3/20/04 Eastern, 10th anniversary cruise, I guess we have to get off, DAY NINE

[strawberryblonde]

3/27/04, Sat. again, boo-hoo

I woke up first but not soon enough to see us pull into port, we were already stopped . I went to topsiders and brought down breakfast for us. We ate on the verandah. We had told our servers last night, when we passed out our tip envelopes, that we wouldn't be making the breakfast as it was too early for us. As we are eating I look at some paper (I'm not sure which now) and notice that it mentions we should be out of our rooms by 8am. I did not realize that, just thought we had to be off the ship by 9am. Felt a little badly as it is already 8:30am when I read this and we still have to dress the kids. We are out by 8:45 and we see Bhupesh is still working on other rooms. I let Bhupesh know that my DH listed him as an employee who made the cruise feel magical.

We are off the ship by 9am but there is quite the traffic jam of people waiting for porters and standing in line with their luggage to leave. Didn't take too long and it wasn't a hassle, just not quite as easy as I thought it would be that late. Perhaps more people are waiting till later now? Our shuttle driver was waiting right there for us in the parking lot and we were driving away from the Magic. Back to Ron Jon's to pick up our car. It seemed happy to see us. I plugged the TV back into the car and cranked up a new video for the long drive home.......

Some final thoughts:

I didn't need:

the extension cord
insect repellent
clothes pins
fanny pack


I appreciated having:

bottled water
soft sided cooler
life vests for kids
downey wrinkle release
books to read
suction hooks to dry swim suits
sunglasses
bonine
our own snorkling gear
hats
bubbles
water shoes
windex wipes for the verandah
binoculars
address labels
highlighters
garbage bags for dirty laundry
my own hair dryer
pillow cases and markers for the kids
hangers
sand toys
zip lock bags
ones for tipping room service
over the door shoe holder
air freshener for the potty
water proof cameras
extra film
shout wipes
aloe relief (for DH)
Safe Sea (don't know if we needed it because we used it)
Preggie Pops for queasy tummies


Things to bring next time:

light up travel clock (boy did I wish I had this!!)
more cash (easy to fix, but still)

 

[Deweysgirl]

What a great trip report! Thanks so much for sharing. We can't wait for our Anniversary cruise in just 44 days. You really described things so well for us and we have so much to look forward to now.

Thank you!

 

[mississaugamom]

Thank you so much for your wonderful reports. They were nicely detailed - just the kind I love to read!

We just celebrated our 10th anniversary on the Western Magic 2/28 and would like to do the Eastern next. Thanks for all the great info!

 

[Vickimouse]

We were on the same boat I can't believe it's over after all the planning. We are planning to go in 3 years when my girls are a little older. It sounds like you had a very restful vacation, hopefuly my next DC will be more quiet less crazy. My kids were the ones running up and down the stairs and having temper tantrums you might have seen them somewhere along you trip.

 

[Catnip0113]

I am new to this site and I love reading all of these trip reports. The information is so helpful. I especially liked your list of items you were glad to have and the tips you gave! I am on the Eastern cruise leaving April 17th and I added some of your ideas to my shopping list. I have my DH and DD (age 12) going with me. Thanks so much!

 

[CRSNDSNY]

I absolutely loved reading your trip report! Thank you so much for taking the time to write all of the details!

When are you going again?

 

[strawberryblonde]

<font color=deeppink>The kids are ready to go back today. They loved cruising and so did I. We are a family it appeals to. Between the waves and the $$, my DH isn't ready to cruise again any time soon. We will work on him and perhaps we can go in 3 years, May 2007 sounds about right. In the meantime, I'll just have to read your trip report from your future cruise as I think you will make it back before me </font>

<font color=darkviolet>Thanks to all the rest of you for your kind words. I'm glad you enjoyed my reports. I loved the long ones as I was waiting for my trip so I thought I would do my part.</font>

 

[Credit Man]

Excellent report!! Thanks for posting.