Cranberry or Pineapple?? Part 2

[Jrsy Boy]

Day Four - Sunday, February 04

Since we were skipping the breakfast at AK, we didn’t feel compelled to rush over there and consequently took our time getting done. Apparently, the maid was not expecting us to still be there, though, because she stopped by twice before we left. She hadn’t stopped by that early on any other mornings, so we didn’t realize we should have put out the “privacy” sign. With our day bags packed, we hopped on our last resort/park bus and headed to AK. Maybe a lot of buses pulled in at the same time, but it seemed like there were a lot of people heading for the gate when we arrived. It was cool that morning, so we were in jeans and jackets.

We had to go through the bag check before we could check our bags with DCL, which seemed kind of silly and a pain for the people checking the bags. We dropped off our bags and checked in with the DCL CMs then got on line to enter the park. Wes Palm, the mobile, talking palm tree was milling around the entrance, harassing some visitors while entertaining the rest of us. As I watched, I realized that I was hearing Wes behind me as well as in the next line over so guess who was in line behind me? Once I was through the turnstile, I got the camera out really quickly and snapped this picture:

Notice how everyone is in long pants and jackets.

Again we headed right for EE, got FPs right away and then got in the Stand By line, which didn’t take more than about 20 minutes. I think by the time we had ridden it, we were able to use our FPs already, so we went through that line immediately. A girl in Alex’s class had warned him not to ride in the back seat since the ride went backwards, so guess where he ended up? Of course he is such a thrillseeker that he wasn’t the least bit worried and I think is going to have a little chat with Allie now that he is back at school. We were feeling hungry by the time we were done with EE, so we went in search of something to munch on and did a little browsing in the shops. We were surprised to see so many of the food stands still closed but we found a place with pretzels and decided those would tide us over.

We spent there rest of the morning browsing the shops in AK, finding pressed penny machines and wandering the paths around the Tree of Life. As it got close to time to be back at the DCL area, we went back and got our bags and took a seat on a bench to wait. As the CM started guiding everyone toward the buses with her big Mickey glove, Tammy stepped in stride beside her and struck up a conversation as we walked along. As a result, guess who ended up boarding the bus first…

We sat up front and enjoyed the informative tidbits our driver shared as we headed to the port. We had a nice view of the Wonder through the large windshield as we approached the port and were the first ones off the bus and through security once we arrived. Since on our last trip we had basically walked through the terminal and right onto the ship, we took some time and explored the terminal a bit more this time. We got Alex checked-in for the Oceaneer’s Lab and got our pager, then Tammy called her family while Alex and I checked out the model of the ship. When we were finally ready to board, we had to wait in line just a bit, ran our cards through and had our IDs checked then skipped right by the photo op and onto the ship. Since there was an announcement on the PA right as we were about to enter, the CM held us up for a moment so she could announce us. A family behind us decided to push through and Tammy explained that we were being asked to wait so we could each be announced as we boarded. The dad (I assume) pushed past her saying something like “We’re not interested” and ran their stroller over her ankle. Nothing like starting off a cruise with your family as a big grouch. Luckily it wasn’t contagious; Tammy just shook her head.

Instead of heading right in to eat, we went to our stateroom to drop off our bags and clean up a little first. It took us a couple of minutes to find our way from the midship stairs to the fore stairs because we were thinking that we were right by the Oceaneer’s Lab. When we realized that we were kind of out of the way, we were even more pleased since we’d be less likely to be bothered by noise in the hallway. We were in stateroom 5524, which is the most obstructed of the secret porthole rooms on that side, so we weren’t expecting much more than a bit of natural light through the porthole. We were pleased once again to realize that we could actually see around the obstruction quite a bit. We also liked the set-up with the bed in the middle and the couch by the porthole. On our bed, we found the generous Castaway Club gift, which included three different bags, two cups, two flags, a small journal, two rubber bracelets and, my reputation must have preceded me, a bunch of tubes of sunscreen.

Freshened up and unburdened, we headed to Parrot Cay where we started immediately with the seafood – peel-and-eat shrimp and salmon – while Alex stuck with Mac and Cheese. We explored the ship a little after eating, to remind ourselves where everything was, then went back to our stateroom to get ready for the safety drill. Alex had been really bothered by this the last time, so we just reminded him that it was no different from a fire drill at school. He seemed to deal with it a little bit better and was also comforted to see the other cruise ship in port was also conducting a safety drill at the same time we were. Once we finished with that, we returned our life jackets to the stateroom and went up to enjoy the sail-away party. We found a great spot to watch everything going on and the new giant screen really helped. We were a little disappointed, though, when someone decided he had to light up a smoke just upwind from us. Fortunately, he didn’t stick around too long.

Once we heard the ship’s horn and we began to move, we decided we’d better unpack some clothes to wear to dinner so we went back to our stateroom. We unpacked everything this time and stowed the suitcases under the bed, hoping not to have to retrieve them again. We dressed for dinner and headed down to Parrot Cay where we met our server, Vanessa from Trinidad, and our assistant server, Roque (pronounced Rocky) from India. Vanessa was just stunning and I hoped everyone would mistake my drooling for just being hungry. Our tablemates joined us and we learned that they were from Alaska. Theresa and Bernadette were sisters who had brought along Theresa’s son, Thadeus, and their other sister’s two sons, Hugh and Kevin. All three boys were around Alex’s age. They had just spent a week at WDW and would be spending another five days at Universal when we got back to Florida. We really enjoyed sharing our table with them and the boys were all well behaved with excellent manners.

The menu hadn’t changed much since our last cruise and I’m pretty sure I ordered the same thing. We planned to see the show that night, which was comedy, ventriloquism and magic by Michael Harrison. Alex wasn’t sure that he wanted to see it because he was anxious to get to the Oceaneer’s Lab, but he had loved the comedian/juggler the last time so we convinced him to come with us. We felt fairly comfortable that he was enjoying the show as he nearly fell off his chair while laughing so hard. It really was entertaining and funny with humor appropriate for all ages. We were surprised that the theater wasn’t completely full for the show.

After the show, we went back to the stateroom and Alex was pleased to see that he would get to sleep on the pull-down bunk rather than the couch. We changed clothes and went around the corner to drop Alex off at the Oceaneer’s Lab, then Tammy and I headed to Wavebands to see Match Your Mate. We were prepared to volunteer, but the first couple was to be married less than 2 years, the second between 2 and 10 and the third, more than ten. We would have been in the third category, but the couple in the second category was married 10 years so we thought having us up there at 12 years would be too close together. Plus, they found this adorable couple who had been married for 48 years and we weren’t going to try to steal the spot from them. The ten year couple had been sitting next to us and gave us their camera to take some pictures of them onstage. The less than 2 years couple were completely blotto and could barely put a sentence together between themselves, but actually ended up winning. As we discussed it, Tammy and I probably would have matched answers on every question.

We stuck around for the 70s dance party afterward, though we just watched and I didn’t try to dance. I was ready to find something else to do, but Tammy wanted to stick around and I made the mistake of staying with her. The CMs, in their 70s costumes, picked a few people on the dance floor, two women and two men, and put glow-in-the-dark necklaces on them. What no one realized at the time is that meant they were being selected for the contests. One of the women was half of the 10-year couple from Match Your Mate and the other was a DISer. When everyone was informed of what the necklaces meant, one of the two guys took his off and walked out. I guess I was in the wrong place at the wrong time and found the necklace on me.

Let me just say that I am not a bright lights kind of guy, regardless of what you may think, so I was leery but decided to go with the flow. The first thing we had to do was judge the two ladies doing their best Gloria Gaynor impressions. The first one performed while the other was taken out of the room and apparently given pointers. The winner was selected by the audience so, as judges, we just had to sit there and let them think that whatever they did could influence us. That part wasn’t too difficult. When I learned that the two men would be competing in a John Travolta dance off, I was looking for the exit. I was John Travolta #2 so I was lead out the back exit and given pointers on what I was to do when I was onstage while having no idea what was going on with John Travolta #1. When I was asked to come back out to “Stayin’ Alive” I did my best strut and was mocked mercilessly by Ian, the MC. He then had me do a couple of other things that weren’t part of my backstage instructions, including shaking my booty for the two judges. I was flattered when the first judge’s assessment amounted to “Great @$$” and the second judge concurred.

When it came down to doing what I’d been coached on, I was like a deer in the headlights and it took some coaxing before I finally got moving. I guess my improvising was a hit because I wound up winning the competition according to the audience response. Still, it isn’t something I’d want to do again.

When Tammy and I finally slipped out, we grabbed a snack for Alex then picked him up at the Oceaneer’s Lab. Back in our stateroom, he ate while we got ready for bed. It was after midnight when we finally turned out the lights.

 

[Pooh_Friend#1]

Vanessa was just stunning and I hoped everyone would mistake my drooling for just being hungry.

That is so funny!!! I can't believe you got suckered in to being John Travolta.....man I wish I was there so I could have seen you. I bet you were great. What did Tammy say about your John Travolta impersonation? When I see those glow in the dark necklaces I run because I know what's coming next!!! What did you get for winning?

It is snowing here, we got about 2 inches of fresh snow. I went to drive and walk on my parents driveway to make it look like someone is home. I will go back and shovel after work today.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

 

[Jrsy Boy]

That is so funny!!! I can't believe you got suckered in to being John Travolta.....man I wish I was there so I could have seen you. I bet you were great. What did Tammy say about your John Travolta impersonation? When I see those glow in the dark necklaces I run because I know what's coming next!!! What did you get for winning?

Tammy's assesment was basically that I was way better than John Travolta #1 and "see, I told you that you have a great @$$."
My prize for winning was the adulation of my fans and a glow-in-the-dark necklace. Ian recognized me a couple nights later when we were watching karaoke in Wavebands.

 

[ImMarcik]

Well my Mom sent me an im online 2 nights or so ago and told me she was having an angiogram today. Why she didn't call me or tell me sooner I have no idea. I realized I had no idea even what hospital she was in. So I was really stressing this morning. I know, she knows I am working a lot but I wish she would have gave me more news or notice. Maybe she was scared too. Anyway, she had to have balloon surgery, she had 80% blockage. But she is done now, I talked to her. She should go home tomorrow. I'm just stressing.

 

[Pooh_Friend#1]

Marcie - I am sorry you are stressing. Glad you have talked to your mom after the surgery. Maybe she didn't want to worry you since she knew you were busy working. I hope another hug will help your day out.

 

[Pooh_Friend#1]

Selena - I forgot to add...HAVE FUN cruising!!! can't wait to hear about it when you get back.

I have not heard from my mom since they left. I looked at a web cam at the Riviera Maya and it looks like they are having awesome weather out there.

 

[Jrsy Boy]

Day Five - Monday, February 05

On our previous trip, we’d had breakfast in our room nearly every morning and missed out on a lot of great food at the restaurants. This time, we decided to make sure we got a good breakfast each morning rather than rushing off the ship to go and do something. Monday morning, we did have room service bring coffee but, since we were still in bed when they brought it, we decided not to have room service be our wake up call any more. Once we were up and dressed, we went to Parrot Cay for breakfast and I was pleased to see that they still had lox, red onions, capers, cream cheese and bagels, which make for my favorite breakfast. I also ate a lot of fresh fruit. Alex had pancakes and cereal while Tammy had eggs and potatoes. It is nice to have such a variety so that everyone can have what they like.

Our plan for Nassau was to visit the straw market and the pirate museum, then walk to a beach that is not too far from the ship. As we looked out and saw how hard the wind was blowing, we were starting to reconsider leaving the ship. It wasn’t cold, probably in the upper 70s, but the wind could practically blow you off your feet and it was very overcast. We decided to give it a shot and play it by ear once we were off the ship. Our first stop was the straw market. We hadn’t been there before and had a couple of ideas of things we were looking for. I was looking for a new necklace and maybe a hat, while Tammy wanted to find a tropical dress like she’d bought on our last trip to give her friend, Patti, who would be going to Mexico shortly after we got back. We were surprised by how narrow the aisles were and how little variety we saw. Needless to say, we didn’t stay long; Tammy hadn’t seen anything she liked and I didn’t really see anything that was what I was looking for. We headed to the Pirate’s of Nassau museum and, while it was interesting and informative, it didn’t take very long to go through so we found ourselves back out on the street pretty quickly.

From the pirate museum, we headed for a beach that I’d read about on the DIS and researched wherever I could find information about it on the web called the Western Esplanade. It wasn’t too long of a walk and, when we found it, it was obvious that it wasn’t a tourist beach. The water was beautifully blue and the view of the lighthouse and boats and the cruise ships was really nice.

The beach itself and the facilities I’d read about were not all that clean but we decided to walk along the beach a little bit and we ended up being glad that we did. As we wandered along, we realized that there is just a ton of coral and shells washed up on the beach. We are used to mostly clam shells coming from NJ, so to see all of this coral we were just tempted to fill our pockets with it. We resisted and took just a few small pieces, but it really was amazing to see it all.

Alex was having a blast taking the bigger pieces and throwing them back into the surf. We ran into some locals who wanted to braid Tammy’s hair so she was talking to them a little and they told her about a great place about a 20 minute walk further on where we could get great conch salad. We’d wanted to try some but after walking into the wind for a bit longer, we decided we’d head back toward Bay Street.

Alex was getting a little tired by this point and didn’t want to do any shopping, but Tammy was still trying to find tropical dresses and the shop where she’d bought hers last time and I was still browsing for a necklace. The longer we walked and shopped, the whinier he was getting so, finally, Tammy decided to take him and go back to the ship while I made one last pass through the straw market. I thought I might be happy with one of the necklaces I’d seen if I could haggle the price down a little bit. After talking to a few vendors and not being satisfied with their final offers and walking away from all of them, I realized that the necklaces I was seeing weren’t even really what I wanted, so I finally just walked away and headed back to the ship.

What I didn’t realize as I’d been wandering around the straw market was that Alex wasn’t as happy to be going back to the ship as we’d expected. I learned when I got back to our stateroom and found him crying that he thought that I’d separated from the two of them because I was mad at him and that I hated him. Let me tell you that the last thing you want to see on your Disney vacation is your child crying because he thinks you hate him. After assuring him that I loved him even if sometimes I didn’t like his behavior, he felt better and the two of us went up to get some pizza from Pinocchio’s.

Once we’d eaten and I felt comfortable that he was okay, he wanted to go to the Oceaneer’s Lab for a little while before we went to see Michael Harrison do a family-friendly presentation about magic and ventriloquism in Wavebands. When we were ready to pick him up to go to the presentation, it turned out that the kids were able to go to the presentation with the Lab and he was excited about being able to go with them. Tammy and I headed down to Wavebands and grabbed seats and soon after the kids from the Lab filed in. Alex had a seat on the floor right up at the stage and waved frantically each time Michael Harrison asked for volunteers, but he ended up choosing from much younger kids in part, I’m sure, because they were more compliant and less likely to question the silly things he was having them do. It was another entertaining show and Alex ended up pretty excited about magic and ventriloquism.

Dinner that night was at Triton’s with the French theme, which gave Tammy and me the opportunity to try escargot for the first time. It was pretty tasty though it isn’t something either of us would necessarily go out of our way to eat again. We were all really pleased with our meals and the service. I should also mention that our Head Server was Arnold, also from Trinidad, who stopped by our table every night to check in on us. The only time we met our Head Server on our previous cruise was on the last night when tips were handed out. Tammy and I couldn’t even agree on what he looked like. Also, at dinner our first night, Vanessa had given Alex the task of finding out the name of Donald Duck’s sister before she saw us again. She suggested asking other CMs so Alex had first asked Arnold on our way out of the dining room that night. He didn’t know, but asked Alex to let him know when he found out. We ended up stopping as we passed Guest Services and asking there. The CM there made a phone call and found out for us. Since I know you can just look it up online, I will just go ahead and tell you that it is Dumbella.

Vanessa was pleased that Alex had figured out her puzzle so quickly and when Arnold came by, Alex called him over to share the answer with him, too. Let me first say that Arnold is a really big guy, maybe as big as or bigger than that Arnold over in California in the governor’s mansion. Despite his size, Arnold hunkered right down next to Alex and listened closely as Alex revealed the answer. I’d be surprised if either of them ever forget that little bit of trivia.

We decided to go see Hercules after dinner since we had skipped it on our previous cruise. We brought Cosmo along and weren’t surprised that the theater was much fuller than it had been for Michael Harrison’s show.

We all enjoyed it and afterward had expected Alex to want to go back to the Oceaneer’s Lab. Unfortunately, the Lab was at the movies when we got out of Hercules, then Alex decided he did not want to do the Glow Jam on Deck 10 afterwards. We spent a few hours just browsing the shops, wandering around and in our stateroom before he went in for the free activity time. Tammy and I entertained ourselves since there really wasn’t a whole lot of planned activities going on during that time, then we picked him up from the Lab and we got to bed around 1am.

 

[Pooh_Friend#1]

I never even know that Donald Duck had a sister...I learned something new today!!! The last time I was in Nassau (in January) it was so cold and so busy. We went to Blue Lagoon and ate food that was lightly dusted with sand. Every bite was gritty, we laugh about it all the time!!!! Your picture looks like it was a chilly day there....was it cold? (Not, CO cold....but just cooler than 75 degrees) I always make sure to put my hair up when I am in port because I hate getting asked a billion times if I want my hair braided!!! I am so enjoying the trip report....thanks for taking the time to give us the details.

 

[Stepht5]

Well my Mom sent me an im online 2 nights or so ago and told me she was having an angiogram today. Why she didn't call me or tell me sooner I have no idea. I realized I had no idea even what hospital she was in. So I was really stressing this morning. I know, she knows I am working a lot but I wish she would have gave me more news or notice. Maybe she was scared too. Anyway, she had to have balloon surgery, she had 80% blockage. But she is done now, I talked to her. She should go home tomorrow. I'm just stressing.

Just remember now she is BETTER. When my mom was 59 she had to have an angiogram and they found 95% & 99% in two arteries..... After the surgery she looked GREAT! (my mom is a tiny woman with great eating habits -- met only once or twice a week, etc...) but, lots of family history.

 

[Jsme]

Tammy's assesment was basically that I was way better than John Travolta #1 and "see, I told you that you have a great @$$."
My prize for winning was the adulation of my fans and a glow-in-the-dark necklace. Ian recognized me a couple nights later when we were watching karaoke in Wavebands.

LMAO

 

[Jsme]

Well my Mom sent me an im online 2 nights or so ago and told me she was having an angiogram today. Why she didn't call me or tell me sooner I have no idea. I realized I had no idea even what hospital she was in. So I was really stressing this morning. I know, she knows I am working a lot but I wish she would have gave me more news or notice. Maybe she was scared too. Anyway, she had to have balloon surgery, she had 80% blockage. But she is done now, I talked to her. She should go home tomorrow. I'm just stressing.

OH Marcie sweetie I am so sorry. You and your family are in my prayers. Love you girlie

 

[Jsme]

I am sitting in Jacksonville posting online. Go figure. lol Jeff is in bed watching basketball. Duke is playing Boston. He is actually pulling for Boston and not Duke. Duke is in NC. lol

Anyway today is my 15th anniversary. It has been a wonderful 15 years. While at times it was rough it only made us much stronger and our marriage is totally the tops now.

I hope everyone is having a great Valentine's Day.

I will not be checking in until Monday or Tuesday.

Oh should I do Day One trip report??? lol

We left the house close to 1:00pm. We drove down to Jacksonville. We have thought about doing this cruise for several years due to it being a short one from a place we could easily drive too. lol

We had a nice drive. We stopped for lunch and then headed out. We had to stop several times but heck we still made it in 6 hours of drive time and we stopped and even shopped in Georgia. lol

We arrived at a FREE hotel (my points) that is near the airport. Had a decent dinner. It was nice but not just wonderful. But we did eat in the restaruarnt of the hotel. They were slammed in the lounge restaurant. I felt sorry for the girl. But heck we had nothing else to do, right???

I am not typing to you guys. lol I am getting off now to call my children.

Have a good weekend all!!

 

[Pooh_Friend#1]

Selena - I always pull for Duke!!!! Happy Anniversary.

Chris and I had a very nice Valentines Day. About a week ago he asked me what I wanted for Valentines Day and I told him I would make him dinner and he could make me chocolate covered strawberries and we put the rest of the money towards the wedding. Well he decided that we had to go to dinner so he made reservations to PF Changs. I love it there and he has never been. Well I get home to find chocolate covered strawberries from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory that were sooooo goood and I know they had to cost a pretty penny. I was very thankful and then we went to PF Changs and he spoiled me!!! We usually don't go out all that much and we ate a ton of food and had an appetizer, drinks, entree, and dessert. I fought for the bill but he wasn't giving it up!!!! Very very sweet of him. The guy at the table next to us proposed to his girlfriend and it brought a tear to my just thinking about when Chris proposed to me.

 

[Jsme]

I am off to the ship.

 

[Stepht5]

I am off to the ship.

Have a wonderful time!!!!!!!

 

[Stepht5]

Heidi --
It sounds like your Valentine's Day was nice! I took the kids to rehearsals and when I got home Jon had Disney roses waiting for me!!!! They had Snow White on them.

Our youngest (Claire, 5) thinks I am Snow White.

 

[ImMarcik]

SeLena, have a good time on your cruise and congrats on your anniversary!!!

Heidi, it sounds like you had a wonderful valentines day!

Steph, thanks for reminding that she will feel better now. Last I heard she was going home today so that's good.

Dane is out of town this week for work so no valentines for me. I went to Aerial's school, she was in a play last night called McUgly's Anatomy at the Valentine Program. It was cute.

 

[Stepht5]

SeLena, have a good time on your cruise and congrats on your anniversary!!!

Heidi, it sounds like you had a wonderful valentines day!

Steph, thanks for reminding that she will feel better now. Last I heard she was going home today so that's good.

Dane is out of town this week for work so no valentines for me. I went to Aerial's school, she was in a play last night called McUgly's Anatomy at the Valentine Program. It was cute.

I hope you didn't think I was being flip. I really meant it -- I remember worrying about my mom and then when I went to visit her after the surgery I was shocked how good she looked!

 

[Pooh_Friend#1]

Stephanie - you have to post pictures of your roses...I have never heard about Disney roses.

Marcie - how are you doing? Hoping your mom has a speedy recovery.

 

[Jrsy Boy]

Day Six - Tuesday, February 6

We awoke on Tuesday hoping beyond hope that the sky had cleared and the wind had blown completely away. No such luck. The clouds didn’t seem as heavy and the wind wasn’t as intense, so we were still planning to make the best of Castaway Cay. Tammy decided that we should try Beach Blanket for breakfast, since we never had before. I don’t think any of us were all that impressed. Not only do you have to go through the line for everything including drinks, but then you have to find yourself a table while trying to balance everything on your tray. The CMs were doing a good job of clearing tables quickly so after missing out on a couple of tables because others were faster than us, we finally found a nice spot and sat down to eat. There was no lox except at the omelet bar, so I went without for the only morning of the cruise. It wasn’t a terrible breakfast by any means, but we just decided that we liked breakfast in Parrot Cay better.

Back in our room afterward, we slipped into our swimsuits and grabbed everything we thought we might need, including Cosmo, and made our way off the ship. It was pretty cool to see the Flying Dutchman anchored there and it looked so small next to the Wonder. We got a lot of pictures of it, along with everyone else. Since we’d liked the Sports Beach so much on our last visit, we headed right there and parked ourselves. The water was chilly, but once we were in it, it didn’t seem so bad. It was kind of funny as we were floating around, enjoying the water, seeing people up on the beach in long pants, long-sleeved shirts, jackets and fleece. I’d guess that most of the people enjoying the beach and the water were from much colder climates than those who were bundled up. Even overcast and breezy, Castaway Cay was better than being in Denver.

We eventually headed over to Cookie’s for lunch, where Tammy and I enjoyed the Mahi-Mahi sandwiches, I devoured some of the ribs and Alex was able to get a cheeseburger with just cheese on it. He was also excited that they still had chocolate chip cookie dough soft serve, which he’d had for the first time on our last trip. Completely satisfied, we headed back to the beach and plunged back into the water without even waiting ½ hour after eating. Tammy’s sister had given us her snorkeling gear to bring along and, since we’d also brought a disposable underwater camera, I decided to see if there was any sea life to photograph. Tammy was out floating near the ropes, just a speck on the horizon, while Alex was right on the edge of the water building sandcastles. I was just kind of floating around with the snorkel and mask on, not really snorkeling without having any flippers but just seeing what little there was to see. I was fascinated by the clusters of little shells in certain areas that appeared to still have living things in them and took a few pictures. I didn’t see any of the schools of skittish little fish we’d seen last time, but did see a few nearly transparent larger fish swimming about. I took some pictures of them, too, but never finished the film in that camera, so we haven’t seen yet whether the pictures have turned out.

When I was finished with my undersea exploration and sitting with Alex on the edge of the water, we found the smallest hermit crab either of us had ever seen. It was almost more like a bug had taken up residence inside a tiny shell. Later, as Tammy and I were lounging on a couple of chaises, she looked over to see another small shell, this one about the size of the tip of her finger, suddenly start moving away. Upon closer examination, it turned out to be another hermit crab; not as small as the other, but much smaller than what you see in the pet store.

Once we were finished being distracted by our tiny friend, we realized that Alex now had a posse at the water’s edge. A handful of younger kids were gathered around him as he somehow was entertaining them. It was interesting to see after he’d spent so much time entertaining himself and seeming quite content. As an only child, he generally is okay without anyone else around but it was nice that he also didn’t mind when he wasn’t alone.

It was probably between 3pm and 4pm when we finally headed back to the ship. We did see a fair amount of sun in the afternoon and were quite pleased with how the day had turned out. We passed through the shops and took more pictures of the Flying Dutchman on the way back to the ship then, while Tammy jumped in the shower, Alex and I went up to deck 10 and took some more pictures. Tuesday night was Pirate Night, so we hauled out the suitcases until we found all of Alex’s pirate gear, then we got Cosmo into his pirate costume as well. We were dining in Triton’s again and our tablemates showed up in full pirate attire. They had been to the Pirates and Princesses Party at WDW, so they were well prepared for Pirate Night on the cruise. When the servers all began their flag-waving march around the dining room, all of the boys from our table got up and marched around with them.

We decided not to see The Golden Mickeys that night but made the mistake of trying to get through the area near the theater and the shops and decided to come back after the show had started. We did some shopping and I finally found a couple of necklaces that I liked better than anything I’d seen in Nassau. Alex found a couple of things he liked and Tammy found a few things for herself as well. We dropped our booty off back at our room, then Alex was ready to go back to the Lab, where he ended up spending the rest of the night. They made Flubber, had a pizza party, then changed into pajamas and had a PJ party. Tammy and I went up to the Pirate Party, watched the show and fireworks, visited the dessert buffet, then headed back to Wavebands again to see some Krazy Karaoke. On our last cruise, we’d gone to see Karaoke in Diversions and it ended up being the same few people over and over. This time, we were blown away by the singing abilities of just about everyone we saw and only saw one guy perform twice. There were so many people signed up that it ran way past the time shown in the Navigator and we actually had to skip out to go and collect Alex from the Lab.

The next day was our day at sea, so we were planning to sleep in. The captain had already announced that they’d considered going back to Castaway Cay, but that the system had stalled there and it was supposed to rain all day. Instead, he was heading west to try and get between a couple of weather systems where he hoped to find some sun for us.