With full bellies and happy hearts, it was time to participate in the 4:00 muster drill. Our station met in the Buena Vista theater. (We didn't need our oh-so-fashionable life vests, but I made sure I located them in the cabin) Our Team Leader saw that I was walking with some difficulty with a cane, and he led to me to a nearby seat. He also let me leave about 5 minutes early so that I wouldn't have to wait and wait for an elevator. I noticed other folks in my "condition" at the elevators. I will say right here and repeat frequently throughout this TR that I've never seen a group of professionals so universally committed to accessibility and attention to those needing some accomodation. They were all so kind.
Anyway, the drill proceeded. The team appeared to have their act together. I felt reassured. Although the team was thoroughly professional, I can't say that it was an entirely serious crowd that they were leading. Station E was in one part of the theater; Station F in another. After a while, it devolved into Station E trying to outcheer station F and vice versa. I personally thought that my team was louder and better.
Back up to the cabin. Mr. Quicklabs poured some Sangria into the large travel cups I brought on the trip. (Don't forget to bring those, folks. Cups, that is--the beverage choice is yours entirely) We went upstairs to Deck 12 for the Deck Party. The ship was just pulsating with happy, excited people. The show was started by Brent I'm Sorry I Forget His Last Name, who was the cruise director. This started a discussion between Mr. Quicklabs and me about whether or not Brent had also been our CD on the Magic in 2005. Mr. Q said he was; I said he definitely wasn't. After a while, I had to concede that I was wrong and Mr. Q was right. Mr. Q felt that was a bit of pixie dust for him right there! (For me, the Sangria had already taken its effect, obviously, contributing to my being so magnanimous to him.)
Anyway, everybody had little pom pon things and was waving them around and the crew members were dancing up a storm on the stage and around Deck 11. As you can see, we didn't have perfect weather in Port Canveral, but it wasn't raining, so it was all good.
Normally, I do not do well with this level of perkiness. Not...a...bit! (Think "Maxine"! ) But somehow, at Disney, I get all caught up in it. Now, this is a weird observation, but bear with me. Look at their shoes. I've never seen whiter shoes in all my life. Everybody's shoes were this white! Even the servers at
Castaway Cay had spotlessly white shoes. I couldn't stop looking at them! Even when I buy a new pair of shoes, right out of the box, my tennies get scuffed up in mere minutes. I had flashback to Officer's Training School, when we had to make sure our shoes were always perfect. Do you suppose that it's like that for these guys?
Then, Mickey and friends came out and everyone really went nuts. I love seeing them.
The ship horn played those magical notes, ("When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are)which Mr. Q caught on video and which we'll try to figure out how to download and link for ya. I get teary just thinking about that, even sitting here. The ship moves so smoothly, I kept asking Mr. Q, "Are we moving yet, are we moving yet?" And indeed we were. I was waving like crazy, because I told my sister and BIL to look for us on the Port webcam. All the people on shore stopped to watch and wave and we began to head out to open waters.
Everything is tiny compared to our ship. If you have eagle eyes, you can see the Carnival Dream off in the distance at the far upper left.
Thanks for reading and looking. See you real soon.
Next up: First night and day at sea.
I also have a Mickey ear santa hat - my brothers and I all wear them at Christmas time - very special thing in our family. You have posted a bunch of great pictures so far! I am hoping to stay at BWI on one of my next stays, I'm sorry to hear that your room was so far away though. Great pictures of the ships atrium too - it really is beautiful. I look forward to reading more about your trip!
It's amazing!
Isn't everyone that way with their dogs? 
and enjoying it all!
