the Penguin... Yikes. I was horrific.

There was news on the other thread about the delay, but I'll get to that!!

Great report so far - and I agree with other posters - great husband. My husband subscribed us to this report so he could hear some of the tips you've talked about in your other thread. (I think he's most curious about how to get a discount on the massage.) I hope he also pays attention to what a wonderful husband you have who insists you pamper yourself with a vacation. ;)

I hope he pays attention, too!!! My girls trips came out of a playful banter about when did **I** get to take a trip, sleep late, and not have to cut anyone's food?!?! It was meant as a joke, but it's been taken seriously for the last 4 years!!!

glad your trip was great-can't wait to hear more
Beth

Beth - thanks, again, for the lanyard!!! More coming, soon!!

Yeah, another fun report to read!! I'm ready for the adventure.

I LOVE your Genie analogy and never would have thought of that. It's so true!!! I'm also a SAHM who's hardly ever home!

What a special blessing to take a trip on your own. I can't wait to read all about it. Were your kids upset that they couldn't go too?

You know, they actually weren't upset. They were curious, and wanted to hear all about it, but since they've never been before, they had no idea what they were missing :woohoo:

(And glad to hear of another not-so SAH Mom!!!! :goodvibes

[IrenicMom]

So, in an effort be as kind to my husband as possible, I chose NOT to fly out the day prior. Instead, I had a flight departure time of 7:10 am. :scared1:

My father, being the sweet, kind, and loving man that he is (and one who is (a) an extremely early riser and (b) works very near the airport) offered to drive me and drop me off, allowing me to save about 25 minutes of time to an already early morning.

So, when my alarm went off at 4 am, I dragged myself out of bed. Seriously, with the new(ish) moon and some minor cloud cover? 4am is a dark, dark time. And when you haven't slept well (me? nightmares about missing the ship? nahhhhh.... :lmao:) or long enough (me? procrastinate and not be packed until 1 am? nahhhhhh :lmao:), it's a tad rough on the brain to crawl out of bed. Especially when there's no coffee brewed and waiting.

HANDY TIP #1 - If your coffee maker has a timed start on it, USE IT!!! I sure could have used the liquid energy!!

So, up, ready, good to go. My dad arrives at 5:10 - he's an early bird, and this is his normal leave for work time!!! The sweet man brought me coffee!!! :love:

It was nice to have the time to chat with him (it's about an hour drive - we're in the far north suburbs). This is already far more relaxing than if I'd driven myself!!! Yay me, I'm on vacation!!!!!!!!!!

Check-in goes just fine - though I am surprised as the number of people at the airport already. And a small note to the family of three who were checking in in front of me? If you have FIVE bags large enough to stuff a body in them, don't be surprised when ALL of them are overweight. I'm just sayin' :rolleyes1

Flight #1, connecting through ATL, goes fine. I'm tired, I need more caffeine, but I'm running on pure adrenaline at this point in time. I'd planned on listening to some music on the way, but my old, favorite earbuds don't fit my iPhone (which until now, I'd never needed to/wanted to use as an iPod.)

HANDY TIP #2 - Test drive all technology before departing! Make sure things like batteries are charged (and don't forget the charger and/or more batteries!) and that all accessories work, too. And if you're connecting through ATL, there is a handy dandy tech store in Terminal E :thumbsup2

After negotiating ATL, (seriously - I **hate** this airport. I understand the concept the designers were going for, but I still hate it.), I get to my gate and board. Unfortunately, so do about 27 additional people who don't actually HAVE seats on the plane, though they were told they did.

So, after a delay because of a special needs boarding situation, and a delay of trying to figure out what to do with 27 more people than the plane can hold, we depart nearly an hour later than planned. Darn it - don't these people know there is a boat waiting for me?!?!?!?! But then I remind myself - Yay me!! I'm on vacation!!! :laughing:

The trip down is uneventful. I was seated next to a man who is from the very very very small/obscure town in TN where my grandfather lives, so we have a lovely chat. It was weird to learn that I actually met his parents while I was attending to my grandfather during my grandmother's funeral a few months ago. Six degrees of separation? Check!!

I arrive at MCO, to the best of my knowledge, my luggage arrives at MCO (you'll never believe where I see it next!! Hint - it's NOT my stateroom!), and I check in at the DCL desk.

Here, I proclaim what will become my slogan for the trip "Nope! Just me!"

Why? Because I'm on vacation! Alone! Yay me!!!!!!

Up Next - Getting to, getting on, and getting ready........... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32988137&postcount=19)

[Narnia_girl]

Can't wait to read more!!

I always sleep poorly the night before a trip, also! Seems to be the thing....

[Melcatfish]

Great start, looking forward to reading more. I wondered how you got on after reading your post about the delay in departure.

Mel
x

[kileybeth]

OMG! Not the most uneventful start to your trip but Thank goodness for Dad's!

The technology thing, oh dear, I ask my teens multiple times if they have their chargers, their batteries, there headphones, someone always has forgotten something. . . it's just a given.

Looking forward to you arrival in Port Canaveral!

[IrenicMom]

Getting to, getting on, and getting ready...........

Let's see - where were we?? (Yes, I know, I'm a little delayed. See aforementioned post of busy family!! :laughing: )

Ok, so after a very (very) short wait, Chip and Dale 5 is called for boarding. Yipee!!

I sit and watch as others are boarding and have a twinge of guilt. These kids look so happy and excited - I know my kids would love this. Then I remind myself that a happy mom = happy kids, and that I **need** this break. And most importantly of all, we will sail DCL as a family in the next two years. I snap out of it, offer to take some pictures for a few families, and take a few minutes to start jotting down notes.

Handy Tip #3 - Bring a small journal and write down bits and pieces throughout the trip.

We watch the cute little video of Mickey and the Gang packing up, boarding the bus, and getting to the port. I won't lie - I was a little weepy in a few parts. I could physically feel my body start to relax. Honestly, this is exactly what the dr ordered!!!!!

We arrive at the port around 1:15 pm. The drive over was barely long enough for the video to finish - there must have been NO traffic to speak of. It was 45 minutes at the absolute most - probably more like 35.

I am thrilled to be there, to feel the warmth (it didn't even reach 65* at home the day before I left - yuck!!), smell the salt air, and best of all - take it all in.

Now, I'd like to say that I was a dutiful little reporter and took tons of photos of the port. But you know what? I wasn't. I was running later than I'd hoped (darn airport delays - though leaving a day earlier simply wasn't an option) so I was mostly just in a rush to get onboard.

I will also say that this was one of two times the entire trip I really wished someone else was with me. The wait in line was long (about 30 minutes) and I so wanted to skip out and take some pictures, chit chat with someone to share in the excitement, and overall, was just feeling a bit lonely. It passed quickly, and wouldn't return much over the trip, so it was ok. But, there's my excuse for no port/terminal shots. I was on a mission - get on the boat!!! :cool1:

Now, I will say this - there **are** tons of signs that say no coolers, no alcohol, etc - so I can completely understand why people are confused as to whether or not this is allowed. I don't understand why DCL is sending such mixed messages - honestly - it's one of the few non-guest friendly situations. I can see this being an argument between my husband and myself the first time - we're both rule followers, so to know, and then convince him, a rule isn't really a rule might be tricky. JMO.

As I'm shuffled through security and up to check-in, there is a recurring moment of weirdness. I understand that traveling solo isn't the norm, but WDW CMs seem to be better at reading the lines and understanding body language than DCL CMs. While I was in line, on four separate occasions, CMs kept trying to group me with either the family in front of me or the one behind. It was a little annoying, especially since from pure appearance, one of these things (ME!) was different than the others. The family in front of me was Asian - I'd guess Korean from the dialect, and the family behind me was French, and all brunettes. I was such a sore thumb in between them :rotfl: And while I was somewhat expecting this, I still felt badly for the family in front of me when they had to repeatedly disown me, as well as the family behind me as I had to repeatedly disown them. Only a glitch, but still an interesting point. DCL CMs could take some lessons from the WDW CMs on how to discern who belongs with whom. :rolleyes1

I enter the ship and receive the customary rousing greeting as "Disney Cruise Line welcomes CHERYL!!!" Yay!!! I received several high fives from those working in the atrium - all thought it was pretty cool that was traveling solo.

I was directed to PC for lunch, which I thought was interesting, given the amount of conversation I'd read here regarding CMs directing folks primarily to BBB. I had hoped to go to PC, simply because I did want to set my things down and not have to juggle them through the line. So, I happily headed that way, was seated, and settled into my first meal.

It was perfectly satisfactory for me. I had salad, bread, fruit and beef from the carving station. (On this trip? You might notice a theme - Beef it's what's for dinner....and lunch....) Service was quick and friendly, and since I wasn't tied to my very-slow-eating-children, I was able to eat and head up to my room right away.

By this time it was 2 pm. I met my stateroom hostess - Wilnipa (Willie) - who was FABULOUS - explore my room, and regroup.

I had, of course, packed a swimsuit and sunscreen in my carry on, so I changed into that.

HANDY TIP #4 - Ladies, don't forget to pack a swim cover up of some sort in your carry on! (Gents, a t shirt for you if you'd prefer).

Realizing that I was without such a thing (in my luggage, yes. carry on? no), I slipped my capris back on over my suit. I mostly wanted to walk around a bit and explore for a while. I wouldn't have been comfortable doing so in just my suit, so the capris pulled double duty that day.

By the time I was ready to go (and I'll admit, I spend an inordinate amount of time trying to figure out the stupid verandah door - I was expecting a SWINGING door, not a SLIDING door......:headache:), it was around 2:45.

But wait!!! I almost had forgotten one of the things I was most excited about - my door magnets! I didn't have many, but I did have some. So, I put them up quickly and was getting ready to go (for real, this time) when I heard a little girl in the hall. She was 4, maybe? Maybe 5.

When she saw my door - she said to her mom - "Oh my gosh!!! That's Minnie Mouse's room!!!!!!" It turned into a huge thing for her over the next few days. I heard her tell everyone in the hallway that Minnie was staying in the room across the hall. I overheard her on the ship telling a CM that Minnie was staying in the room across the hall. It was such a fun thing to hear, and I didn't want to ruin the magic for her, so I tried to make sure I didn't go in or out of my room while she was in the hallway. I walked past my room on MANY occasions - my neighbors probably thought I was always lost :lmao:

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Up Next: I see my luggage! And we count down............... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33002182&postcount=26)

[OurOhana]

How sweet was it that the little girl thought Minnie lived in your room. And that was nice of you to go out of your way not to leave when she could see it wasn't Minnie walking out the door.

Great tips - I agree with you about the cooler. It is confusing, when you read your not supposed to do something, and yet they let you do it. If they'd prefer no ice, or soft-sided coolers, you'd think they'd just post that.

I also don't think I would have thought about bringing a coverup in my carryon. Smart idea.

Can't wait to read more.

[tinkerbellmom1]

I'm enjoying every minute of your trip! How lucky you are to have such a thoughtful hubby! :thumbsup2 I can't wait to read more!

[Jillpie]

Oh my gosh. I'm absolutely hooked.:) I love your writing style, it brings us to exactly where you are and what you're thinking, so well done:thumbsup2! And how incredibly fantastic of you to not ruin the magic for that little girl across the hall, isn't that what its all about?:wizard:

I have to tell you, going alone is such a brave thing to do. I know you don't think its a big deal, but I keep trying to put myself in your shoes. And honestly, I don't think I could do it. Like, when you sat down for that first lunch, was that awkward? Was it a bit lonely to see all the families together? As much as Moms need our breaks (I've got 3) and alone time, I completely commend you for doing this, you must be completely comfortable on your own.

I can't wait for more, I'm loving this. The more details, the better!

[KellyMB]

That was so sweet of you to go out of your way to give that little girls some Magic.
I would have never considered a DCL cruise solo.. until reading your trip report. Now I want to go alone! (Not this time.. I will tale the kids) but a cruise by myself sound wonderful!

[kileybeth]

Nice report. You captured the essence of traveling alone as a woman! So often when I have done this people ask if I am waiting for my husband/my family/my friend. Oh well. I am glad the lonely feelings passed quickly for you.

I totally get the stress tension slipping away. I always have those feelings BUT then I remember how desperately I need this break in reality!

Thanks for the tip on keep ing a notebook handy for jotting things down as they happen. I can never remember in any kind of order later what actual transpired when!

Yeah for a quiet cool lunch in PC! Yeah for supplying pixie dust and magic to the little girl across the hall.

Can't wait to hear more.

[IrenicMom]

Great tips - I agree with you about the cooler. It is confusing, when you read your not supposed to do something, and yet they let you do it. If they'd prefer no ice, or soft-sided coolers, you'd think they'd just post that.

I also don't think I would have thought about bringing a coverup in my carryon. Smart idea.

My thoughts exactly. Please, just tell us what we're allowed to do and we'll do it. I hate when you have to know someone who knows something in order to find out the real deal.

And glad to hear that I'm not the only one who wouldn't have thought of a cover up!!

Thanks for reading!

I can't wait to read more!

Thanks! More soon, I promise.

Oh my gosh. I'm absolutely hooked.:) I love your writing style, it brings us to exactly where you are and what you're thinking, so well done:thumbsup2! And how incredibly fantastic of you to not ruin the magic for that little girl across the hall, isn't that what its all about?:wizard:

I have to tell you, going alone is such a brave thing to do. I know you don't think its a big deal, but I keep trying to put myself in your shoes. And honestly, I don't think I could do it. Like, when you sat down for that first lunch, was that awkward? Was it a bit lonely to see all the families together? As much as Moms need our breaks (I've got 3) and alone time, I completely commend you for doing this, you must be completely comfortable on your own.

I can't wait for more, I'm loving this. The more details, the better!

Thank you so much. You're too kind!

And honestly, I'm not brave. I'm just determined, and to that end, a tad stubborn. When everyone else had to cancel, I realized it would be solo or nothing at all.

That was so sweet of you to go out of your way to give that little girls some Magic.
I would have never considered a DCL cruise solo.. until reading your trip report. Now I want to go alone! (Not this time.. I will tale the kids) but a cruise by myself sound wonderful!

Thank you so much - glad to have inspired you! I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Nice report. You captured the essence of traveling alone as a woman! So often when I have done this people ask if I am waiting for my husband/my family/my friend. Oh well. I am glad the lonely feelings passed quickly for you.

I totally get the stress tension slipping away. I always have those feelings BUT then I remember how desperately I need this break in reality!

Thanks for the tip on keep ing a notebook handy for jotting things down as they happen. I can never remember in any kind of order later what actual transpired when!

Yeah for a quiet cool lunch in PC! Yeah for supplying pixie dust and magic to the little girl across the hall.

Can't wait to hear more.

Thank you for your kind words! And yes, traveling solo as a woman is much more unique in our society than traveling solo as a man. I used to have to do it for work, and now I do it as my only choice at times :laughing:

[IrenicMom]

I see my luggage! And we count down...............

So, my door is decorated, my capris are pulling double duty, I figured out the door SLIDES and doesn't SWING.....yep - I think I'm ready to head out into the boat.

I have my camera, and I'm ready to document. But first I have some business to attend to.

I remember to grab my lanyard (and KTTW card) just before my door shuts. This will NOT be the last time I nearly lock myself out of my room!!

HANDY TIP #5 - Leave your lanyard somewhere near the door - like a hook on the back!

I head up to deck 9. Because I'm a dork (and according to my husband, because I have a serious addiction, the likes of which I should seek treatment), the thought of unlimited fountain Diet Coke on this trip has me swooning :cloud9: Thus, you can probably guess that the refreshment center on deck 9 was my first stop :cool1:

After that, I did a quick circuit of the rest of the deck trying to get my bearings. Once I thought I knew where I was (which honestly? for someone who usually has a great sense of direction? I got turned around a LOT), I headed toward where I thought the Vista Spa was located. Only, it wasn't the spa, it was Quartermasters. Whoops. Turn around.

Get to the spa and ask to change the time for my cabana massage on CC. I had read a tip on here that it's not recommended to go back out into the sun after the massage, as the oils are more likely to make you burn than sunscreen is to protect you. Unfortunately, I read that tip after the time to make changes online had passed, so I was just crossing my fingers that I was able to change it on board.

I *was* able to change it (from 10am to 1pm), and unbeknownst to me at the time, this was perhaps the single best decision I made the entire trip. (Gotta love dumb luck, right? :dance3:)

Once my to-do list was complete, I had nothing but time. I had hoped to take a quick dip in the Quiet Cove pool, or maybe lay out a bit, but it was PACKED. This turned out to be rather fortuitous, as well ;)

Pikey and DJ Frankie were getting everything set up for the sail away party and were even working the crowd a little already.

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It's getting close to time for the muster drill, so I head back downstairs to don the ever so lovely life vest.

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(Yes, I know, I know, I know. But really, how else was I going to get a picture?!? I'm certainly NOT going to ask someone - "Hey, I know I look like a complete moron, but could you please take a picture for me so I can document it for all time (and all the people on theDIS ?)" Even *I* have my standards.)

My station is in AP, so I get to be indoors (yay!), sit down (yay!), and take the super secret CM stairway (ooooohhhh. I'd say yay but it wasn't exciting, just kind of neat to be "backstage")

We are all present and accounted for, so I quick run upstairs, drop off the life vest (goodbye sweet whistle!) and grab a spot on the port side for pictures and to enjoy the party.

Now is also a good time to point out that the drink of the day? Yeah, they're yummy. Every day :thumbsup2 They're also VERY easy to access (too easy, methinks) and when you're sitting there, by yourself, taking it all in? The CMs seem to think you NEED a drink. And truly, who am *I* to argue? :lmao: I believe Bahama Mamas are the DOTD the first day, and they were good. All three of them :cutie:

So, I'm there, I'm lubricated, and I'm ready to get this show (boat) on the road (ocean).

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The cruise staff was having fun, trying to get everyone in the party mood!

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The staff for the kids clubs were all announced - they looked like a fun group

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And the cruise staff DEFINITELY had enough energy to share!

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Pikey was an entertaining MC

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And though Peter seems to get some bad press here, he was perfectly fine, IMO. (Spoken, I realize, with absolutely nothing with which I can compare). But anyone who calls himself Mr. Julie (a'la Love Boat) is ok by me (I mean come on, if you can't laugh at yourself........)

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Once all the HUMAN cruise staff is introduced, the REAL guests of honor make their appearance!!

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Yay!!!! It's official - I'm on vacation. I've seen Minnie and Mickey - it must be about that time!!!!

So, I head over to the starboard side, ready to wave back at all those people who are ready to see us off.

The party is fully underway, and we get to the countdown.

TEN!

NINE!

EIGHT!

SEVEN!

SIX!

FIVE!!

FOUR!!

THREE!!

TWO!!

ONE!!

One.

One?

Maybe I misunderstood, having read all those trip reports on the Dis. After one, isn't the horn supposed to sound? Aren't we supposed to get under way?

We wait.

And we wait some more.

And then? Just for good measure, we keep waiting.

Someone asks me (ME?!?! Like **I** have any idea) why we're not moving.

Me: "Umm, I'm not sure?"

(always a wealth of information, I am!!)

And then I look away from the party and over to the dock.

Umm, wait a minute.

That doesn't look right.

Aren't those two huge crates of luggage??

What the heck?

I quickly process a few ideas - maybe that's staff luggage from people who finished a contract last cruise. Man. That's a LOT of luggage. Do we have an all new team?!?!

And then, realizing I have a telephoto lens, I whip it out and use it like binoculars. I see DCL luggage tags. I see red luggage. Wait, **I** have red luggage. With blue toile ribbon the handle. exactly.like.THAT.ribbon.

OMG - that's my luggage, on top of one of the luggage crates. And we're supposed to be shoving off! Like, right now! And THAT'S MY LUGGAGE ON THE DOCK!

Panic ensues. OMG. OMG!!!! I have no change of clothes. I have no toothbrush. I have no deoderant!!!!!

Then I think - no. No, that can't be my luggage. DCL would NOT rain on my vacation and leave me on a boat with only my carry on. Surely, if I proceed calmly and rationally down to my stateroom, I'll find my luggage is really sitting there, where it should be, and all will be well.

But I'm torn. I really really REALLY want to hear the horn. REALLY. And I really have no idea how loud it will be, so I have no idea if I'll hear it from my room.

But, I really need to know that there is just some weird coincidence that someone else, in some far better situation, happens to have exactly my luggage with exactly my ribbon tied on the handle.

Because surely to goodness, that can't be MY luggage out THERE when *I'm* on HERE.

Right?

Up Next: Why I'm glad I never got in the pool........... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33007651&postcount=35)

[Lucille1963]

Eeeekkk! More more more!

[KellyMB]

You did not take a picture of the luggage?

[IrenicMom]

Eeeekkk! More more more!

It's on my to do list after I get the monkeys fed and in bed tonight.

You did not take a picture of the luggage?

This is but one of many "I wish I had taken a picture of......." moments.

Honestly? I was so seriously freaked out about the possibility of a cruise with no luggage, I can't say that I was thinking clearly. I wonder if Joseph's Mom may have gotten a shot? I'll check with her.

[joseph'smom]

Why didn't I take a pic of all this??? the police cars, the crates of luggage (yes I saw all of the luggage too!) Instead I was taking pics of my feet (why do I do that??? I take these bare feet pics when I am in beach chairs with cool stuff as backdrops...I was trying to get the characters to be the background but got a CM's behind instead)

[OurOhana]

OK. This is cracking me up. You wrote it exactly the way I would have been thinking about it, as you realized it was your luggage and what you were fearing you'd be doing without this trip. Can't wait to read more.

[SmileMom]

OK. This is cracking me up. You wrote it exactly the way I would have been thinking about it, as you realized it was your luggage and what you were fearing you'd be doing without this trip. Can't wait to read more.

I, on the other hand, am ready to throw up right now because we'll be on the ship in 13 days. We had a scare last year with one of our suitcases not making it onto the plane last year (all of our shoes!). Luckily it was on the next flight, so we were ok. But it was enough to make me rethink my packing routine. If I saw my luggage on the dock during the sailaway party, I don't know what I would do. :scared1:

I can't wait to hear what happened! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!

[OurOhana]

I, on the other hand, am ready to throw up right now because we'll be on the ship in 13 days. We had a scare last year with one of our suitcases not making it onto the plane last year (all of our shoes!). Luckily it was on the next flight, so we were ok. But it was enough to make me rethink my packing routine. If I saw my luggage on the dock during the sailaway party, I don't know what I would do. :scared1:

I can't wait to hear what happened! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!

I think this story ends well, or at least I'm assuming so from her earlier posts. I'll pass along a tip I've heard from others that I think I'll follow this time - They suggest packing some clothes, shoes for the entire party into each suitcase, so if you don't have one suitcase, one person isn't completely out of luck. Sounded like a smart idea. Of course in this case (and if all of your luggage doesn't make it) it wouldn't have helped.

[IrenicMom]

Why didn't I take a pic of all this??? the police cars, the crates of luggage (yes I saw all of the luggage too!) Instead I was taking pics of my feet (why do I do that??? I take these bare feet pics when I am in beach chairs with cool stuff as backdrops...I was trying to get the characters to be the background but got a CM's behind instead)

:lmao::rotfl2::laughing::lmao::rotfl2::laughing:

1. I'm glad I'm not the only one with 20/20 hindsight on the pictures I **should have** taken.

2. I'm glad I'm not the only one who later downloads pictures only to think "Seriously - what the heck was I aiming for here?!?!"

OK. This is cracking me up. You wrote it exactly the way I would have been thinking about it, as you realized it was your luggage and what you were fearing you'd be doing without this trip. Can't wait to read more.

Yay! I made someone laugh. Thanks! That made my night!!

I, on the other hand, am ready to throw up right now because we'll be on the ship in 13 days. We had a scare last year with one of our suitcases not making it onto the plane last year (all of our shoes!). Luckily it was on the next flight, so we were ok. But it was enough to make me rethink my packing routine. If I saw my luggage on the dock during the sailaway party, I don't know what I would do. :scared1:

I can't wait to hear what happened! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!

Oh no - please don't stress!!! As hinted at by OurOhana, it will be ok (see next post!) But, yes, I would also alter the packing routine.

Side note - a few years ago, dh and I were on a trip to St. Petersburg, Russia. We were on three different flights, one of which was through JFK. So, no big surprise that our luggage did not all arrive. (Let's just say it was a 10 day trip with multiple outfit changes, including formal wear, so we possibly had more than a bag or two. Possibly. I'm just sayin' :rolleyes1) It was at that moment that I realized that yes, while I **HAD** packed outfits for each of us into each suitcase, I didn't spread out the unmentionables. The thought of 10 days with half the outfits and washing certain important things in the sink every night? Not an appealing prospect. I now pack ENTIRE outfits in each bag. And not that it's applicable here, but a sidebar handy tip? Don't expect to find reasonable/practical shoes in St. Petersburg Russia. Consider yourself warned.

I think this story ends well, or at least I'm assuming so from her earlier posts. I'll pass along a tip I've heard from others that I think I'll follow this time - They suggest packing some clothes, shoes for the entire party into each suitcase, so if you don't have one suitcase, one person isn't completely out of luck. Sounded like a smart idea. Of course in this case (and if all of your luggage doesn't make it) it wouldn't have helped.

Yes, it does (though the luggage makes a second appearance on "what ELSE can happen on this trip??" later!)

And yes, see above for packing info :cool2:

[IrenicMom]

Why I'm glad I never got in the pool...........

So, I've used my super secret sleuthing device (aka - telephoto lens) to determine that in all likelihood, that IS, in fact, my luggage on the dock. And, as previously mentioned, I was not in a fully functional frame of mind. (I say stress. Others? Possibly could mention the three DOTDs. Maybe). So, I have no pictures of, say, my luggage sitting there, baking in the hot FL sun. Or, say, the EIGHT BOMB SQUAD TRUCKS sitting on the dock. Or, say, what could have likely been the ENTIRE staff of the Brevard Co. Sheriff's department. Or, possibly, the complete staff of the Port Canaveral port authority. Because I? I am a master reporter :cool2:

Trying not to completely blow my cool, I casually wander back down to deck 9.

Remember me saying I got turned around a lot on the boat? Well, perhaps that was an understatement. Let's put it this way. On no single occassion was I *ever* able to locate the entrance to the elevators/stairs from Deck 9 on the first try. Ever. But by golly if I didn't find Quartermasters EVERY.DARN.TIME.

So, I make three attempts to find the darn elevator/stairs lobby (forward? midship? aft? I didn't care. Just get me some darn stairs!!!!), I make it inside and hightail it down to deck 6. And while my memory at this point in time is a little hazy, I'd be willing to bet I turned the wrong direction down the hall, too. I also did this, ohh, about 2 out of every 5 attempts. Apparently I had mentally checked out a little more than I had intended to......

At this point in time, it's about 5:45 pm. As I'm walking down the hall, I'm noticing that there isn't much luggage in the hallway at ALL. I do NOT have a good feeling here.

I approach my room, and there is darling, smiling Willie. "I'm so sorry, Ms. Chereal. Your luggage is not here yet." :hug: Seriously, this woman took "kill them with kindness" to the highest level. She was, and will likely be for many moons, one of the sweetest people I have ever met.

So here I sit. In my room. And then it strikes me. I am SO GLAD I never got in the pool. Because seriously? It's looking like I'm going to be wearing the clothes I've had on since 4:30 am for rather a while yet. And while it would have been refreshing to do so - I'd have desperately needed a shower afterwards, and I find myself now without:

1. New clothes.
2. Any toiletries to speak of (minus my 0.5 oz tube of sunscreen - TSA Approved!)
3. No brush, hair product, or blow dryer with more force than a slow moving ceiling fan.

Oh, and have I mentioned my panic about DEODORANT?!?!

So, that brings us to :

HANDY TIP #6 - Pack deodorant, your toothbrush, and maybe at least a brush in your carry on bag.

(and yes, I realize this carry on bag is getting more and more full. Sorry.)

OH! That reminds me.

LADIES - HANDY TIP #7 - Secret Clinical Strength Waterproof deodorant is your cruise friend. So while you're throwing a deodorant in your bag, may as well make it this one.

Ok - back to the trip. I realize, now that there is absolutely no doubt that was my luggage on the dock. Additionally, I realize that there is not a single thing I can do about it. And won't it be quite the ice breaker, I think, to sit down at dinner with who knows how many people that I've never met a day before in my life, showing signs of being in transit for the better part of 16 hours, to discuss why I'll be sporting DCL licensed cruise wear for the remaining of the trip? Glad I wore comfortable shoes.

During all of this, Captain Gus is making liberal use of the shipwide paging system.

DING, DING, DING.

Quick, flip on channel 10.

"Would Sister McToker and Mother McPacksalot please contact a staff member at guest services? Thank you."

Seriously - I wish I had taken down their names. Because later? They would haunt me in my dreams.

Apparently, there were also other, slightly less pleasant announcements regarding these two ladies, but I discontinued the use of Channel 10.

And THEN, they bust in on the in room paging service (you know, the one on your phone? That they can use if your smoke detector goes off? Or OTHER emergency situations? LIKE THE ABSENCE OF DEODORANT?!?!?). When they're paging these people in-room, I start to get the impression that this is pretty serious. And then, when the ding, ding, ding goes off again, I **do** listen to Channel 10. This is when we're given the information that there is a security issue and that our departure would be delayed.

And then? That's when I did the happy dance :yay::yay::yay::yay:

Why? Because that was the very first time I was given any hope that my luggage on the dock would have any chance at all to make it onto the ship.

So, slightly less concerned now, I try to make my t shirt and capris presentable enough to head down to the Golden Mickeys. My plan was to talk to no one, avoid eye contact, and keep my sunbaked odor to myself. You know, friendly traveler and all that.

I make my way down to the Walt Disney Theater and try to enact my plan.

That lasted, oh, 20 seconds or so.

"Ooooh," says one of the red carpet photographers, "I love your shoes!"

Shoot. Now I'm going to have to make eye contact. I may be stinky, but I can not bring myself to also be rude.

"Thank you," I say.

Hence begins the inquisition.

Where did I get them? (Bliss online). What brand are they? (fitflops) Are they comfortable? (yes, very) Do they actually make you fit? (umm, no. but the name is cute, yes?) They're so sparkly! (yes, they are!) And then, these two call over two OTHER photographers to discuss my shoes ad naseum. :headache:

I finally escaped. I spoke, I made eye contact. I kept my arms at my side. Two out of three ain't bad :rotfl:

I sit in the front row of the upper section. Mostly because there was an empty seat (I confirmed - again, eye contact, speaking....) and because it required no climbing over anyone (sunbaked odor to myself? CHECK!).

The show was very very good. I enjoyed it thoroughly. I could have done without one of the lions (monkeys? my memory is a little fuzzy here) from the Lion King section scaring the living daylights out of me by stopping right there and popping into my personal space (sunbaked odor? yeah, take THAT!) but otherwise, good. :thumbsup2:thumbsup2

The best part of the show, though? The ever so slight rumble I felt as the propellers kicked into gear in the final act.

7:10 pm, to be exact.

Two hours late.

After the show ended, I beat-feeted it back to my room.

And what to my wondering eyes did appear?

:banana::banana::banana:MY LUGGAGE :banana::banana::banana:

Up Next: APT - All the cool kids are doing it.......... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33023190&postcount=43)

[KellyMB]

You are a wonderful writer!

[TiggerTails57]

MORE!!!!!MORE!!!!!
Did the 'sun baked odor' finally subside?
Did you get to dinner in a clean set of clothes?
What are Fitflops anyway? :confused3
pirate:MORE!!!!!pirate:
Great read!!:love:

[Waltworshiper]

Can't wait to read more! We go in just over three weeks and definitely do the carryon thing. DH works for airline and have heard way to many horror stories of lost luggage! Sounds like things are finally turining around for your trip.

[MagicMe]

OMG - I am so loving this report!!! Love your take on the sunbaked odor and the guy from the Lion King!!! :rotfl2: Anxiously waiting for more!!

[tinkerbellmom1]

Why I'm glad I never got in the pool...........


"Would Sister McToker and Mother McPacksalot please contact a staff member at guest services? Thank you."





:lmao:OM goodness, you crack me up!!!:lmao:

Are you going to fill us in on Sister McToker and Mother McPacksalot?:laughing: I thought I was going to spray my diet Sunkist all over my computer when I read that!:rotfl2:

Do you realize how much good you are doing? I am looking forward to my daily dose of giggles while I am reading your trippie! Thanks for sharing!!:hug:

[IrenicMom]

You are a wonderful writer!

Thank you. You're really too kind. I only type how I speak, and I daresay my family doesn't quite find the humor :confused3

MORE!!!!!MORE!!!!!
Did the 'sun baked odor' finally subside?
Did you get to dinner in a clean set of clothes?
What are Fitflops anyway? :confused3
pirate:MORE!!!!!pirate:
Great read!!:love:

Thank you - again, too kind.

1. Sun baked odor did subside. The presence of personal hygiene toiletries, both in my stateroom

http://foreverjung.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p537173722-3.jpg

and in my luggage took care of that.

2. Dinner - up next.

3. FitFlops - super comfy flip flops that are my summer staple. These are the particular ones I was wearing that night:

http://foreverjung.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p707621233.jpg

Can't wait to read more! We go in just over three weeks and definitely do the carryon thing. DH works for airline and have heard way to many horror stories of lost luggage! Sounds like things are finally turining around for your trip.

Oh, don't get me wrong - eventful as it was, I still enjoyed every single moment. I wouldn't have had it any other way! Ok, maybe I'd have liked my deodorant in my carry on. But other than that - just great!!

OMG - I am so loving this report!!! Love your take on the sunbaked odor and the guy from the Lion King!!! :rotfl2: Anxiously waiting for more!!

Thanks for reading along! More coming, poste haste.

:lmao:OM goodness, you crack me up!!!:lmao:

Are you going to fill us in on Sister McToker and Mother McPacksalot?:laughing: I thought I was going to spray my diet Sunkist all over my computer when I read that!:rotfl2:

Do you realize how much good you are doing? I am looking forward to my daily dose of giggles while I am reading your trippie! Thanks for sharing!!:hug:

While, as I mentioned, I don't recall the actual names of the passengers paged (and if I did, I'd still likely change them, innocent until proven guilty, blah blah blah), I named them as I did for a few reasons:

1. Unconfirmed reports indicated that one of the possible reasons for the delay was due to suspicious contents of their luggage. Which lead me to believe that possibly, illegal substances were present. That doesn't explain why the terminal had to be evacuated, but it seems more likely than two women packing contents that appeared to be explosive, doesn't it?

2. It took DCL security, Brevard Co. Sheriffs and PC Port Authority TWO HOURS to search their luggage and give the all clear. Seriously - they must have had some SERIOUS overpacking going on if it took two hours, yesno?

Seriously - we have heard reports and suspicions of why we were delayed, but I doubt we'll ever know. I do know that I am extremely thankful to those who were involved in rectifying the situation in as quickly a manner as I'm sure was possible.

Oh, and sorry about your computer. I hear Diet Sunkist is a bear to get out of keyboards. Thanks for sticking around with me, though!!

[tinkerbellmom1]

While, as I mentioned, I don't recall the actual names of the passengers paged (and if I did, I'd still likely change them, innocent until proven guilty, blah blah blah), I named them as I did for a few reasons:

1. Unconfirmed reports indicated that one of the possible reasons for the delay was due to suspicious contents of their luggage. Which lead me to believe that possibly, illegal substances were present. That doesn't explain why the terminal had to be evacuated, but it seems more likely than two women packing contents that appeared to be explosive, doesn't it?

2. It took DCL security, Brevard Co. Sheriffs and PC Port Authority TWO HOURS to search their luggage and give the all clear. Seriously - they must have had some SERIOUS overpacking going on if it took two hours, yesno?

Seriously - we have heard reports and suspicions of why we were delayed, but I doubt we'll ever know. I do know that I am extremely thankful to those who were involved in rectifying the situation in as quickly a manner as I'm sure was possible.

Oh, and sorry about your computer. I hear Diet Sunkist is a bear to get out of keyboards. Thanks for sticking around with me, though!!


Innocent until proven guilty is the American way. Having been married to a police officer for the past 19+ years, my experience leads me to believe that Sister McToker and Mother McOverpacker may have packed some 'other' unmentionables! :rolleyes1

Thanks for your thoughts :surfweb:.....luckily I caught myself mid-blow and just got the nasal carbonation effect!

I'm thinking that a SAHM (or recently re-employed former SAH mom) group should form for a yearly moms only cruise! I am so there!! :banana: I'll save my DVC points and starbucks treat $ so that I can go with next time!!

[IrenicMom]

APT - All the cool kids are doing it..........

Ok, let's see.

Travel to the ship, check.

Chaos with luggage, check.

Oh shoot - let's back track a bit first. I've forgotten a few pictures.

First off - the lovely gift bag I ordered from Shirley - complete with water, gossip mag (which is a real vacation item for me, as I rarely read them) and my beloved Mike's Raspberry Hard Lemonade. Yummmmmm.

And yes, I ordered it for myself :lovestruc

http://foreverjung.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p569615118-3.jpg

Second - secret verandah room. So, I was in #6134. I definitely loved having a verandah. I definitely did NOT mind the minor obstruction.

Here is the view:

http://foreverjung.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p542524706-3.jpg

Oh - and while I was waiting around for the actual "sailing away" part of the sail away party, a snap of the port terminal - and what would be the only picture of it I took the entire trip. Whoops.

http://foreverjung.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p83886163-3.jpg

Ok, now I think my photos and my brain are back on par with one another. Where were we?

Oh yes, the arrival of the luggage.

Truly, it was a beautiful sight. I schlepped it into my room and started tearing things out of there. First order of business was to get out the pillowcases I brought to have signed for my kiddos. This included packing up the candy (that had previously been baking in the hot FL sun. And shockingly? Wasn't a melted mess.... And honestly, it was only in my suitcase because I needed space filler) After that was packed up, I unpacked.

Clean (albeit chocolate smelling) clothes. Yay!!!!

Got everything put away as quickly as possible and then freshened up a bit and changed for dinner.

HANDY TIP #8 - Dress up or down as much as you're comfortable with on these shorter cruises.

I'd read about how casual the shorter cruises were, but didn't really believe it. I have a tendency to over-dress anyway (big fear? Being the most under dressed in a situation....), and I would say that I was on the dressier side the first two nights and more on par with the masses on the third night.

HANDY TIP #9 - Definitely bring a sweater or pashmina to dinner, as the dining rooms always felt cooler to me than any other common indoor area on board.

Oh - and before I forget - I did not bring an over the door shoe holder on this trip, though I had every intention of doing so. I'm glad I didn't, because I didn't need it. But, I can DEFINITELY see the need for it grow exponentially as the number of occupants in a room increases. I had just the right amount of space for *me*. Had anyone else been there - including my relatively low maintenance husband, I can envision the holder being a handy thing. So, there's my take on that. Moving on.

I grab my pillow cases, candy for the pillow case signers, and candy for the CM at Guest Services. And then, again, as the door is closing, I remember to grab my KTTW card. Seriously. I need to find a better way of keeping this thing on me!! Swimsuits and dress pants don't have pockets.

I hand the business at Guest Services and then make my way back up to Deck 4 for my dinner at AP. Again, a location I had intended to take lots of pictures, but it just didn't happen. Suppose my striking LACK of pictures is merely a reason to go back. And since a picture speaks a thousand words, my TR sure would be shorter had I taken more, eh?

I will admit to being a little apprehensive about my dinners. I had no idea what to expect as far as tablemates went - would I be with other solo travelers? Would I be a third wheel to a couple? Would I be put at a table with a family?

As luck (and DCLs excellent planning) would have it, I really shouldn't have worried. I was placed at a table with another solo traveling Mom who's husband and children were on their annual lake vacation and a DVC couple on their first DCL cruise, and were also traveling without their 4 children. Everyone was pleasant enough, and while I won't be exchanging Christmas cards with these folks, it was still an enjoyable setting and we had a pleasant dinner conversation.

I had Jojo from India and Izabella from Macedonia as my server/asst server. Tetkas, and I apologize, I never caught his country of origin, was my head server. All three were wonderful and took excellent care of us at AP. They would also become a critical part of my dining experience at PC.

Looking back, I think I'd have to say that AP was probably my best meal.

I had the Taleggio Cheese Flatbread as an appetizer (and seriously ? I could have had two or three of these and called it good. It was fabulous!!!). At the suggestion of my fellow solo mom tablemate, I tried the Creamy Butternut Squash Soup and it was so so so good. I wouldn't mind the recipe to make at home. It was THAT good. The Shere Khan's Asian-Marinated Beef Short Ribs were very good, as well. I finished my indulgent meal with the Cranberry Orange Cheesecake, for no other reason than it sounded unique. It, of course, was also fabulous and truly pushed the meal into gluttonous.

As we were finishing up our meal, we noticed that a certain area of the dining room had erupted into spontaneous applause, song, and general merriment several times through our meal, culminating in one raucous round of singing. Without being too nosey, fellow solo traveling mom and I poke our heads around to see - and yep, it's confirmed, all the Summer at Sea kids (kids? Young adults, really) are there at a huge L-shaped table. So while I had my suspicions the APT rotation was the best (and what I had hoped for in my planning), it was confirmed. APT - all the cool kids are doing it!

I'd already noticed them around the ship a bit - they had been at the Golden Mickeys (and interestingly enough to note - were NOT given what I'd consider the "best seats in the house"). Granted, seats WERE reserved for them, but they were far stage right on the lower section. They seemed very considerate to those around them during the show and stuck around to chat with kids afterwards. And now, at dinner, they were not being obnoxiously loud, but they were definitely having fun. They added a bit of party atmosphere to the dining room, but didn't turn it into party central, either.

So, on day one, I'd say the Summer at Sea did NOT detract from my onboard experience. And though I did keep an eye out for Ernie D from Radio Disney, I never spotted him. He was one I'd have liked to have met, if only to tell my kids that I did, as we listen to Radio Disney pretty much exclusively anymore.

So, with a very satisfied tummy, I headed back to my room. I had every intention of changing (elastic waist shorts.....ahhhhhhh) and heading straight back out to the premEAR of G-Force at 12:01.

But you know what they say about intentions, right? So instead, I decide that I'll go the next night.

I'll tell you, I'm not sure if it was the Bonine (which I had taken, but realized, didn't need. I was never uncomfortable and never took it again...) or the gentle swaying of the ship (there was definite movement), but I immediately found myself BEYOND exhausted.

Reminding myself that I was on this vacation to RELAX, and not to run myself any more ragged than I already had, I reluctantly began getting ready for bed. In fact, because I had the Grade A Travel Scuz, I decided to shower before bed.

As I was getting everything out, I came to the very abrupt realization that I had failed to pack pajamas. Seriously - this problem is approaching epidemic proportions for me. I am forever forgetting PJs. I have more cotton shorts and destination t-shirts than I can shake a stick at, merely because I find myself in such a predicament so frequently.

I quickly contemplate my options, but seriously? The stores seem so.far.away. I suddenly feel made of lead.

So, instead, I crank down my A/C (thankful NOT to have to listen to my husband wax poetic about the temperature OR the fact that I should quit packing the night before a trip....) and decide my lounge shorts and hoodie sweatshirt will have to do the trick.

So, I'm clean (YAY!!! Farewell, sun baked odor!!), I don my travel tested Purdue shorts (Boiler Up!) and sorority sweatshirt. Comfortable, as the temp is now a chilly 65* in my room, I lie down, and drift away to the sweet sounds of Baloo telling me of the Bear Necessities.....

Just need those bear necessities, those simple bear necessities, forget about your worries and your strife......................................

Up Next: Wishing on a star (finally!) and the Nassau Segway tour...... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33039613&postcount=52)

[IrenicMom]

my experience leads me to believe that Sister McToker and Mother McOverpacker may have packed some 'other' unmentionables! :rolleyes1

Yes, I'm going to have to agree with you there. Having once been on a flight that was delayed for three hours because someone's electric shaver was turned on in his luggage, I'm going to venture a not-so-G-rated guess and say that it's very likely that something was, ahem, shaking things up a bit.

I still think there had to be something to tip the dogs off, though, too, because they were out in force.

I'm thinking that a SAHM (or recently re-employed former SAH mom) group should form for a yearly moms only cruise! I am so there!! :banana: I'll save my DVC points and starbucks treat $ so that I can go with next time!!

This, I believe, is one of the very best ideas I've heard in a long long time.

[tinkerbellmom1]

Thank you. You're really too kind. I only type how I speak, and I daresay my family doesn't quite find the humor :confused3

Yes, I'm going to have to agree with you there. Having once been on a flight that was delayed for three hours because someone's electric shaver was turned on in his luggage, I'm going to venture a not-so-G-rated guess and say that it's very likely that something was, ahem, shaking things up a bit.

I still think there had to be something to tip the dogs off, though, too, because they were out in force.



This, I believe, is one of the very best ideas I've heard in a long long time.

I totally get your sense of humor! :worship:


I have heard about the strange noise in the luggage before! I think I saw it on that Reality TV show about TSA agents! They evacuated a whole terminal of an airport because of the buzz. It ended up being an 'adult entertainment device'. :scared1:

I loved your basket from Shirley! Smut magazines and hard lemonades are a great vacation starter! Remind me to bring my Margaritaville machine when we do our SAHM Cruise! :banana:

Keep up the great writing! I am enjoying your trippie so much!:lmao:

[Tri-circle-D]

I know that you read my trip report, so I thought I would let you know that I am returning the favor.

It is great!

Keep up the good work!

Very funny!

And, your tips are great, too! Very unique!

You know, on our June '09 cruise, we also had JoJo as our head server, but had a different assistant. Tektas was our dining room manager (I think that's his title). For the record, he is from Turkey. We really liked JoJo and Tektas, too!

TCD

[TotallyAngelic]

wow - you have a fantastic style of writing and sense of humour! I am really enjoying reading all about your solo adventures! I'm so glad the luggage turned up and you didn't have to spend your cruise wearing licenced DCL merchandise, however attractive it may be. Looking forward to more!

[Waltworshiper]

We keep coming back for more, can't wait til your next post!

[MJ28]

:rotfl:Great Trip Report! You are a wonderful writer! Great sense of humor

[TiggerTails57]

You had me hooked at 'discount' popcorn::

[IrenicMom]

I loved your basket from Shirley! Smut magazines and hard lemonades are a great vacation starter! Remind me to bring my Margaritaville machine when we do our SAHM Cruise! :banana:

Keep up the great writing! I am enjoying your trippie so much!:lmao:

Yummm, Margaritaville machine. Dude. Does that thing make the best ice or WHAT?!?! We have one, too. Love love love it. Bring it along. Now you have to be my roomie!

Thanks for sticking with me!!

I know that you read my trip report, so I thought I would let you know that I am returning the favor.

It is great!

Keep up the good work!

Very funny!

And, your tips are great, too! Very unique!

You know, on our June '09 cruise, we also had JoJo as our head server, but had a different assistant. Tektas was our dining room manager (I think that's his title). For the record, he is from Turkey. We really liked JoJo and Tektas, too!

TCD

TCD - thanks for coming over! I really enjoyed your TR - in fact, I've been half tempted to post links to it for all the pictures you have! Much more-so than mine.

Thanks for the info on Tektas!! I knew someone would know.

wow - you have a fantastic style of writing and sense of humour! I am really enjoying reading all about your solo adventures! I'm so glad the luggage turned up and you didn't have to spend your cruise wearing licenced DCL merchandise, however attractive it may be. Looking forward to more!

Thank you. And thanks for reading!

We keep coming back for more, can't wait til your next post!

Coming right up. Sorry, it's later tonight. Just got home from my dd's gymnastics practice.

:rotfl:Great Trip Report! You are a wonderful writer! Great sense of humor

Seriously - you are too kind. Thank you for reading. I'm glad you're enjoying!

You had me hooked at 'discount' popcorn::

Discount is coming up, I promise. Not today, though :thumbsup2

[IrenicMom]

Wishing on a star (finally!) and the Nassau Segway tour......

Generally speaking, I'm an early riser. Granted, since the kids came along, I didn't have much of a choice in the matter, as their internal alarm seems to be set somewhere in the 5:30 am - 6 am range. Every day. Without fail.

But, even before then, I wasn't known for sleeping in much past 6:30 or 7, save for the occasional college weekend :rotfl:

So, as I drifted off to the sweet tunes of Baloo, forgetting about my worries and my strife (and wishing the TV came with a sleep timer....), I didn't bother setting an alarm or wake-up call. Heck, it was only 11:25, which at home isn't even my bedtime yet.

But, again, the gentle rocking of the ship was ushering me off to lullaby like a baby in a bassinet and I just couldn't hang on any longer. (I should note that at some point in the night, the rocking was a little more than "gentle". I woke up to the sound of the hangers in the closet sliding from one side to the other.)

I vaguely recall seeing 6:15 am and thinking "Nope. I'm on vacation."

Imagine my surprise, then, when I roll over again and see that it's nearly 8 am!! I haven't had 8 hours of sleep in....well, let's see. My oldest will be 7 in three weeks, plus nine months of pregnancy before that...add the two, carry the one... Let's just say it's been a while.

I jump out of bed, not willing to waste a minute more in slumber.

I realize I've missed my first sunrise at sea, but snap a quick shot off the verandah anyway - it's still a nice sight.....

http://foreverjung.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p83531823-3.jpg

I had every intention of ordering room service breakfast and eating it leisurely as I watch the ocean drift by. So, I open the menu. And I read. And I turn the page, and, well, I see lots of ads for jewelry, watches, and all things caribbean. What I *don't* see is the breakfast menu.

Hmmm.

Surely, I'm mistaken. So, I look again. Yep, still not there.

Well, poo. I'm **sure** I saw mention in someone's TR about room service breakfast, but in my sleep addled mind, I can't quite seem to access that piece of information. (And again, with the lack of coffee first thing in the morning. Seriously - I make a note to thank my husband for pulling coffee duty in our house every morning. This no coffee two mornings in a row? It's for the birds :sad2: )

So, I do a quick clean up and head up to BBB to grab a bite. I'm a big breakfast fan, but remembering the calories en masse I consumed last night, I decide to reign it in a bit. Bacon from the main buffet line, (yummmm, bacon - I covet bacon in much the same way Homer Simpson covets doughnuts), yogurt with strawberries and walnuts from the end of the line, and - yep, you guessed it - coffee.

I know there has been much discussion of the coffee on board. I know it's supposed to be the same Nescafe, um, *stuff* that WDW has, but (and maybe it's just the salt air), it actually tasted GOOD. (And trust me, even in my most caffeine deprived state, bad coffee is still bad coffee. I may be desperate, but I still have my standards.) So, whatever it is that DCL does to doctor the stuff, I hope they find a way to trade that info with WDW (maybe in exchange for some line companion recognition courses?)

I am still able to enjoy my breakfast outdoors, watching the ocean drift by. However, rather than doing so in the peace and privacy of my own verandah, I'm doing it off the back of Deck 9, with 50 or so of my closest compadres, 49 of whom seem intent on hand feeding the birds that have appeared out of no where.

Wait a minute.

Birds.

Birds?

Birds need a place to land.

And a place to land means LAND! LAND!!! We must be close to Nassau!!!

I finish up my breakfast and head out. I have my camera, and I'm determined to get some pictures before we're docked. I may have missed the sunrise, by I'm NOT missing my first port of call!!!

I am suddenly energized by the thought of what my day would hold. (And possibly? The four cups of coffee I had.) Today was Nassau day, and with it came my Segway tour. Yay! Segways! In the Bahamas! Woo hoo :banana::banana::banana:

The lighthouse off the bay comes into view (of the backside of the ship, admittedly) around 9:45.

http://foreverjung.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p137498924-3.jpg

For leaving two hours late, we sure did make up some serious time. I wonder - is there a speed limit on the ocean? Because I'm pretty sure Capt. Gus had the pedal to the metal.

About 10 after 10, nearly 17 hours after what should have been the first time, I **finally* was able to hear the sound I'd been wanting so desperately to hear. The Wonder's horn announced our arrival at the Port of Nassau. I'll admit it, I cried :sad1: Tears of joy, though, not sadness - promise!

I should add that somewhere around 10:45 the night prior, an updated port excursion timesheet was slipped under my door. Because of our late departure yesterday (and our late - albeit less late than I was expecting - arrival today), some of the excursions had meeting times and locations revised. The handy dandy sheet outlined all of them. They were moved anywhere from 15 minutes later to an hour and 45 minutes later.

HANDY TIP #10 - Booking excursions with a specific tour/departure time through DCL ensures that any change to your port arrival time will be accommodated in your excursion.

Now, I know that some will dispute that handy tip. And I'm sure that, if you're truly willing to do the legwork, call the tour operator with whom you've booked, and negotiate a new plan, you, too, can make accommodations for your privately scheduled excursion should you have a schedule change. But, you know what? That sounds like a lot of work, and based on the price per minute on the cell phone plans, a rather costly way to "save money". So, while some extremely experienced cruisers may be able to take these things in stride without a hitch, I don't recommend it for the feeble hearted. Because really? I'm on vacation. I don't want to work that hard.

So, since my meet time had been moved from 10 to 11:45am, I now had plenty of time to take some pictures, pack my bag, and make my way down to the Promenade Lounge.

So while these aren't earth-shatteringly amazing (or, likely, not even something you haven't seen before), they're mine:

Festival Place (aka - weird bazar - bizare bazar?? - you have to walk through to get to Nassau proper):

http://foreverjung.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p95911056-3.jpg

Senor Frog's - yes, I bought a t-shirt (for my dh, to replace his Cancun's Senor Frog's tshirt from COLLEGE.....)

http://foreverjung.zenfolio.com/img/v0/p45696871-3.jpg

Atlantis and Pleasure Island:

http://foreverjung.zenfolio.com/img/v0/p232393382-3.jpg

And the Mail Boat - which actually, I'm not sure I've ever seen a photo of before, so it may be a new one! (And actually? I'm not sure it has anything to do with the transportation of postal goods, but hey, I'm a sucker, so if it says Mail Boat, I'll believe it....)

http://foreverjung.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p93150291-3.jpg

So while I'm wandering around, I snap a few shots of OUR boat (which is exactly the type of boat that does what it SAYS it does. No false advertising here!!)

First, an indication of the fairly stiff breeze we were feeling in Port that day:

http://foreverjung.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p480093149-3.jpg

A nice reminder that All Star would be performing later that day (maybe?!) :

http://foreverjung.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p227438109-3.jpg

And what was probably the best catch of the day - all thanks to routine maintenance:

http://foreverjung.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p204539489-3.jpg

By now, it's time for me to grab my backpack and head to the Promenade Lounge. And then, "ding, ding, ding" - another shipwide announcement. Apparently, the weather isn't looking so promising here in Nassau today, and while Peter wants to remind us to bring our sunscreen, we also should plan of inclimate weather. Greaaaaaaaaat.

So, I'm faced with the decision. Do I take my "good" camera (aka Canon dSLR and lenses) and risk it getting damaged, or do I take my point and shoot and risk getting subpar pictures? Seriously - for me? This is the ultimate dilemma. And then, inspiration strikes!!

HANDY TIP #11 - Guest Services has some awesome ziplock style bags that fit a dSLR and 18-200mm lens PERFECTLY.

Given that I'd forgotten to pack my poncho (which was likely whooping it up at home with my pajamas....), the camera in ziplock thing worked perfectly. Because the bags are more rectangular (like a quart size), but bigger (like a gallon size), the camera fit in perfectly. This bag would be my saving grace throughout the remaining of the trip :cheer2:

I'm early to the Promenade Lounge (for real, why do I keep typing pomegranate??) so I stop in to check my email and send a quick note to my husband. I won't lie. I also popped in to check the DIS :rolleyes1

It's time to go, so all three - yes THREE - of us disembark and head out to the tour meet point.

I will also add that, while I'm a relatively fearless traveler, the one thing I absolutely loathe is hailing a cab. Especially true when I'm in a city where I have NO idea where I'm going. I mean, what's to stop this guy (because let's face it, when's the last time you had a female cabbie???) from taking me to some remote location and dumping my body???? Come ON! It's happens ALL the time. Every Thursday night in Las Vegas (according to CSI) and honestly - according to Law and Order and TNT's Primetime in the Daytime - this is such an epidemic in New York, I'm amazed Mayor Bloomberg hasn't done more to stop it.

So, I'm particularly pleased to know that the transfers have all been taken care of AND that I'm traveling with other people.

And then, my comfort level increases even more when I learn that my two DCL pals (and then an additional three folks from the Carnival cruise) are all from NYC. Because if they've been able to survive through what I can only surmise to be thousands of cab rides THERE, I'm likely safe. Because this midwest girl? I drive a minivan. I don't take a taxi. I **am** the taxi.

I'm pleased to announce that we arrived unscathed, and never once did I fear for my life. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for the local on the bike we sideswiped. Sorry 'bout that, sir. But we had a Segway to catch.

So, it looks like this portion of the TR is just about long enough. I will leave you with this tidbit, though.

If you ever get a chance to do the Nassau Segway tour, be sure to ask for Sexy Lisa:

http://foreverjung.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p243200944-3.jpg

I'll explain why next time!!

Up Next - Nassau Segway tour, for real this time!! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33055308&postcount=58)

[Carys]

Great trip report; I'm really enjoying reading one from a solo female traveller! Will stay tuned in :thumbsup2

[mkmommy]

:surfweb: I cannot wait to read more about your trip.

It is so great that mothers get some time to themselves. I did the Wonder by myself last December and it sounds like you had as much fun as I did. You have me double thinking my decision to do a RCCL cruise this fall:idea:, but I really want to try another cruise line and I must admit I am hoping another cruise line will reduce the guilt I felt for not taking my girls. (first time in 5 non kid vacations)

[Tri-circle-D]

Wow!

Another great installment!

I have to admit that I have a short attention span, so I previously had just skimmed through your earlier posts. But, after seeing this great thread unfold, I went back an re-read.

So, you left a 7 year old and 4 year old twins back with your DH when you cruised? Wow! Your DH deserves a medal! We also have 3 children, all girls, with an older daughter and twins three years younger. Ours are now 18, 14 and 14. Remembering back, they all were quite the handful when the twins were 3 and 4. My DW also used to take an annual girls trip (usually skiing) and I would watch the kids. Believe me, it was work! So big ups to your DH!

And, I also have been wondering about your screen name. I thought maybe your name was Irene, or that "Irenic" was an abbreviation for something. But, lo and behold, it is a real word! I consider myself to be well educated, and to have a decent vocabulary, but I never heard of the word irenic before. For those of you ignorant folks like me, here's the definition:

ire·nic
Pronunciation: \ī-ˈre-nik, -ˈrē-\
Function: adjective
Etymology: Greek eirēnikos, from eirēnē peace
Date: circa 1864
: favoring, conducive to, or operating toward peace, moderation, or conciliation
— ire·ni·cal·ly \-ˈre-ni-k(ə-)lē, -ˈrē-\ adverb


Who knew?


Not me!

Keep up the good work. I think we are all going to learn a thing or two before this is all done. :thumbsup2

TCD

[CrystalS]

Great trip report! I love your entries and the way you right them, they are very entertaining and capture my attention wonderfully :)

Can't wait to read more!

[IrenicMom]

Great trip report; I'm really enjoying reading one from a solo female traveller! Will stay tuned in :thumbsup2

Thanks for reading along!!!

:surfweb: I cannot wait to read more about your trip.

It is so great that mothers get some time to themselves. I did the Wonder by myself last December and it sounds like you had as much fun as I did. You have me double thinking my decision to do a RCCL cruise this fall:idea:, but I really want to try another cruise line and I must admit I am hoping another cruise line will reduce the guilt I felt for not taking my girls. (first time in 5 non kid vacations)

Thanks for stopping by! Yes - I agree - moms need breaks, too!!! Enjoy your RCCL - I'm sure it will be relaxing, too!!

Wow!

Another great installment!

I have to admit that I have a short attention span, so I previously had just skimmed through your earlier posts. But, after seeing this great thread unfold, I went back an re-read.

So, you left a 7 year old and 4 year old twins back with your DH when you cruised? Wow! Your DH deserves a medal! We also have 3 children, all girls, with an older daughter and twins three years younger. Ours are now 18, 14 and 14. Remembering back, they all were quite the handful when the twins were 3 and 4. My DW also used to take an annual girls trip (usually skiing) and I would watch the kids. Believe me, it was work! So big ups to your DH!

And, I also have been wondering about your screen name. I thought maybe your name was Irene, or that "Irenic" was an abbreviation for something. But, lo and behold, it is a real word! I consider myself to be well educated, and to have a decent vocabulary, but I never heard of the word irenic before. For those of you ignorant folks like me, here's the definition:

ire·nic
Pronunciation: \ī-ˈre-nik, -ˈrē-\
Function: adjective
Etymology: Greek eirēnikos, from eirēnē peace
Date: circa 1864
: favoring, conducive to, or operating toward peace, moderation, or conciliation
— ire·ni·cal·ly \-ˈre-ni-k(ə-)lē, -ˈrē-\ adverb


Who knew?


Not me!

Keep up the good work. I think we are all going to learn a thing or two before this is all done. :thumbsup2

TCD

TCD - I'm happy to hear that you've read them all. Makes it easier to keep track :rotfl:

Yes, I left a 7 year old and 4 year old twins at home with Daddy. He leaves them at home with Mommy 5 days a week :scared1:

Just kidding - he has his job and I have mine - I won't lie, I would never be interested in stepping into his job for four days :rotfl: He is a fabulous Daddy, though, and takes it all in stride. He knows that these trips have become vital to my mental well being, so he doesn't balk...too much. I always enjoy hearing from other twin parents - especially those who have other children, too, as well as those who's twins are past this preschool stage!! They are good kids, but they are preschoolers, and as such, test me daily. I love 'em, but I'll like 'em a little more when we're past this :lovestruc

I'm impressed you took the time to look up "irenic"! Most people just assume that it's a typo and I meant "ironic" - which makes no sense. But yes, irenic, as you learned, is a real word, with a true meaning. Both at home and within the world as a whole, I am a mom who is seeking and promoting peace.

Thanks, again, for your kind words - and I'm humbled by the knowledge I've taught you something!!

Great trip report! I love your entries and the way you right them, they are very entertaining and capture my attention wonderfully :)

Can't wait to read more!

Thanks, Crystal! Such kindness - so sweet! Thanks for reading along. More coming right up!!

[IrenicMom]

Nassau Segway tour, for real this time!!

Ok - so I've packed my camera in a ziplock and I've survived my taxi ride over.

I suppose it's about time to get this Segway on the road! (Or, off the road, as the case may be).

First off, let me just say - I love me some Segway. They are BEYOND fun. DH and I have done a few, the most recent of which was in DC in May.

http://foreverjung.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p990873380-3.jpg

But, that's an adventure for another day :cool1:

I'm also here to dispell the myth that they are in any way difficult to ride. Seriously - my husband, sweet as he is - is not terribly coordinated. And me? My cheerleading days are about two decades and three kids behind me, so I'd say I've lost some grace about me, as well. And we? We can ride them. And we don't break any bones. And we love them. So, if you can stand, trust me, you can ride a Segway. It's seriously that easy.

Ok - so the taxi drops us off at the end of a gravel driveway, near a gate, between what can best be described as a home in moderate repair and cargo box. Yes, I should have taken a picture. No, I did not. Why? Because I decided a camera out and in my hand at this point in time would likely be a safety violation AND would hinder my ability to run for my life.

I was not reassured by my surroundings. I *was* reassured by my NYC company.

We proceed forward on the gravel drive, through the gate, and enter a dirt courtyard. There is a small pop up shelter, a handful of plastic patio chairs, and the Segways, which were lined up against the cargo box.

Lisa comes out and introduces herself to us and asks us to introduce ourselves. We learn, again, that I'm the only one NOT from NYC, as well as the fact that I AM the only one who has ever ridden a Segway before.

We gear up (I think the white dorky brain bucket must be standard Segway issue - I've never had anything else but. I keep saying I'm going to bring my bike helmet, but never do. There is something to be said for helmet adjustability, as well as basic sanitation. Let's put it this way - the stuff they use at bowling alleys to disinfect the shoes? Yeah, I'm not real hip on putting that on my head. But, I **do** love the Segways, so I deal. And then shower promptly afterwards).

Because these are the x2 Segways (ie - off road, big tire, SUVs of Segway world), we're required to wear not only the brain bucket, but also knee and elbow pads. We.Are.Stylin'.

Lisa (who, you might notice, is NOT required to look like a dork, er, wear the safety equipment) gives us a brief rundown on how to use the Segway.

http://foreverjung.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p243200944-3.jpg

While I appreciate her spiel, honestly, the fastest way to learn is to just get on them. But, safety, blah blah blah - she has to give the spiel.

We are all finally up and moving. We're required to complete the "obstacle course" - the likes of which would not challenge a toddler. It's a small hill (think speed hump), a small semi-circle trail with rocks and potholes, and a figure eight path - or at least, what USED to be a figure eight path, back before the safety cones hadn't been smashed to smithereens. Apparently, driving Segways is harder for some people - though I've never witnessed that with anyone. Ever.

We all pass our obstacle course "test" (cough, cough - we don't fall - cough, cough) and we're off.

Now, for those who haven't read my intro, a small piece of info - I am, by trade, an environmental engineer. With that in mind, I am willing to admit that there are certain aspects of this tour that fascinated me that might bore you. The microsystems present in each of the aqueducts, the protected flora and fauna of the area, even the geology and how it was used to develop the island - all very very interesting to me. To others? Not so much. I admit that.

We head off onto the trails.

http://foreverjung.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p404931247-3.jpg

The tour takes place in a protected area, covering approximately 160 acres, known as Earth Village. Similar to what Americans would call a National Park - it is a nationally protected preserve, home to the last pristine coppice forests in the city of Nassau. Here, we would see and learn about a variety of indigenous plants, including, but not limited to Bahamian Pines (which are rumored to grow directly over fresh water), the "Love Vine" (which is a parasitic plant that produces vines stronger than most metal chains, Birds of Paradise, orchids, air plants, and a tree known as "Poisonwood", the sap of which is black and tar-like and can cause rashes worse than the worst poison ivy.

Alllllllllll righty then. I think I'll be keeping my arms and legs inside the ride at all times.

The other ecological highlight of the tour is the now-defunct aqueduct system. Constructed by the Bahamian government to supply New Providence with fresh water, these aqueducts (of which there are 8) are not hydraulically connected to one another, and most are not hydraulically connected to the surrounding aquifer. Some were dug directly into the limestone that underlies the soil across most of the island. Some were dug directly into the clay and were not deep enough to engage the aquifer. Some *did* engage the aquifer, and as such, were then lined with quarried limestone to make them waterproof channels.

Throughout the tour, we were able to see the old pumping stations (which I wish I'd have had the chance to photograph - they were so cool!! Old rusty pumps, wheels - cool fun things like that with the forest now overtaking them....)

We were also able to see about half of the aqueducts. And this is where it gets REALLY interesting for me, and probably just now becomes MILDLY interesting for normal people.

The ultimate demise of the aqueducts were the tropical storms. Every time a storm or hurricane would blow through, the levies would breech and the aqueducts would fill with salt water. After battling this for years, and not having fresh water available for months after each storm as the aqueducts were flushed out, the government abandoned the aqueducts and went to a more reliable (and more, ahem, sanitary) closed distribution system. But the aqueducts were still an open channel to the sea.

So, when Hurricane Noel blew through in 2007, he brought with him both a Black African Sea Bass *AND* African Water Lillies. These living creatures traveled on the water currents from the western coast of Africa, across the Atlantic, survived a HURRICANE, and deposited themselves into one of the aqueducts.

http://foreverjung.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p296573072-3.jpg

If THAT, my friends, isn't a stellar example of the interconnectedness of our world, I don't know what is. Commence singing Kumbaya :hippie:

I should also tell you (though it has no bearing on the excursion, but hey, this is MY trip report), that much like the Genie, I've had a long personal connection with the Lotus flower. Lesser known than the rose (I much prefer the unique), the Lotus is known in some cultures to represent life, it's struggles, the determination it takes to rise above the difficulties of life and still bloom - to become something more than what you were born into.

So, to hear the trials of these water lilies, to witness one bloom - while on a trip that is so very much about my own endurance and revitalization - well, suffice it to say, I had a moment. And for THAT, I did step off my Segway to take the picture.

Ok - self realization and mushy lesson OVER - let's get these bad boys on the trails!!!!

Holy cow - off roading was *A*W*E*S*O*M*E*. Cranked up to a maximum speed of 10.5 mph, it was definitely time to let loose. We flew over bumps in the trail, we zipped around corners. We lined up along a straightaway and we drove those monsters HANDS FREE. Think of Jack in Titanic. I wish I'd had a picture of that, because it was hilarious!! Steering with your knees, flying down a dirt path - I was immediately thankful for my safety gear!!!! (I was also thankful that this company's policy was "We'll cover any damage to the Segway, you cover any damage to you". I bet they've had to use that before!!!!! That's also usually NOT a Segway tour policy - usually you're responsible for damage to the Segway AND you.)

No one in our group was injured, but Lisa told tales (were they true? Who knows) of broken bones and some serious scrapes.

And then, she lines us up across from an aqueduct over which there *used* to be be a bridge. She goes on and on about how we need to cross it, so we're going to have to jump it. She discusses technique, bend your knees, lean forward, lift, etc. The terror in the other people's eyes likely matched my own!!!!

She was VERY convincing!!!!!!!!

But totally lying :rotfl:

She did offer to take pictures of each of us playing around in the "free drive" area.

And if it wasn't confirmed before, let it be confirmed now -

I am a total dork.

http://foreverjung.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p291924932-3.jpg




Up Next: .....and the rain rain rain came down down down....... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33065358&postcount=64)

[kileybeth]

Just catching up with your report. Really enjoy all the details. Very much enjoy the humor and your fun outlook on life in general. Even enjoyed the embedded "lessons" in this last part. Just never know what you may "learn" reading the DISboards!

Sounds like this cruise is proving to be just the relaxation and rejuvination you envisioned. Yeah for that!

and as a minivan driving SAHM to 6, with my first taxi ride being from DTD back to the POLY with 4 kids in tow? NYC rocks and is somewhat easy by comparison. :rotfl2:

[ACDSNY]

I saw your report on the Segway tour on another thread and got hooked. I've been cracking up reading through your trip report and love your pic of the lighthouse.

It's kind of ironic your trip was solo and I'll probablly be wishing mine was solo after having 22 of us on our first cruise in Nov.

[barney4liz]

First off, let me just say - I love me some Segway. They are BEYOND fun.
Us too!! To further ease the minds of anyone worried about learning to ride a Segway, I present the Brown clan on our first Segway adventure:

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w255/barney4liz/segway.jpg

WAY too much fun!! :cool1: Even with the dorky *red* brain buckets. :rotfl:

Now, for those who haven't read my intro, a small piece of info - I am, by trade, an environmental engineer. With that in mind, I am willing to admit that there are certain aspects of this tour that fascinated me that might bore you. The microsystems present in each of the aqueducts, the protected flora and fauna of the area, even the geology and how it was used to develop the island - all very very interesting to me. To others? Not so much. I admit that.

NO, this is PERFECT!! I am an attorney, but used to work for U.S. EPA in D.C. We are a family of Segway-ridin' enviro-geeks. :thumbsup2

And then, she lines us up across from an aqueduct over which there *used* to be be a bridge. She goes on and on about how we need to cross it, so we're going to have to jump it. She discusses technique, bend your knees, lean forward, lift, etc. The terror in the other people's eyes likely matched my own!!!!

She was VERY convincing!!!!!!!!

But totally lying :rotfl:

I will not share that part with DH and the two teens accompanying us. :rolleyes1 :lmao:

Thank you for a wonderful report, and for making me so happy that I signed us up for this excursion for our 8/16 cruise!! :flower3:

One question -- you mentioned that DCL handled the transfers, but was the cab fare included in the excursion price?

Thanks again -- glad you had such a great trip, look forward to reading more. :yay:

[IrenicMom]

Just catching up with your report. Really enjoy all the details. Very much enjoy the humor and your fun outlook on life in general. Even enjoyed the embedded "lessons" in this last part. Just never know what you may "learn" reading the DISboards!

Sounds like this cruise is proving to be just the relaxation and rejuvination you envisioned. Yeah for that!

Glad to know you enjoyed the info! I debated not going into that much detail.

And yes, the trip was EXACTLY what I needed!!

I saw your report on the Segway tour on another thread and got hooked. I've been cracking up reading through your trip report and love your pic of the lighthouse.

It's kind of ironic your trip was solo and I'll probablly be wishing mine was solo after having 22 of us on our first cruise in Nov.

22 :scared1:

Oh my gosh. I hope it's a good mix of adults and kids!! Thanks for the kind words, and for reading along!

Us too!! To further ease the minds of anyone worried about learning to ride a Segway, I present the Brown clan on our first Segway adventure:

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w255/barney4liz/segway.jpg

WAY too much fun!! :cool1: Even with the dorky *red* brain buckets. :rotfl:

Hmm, red brain buckets. You must've been on the super amazing Segway tour!!!! You're all looking quite stylish :thumbsup2




NO, this is PERFECT!! I am an attorney, but used to work for U.S. EPA in D.C. We are a family of Segway-ridin' enviro-geeks. :thumbsup2

I will not share that part with DH and the two teens accompanying us. :rolleyes1 :lmao:

Thank you for a wonderful report, and for making me so happy that I signed us up for this excursion for our 8/16 cruise!! :flower3:

One question -- you mentioned that DCL handled the transfers, but was the cab fare included in the excursion price?

Thanks again -- glad you had such a great trip, look forward to reading more. :yay:

**le sigh** Once upon a time, I planned to live in DC and work for the EPA myself. In fact, dh and I joke that we could have worked across the street from one another (is it the Federal Reserve or the IRS that is across the street?) Anyway - he's a finance guy, so he could have worked there, me at USEPA, and we'd meet at that hotdog stand there on the corner for lunch. :rotfl:

Yes, cab fare was included in the excursion price. Glad you're even more excited about it now!!!

And thanks for reading along!

[ACDSNY]

22 :scared1:

Oh my gosh. I hope it's a good mix of adults and kids!!

We aren't too crazy, only 6 kids ages 2 - 9 yrs old. :thumbsup2 Oops, I think were're down to 20 of us, family and friends.

[IrenicMom]

.....and the rain rain rain came down down down.......

So, though I was sad to say goodbye to my off road speed machine, the time had come. The tour had come to an end, and mother nature was definitely encouraging us not to linger. Some super dark clouds had rolled in during the last 20-30 minutes, as well as some impressive lightning and deafening thunder.

Lisa presented us with photos she had taken at the start of the trip. I've seen reference to people being charged for these, but we were not. They were given to us free and clear. I did give her a hefty tip at the end. I would have tipped anyway, but she also helped me backtrack and find my Nalgene bottle along the path, as it had bounced out of my backpack during one of the speed demon sessions. So, since she saved me the hassle and cost of buying a new water bottle, I added that into her tip.

The same taxi and driver were waiting for us upon our return to the base camp. We all piled back in and headed back toward Bay Street. At the intersection where Bay Street seems to dead end, traffic was at a standstill. Everyone else wanted to get off and walk back, so I somewhat reluctantly agreed. I tried to keep within sight of everyone (a) because I had no idea where, exactly, I was going and (b) because I'd promised just about everyone from my kids to my grandfather and everyone in between that I would **not** do exactly what I was doing right this very instant. (And I'm a good Catholic, so I am capable of feeling guilt on a dime.)

It wasn't long, though, in the hustle and bustle, that I lost sight of them all. By this time, I had a general idea of where I was headed, though, so I was less freaked.

I meandered over to Senor Frogs to buy the aforementioned T-shirt for my husband. And by the time I was in and out of the gift shop, it had begun to sprinkle. That lasted a few minutes - just long enough for me to wander over to the big white tent. I walked through and though "Oh! How fortuitous, there are t-shirts here!" and then it struck me (thought, not lightning) - THIS is the infamous Straw Market! :idea: Again, I hadn't really intended to come here, but I figured eh, I'm already here, may as well look around.

It was about that time that the skies opened up and it rained and rained and rained and rained and.... Well, you get the idea. Water was literally running through the market. Vendors with booths near the edges were rushing to pull the tarps shut. It became very stuffy in there very quickly, and I wasn't really so happy about it. But, I had stopped to speak with a lady who looked nice (I'm such an informed consumer :sad2:) about some shirts for the kids. Thankfully she WAS as kind as she looked, because I proceeded to take an inordinate amount of time examining her shirts. Really? I was trying to take some deep breaths and NOT freak out about the suddenly stifling heat, humidity, enclosed space, mobs of people and foreign land. I felt like I was trapped in there, will all the sides closed up. Suddenly I could hear every baby crying (holy COW were there a lot of babies in there), every radio blaring, every SINGLE person talking, and smell every smell. :crowded: Having something to focus on - even something as simple as t-shirts for my babes - gave my mind something else to think about INSTEAD of the Denzel Washington movie scene I was composing in my head where he's calling my husband to say I've gone missing, apparently kidnapped in the Straw Market, with only my camera in a ziplock bag to prove I'd ever been there. (Oh, and in my movie scene? My husband valiantly says "Whatever the ransom is, we'll pay it. I can't live without her!" Because, hey, if I'm going to suffer through a kidnapping like that, I can have that hope to cling to, right?)

So, I regroup, pick out three shirts (because I can't NOT give this woman some business, for goodness sake! In my movie dream, she was critical to helping identify my kidnappers!!) and try to get out of there.

Problem - no one was all that interested in opening up the tarp - even just a teeny little bit - to let me out. After I asked in three places, and was denied each time, I headed to the next seam I could find and marched myself through it into the torrential downpour. I heard a few "You crazy, Lady!" refrains in my wake, but I didn't care.

And never, in all my life, had buckets of rain felt so good!!!! ::yes:: Crazy, indeed.

And since I was already wet, and I knew my things were all safely inside trash bags (wrapped around my backpack) and ziplock bags (inside my back pack), I figured, why not do a little puddle jumping? :cool1:

So, I splished and splashed my way back to festival plaza. I walked in water rushing down the sidewalk, I jumped in puddles standing in the road, I sloshed through flooded walkways, taking care to avoid as much cover as possible. By the time I made it back to the boat, I was SOAKED. How much fun is that?!?! :rotfl: I mean, once you're wet, you're wet. May as well have fun with it, right?

HANDY TIP #12 - Lands' End Mary Jane Trekker shoes? FABULOUS for all your wet shoe needs.

I'm a woman who can appreciate a shoe's specific calling in life, and these things? They were made for all your slippery rock climbing/puddle jumping/escaping from imagined kidnapper needs.

So, I slip slided my way up the ramp and stopped there to dig out my KTTW and ID. The security CM just kind of looked at me sideways as he swiped my card, so I grinned and said "Good day for puddle jumping, don't you think?" He bust out laughing and said "Yes, Ma'am, I suppose it is!" :laughing:

I took myself and my squeaky waterlogged shoes back up to my room to change because, besides being WET, I was also COLD. This was no warm Bahamian rain, I'll tell you what.

So, I let myself in, and was immediately torn between two basic needs - food and sleep. The bed looked SOOO inviting (and WARM) but I was also starving. Since it didn't look like I'd be getting any sun time in today (which was my original plan for the afternoon, I took the opportunity to order room service (steak sandwich, fruit - have I mentioned I'm anemic and crave red meat???), snuggle up under the covers, and watch Coraline. When I first checked out my stateroom, I noticed it was on the rotation. I was thankful for this, because my kids have been BEGGING me to get it on DVD. I thought it looked creepy, though, so I was kind of holding them off until I could find a way to watch it first. WOW :scared1: Glad I did. That movie will NOT be finding a place in my home. Did I mention, WOW?!?! :scared1:

I also managed to sneak a nap in (mostly because after about 45 minutes of that movie? I'd seen enough). I had decided earlier that I wasn't going to see the Toy Story show. (I was purposely NOT doing some things that I knew my kids would love so we could experience them together for the first time.) This allowed me to have a pretty restful/stress free afternoon. I leisurely woke up around 5:30, feeling refreshed (and warm!). I decided to get up and get moving. Hotel for Dogs was on (such a cute movie!), so it kept me company while I showered and prepared for my evening ahead.

Up Next: A Bottle of Rum and a Yo Ho Ho...yes, in that order. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33068083&postcount=66)

[IrenicMom]

We aren't too crazy, only 6 kids ages 2 - 9 yrs old. :thumbsup2 Oops, I think were're down to 20 of us, family and friends.

14 adults to 6 kids? That's a ratio I can fully support!!! :thumbsup2

[IrenicMom]

A Bottle of Rum and a Yo Ho Ho...yes, in that order.

So I showered and putzed around in my room for about an hour - worked on postcards, straightened up a little, sat out on the verandah a little, and generally tried to entertain myself for a bit.

After a while, I decided I needed to go for a walk. Thought I could kill some time in the shops. As I headed toward them, I noticed that a pirate looking backdrop and accessories were being set up. Hmmm. Was this were the Jack Sparrow meet/photography thing was? Must be. I thought it was supposed to be back in the Promenade Lounge. Guess I read the Navigator wrong!

I decided to stick around - I mean why not? I have nothing better to do for a while. The sunset is still almost an hour away, dinner is nearly 2.

At this time, unbeknownst to us at the time, I meet Joseph's Mom. She and Joseph were milling around a bit, waiting for Jack. She was very kind! As she mentioned earlier, I let him be first in line - both because he was very sweet and well behaved, and because really? I don't need to be first. I'm already starting to get a little self conscious. The outfit I packed for that day seemed good at home, but is clearly NOT working for me tonight. Think Danny DeVito as the Penguin, and you have me (no fear, photos coming soon). If nothing else, one thing has been made abundantly clear. The treadmill WILL be put back into rotation when I get home.

Now, I should state for the record - I am not an "OMG! Jack Sparrow!!!!" kind of girl. I know lots who are, and I don't think it's weird or anything - that's just not me. Generally speaking, I find Johnny Depp fascinating as a person and an extremely talented actor (Edward Scissorhands? Amazing.) However, I don't really find him attractive in any way. (Now, Orlando Bloom? Different story.)

I will, however, admit that I'm **fascinated** by the Jack Sparrow characters. We usually stop to watch the Pirate Training at MK - my oldest was selected once, so now he's hooked (ha! Pun totally not intended) - and I'm always absolutely AMAZED at how dead on these guys are. I mean, if you didn't know better, you would think it was the real deal. Minus, of course, the body guards and $1,000/minute fee I'm sure JD comes with, you know? I have NEVER seen them break character. Ever.

So, when "Jack" comes out, he is, of course, dead on. Tonight, this one seems to be channeling "Jack stranded on the island and has consumed all the rum". He had the unsteady walk going (and really, shouldn't pirates have their sea legs by now?), the glazed look, the dead pan delivery.

http://foreverjung.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p396606963-3.jpg

When he came out, he greeted Joseph and Mom. I didn't hear it, but apparently he told her he didn't like her dress and called her frumpy. And let me tell you - she is beautiful, extremely fit, and anything BUT frumpy. Me? Yeah, maybe he was talking about me. I looked frumpy that night. He also apparently pretended to pick bugs out of Joseph's hair, which I somehow missed as I was trying not to shoved out of the way by the obnoxious teenagers behind me.

After their turn was over, Joseph's Mom offered to take photos for me, which was very sweet of her, as I had no intention of buying one from Shutters, but did want a photo.

As I approached, "Jack" was immediately taken by my headband which I had actually forgotten I had on. It is a thin black band with rhinestones, and he wanted my "jewels". He was so intense on the headband, the photographer was calling and whistling to him to get his attention. Real or play acting? I have no idea. He was that good (or that drunk, but given that this is Disney, I'm going to bet it was the former). I joked that he was just like Dory - easily distracted by shiny things.

----------------- insert uncomfortable pause here -------------------

The blank stare that ensued was, well, uncomfortable. Gah. I always seem to find myself in a situation like this at least once a trip. I try to engage the characters, they don't get my joke (or are so good at staying in character, they're not ALLOWED to get my joke. For my own self esteem, I'm going to go with that :thumbsup2)

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, but was more likely just about 30 seconds (try 30 seconds of dead silence while someone stares at you like you have three heads - NOT fun, I can assure you of that), he breaks into song ...."just keep swimming, just keep swimming, down to Davey Jones' locker, just keep swimming", which I respond to by busting out into raucous laughter (aka - my defense mechanism :laughing: )

http://foreverjung.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p57573560-3.jpg

So, he hit the bottle, I got the "yo ho ho". A little out of order, but hey, it's a pirate's life for me!!!

I still have time to kill before dinner, so I head out to Deck 4 to catch the sunset. I was also lucky enough to be able to watch the Port captain debark our ship and head back to the dock (he's really little, but look close and you'll see him climbing back onto the yellow boat):

http://foreverjung.zenfolio.com/img/v0/p265243277-3.jpg

And with that, I say goodbye to the very same lighthouse that started my day:

http://foreverjung.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p535523417-3.jpg

and we, quite literally, sail off into the sunset:

http://foreverjung.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p66698018-3.jpg

http://foreverjung.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p301574382-3.jpg


Up Next: Another rousing round of "Nope. Just me!" and fireworks at sea (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33103594&postcount=77)

[SheWhoMustBeObeyed]

AHA!!! I knew I liked you - and not just for a fabulous trip report! Another Orlando Bloom fan!!!!!:love:
My husband thinks I'm nuts...
Keep up the great report! Loving it!

[ibouncetoo]

LOVING your report! Can't wait for the next installment.

:surfweb:

.

[kileybeth]

aaahhh, so I see, the Segway part of the excursion was actually the easy and calm part. . .

truly, any Mom, heck anyOne! who can manuever a strange city, allow themselves to be closed into a less then regulated market, and then happily puddle jump their way "home" after breaking out without anyones help?

My kind of girl!

Your encounter with Jack was so classic I was feeling sorry for you!

And thanks for the tip on Coraline. :sad2:

[barney4liz]

Great pics! I don't remember Jack Sparrow doing meet-and-greets on the ship on our past cruises, just on the island, I wonder if that is new? DD and I are huge Capt. Jack fans, so that will be fun! :lovestruc

I love your pic with him; looks like you are having a blast. :yay:

[tinkerbellmom1]

After a long week at work (who says it doesn't snow in August?) with my 49 5 year olds, I am so enjoying my Saturday morning catching up with your trippie!



Yummm, Margaritaville machine. Dude. Does that thing make the best ice or WHAT?!?! We have one, too. Love love love it. Bring it along. Now you have to be my roomie!

Thanks for sticking with me!!



I love my Margaritaville! I love to share it, too!

You crack me up! I loved the 'Pooh' reference-And the rain, rain, rain came down, down, down and I, too, am a horn weeper! I get mushy doing any of the things that I did or didn't do as a child with my own family! I even put the DCL horn on my cell phone as one of my ringers. One of my co-workers heard it and said how obnoxious it was. I just giggled and knew that she just didn't get it!;)

[joseph'smom]

You didn't look like a penuin- you looked great- in fact, after seeing you in your dress, I went and changed before dinner into my black and white dress. Yes, ole Jack Sparrow was quite a um character...very strange dude...but he was very convincing for sure.

[Ciciwoowoo]

I am really enjoying your trip report! Thank you for sharing it with us!

:goodvibes

[Luckymommyx2]

:thumbsup2Great trip report! Can't wait for the next installment...keep it comin'!! :thumbsup2

[tanyabanana]

Just found your trip report and I love it!! Had to read the entire thing :)

We are taking our first cruise next year. I was considering the Segway tour and now am leaning towards that for our Nassau day.

Great writing style, I feel like you are talking just to me.
Can't wait to read more

[IrenicMom]

AHA!!! I knew I liked you - and not just for a fabulous trip report! Another Orlando Bloom fan!!!!!:love:
My husband thinks I'm nuts...
Keep up the great report! Loving it!

Thanks for reading along. Yes, between Jack Sparrow and Will Turner, Will wins. I'm more drawn to the "nice guy trying to do the right thing" type.

LOVING your report! Can't wait for the next installment.

:surfweb:

.

Thanks! Had to take the weekend off - but I'm **baaaaaaaaaack**

aaahhh, so I see, the Segway part of the excursion was actually the easy and calm part. . .

truly, any Mom, heck anyOne! who can manuever a strange city, allow themselves to be closed into a less then regulated market, and then happily puddle jump their way "home" after breaking out without anyones help?

My kind of girl!

Your encounter with Jack was so classic I was feeling sorry for you!

And thanks for the tip on Coraline. :sad2:


A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do................. :cool1::cool1:


Great pics! I don't remember Jack Sparrow doing meet-and-greets on the ship on our past cruises, just on the island, I wonder if that is new? DD and I are huge Capt. Jack fans, so that will be fun! :lovestruc

I love your pic with him; looks like you are having a blast. :yay:

I'm not sure if it's new or not, but word definitely was out. It was PACKED by the time I was done, and I was second in line. I did enjoy myself, but that moment was more like nervous laughter!!

After a long week at work (who says it doesn't snow in August?) with my 49 5 year olds, I am so enjoying my Saturday morning catching up with your trippie!

You crack me up! I loved the 'Pooh' reference-And the rain, rain, rain came down, down, down and I, too, am a horn weeper! I get mushy doing any of the things that I did or didn't do as a child with my own family! I even put the DCL horn on my cell phone as one of my ringers. One of my co-workers heard it and said how obnoxious it was. I just giggled and knew that she just didn't get it!;)

Snow in august? :confused3

Hmm - that would be a great ringtone. I'll need to play around with that - what type of phone do you have? My iPhone is a PITA (IMO) when it comes to ringtones. Right now, it's the Purdue fight song. My SIL claims IT is obnoxious, but that's just because she's a stinky IU fan :lmao:

You didn't look like a penuin- you looked great- in fact, after seeing you in your dress, I went and changed before dinner into my black and white dress. Yes, ole Jack Sparrow was quite a um character...very strange dude...but he was very convincing for sure.

Oh, you didn't change b/c of Jack, did you?!?! You did not look frumpy at all in your blue dress!!!

I am really enjoying your trip report! Thank you for sharing it with us!

:goodvibes

Thanks for reading!!

:thumbsup2Great trip report! Can't wait for the next installment...keep it comin'!! :thumbsup2

Thanks! Another installment is coming up next.

Just found your trip report and I love it!! Had to read the entire thing :)

We are taking our first cruise next year. I was considering the Segway tour and now am leaning towards that for our Nassau day.

Great writing style, I feel like you are talking just to me.
Can't wait to read more

Hi!!! :wave: Thanks for reading along!!! I definitely recommend the Segway tour at least once!!

[IrenicMom]

Another rousing round of "Nope. Just me!" and fireworks at sea

Ok - let's see. We just sailed off into the sunset.

Must mean it's time for dinner!!!

Tonight's rotation brought me to PC. I was excited to be there on Pirate Night.

Except, there was no special Pirate Night menu. Darn - I guess this is just on the 4 day and longer cruises? I was disappointed. Little did I know that it was just a precursor of things to come.

I arrive at table #45, and I'm the first one there, again. Oh well, last night Fellow Solo Mom and the Other Couple (as they're now officially known) weren't far behind, so I sit and wait a bit. I give Izabella my drink order and tell her I'd like to wait for everyone else before ordering, so she may relay the message to JoJo.

And then Tetkas comes by to check on me. He looks worried. Should I be worried?

Well, maybe worried isn't the right word. But, I was about to get a lot more uncomfortable.

Fellow Solo Mom had decided to dine in Palo tonight, and Other Couple was planning on dining in Palo tomorrow night and didn't want to miss Triton's, so they arranged to be there (Triton's) tonight. So - dinner? It's all me, babe.

JoJo came by to make recommendations and take my order, and when he commented on the otherwise empty table, I responded with my new catchphrase - "Nope, just me!" I tried to sound up beat, but really, I was mostly feeling awkward. There were a few bewildered stares from others, but eh, what are you going to do?

Tetkas was fabulous this night, as were JoJo and Izabella. All them checked on me many times; Tetkas even sat with me for a few minutes to chat. It was very kind of him, as I know he is busy keeping the dining room running smoothly. Izabella spent quite a bit of time milling around, too, but she's not very chatty. So, we spent a bit of time playing what seemed like 20 questions. It was thoughtful of her, but mostly, I just wanted to eat and move along at the time.

Adding to my less than enjoyable experience was the fact that this was also my least favorite meal. I had high hopes, as the menu looked promising, but it just didn't deliver.

I started with the Baked Crab Martinique, which was good, but very rich. Would have been good to split, but too much by itself. The Parrot Cay Salad was probably my favorite part of the meal. I almost wish I'd asked for a second service of that instead of a main course. However, I didn't, and had the Island Spiced Rib Eye instead. It was...ok. It wasn't anything to write home about flavor wise, and the cut of meat was really pretty bad. I spent more time cutting away the inedible parts than I did eating it. And for dessert, I thought I couldn't go wrong with the Lemon Meringue Pie. But, it was a weird cross between a cake, a cobbler and a pie. The texture of the top portion was weird enough that I didn't finish it.

JoJo was concerned that I didn't care for my meal. I told him it was ok, but that mostly I was just full. Which, also, is not entirely untrue - because I certainly ate enough to be comfortable. I just chose not to gorge myself on average food tonight like I did on excellent food last night.

So, after saying good night to my ever watchful threesome, I headed back to my room.

I wanted to change clothes before heading up to the pirate party - partly because I definitely didn't feel good in what I was wearing AND because I had plans for a quick escape afterwards. I had a date with G-Force at 11 pm!!

I made my way up to the party a few minutes before Mickey came to save the day.

http://foreverjung.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p211763028-3.jpg

http://foreverjung.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p9598819-3.jpg

(And yes, I know, that is truly an awful photo....)

After that came the fireworks at sea - which was the real reason I'd come to the party in the first place. I'm a fireworks junkie. And these were cool. It was just hard to appreciate the scale when you had nothing to frame them but the wide expanse of pitch black sky. They almost seemed - small. And I know they weren't, but still. The sky? It's big :rotfl:

It's getting close to 11 by now, so I head down to the Walt Disney Theater, grab my 3-D glasses (which are totally different than the 3-D glasses at our home theater - how weird is that?), and settle in for the show. I opt for the middle of the last row of the lower section - there'll be no surprise dancing animals in my personal space this time!

The movie is cute - better than I expected. In fact, I'd even see it again with my kids. (That's been on the list of things to do these last 10 days or so, but instead, the pool beckons....) It's over shortly before 1 am, so I head back to my room.

I want to get some good sleep tonight, because Mickey will be calling me at 6 am to get my day rolling.

OH! That reminds me - remember me saying that I couldn't find the breakfast room service info?

Yeah, here's another handy tip:

HANDY TIP #13 - Before making a fool of yourself to your room host/ess, make sure you check ALL the drawers in your stateroom for important information

Because you never know - you might just find the room service breakfast hang tag in there. And when she leaves the desk drawer slightly ajar to point it out to you? It may as well have flashing neon that says "MORON - LOOK IN HERE"

Thankfully, I don't think Willie knows the word "moron", so when I left a note for her asking about it, she just left me a few more, and never said a word. What a sweetie!!! :cutie:

So, I also filled that out and placed it on my door. By golly, I **will** have breakfast on my verandah before this trip is over!!!!

Up Next: Land, ho! And two walkers and a heart attack

[daveyc150]

Great TR really enjoying it. Dining alone is always a bit strange, I travel a lot with work so I'm quite used to playing on the games on my phone and not feeling rude!!!!

[luv2boys]

:surfweb:

[KellyMB]

Another Orlando Bloom fan here!

I travel quite a bit for work, and I always have a book with me. So when I am dining alone I am usually reading.. which I enjoy so it does not bother me at all!

[Waltworshiper]

I hate eating alone, I get very self conscious. My dh travels, and he has no problems eating alone. I give you a lot of credit, is this your first trip without the family or have you gone before?

[TiggerTails57]

More.....:happytv:

[Perdie]

Thanks for sharing! You're a great storyteller!! I love reading about your cruise!! popcorn::

[IrenicMom]

Sorry for the delay, all. We're knee deep in back to school week, so things have been a little hairy around here.

More to come soon, I promise!

[barney4liz]

Sorry for the delay, all. We're knee deep in back to school week, so things have been a little hairy around here.

More to come soon, I promise!

Yay! Anxiously awaiting word on how to get a discount on a cabana massage. We leave for Cocoa Beach tomorrow! :cool1:

[Mojodisney]

Thoroughly enjoying your TR. DH is liking it too so much that he put down the book he was reading to read this with me. Looking forward to hearing more.popcorn::

[tinkerbellmom1]

Snow in august? :confused3

Hmm - that would be a great ringtone. I'll need to play around with that - what type of phone do you have? My iPhone is a PITA (IMO) when it comes to ringtones. Right now, it's the Purdue fight song. My SIL claims IT is obnoxious, but that's just because she's a stinky IU fan :lmao:



Yep.....snow in August. I couldn't believe it either. Try explaining to 48 Kindergarteners that they couldn't have recess because it was snowing when the week previous they couldn't have recess because the temperatures were over 100.:scared1:

I have always had the Disney Horn ringer on all of my phones. We have Sprint service. If you are interested, let me know. I'll PM you the website I use for my Disney ringers! ;)

Sorry for the delay, all. We're knee deep in back to school week, so things have been a little hairy around here.

More to come soon, I promise!

I completely understand. :teacher: We are just about to start week 7 (we started school July 6th I think). How are you holding up?

[Im_A_Princess]

This is so COOL!
Thanks for sharing all about your cruise!

[Mojodisney]

I need my fix!!!!!!popcorn:::yay:

[TiggerTails57]

popcorn:: Hope you can find time to update soon.........:goodvibes :worship:

[Jillpie]

:banana::banana:

[star2500]

What a wonderful trip report...I just read it all and can't wait to read the rest! :goodvibes

[mullysisters]

Great TR!!
With DS and DN on a Greek Cruise and me home alone minding the farm, reading your wonderful report has been my best evening yet.
I keep trying to picture myself solo at WDW now, possibly, on DCL. You've given me something to think about!

The picture of you laughing with Jack so serious is hilarious! You go girl!
I can hardly wait for more. :rotfl2: