When we last left off, we found our hero meeting his online friend for the first time. Our meeting was brief and to the point. Mozart wanted me to know that he was there and watching.
As we arrived at the check-in, we had to scatter the rest of the travelers just in case something was said at the counter. Ah ha, we were correct, the young lady was about to begin her "wedding" montra, when we abruptly told her to STOP
. after explaining our little surprise she was as excited as you folks. We met her at the side door and got all of our documents and welcome letters, etc. She was even kind enough to have the entire party board at the same time (MAGICAL MOMENT #1).
I proceeded to check the kids into "The Club." As an aside, we were apprehensive about sending them. Our children are very shy and didn't really know how they would react. Now, shame on us as parents for underestimating our children...We dragged them out of there kicking and screaming...They LOVED IT!!!! As I finished in the alcove, the boarding had begun
Through the Mickey Ears and onto the ship. Except for stopping for the obligatory photos. It was a feat, and I could see the stress on the other passengers faces as we took individual families and then the whole group. I could imagine the thoughts in their minds...Oh God, not another huge family that will hog the entire trip...Little did they know that our paths would probably cross again in a few days...HA HA HA!!!
So here we are attempting to get all of the ids onboard...
As the families were announced, we made sure that my wife and I were announced with my surname and her maiden name...No secrets out just yet. As we moved through the lobby toward the aft end of the ship, I happend to meet up with one of our favorite servers/bartenders - STEVE from Trinidad
To my surprise he remembered my DW and I and was his usual comedic self. I highly recommend hooking up with him if you are traveling soon. He is now in the Promenade Lounge and at Konked Out on Castaway...
Up the elevator to BBB for some shrimp and beef...I'm starving and I need a drink...Let the festivites begin...After a double Jack & Coke, a Long Island Ice Tea for Lucy and a hearty lunch...I leave my DW and head off to meet the Concierge Team with Lucy. She was in a suite as well...We arrive at The Cadillac Lounge after a brief stop at Signals to refresh the empty glasses...I neglected to tell you that the transportation of alcohol sometimes takes more than one bag...Lucy and I carried 2 bottles of Jack, 1.75 of Parrot Bay, 1.75 Absolut, 2 bottles of Champagne, 1 bottle of Tequila, Sea Breeze Mix and Margarita Mix, boy were they heavy. Anyway, off to the lounge...It was there that we met Colin and Rufaro...AWESOME!!! AWESOME!!! AWESOME!!! The best Concierge team I have ever had onboard...You could see in his eyes that there was something he wanted to say, but he was hesitant...I get it Lucy is there and he doesn't know that she knows...
Relax my young friend, she's in on it...After laughing for a few, he was relaxed and ready to go...So, after "dumping" a boatload of information on us, I told him I suffer from CRS (Can't Remember Sh--). He said not to worry, I will keep it straight. So, back to signals for another round and time to find my family and rescue my wife...To my surprise they didn't really hover, they went off to explore the ship and find their rooms. My DW and I were well aware where ours was, since it was the same room we sailed in March...How nice to be "home" again.
We met our room attendant Roy, who was incredible...He left nothing to chance...We had everything we could possibly need or want. Great job Roy...The lifeboat drill was fast, efficient and orderly...As usual. The kids, even my youngest enjoyed the vests...But mom and dad do not...back to the room to get ready for SAIL AWAY!!!
The boys shirts so cute and I love the babies Nike's. I want them. What a lucky man you are!!
