Sailing Solo from Spain to the Space Coast ~ Pre-Trip Preamble...

CustardTart

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ONE is the MAGIC Number!!!

The Cast:
Hundreds of delightful DISers that I have met through the WBTA thread...

And, in my first solo starring role - MOI!!!!

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The Story So Far:
A couple of months ago, I reached what is commonly called the end of my tether. I shan't bore you all with the tedious details BUT suffice to say, I needed a break both physically and mentally. Unfortunately, my lovely husband couldn't take any time himself BUT suggested I look at booking a DCL cruise for the ultimate in rest, relaxation and Richard-free revelry.

At first, I refused. Why on earth would I want to cruise without my partner in cruisin' - it made no sense at all. But, just when I thought things here couldn't get any worse - they got worse, much worse and, in between bouts of hysteria, I found myself daydreaming about booking the September 2010 Westbound Transatlantic - a fourteen night voyage on the high seas aboard the Disney Magic... :cloud9:

There were a few reasons behind this choice of cruise. Firstly, I knew Richard had NO enthusiasm for crossing the Atlantic by boat (what can I tell you - the man's a wuss!) whereas it was something I had longed to do. Secondly, there were quite a few DISers already booked that I knew and so I felt it wouldn't be a lonely or isolated, Billy No Mates experience. Oh and thirdly, the price was pretty fab... ;-)

So, after discussing it with my friends and lovely family, I decided to go for it and my tip top TA booked a Category 7 stateroom (I knew I'd need a veranda) before I could change my mind!!! Initially I wasn't allocated a stateroom number so kept checking my reservation on the DCL website until one day I discovered I was in #7086!!! Pixiedust alert!!! I'd only gone and been upgraded, people - instead of a cozy Cat 7, I'm now swanning around in a mid-ship Cat 5 on Deck 7 which will be amazing!!! :woohoo:

This all happened seven short but very busy weeks ago and, since that time, I have been immersed in cruise planning. As soon as my booking was confirmed, I signed up for all the DIS activities that were still available. Wine and cocktail tastings, jewellery workshops, a St Maarten excursion - to name but a few. And who could forget the famous Fish Extender Gift Exchange?!!! this has been outstandingly organised into several groups of 15 staterooms and I cannot wait to give out my goodies as well as receive some in return...

Of course, food is a BIG part of the Disney cruise experience and I was very kindly invited to link my dining reservations with Marvellous Mandy (UKAngel) and Knockout Noel (birkner) plus their husbands so no sad solitary suppers for me!!! In theory, at least.. ;-)

Actually, I'm no longer a lone rider as I have been charged with chaperoning a certain green furry character across the ocean. Meet Planky.

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He's small, he's only got one eye but word is, he's a hell raiser. Good job I've got that veranda - and I'm not afraid to use it, mister!!! Check out his Facebook page (Planky Takesontheworld) for more information and sightings...

Naturally no Disney cruise would be complete without a plethora of what we like to call Door Magnets and, as a complete Photoshopaholic, I was in my element!!! Here's a pic of how my stateroom door might look - OK so it's the kitchen radiator, but you get the idea...

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My overall plan is to read (I have 12 novels downloaded onto my iPad), relax, try each Drink of the Day at least once, chill out, sit in the sun, enjoy the sea air and let go of all the stress of the past 12 months. Richard is under strict instructions to keep me out of all loops - what can I possibly do about anything if I'm in the middle of the Atlantic...? ;)

My final challenge is to attempt a live, as it happens, day by day trip report!!! I have cameras and an iPad, they have the cocktails so it should all happen!!! Watch out for the updates...

And that's about all, folks! My bags are mostly packed, I leave at 5am on Saturday morning for Barcelona and I'll be back at the start of October (someone record Strictly Come Dancing for me..?).. I really hope you stick around and keep an eye on what Planky and his minder get up to...

Let's Cruise!!! :sail:
 
Have a wonderful time honey, see you soon, we really should make a plan before you leave xx
 
Yay! 'Marvellous Mandy' ;) reporting in Cap'n! :cool1:


Can't wait to make a start on those cocktails, Kaz!:yay:



See you Saturday (I'd better watch what I say or do if you're going to be reporting back) :thumbsup2:woohoo::woohoo:




:littleangel:
 

I would've loved to have taken this cruise too ::yes:: at least I will be able to follow you daily and read about your antics and cocktail count ;)

Have a fab time Karen, and I hope you come home chilled and relaxed :thumbsup2
 
Sounds fab, just wish I was coming with you! :sad:

I can't wait to read your live trippie and you'd better keep up with the cocktail count that we were hitting in June!
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Yehaw!!!!

(Sorry... been hanging out in Montana with cowboys the last couple of weeks...)
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I'm IN!!!

(oh wait... I really am... :lmao: :lmao:)

Do those Drinks of the Day come with 2 straws???

See ya Saturday Babe!!!

(you brought extra cash didn't you???)
 
Have a fantastic time Karen and I hope you come home totally de-stressed. :hug:
 
Can't wait to read your live report, although sadly (NOT) i'm off to WDW half way through your trip but i'll catch up when i'm back. Have a wonderful time.
 
You didn't tell your tip top TA (love it!) that you got an upgrade! WOO HOO!!
 
Kaz, I'll be cruising vicariously through you. So many friends and playmates on this cruise...wish I could be with you all!

Have a great time and keep a close eye on Mr. Green-Fuzzybottom!

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You didn't tell your tip top TA (love it!) that you got an upgrade! WOO HOO!!

I knew... :rolleyes1

Kaz, I'll be cruising vicariously through you. So many friends and playmates on this cruise...wish I could be with you all!

Have a great time and keep a close eye on Mr. Green-Fuzzybottom!

.

I told her to keep an eye on her credit cards... :lmao:
 
So... ummmmm... I have to travel ALLL the way over to the UK Board to find your trippie???

I think you and the Plankman are hiding... :rolleyes:

I guess all those English lessons will come in handy now... :thumbsup2
 
Great start!!! :thumbsup2 Can't wait to read all your updates (although I probably will be busy and not able to read them real time!!!).

thanks for including a link in my TR!!
 
found you through Melodie's tr, cant wait to keep up with ya on your journey. So you have only had 7weeks to plan? Im envious your ditching the hubby errr I mean venturing out on your own LOL.
 
looking forward to this, have a fab time :goodvibes
 
Wow Karen, your cruise sounds amazing. Am really looking forward to the live reports. Hope you had a brilliant time:thumbsup2

Tina
 
Oh can't wait for more from you and your little "green" traveling buddie Karen:rotfl2:

Hope you have a fantastic time:thumbsup2
 
Wow Karen - you are going to have the best time.

I must confess a transatlantic cruise hasn't ever appealed to me. But now reading your pre-trip report I would have to think again.

Lazing on the balcony, drinking the cocktail of the day, reading lots of books and sampling all the onboard activities would certainly be right up my street.

Have the most amazing time and I can't wait to read all about it.

Tam
 












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