We arrived at the port around 11 am and checked in and got on board around 12:30, DW, DH, DD (7) and my mom (as my husband said our DMIL, Disney Mother-in-Law). We ate lunch at Parrot Cay. The selection and quality was impressive as usual. Tuna wraps and fresh fruit salad for me (DW). DH was very impressed with the Island Chicken. We normally wont overdo it at lunch because we know how much more great food is yet to come.
We then went up to deck 9 for some drinks, got into our rooms promptly at 1:30 cabin 2011 and 6317. After 4 previous trips we knew where we wanted to be. 2011 is about as forward as it gets, with nothing above but the Walt Disney World Theater, there was nearly no noise after 9 pm at all the whole trip. We chose 6317 because it was off the main hall and there was no one across from us making for less traffic.
We got to the sail away party about 5 minutes early to get a nice table on deck 10, but in no time we were surrounded but party people. This time around they were handing out streamers, and with the wind blowing they seamed to never rest. As we cast off DH pointed out a large fire that must have just started, just off on the horizon. We knew it was pretty big because of the massive amount of smoke that was now getting blown out to sea, almost right over the ship. Turning on the news over the week, we soon found out that the brush fires in Palm Bay were a national story on CNN.
The Disney ship always follows the Mariner of the Seas (
Royal Caribbean) out of the port. But this day, just as the Mariner was about to hit ocean, the ship had some kind of emergency. It very abruptly docked right at the mouth of the port. As the Wonder was sailing past, in a very narrow alley, we could see fire rescue, ambulances and patrol boats approaching the Mariner. We also got a super close up view of the ship and its passengers as we all waved to each other. We all assumed it was some sort of medical emergency.
We were determined not to be rushed this trip, according to DH this was a beach get-a-way and he was less concerned with attending shows or meals, and more concerned with doing nothing at all! Well, according to me, it wasnt going to be all about sleeping and laying around, but I would allow some down time. Also, we decided that instead of trying to get DD to the Kids Club, we wanted her around as much as possible this time, in fact she never made it there at all this time. Although in past cruises, we found it hard to get her out of the club. It could have been because she had already had done a lot of the 5-7 (and 8-9, she was bumped up last cruise to be with her cousins) activities.
The first nights show was with entertainer Mark Eddie. But because the Navigator didnt say what he did, DH called down to find out what exactly he did. Guest Services said sometime he did music and sometimes comedy but mostly he did music so we voted and it was decided we would skip Mark and head instead to Bingo! DD was particularly enthralled with Bingo and the MC was very entertaining and funny. In the end we didnt win with any cards, but DMIL did win the final raffle and was awarded a diamond charm braclet which she gave to DD.
Before we knew it, it was time for dinner. Our rotation was PTTA. In four previous cruises we had early seating at Animators and felt like we were always a little full already first so were ready for the change. At 8:15 we arrived at Parrot Cay hungry. I had Ceasar and a grilled Chicken dish (I dont remember what it was called but it was good). DH had the Grouper, Casear Salad and an onion soup (he wasnt thrilled with the soup but Ive never known him to like much soup). There was chocolate cake for dessert, which was yummy. I wont go into the food too much partially because I dont remember some of my meals, but also because we arent too adventurous. Chocolate Cake was pretty much dessert all the way through, and if it wasnt on the menu our server found some for us from somewhere else.
We were eager for CC the next day so headed back to the cabin, but DH and DD did go up to shoot some hoops. They must have been gone an hour or so but when they returned the looked very tired. They said it was extremely windy on deck and made it tough to shoot any hoops but they had a blast trying! It wasnt hard falling asleep that night.