All I Got Was A Lousy T-Shirt. . .(SleepyD's WetnWild Shower Fan Club -16 Feb 07)

[BarbP]

Thank You Sleepy Dog. Everytime I read your report I laugh out loud. You are making me sooooo ready to be going on our cruise. Thanks again for all your hard work. Hope that you and Doc and Princess have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

 

[sleepydog25]

Day 5: The Final Hours


​

Our final morning came quickly, too quickly. Doc briefly awoke around 5 and realized we were already pulling into the port, but wisely decided to go back to sleep until our Mickey wake-up call sounded one last time. And Doc has a real good idea. For the last morning’s call, DCL ought to look into a different greeting. Instead of happily urging us to wake up and explore the day, Mickey should say: “Time to wake up, you sleepyheads! I know this is your last morning, and we hate to see you go. But, come back again! And from me and all my Mickey pals, ‘See you real soon!’ “ Not bad, but I have some alternate wake up calls that could compete.

1) Hey, you bozos! Get outta my bunk and get a move on! We need to clean this room for the next cruise!

2) Morning! This is Guest Services! Guess what? You left your wallet by the Mickey Pool last night. You didn’t have any credit cards in your wallet, did you? HaHAA! Just kidding! Time to get moving!

3) Hi! This is food services. We’re all out of coffee this morning, so you’ll have to make do with mint honeysuckle chai tea. Have a great day!

4) Good morning! This is room 5074 just beneath your room. I have your Speedo that was hanging off your verandah. It seems awfully. . .small. . .heh, heh, heh. . .

5) This is the Captain! Abandon ship! Abandon ship! . . . . . .Nahhhh, just joking! You folks take your time, and stay away from that tub, you hear?

6) Hello! This is your Cruise Director, and for a limited time we have a video package of your Rasul experience. Still shots are available for preview in Shutters, or turn to channel 50 on your TV for snippets from the video itself. This package not suitable for children.

7) Top o’ the morning to you! Some fairly mediocre food is waiting for you at your designated restaurant. If you hurry, you’ll have just enough time for a Showerbeer before joining us for breakfast.



Just a few suggestions. Think they’ll like any of them?



By 7, we were fully functioning despite not having any caffeine coursing through our veins. We pulled together the last few items to stuff in our carry-on bags (shouldn’t that be carry-off when you leave?) and made one final sweep of the room. For our first cruise experience, it had been wonderful. I’ve no doubt it would have been wonderful if it had been our 10th time cruising. We bid one last farewell to our cozy cabin, and off we headed in search of java. Need I even say where we wound up?

Veronika, Goddess of the Cove Cafe, she of the wonderful lattes and mochaccinos. She brought consciousness and lucidity to my world every morning around 7 a.m. THE most important person on the ship. . .besides Doc, of course.


We had a little time to kill, so we talked with Veronika for a bit, then wandered along the railing on Deck 9. It felt odd to see so much land surrounding the ship, almost as if she were caged, ready to jump away at any moment and head back out to her home. . .the sea. Our breakfast time rolled around—the late seating if you hadn’t guessed—and we met up once again with our delightful table mates in Triton’s. We exchanged email addresses and took a couple of pics. Here’s ours:

Actually, I have no idea who these people are. . .

The food was just okay, though it’s rather hard to mess up breakfast in my opinion unless you try really hard. Perhaps the food just seemed less tasty given we would shortly be off the ship we had called home for the past three days and nights. And, we handed out our tips, leaving the envelope for our Dining Mgr. with Chintana since we hadn’t yet figured out who he was. Humorously, neither of the other two couples knew for certain who he was either.


Sadly, the time came for us to say our final farewells, shake hands, and dole out hugs. I can only imagine how much tougher it must be after a 7-day cruise when you really get to know people. We grabbed our carry-offs (I think this name might catch on!) and got in line to depart, er, disembark. As we waited, Capt Andersson walked up and we chatted with him for several minutes. He informed us about the dry dock that lay ahead for the Wonder which was to include new carpeting in select areas, new flooring in others, painting, adding more teak chairs to Deck 4, a waterfall at the adult pool (and some teak chairs there, too), a new 24-hour internet café location, and a huge LED screen near the Goofy pool. When we asked if the work would commence immediately, he told us that 150 contractors were already on board and working as we talked! The crew would do quite a lot of the work on the cruise to and from Norfolk, too. I’m not sure which of these renovations actually came true, though I know there is a thread or two somewhere that would tell us.



Getting off the ship and through customs was easy. We had filled the forms out the day before, of course. TIP: We read in several TRs to skip the main briefing re: filling out the custom forms and disembarking--one of the best tips we followed. The forms are very easy to begin with, and if you have any questions, they run the entire briefing on one of the TV channels ad nauseum. Do not go to the briefing; it’s a waste of time in our opinion. We headed down the big gangplank leading off the ship. And, I thought we were extras on the set of the movie, Titanic. “Leo! You da man! Hey, there, Kate!” There was a mass of humanity all struggling to slip out via just a few lines. Lord help the person who drops his keys: Man Trampled to Death in Line to Disembark at DCL the headline would blare. Yes, it was organized, but orderly chaos is still chaos. At the very bottom of the walk we were on, we saw a few porters asking people if they needed help.



Okay, folks, pay attention here. This may be the best tip I have. TIP: Use. . .a. . .porter. FatherForce mentions this tip in his TR, as well, and for good reason. In our opinion, they are worth the extra tip money. Say it now: I will budget for a porter. One more time, repeat after me: I will budget for a porter. Here is why. The cruise was refreshing, and we had a uniquely good time. The last thing we needed to do was lose all those good vibes by waiting in line. Plus, we were on vacation for just a few more minutes, so why not milk it as long as possible? Besides, a porter has a cart upon which to place the heavy pieces of luggage. So, when Bruce caught our eye and asked if we’d like a porter, we said “yes!” We wuz smart.



Bruce asked which section our luggage was in and headed immediately there when told. He grabbed the bags, tossed them on his cart, then said, “Okay, stay with me. We’re gonna get you folks outta here.” We slipped right into line, maybe three people back from the front. Hate us if you will, but we couldn’t very well undermine the man’s determination, could we? It would’ve been a blow to his ego. The other porters, I noticed, were doing similar things. It’s hard to argue with a man wielding 300 pounds of vacation luggage as if he were jousting, with arms big enough to dwarf my thighs (oh, they are NOT that thin!). Literally, about 6-7 minutes after first setting eyes upon Bruce, we were through customs and headed toward our Pilot. Within 10 minutes, we were loaded up and ready to go. I tipped him handsomely, and it was money well spent. I would/will use a porter again in a heartbeat.



We checked for ants in the vehicle (there were none), double-checked our luggage to account for it all, and then slowly pulled out of the parking lot. The trip was over, a fact which became ever so apparent as the wonderful Wonder grew smaller in our rear view mirror.

Technically, we shot this one the morning we arrived at the port for embarkation. However, it serves as the perfect motivational shot to make plans for another cruise. July 2008, here we come!

We had a long drive ahead of us, and we were anxious to get home. Still, it was hard not to get nostalgic about the exceptional adventure we had just finished. We were cruisers. We had experience. And we were sanguine, for we knew we’d be back. . .with a Princess in tow.

Next and final episode: The Epilogue

 

[PhotoLisa]

Your description of goodbyes reminded me of how hard it was to say goodbye to my daughter, son-in-law and two grandbabies on the last morning of our 7 day cruise this past February. You plan for so long and the trip goes by so quickly!

It brings a tear to my eye realizing that you're almost finished!

Thank you so much for sharing!

Please, share pics of Princess in your final segment. I'm sure you must have a photo of when she received her pillowcase.

Lisa

 

[firstmickey]

She brought consciousness and lucidity to my world

Nothing to say here ...just People just don't understand the importance of coffee!

If you hurry, you’ll have just enough time for a Showerbeer before joining us for breakfast.

Good One!

for we knew we’d be back. . .with a Princess in tow.

Thank goodness.....cause the rest of us don't want to look at those painted feet again!



Great report. And at this pace...you might be done in time for Christmas!

 

[DisneyZell]

I have some alternate wake up calls that could compete.[/color][/size][/font]


5) This is the Captain! Abandon ship! Abandon ship! . . . . . .Nahhhh, just joking! You folks take your time, and stay away from that tub, you hear?

6) Hello! This is your Cruise Director, and for a limited time we have a video package of your Rasul experience. Still shots are available for preview in Shutters, or turn to channel 50 on your TV for snippets from the video itself. This package not suitable for children.

Classic...just classic. Although is it really fair to threaten the rest of the passengers with your Rasul experience???

Okay, folks, pay attention here. This may be the best tip I have. TIP: Use. . .a. . .porter. FatherForce mentions this tip in his TR, as well, and for good reason. In our opinion, they are worth the extra tip money. Say it now: I will budget for a porter. One more time, repeat after me: I will budget for a porter.

oh yeah, I'll comment on this in my TR as well...they are like bulldogs! gotta love it!

Hey Sleepydog, I'm actually sad that this is almost over. Four months, 2 weeks, 3 days and 27 minutes since you began this thing (approximately). What am I going to do with all the free time not spent checking to see if you have posted another episode.

I'm also trying to think of what you and FF can call yourselves when you post a joing TR after the next one...Sleepyforce? Fatherdog? FatherSleepyForceDog? The name possibilities are just endless.

anyway, thanks again!!!

 

[Jennifer48]

I can't believe this trippie is almost over!

Thank you SleepyDog for taking the time out of your busy life to share your cruise with us.

 

[FatherForce]

Busy?

You mean laying around, sipping wine, and waiting for his wife to bring home the big bucks, don't you?

 

[bride2007]

Even though this was a very long (and not yet done!) telling of your cruise, it was worth the wait. I hope that when I share my DCL Honeymoon adventures (no, not all of them!), that I will tell our story just as well. I am so hooked on reading all of the DIS reviews, but it makes it harder to have to wait till February. We actually have a week with our families at WDW the week before the cruise and are getting married on February 14th at our timeshare. We then board the Magic for 7 days. Again I am very excited.

Thanks again for sharing.

 

[sleepydog25]

I'm still hooked on this TR! I've survived surgery, recovered and still reading!

We book our spa and Palo ressies on Sunday and reading this last installment has gotten me all fuzzy and ready to make more plans!

Thanks Doc and SleepyDog!

Okay, you know it's been too long of a TR when someone has been in and out of surgery, has recuperated, and is making plans of her own! Making plans is much of the joy of such a trip, isn't it? Certainly, Doc believes that. As for being all fuzzy, have you checked your meds lately?

Very cute installment. It's always good to have something to make that last night special! Great pictures! Did love the pillowcase?

Yes, yes, indeed it is. As for Princess and her reaction, you'll just have to wait a few more days. . .and that shouldn't be news to anyone. . .

Nothing is more wonderful then a man who unabashedly loves his family. I count myself lucky to be married to a man who feels the same as well. Once again, another great installment

I don't do bashedly, well. lol Thanks!

Allow me to clarify...

(x 2)

correct?

I think that's about it. Succinct, too. . .so unlike me.

Thank you for clarifying...do you think a clarification is enough for Sleepy?

What? I missed that. Now I'm addlepated. Huh? Could you spell that out for me?

another excellent installment i cant wait to go on that verandah again

Oh, really? Do tell. . .we're all ears

fun report!

just posting so I can find you again, sleepy!

I'm akin to the Leonid meteor showers. . .dropping in every once in awhile. . .thanks for stopping by!

Thank You Sleepy Dog. Everytime I read your report I laugh out loud. You are making me sooooo ready to be going on our cruise. Thanks again for all your hard work. Hope that you and Doc and Princess have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Thank you so much for your kind words! I realized years ago that for me, laughing makes this world a nicer place. I'm glad you've enjoyed the TR. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, as well.

In fact, Happy Thanksgiving to you all! I have been blessed, impressed, and doubled over in laughter with your devotion and responses to my tome. I consider myself a fortunate man to have garnered such attention. May you and your families truly be blessed this entire holiday season. Thanks one and all for your encouragement thus far. See you after Turkey Day!!
P.S. May I suggest either a gerwurtztraminer, beaujolais nouveau, or perhaps even a pinot noir for pairing with your bird and side dishes? FatherForce, a beer should just about handle it for you, bud. . .

 

[zweihund]

That last breakfast feels alot like the last meal of a condemned man....you eat it, thinking "if I just drag this out a LITTLE longer than I'm still on vacation"

Great installment.

 

[LCTsMom]

Happy Thanksgiving sleepydog, Doc & Princess!

 

[Madisonznana]

I can't believe it is almost over. I have enjoyed your TR so much.
Hope you, Doc and Princess have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

 

[Disneygrl36]

Great installment as usual........I am sad it's almost over.
I will be on the Wonder in 11 days!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yippey skippy!!!!!

 

[JDBlair]

I haven't been here in awhile. Actually, I thought it was over but now I remember FF's report was over. So, I got to read 2 more installments! Yay me! OH, and good job -Sleepydog!

Happy Thanksgiving.

 

[NAB]

See we do this. Since we fly and really don't have anywhere to go in a hurry we watch everyone else leave the boat fast. We wander the ship one last time. Find a comfy seat and people watch. We use a towncar so he is always out there waiting for us and it is easy to find the luggage because there is only a few left. Easy breezy. Our travel agent told us to do this don't rush, have more coffee etc. Our flights are always late so instead of sitting at the airport we prolong getting off the boat.

One big difference here is you have to get home to your princess I can understand that completely. Our first cruise too was with out the kids.

I love all your suggestions on the phone calls.

I meant to ask you since I don't drink coffee I never think too but hubby does. Do you pay extra for the coffee in the cafe, do you pay for the muffins?

Now you have to go on the Magic for sure......with the princess of course.


--

 

[pppiglet]

Where did you go? ?????????

 

[pwgs]

To have to wait this long to find out what the painted toe's have to do with all of this is just cruel.

 

[Ski-and-Sea]

To have to wait this long to find out what the painted toe's have to do with all of this is just cruel.

I think the painted toes are the result of Princess being annoyed that she got an autographed pillowcase with "Cindy's" name mis-spelled.

She might be questioning the pillowcase's authenticity and wondering if Sleepy got it from a street vendor in Nassau.

 

[Octoberbride03]

I can't believe i actually caught up b4 the last eppie

You make me wanna leave on my cruise right now:sigh:

Great TR though.

 

[JDBlair]

I can't believe i actually caught up b4 the last eppie

You make me wanna leave on my cruise right now:sigh:

Great TR though.

You and me both, my fellow-cruiser!!