DAY TWO - AUGUST 7th
NASSAU BAHAMAS
I awoke to beautiful, and I do mean absolutely beautiful blue skies in Nassau. Maddie was SO tired she didn't even wake up for Mickey's call. I got up about 7:30, dressed and hit the verandah, which by the way is the ONLY way I can get up early and chipper I have learned.
It was so amazing to watch the Wonder pulling slowly forward toward Nassau. Maddie finally woke and joined me in her jammies on the verandah. Smiles everywhere which is something of a feat in itself considering we were exhausted the night before and NEITHER of us are morning people.
Today was the day. I had booked the Dolphin Encounter for us and managed to keep it a secret for MONTHS.
I knew that we had to be at Wavebands to meet the group at 9:30 so I had to tell her about it last night. Her reaction was priceless. We were getting ready for bed and she was by the desk in our room. I started talking about the day at Nassau and all the things there were to do. Then I told her that I had made plans (she HATES the word PLAN) knowing she would get edgy (yea - a little evil on my part). Then when she began asking questions, I said, "I know how much you wanted to be surprised on the cruise with what we were doing and what you would see, but Mommy just had to make these plans. We have to meet some people down in Wavebands in the morning to go onto another boat and to another small island. We are doing this because I want you to have the most magical time of your life and I have reserved a time for us to go SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS!!!!!" OMG She literally fell down onto the desk she was standing beside then just began to jump around like a crazy person hugging me so tight I didn't think she would let go. The excitement in her eyes and surprise on her face was something I will never forget.
Yes, I took pictures....I'll post those later today on the board too.
We immediately packed our things for the Blue Lagoon, put on our suits and then hit Beach Blanket for breakfast. This was always one of my favorite times of the day. It is breath taking to eat outside beside the railing, feeling the breeze in our faces and watching the ship pull into port. Everyone else can keep the fancy dining rooms....I'll take BB any day of the week with this feeling!
After breakfast we walked around deck 10 a bit and watched Nassau come closer and closer into view. I showed Maddie the crew pool and she was so sad that it was so small. She wanted to know if she could invite them to swim with us in the Mickey Pool.
Once we docked it was about 8:45 and we needed to head down to the Atrium as it was time for the Princess Gathering which we could not miss!! The only problem was that I had packed (after much nudging from the Dis) EVERY SINGLE PRINCESS DRESS she owns so she would be prepared for photos with each of them! Why is that a problem? Well, because the Princess gathering was 20 minutes before we had to meet the group for the dolphins. So....all that packing and planning...down the drain. Maddie met each and every Princess while wearing a pink T-shirt, pony tail and bathing suit.
Oh well, who cares right? In her own words she summed it up, "
Mommy, I don't care what I wear - it's ok - we are going to see the dolphins!" YES! THAT is MY GIRIL!!! She did get to see each of them and would have been happy if she were naked I believe as Belle was there and she had been dying to meet her.
After the Princess meet we went straight up to deck 9 for a quick grab of water and soda for the trip over. This was when I realized (with NO time to spare) that I had left all the snacks I had packed for the excursion IN THE STINKING ROOM! Oh yea, bright one I am....I see money rolling out the window on junk food at Blue Lagoon already
Once in Wavebands
Maddie's mood shifted. Have I mentioned she HATES WAITING! Imagine that. An impatient 6 year old. We waited while everyone grabbed their paperwork (waivers they didn't sign) towels, stickers, etc. and I could see her getting more foul by the moment. GREAT!!
Well, at least I wasn't alone because the more I spoke to her telling her, "This is it kiddo - you either get happy or they will not let you see ANY dolphins - you will be left on he ship and it won't be with a Princess either!", mothers began looking and laughing. It seems ALL CHILDREN on the ship are complete brats when having to wait - the poor dears. So I sucked it up and tried to make her happy while we waited. It was about 15 minutes and then we left for the boat. More waiting in line, more whining and a "long long walk Mommy" to the excursion boat and we found our seats on the top deck of the boat overlooking the harbor. I tried showing her the sites, talking about the blue crystal waters, anything but we were back to the mode of, "
I WANT IT NOW - NOW - NOW - NOW!!!"
Thank GOD the boat ride was only about 40 minutes (ONLY - yea right!). Once we got there she immediately changed her tone. Her face lit up as we entered the lagoon and while we were listening to the trainer explain the encounter to us she just laid down quietly on my lap.
This part lasted about 10 minutes and then we headed down to the dock where we split into groups for the encounter. Once we were putting things in the locker and getting ready to see Sorka, our 6 year old dolphin, Maddie was so excited I thought she would fall into the water at any moment.
We all sat with our feet in the water and Maddie was in Heaven watching the dolphins swim around us, under our feet and then back up again. She could not wait to be in the water and actually touch them. We got in for the kissing and petting portion of the encounter. Maddie of course was all for this. The water was freezing but in she went. Sorka came up to us, we pet her soft skin, rubbed her nose and then ....well Sorka was a bad bad girl. All of the sudden I started screaming for Maddie to move and get out of the water. Sorka was pooping all over us!
GROSSSSS!!! Maddie never cared a minute and our trainer quickly pointed out, "it's in there now, no use getting out." EW - that's all I have to say is EW EW EW!!!
Well, poop or no poop we kept playing with Sorka and Maddie got a big kiss on the cheek. After that we went through the groups again and then Maddie and I got back in the water to have some more time with Sorka. Maddie danced with her (to The Twist), and I danced to something I have never heard before. Sorka let us know she approved of our moves by clapping her fins, nodding and squealing. Too cute - and no more poop! Then we fed her, she did some tricks, more hugs and kisses and a little playing around and it was time to leave the dolphins. We were so blessed with one lady that was in our group. She stayed behind after her encounter to take photos of Maddie and I during our encounter. So you know what happened right...yep - I cried again.
We went to the gift shop so I could spend my life savings on photos and a video (how can you NOT get this?) if the day. We've been home 3 days and have watched it everyday. I wouldn't trade either for all the $$ in he world. We also had to buy snacks (at $2 per bag of chips) because I, Miss Smarty Packer, left all of ours in the room! After that we walked down to the boat watched some more dolphins playing in the water, took some photos and headed back to Nassau.
Once back in Nassau Maddie wanted to go to the Straw Market. Her eyes were like Christmas lights - big and wide. Although she could not understand WHY I made her put her cover-up on when it was so hot. I can't help it - walking around down there really gives me the creeps. We also had a long talk about NOT BUYING anything without talking to me. NOT getting to excited about anything she sees and NOT paying what somebody says the price is. She felt so grown up when every lady in the place was stopping her begging HER to look at their items. We were about 1/2 through the market when I knew she had been had. The sweetest little old lady touched her arm and said, "
Hello sweetie pie, come over here and let me put your pretty name on one of my bags. I made them myself and I want you to have one please." One look from Maddie and I knew, she was getting the bag. She watched her so closely and wide eyed. She even negotiated a better price. When she was finished with the bag Maddie gave her a hug and her money then we walked around a bit more. I was so proud of her for her manners and the way she acted while we were there. It's such a different environment but she was great! One older woman saw Maddie tugging at her suit under her shirt and immediately pulled her over to her. She said, "Come here darlin', I can see this is bothering you. It's all bunching up isn't it. Come here and let me fix it for ya." Maddie beamed. The woman lifted her shirt and began to adjust Maddie's suit strap pulling it until Maddie said, "That feels better, how'd you do that?" Then she gave her a hug and we made our way out of the market.
We walked around a bit in Nassau because there was some perfume that I wanted to buy. This is where grumpy Maddie came back. You know....walking and waiting to get to the next thing.
I got her out of the mood quickly enough when we realized that ALL the shops, including the perfume shop I wanted, were ALL closed for a Bahama holiday. Oh well - money saved - mood diverted. Back to the ship. Once back she wanted to go to the pool. We grabbed a bite to eat from Pluto's as it was about 2:30 and sat by the pool when Pluto walked up. Of course Maddie threw down the chicken fingers and proceeded to love him thoroughly. After the pool, she wanted to go to the club for a short bit. She went in there and I walked about the ship taking pictures and went by Shutters. There Jaimee, the woman we fell in love with, helped me find more photos. She remembers Maddie because she calls her, "Dale's sister" due to the 4 missing teeth.
After another BBC and a little more walking I went to pick up Maddie and go to the room to change.
We had an invitation for the
Castaway Club reception with the Captain and we both decided this was something we wanted to do. Maddie had been dying to meet him and talk to him about icebergs. The reception was at 5:00, Mickey and Minnie formal photos were at 5:00 also, and our dinner was at 5:45....although...we had discussed the fact that since tonight was Parrot Cay and we would eat there twice we MIGHT skip out on dinner and just fill up at the reception to have a night of freedom (and of course without the stuffy stick people).
We made it just in time to be at the front of the line for Mickey and Minnie...you know what I found out? People can get UGLY when you are first. We had two people actually yell at us because they "have been standing over there waiting on it to start." WELL HELLO?!?! OVER THERE is not a line - OVER THERE are chairs and a table.
At about 5:15 we headed to the reception in Wavebands. This was beautiful! There was certainly enough food for us to fill up on - especially considering the cake of the day later. I drank the cocktails...yummy and Maddie had her version of a grown up froo froo drink which she adored. We met a gentleman that Maddie fell in love with, Will. He was a long shore-man at Cape Canaveral and one of the people who loads the Wonder each week. It was fascinating talking to him. Maddie being as paranoid as I am about luggage immediately told him he does a great job. HAHA! She did meet the Captain and ask about her all important icebergs, we took some photos and headed out to roam around a bit before the early show. We skipped dinner at Parrot Cay with Stuffy Sticks laughing that they probably thought they had scared us off.....NOPE - we'll be back tomorrow and we WILL SIT BESIDE EACH OTHER!
We walked around on deck 4 a bit, enjoyed the breeze and the chairs again. I love this place! We walked around Rt 66 where Maddie peered into all the clubs with fascination. Then we went to the show. Maddie didn't remember the theater at all from our last cruise so this was all new to her. AGAIN the smarty pants packer that I am left the stinkin' snacks in the room so money down the drain on drinks again! You would think I would remember them at least once.
This night the show was Hercules. I had no idea what to expect as I hadn't seen it before either. Maddie was wide eyed at the theater - she loves all things musical and was on the edge of her seat with Coke in hand. The show was fantastic! Not one I would have wanted to miss. She was mesmerized when Hades would come up through the stage floor and I liked the adult humor that was over her head.
After the show she ask if I would PLEASE PLEASE take her to the kids club and she wanted me to, "go to the grown up clubs please mommy." Well she did go to her club, but I had other plans. I went to the room, changed, then sat on the verandah and watched us pull out of the port at Nassau. I watched one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen....in total peace and quiet....ahhhhhh. After that I took my book and a few postcards up to deck 10 with another BBC and sat in my own piece of Heaven. I wrote several cards...one for Maddie from Tink. She does believe in all the magic of Disney but has started asking questions that broke my hearts today. She made the comment that Chip and Dale weren't the "real" Chip and Dale because they sagged. Meaning that they were wearing costumes. She also said that Mickey, Minnie, and the rest weren't the "real one's" because their mouths don't move and they don't blink.
NOOOO!!!!! This cannot happen!!! I wrote out a postcard from Tink (her favorite) saying that I had seen her on the ship and I hoped she enjoyed all of the little surprises I had left for her each night. HA! I also had different cast/crew members talk to her about it each chance I got - including the Captain. Of course, they ALL think so quickly on their feet and were so convincing that she completely believed them - THANK GOODNESS! Now when that postcard arrives she may wet her pants.
I went back to the kids club and picked her up about 10pm. She was having another ball in there although no characters this time which was what she was secretly hoping for. We walked back to the room and bumped into Kirk - our room attendant. He took her into our room to show her the towel animal (monkey) and she gasp with delight when she saw that a snorkel and princess frisbee were on her bed. He acted so shocked and told her they weren't there when he was here. So she proudly exclaimed, "they are from Tink and the Princesses!!!" Wide eyes, smiles, wonder and magic.....mission accomplished. And of course, I cried again. What a sap!
I had planned on taking her up on the top deck and walking around but we were both wiped out. We ordered room service - of couse the cake of the day had to be had, and I ordered the cheese platter which I'm sorry to say - was NASTY! Blach! It was nothing but club crackers, swiss cheese (tasted like stinky feet), some cheddar and blue cheese.....ick! We called back and got another cake of the day and then off to sleep we went.
Another great day....more smiles, more magic, more excitement, and a few more tears. Oh yea, we will be back!
DAY THREE TO COME TOMORROW - CASTAWAY CAY.
I also love it that your cabin steward was so wonderful about setting out the little surprises for Maddieand playing along with her excitement. There is absolutely nothing that compares with a little Disney magic!
Kelly
