After a quick breakfast we made a quick trip back into Cocoa Beach to stop at the Publix for one thing I forgot. That put us a little behind our original plan, but we got to the ship about 10:30. We couldn't see it until we were right on top of her because of the dense morning fog.
DH dropped us off with the luggage and raced to return the car to Budget. DS and I got into a long line entering the
Disney cruise terminal. Boy was this different from previous cruises. Couldn't believe there were so many people there by 10:30!! Even more surprising was our boarding number of 13!! Highest we'd ever gotten. DH returned about 10 minutes before boarding began. By 11:30 we were headed to yellow Mickey Ears and on to the Fantasy.
it was breathtaking to walk into the entrance the first time (did I mention we skipped the pictures). It touches me every time when they announce our family name and clap to bring us aboard. The new atrium was so much bigger than the Magic. Wow!
You'll notice we like a lot of the sit down dinners. While DH and DS enjoy the buffets, I'm much prefer to order and have the hot food brought to the table. Pretty silly I know. So with this in mind, we headed downstairs to the Enchanted Gardens. We were awed by the decorations and how bright the room was. We headed to the buffet and enjoyed sitting down to the white table clothes and great service. Everything was delicious!!
After eating I headed forward to the Spa on Deck 11. Sense Spa was so beautiful. You just had to walk inside to start feeling relaxed! I was planning to use the Rainforest Room for the week. I liked that they had a little SENSES sticker to add to my Key to the World card. I couldn't wait to enjoy my first evening relaxing in the saunas - but more on that later.
We walked around the ship a bit. DS was anxious to find VIBE. it's kind of hidden. You have to go outside on the jogging track on Deck 4 all the way forward until you find the steps going up to VIBE. DS liked it being out of the way because no one bothered the teens there. VIBE was incredible - especially compared to the smaller spaces on the Magic. They had an interior area and exterior area with their own pool. DH and I wanted to take the huge movie couch home with us. it was so comfy.
At last our room was ready. We were in a corner room all the way forward. We trusted our
travel agent to put us in a good room on the new ship and boy did he come through for us. The room was actually roomie compared to cabins we had in the same 9C category on the Magic. While the porthole was smaller, it brought in some great light. Plus you could look out and see the bow of the ship and watch where we were headed - just like the captain. We could also see into part of the teen outdoor area to keep an eye on DS
We quickly unpacked before the fire drill. DH insisted on putting on his lifejacket to make sure it worked. DS and I were glad we no longer had to put them on or even bring them along for the drill. I must say it was hot standing out on deck 4 for 10 minutes during the drill. So many people in one small space, but just like other drills it was necessary for our safety. i just kept reminding my family that at least it wasn't snowing!
As DH and I headed back to the cabin to finish unpacking, DS headed for the first of many afternoons at the Vibe
We typically do late seating so we have more time to relax after excursions and this trip was no exception. Before dinner I ventured down for my first time in the rainforest.
I've just gotta say WOW! I started with the very hottest wet sauna. Just felt all the stress releasing from me. I had to laugh when an older gentleman remarked that I had to watch how long I spent in there. I've been so cold all winter, it would probably take me all week to really thaw out. I tried some of the showers and then the dry sauna. The porthole in the dry sauna offers amazing views. Warmth and sea ... what more could you ask for . . .well how about the sunset. Just as the sun was starting to set I went into the outdoor hot tubs to enjoy it. Such a great start to this trip!!! Then I spend about 30 minutes relaxing on the warm tiled chairs and reading. I had to remember to get up for our first dinner.. . LOL. I enjoyed a refreshing rain shower and then headed back to our cabin. i would repeat this routine in some part every night so i won't repeat it for you again . . .
Our dinner rotation was ERAERRA. So off to the Enchanted Gardens we went. We discovered we were not seated alone, but with another lovely family. This is the first time we'd been paired with anyone so we were hopeful! Our servers were Alfredo and Alexandre. Alexandre was from France so I was excited to work on my long dormant French. Both gentlemen were lovely, fun, and very attentive!! The family we sat with had a DS16 so my DS17 had an instant buddy. Our table buddies were overcoming the woosiness from their first day at sea. We had many dinners to enjoy together.
After dinner, DS headed back to the Vibe (he did this all the time so i won't keep repeating it . . but I'll talk about his experience a bit later). DH and I were excited to head to the Tube for Match your Mate. If you've never experienced this games show it is an absolute blast! We look forward to it on every cruise. Tesa was our MC. Did that girl have energy or what!! We just loved her throughout the cruise. Match your mate was a great kick off.
After the show was over, DH and I retired to the cabin to start catching up on our much needed sleep. I don't think I sleep any better any where then on a cruise. Between the comfy beds, the warm weather, the soft moonlight through the porthole and rocking of the boat, I'm out like a light . . .
This would be the last cruise Mom and Dad would be paying for for DS so he was excited.
