I know that I am a little behind the times -- a few cruises ago I used to be one of the more frequent posters. But I am really starting to get psyched, so here's what I am looking forward to, in a sort of order:
1. Seeing Ron, Brenda, Kaylee and Emily. An hopefully boarding the ship with them. And having dinner with them every night. And getting loaded with them.
2. The feeling that you get when you first enter the atrium, the cast member announces your family name and you know that your ENTIRE cruise is in front of you.
3. Having breakfast delivered that first morning (and every morning that we can), sitting on the veranda and watching the blue, blue sea go by.
4. Seeing the look of wonder and magic (words chosen on purpose) in my childrens' eyes as they take everything in. There are a few precious moments on the boat in which I say to myself ("This is why I work my butt off all year long. This is totally worth it.")
5. Going out with Ron, Brenda and all of my new friends whom I have not met yet.
6. Having a drink at Signals, the outdoor bar on Deck 9 that is never crowded, but where you can have a drink in relative quiet and smell the sea air.
7. Palo brunch. Hard to be funnier than two years ago when we had "hairy man" on the deck, sunning himself right outside our viewing area.
8. Hanging out with my wife the first morning we can, ordering a drink before 12:00, getting a sunburn and feeling great.
9. Hearing the "dum-dum-dum-dum-dum-dum-dum" - "When you wish upon a star" intro before there is an announcement on the ship's PA system.
10. Getting to know our servers, who by the second day, will anticipate our every need.
11. That deja-vu feeling of seeing all of the wonderful things on the ship that you had forgotten that you loved, but having the memories come rushing bac.
12. Having a cigar on our veranda while reading a mystery novel.
13. Having a rum and coke-induced nap a couple of afternoons, disguised as a "family rest time" whem mom and dad are smashed and about to pass out.
14. Watching my beautiful children play in the pool with absolute glee.
15. Meeting all of the wonderful people on the first day and hacing so many people to say "hello" to all over the ship on the first day.
16. And finally, knowing that we are paying, albeit at a premium price, for a piece of magic that we will never forget. Honestly, when we are on our death beds, are we doing to say "I really wish that I had put that money in the bank?" Not likely.
No "what I am looking forward to" list would be complete without dreading that sinking, depressing feeling of being on the bus on the way back to the airport, praying for the next piece of magic to come sooner rather than later.
Mark
LOL!!!!
LOL!!!!
