First cruise - not sure about a trip report **UPDATED:link to pictures pg 6 post#79**

[Aunt Jo]

I have thought long and hard about whether a trip report from someone as old as we are would be of interest to younger folks with kids or even middle aged folks w/o kids. I will give a little background and ask you to help me decide. DH (I will refer to him as Glenn because that's his name) is 84. Two years ago he had heart surgery - aorta valve, bypass and carotid artery. He also has a pacemaker and neuropothy, a nerve condition that makes it hard for him to walk. I am 77, over weight, bossy, and over protective. My name is Mary. Glenn has resisted going on a cruise mainly because he was on a submarine for 6 years during World War II. It was hard for him to envision a luxurious ship. We discussed it off and on for oh, I guess about 20 years. We went to WDW many times during that 20 years and he loved every minute of that. Finally one day, out of the blue, Glenn said "IF we go on a cruise it will have to be a Disney cruise." Well hey, that was what I wanted anyway so no problem. This was last July. I quickly booked the Jan. 28 4 day cruise and spent a lot of time agonizing over whether it would be possible. Glenn's doctor helped us decide by urging us to do anything he felt like doing. He said anyone that survives the surgery he had and reaches the age of 84 should do things that make him happy for the rest of their lives. Sounded good to us so we kept on planning.

Our daughter was with us on most of our trips to WDW but wouldn't be able to come with us this time. I had made our plans with that in mind. We would be "on our own". But I must say, we really weren't - on our own that is. From the time we stepped into the Amarillo airport until we got home we were treated like royalty - or so it seemed to us.

I will wait to see if there is any interest in our Big Adventure before writing anymore. I will tell you the happy ending though. We had a WONDERFUL time.

 

[love2travel]

Yes, please continue with your report, I would love to hear about it!

 

[RoyalVizier]

Oh by all means, please write it!

One of the greatest aspects of a trip report is hearing all perspectives. Bring on the Glenn and Mary trip report!!

 

[lweigard]

Please give us your perspective! I was on that cruise with DH, DD, and DS. I'd love to hear what you thought of it as well!

 

[Aunt Jo]

Okay, since some of you are interested I will continue the Mary and Glenn report.

One of my main worries was how we would be able to handle being an
old couple traveling alone and one in a wheel chair. Those fears were
quickly put to rest starting with stepping into the Amarillo airport.
There, and all the way through our trip, it was good to discover that the world is full of wonderful, kind, caring people. We were deferred to until it was almost, but not quite, embarrassing. It was a load off my shoulders and Glenn enjoyed the attention and conversations we had all along the way. We were really startled on the return trip when the pilot announced before
take off that there was a WWII Vet aboard and his name is William (his first name) Tedder. Corny I guess but sweet. As one gets older, one enjoys
"sweet". I should add, he was proudly wearing his World War II hat.

Our Disney adventure started Sunday morning at the Hyatt Hotel in the
airport where we had spent what was left of the night when we
arrived. We reported to the lobby where a Disney crew was meeting and
greeting. We were told to find a seat and be comfortable until time
for us to go down and board the cruise line bus. So we did that and
in about 10 minutes a young man came over and asked if we were ready
to go. Of course we were but imagine our surprise to discover that we
were the only ones that were being escorted to the bus. The others
came later I'm sure but that's how we were treated the whole trip. He
delivered us to the door of the bus and others took over and helped
us up the steps and seated us in the front row. As soon as we pulled
away, the bus driver got on his phone and asked for a wheel chair to
meet us at the Port. And there it was when we arrived. It was ours to
keep for the balance of the cruise. We enjoyed the bus ride and the time went quickly. It only took about 50 minutes. I was quite excited that I set off the security alarm. Glenn can't go through the security gate because of his pacemaker so I soon joined him in his line to be wand checked. I have no idea what set it off as I had no belt, jewelry, zipper, etc. That had never happened to me before. So you now have an idea of what is fun for us old folks.

We were announced and applauded and headed for Parrot Cay for the lunch buffet. It was a beautiful display of food and after many months of swearing to each other that we would eat carefully and not too much, we filled our plates with way too much food. I decided at that time that we would avoid buffets for the remainder of the trip.

We finished our lunch and I retrieved the wheel chair even though I had been told to ask a server to bring it to us. I had only taken a couple of steps when I felt myself being gently pushed aside and strong young hands took charge of the wheel chair and a handsome young man from Peru said "let me". His name was Renato.

 

[Michelle_R]

Oh please tell us more.
I'll go make the popcorn, anyone want to bring the soda's?


Michelle

 

[CapnJackGroupie]

I'm so happy you decided to write your TR!! Sounds like your cruise got off to a great start and even though I don't know you.... I'm sure you and your husband deserve every bit of the WONDERful attention & treatment you received! Good for you for going on the cruise!!

Looking forward to the rest of your TR!

 

[Skyw]

Please keep writing! !!!

 

[Aunt Jo]

You folks continue to verify my belief that the world is full of kind and caring people. I am going to tell you about Renato but first a little more about our boarding experience.

We went through the necessary steps at the port with ease. I had the
papers we needed but hadn't completed the Bahamas card. A nice man
helped me with that then escorted us to a nice lady who finished the
process and presented us with those magic KTTW cards. She had someone
escort us to a comfortable place to wait (which turned out to be the
same place as everyone else was waiting but not a problem). She
suggested we move close to the rope and we would be let aboard first
(the wheel chair thing again). We eventually moved closer and joined
another wheel chair couple. Turns out he was retired army so the guys
had a lot to talk about. A CM who was in charge of letting folks
board came over to join the conversation as he was retired navy. The
3 guys had a fine time reminiscing until time to board. The retired
navy guy told his assistant in a loud voice to "make sure the
military families board first". That could also translate to "make
sure the wheel chair families board first". It worked either way. So
we were on board at last for our very first cruise.

I thought Renato would push us out of the restaurant and then go back to his duties. He was a server. But he continued down the hallway pointing out points of interest. We got to the atrium area and he headed for the elevators. He took us to Deck 4 and again pointed out points of interest like Animators Palate, Walt Disney Theater, Shutters, then we went out on deck and he showed us where the life boat drill would take place. He thought I looked tired (and I was) so we sat for a while on a bench. We asked about his time on board and his home. He seemed happy to share a part of his life with us. He had only one more month on his current contract and would return to Peru for 2 months. He planned to sign on again for another 6 months after that. His wife is expecting their first child and insisted he quit smoking before the baby was born - and he had done that. His 96 year old grandmother lives with them. He loved talking about her and what a gallant lady she is. It was time for the rooms to be ready so he took us to Deck 6 and saw us safely in our room. I was so grateful to him and hoped he wouldn't be in trouble for taking so much time from his server duties. He assured me it would be okay as he was "assisting a passenger". I gave him a tip and felt good about doing so.

So now we are in our room - a Cat 6 which was a splurge but that's how we have always done Disney. I wanted that verandah and so did Glenn. It turned out to be wonderful entertainment for us - especially for me as Glenn likes to sleep late. The room was as described but I have to say I thought it was pretty narrow. Remember, this is our first cruise. Renato folded the wheel chair and we managed to get it out on the verandah as there was no room in the room for it. That worked well and we quickly learned how to get it out when we needed it. We checked out all the facilities and found we had more than enough room for clothes, etc. We sat on the verandah for a while and looked at the other cruise ships in dock. I was kinda wishing we were on the boarding side but turns out we had the best side for the rest of the trip.

It was soon time for the dreaded life boat drill and it was hard for both of us. I should have asked for assistance but we managed to walk down 2 flights (which is really 4) and back up after the drill. Must say people were rushing past us so we tried to stay as close to the rails as possible. It was a relief to have it over with and no harm done. We rested briefly on our verandah before we headed for dinner at Parrot Cay. Must say, I was worried about dinners and had requested a table for 2. Glenn loves to visit with folks but he has trouble with words and thought processes and gets embarrassed and frustrated so I thought it best if we dined alone. How wrong I was. We did have dinner companions and dining became one of our happiest experiences.

 

[RoyalVizier]

We did have dinner companions and dining became one of our happiest experiences.

Oh, so glad to hear it!!

Sounds like you were surrounded by wonderful and caring people on that first day.

 

[laura1234]

Excellent report... thank you for sharing. Please keep it coming.

 

[mom_of_2_princesses]

I can't wait to hear the rest.

 

[Aprille]

Hi, Mom!

Great trip report so far. I'm enjoying it and just printed it out for your favorite SIL to read.

Can I just say how proud I am of you and Dad for taking this trip? I'll admit I was a little worried about y'all making this big trip without me (and a little jealous too! ). I guess I just need to learn to let y'all grow up and be on your own.

 

[trekkie518]

Great trip report so far, Please keep going, it sounds like you had a Wonderful time on the ship. Thank you for sharing it with us.

 

[Tink rules]

Can't wait to hear the rest!!!

 

[alwayslisad]

Oh my what a wonderful report so far - can not wait to read more - Please keep it coming and thank you for sharing with us all!!!

 

[Luckymomoftwo]

Great trip report so far! Can't wait to hear more! I don't know you, but I am so glad that you got to experience a Disney Cruise. It's the only cruise line I've been on and I've been told that I've spoiled myself and to not even try any other cruise line now!!! Fine by me!! I LOVE DISNEY!

I hope that my husband and I are still enjoying Disney vacations just like you two are when we are in our 70's and 80's! What an inspiration you are to us!!

 

[Mickey'sfriend]

Can't wait to hear more!! Thanks for sharing with us your fabulous experience!

 

[Luckymomoftwo]

OoPS!! Didn't mean to post twice...my computer froze up earlier didn't realize that my reply actually posted.

 

[kevinsmom]

Your report is awesome!! Love the details! Looking forward to more!