2019-Disney Virgin Islands Cruise
Prologue
A week from today, we will be on our third Disney cruise. At first I was a bit on the reluctant side. We have had a good time on every cruise we have taken. But, the water and ports all look the same to me. Disney is not cheap, either. Factoring in airfare, a hotel, transfers, new clothes, excursions, and on and on, Margo and I are spending $7,500. This will be the most expensive trip we have ever take, beating our Alaskan cruise by $500.
So, none of this was in its favor. What was is the company, the fact that we would be taking Jackie on a new experience, and mostly, the weather. Escaping a week of a Colorado winter, even in late February when the worst is over, is almost worth the cost. But, I can honestly say I am very much looking forward to this trip.
So, none of this was in its favor. What was is the company, the fact that we would be taking Jackie on a new experience, and mostly, the weather. Escaping a week of a Colorado winter, even in late February when the worst is over, is almost worth the cost. But, I can honestly say I am very much looking forward to this trip.
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We both very much need a break. Jackie is not a huge burden, but she is like a brick. You can carry a brick place to place with little trouble. It doesn’t weigh much and it doesn’t need much care. But, if you have to carry that brick all the time, and never put it down, every muscle in your body starts to hurt. You think of nothing else, and it interferes with your life. Jackie is always there.
We get breaks by going to work. North Metro takes her for outings on Monday, and then on Tuesday and Thursday they send a personal assistant. She either does stuff with her at home or takes her out for a couple of hours. But, usually all of that is when we are at work anyway. We are trying our best to come to peace with all of this, but it takes a toll. This trip is going to break that pattern for a week, and let us view Jackie in a different light, as a child seeing new things. That may sound condescending, but to be honest, I don’t care. We are doing the best we can. The alternative is for her to go live with strangers who will care for her. None of her siblings, or step-siblings have offered any help, or even come to visit her in a year and a half, so this is it. |
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Our flight leaves Friday the 22nd at 6:25 AM, so it will be an early day. We should be at our hotel by 1:00 PM, and can enjoy sitting around the pool, drinking foo-foo drinks, and soaking in the sun. I am ready for some 80-degree temps, that is for sure and for certain. We are staying at the Disney All-Star Music resort, so they are handling most of our bags, and getting us to the hotel. Then Disney is picking us up at the hotel and taking us to port. We might not be the first on board, but our stress level is going to be way down. The it is 7 days at sea or in one of three ports. All promising plenty of sun and relaxation. I plan to read, work on my blog, sip fruity drinks, and get a tan.
Day One--Friday-February 22, 2019
Today started at 2:36 AM. My alarm was set for 2:45 AM, so I felt a bit cheated when my bladder woke me up first. But, I had gotten about four hours of sleep, so considering we are on vacation time, I was happy with the half dose.
The night before was something out of the sequence from Home Alone when they wake up late, but without the panic. Margo had been organizing her packing for several weeks, and laying clothes and such out for the past 10 days. But we were taking, including carry ones and personal bags, 11 pieces separate pieces of luggage or bags. That is a lot of stuff, and by 7 PM, Margo was starting to feel a bit overwhelmed. I don’t think we have ever packed this many bags. I don’t think we overpacked, as we had to account for eight days, which included a formal day, swimwear and two costume days. This was for three people. But until all of these things had made it into a bag, it looked like a closet had exploded.
For once I was not stressed. I left most of that at work. I was so extremely happy to be both taking a break from my work life, and escaping the Colorado winter, that very little was going to bother me. I had spent the last month at work trying to get ready for both this vacation, and the retirement of Daryl. Margo, however, was having to put together our annual clothing jigsaw puzzle, making sure we had the correct change of clothes and packing nothing that we could literally not live without. So, I went about cleaning and staying out of her way. After taking a break to eat, she sorted her mind out and had those 11 bags packed by 10 PM. By 10:30 PM I was in bed, about to start my four hours of sleep.
Pam and Jayme met us at our house at 3:40 AM, and we were on our way about ten minutes later. It was trying to rain, but was sleet instead. The roads were a little slick so we took our time getting to USAirport Parking, which directly in from of my warehouse. Our plan was to just leave our vehicles there, and not have someone have to take us to the airport at this godawful hour.
Everything worked as planned. We cleared all of the hurdles, luggage transfer, getting to the airport, clearing security, finding our gate, and on and one, right on schedule. The plan pushed away from the gate early, but we had to de-ice, so it basically left on time.
The three hour and change flight was mostly routine. We did fly through clouds and created enough bouncing that people in the aisle were order to take the nearest seat. Jackie and I had a row to ourselves, so we got a seatmate for about 10 minutes. This was as rough as I had been through, but I was not scared. I have never heard of turbulence taking a plane out. It’s those take offs and landings that worry me a bit. That was it the only thing noteworthy from the flight.
Because we are staying a Disney property the night before our cruise, we were able to check most of our bags all the way through to our hotel, from Denver. That was six large bags that we did not have to worry about, and two more for Pam and Jayme.
I was no t happy with the way our vacation started out. The weather was sleety and cold, and Southwest’s gangway was not weather proof. We all tracked through water. Margo stepped on a stainless-steel strip and her leg skidded out from underneath her. I was in front and I heard was someone gasp, and Margo cry out. I was pissed even before I got turned around. I saw her on one knee.
Everyone, especially the Southwest people, were “Are you OK?”. We were all fighting with luggage, between the Southwest person at the door, Jayme and me, we got her up. But, she was fighting back tears. I just knew that her knee was going to swell up and she would be hobbled the whole trip. I was worried about it the whole flight. But, when we got to Orlando, she said it was fine. When we checked later, she had a nice bruise, but any swelling was minimal.
The night before was something out of the sequence from Home Alone when they wake up late, but without the panic. Margo had been organizing her packing for several weeks, and laying clothes and such out for the past 10 days. But we were taking, including carry ones and personal bags, 11 pieces separate pieces of luggage or bags. That is a lot of stuff, and by 7 PM, Margo was starting to feel a bit overwhelmed. I don’t think we have ever packed this many bags. I don’t think we overpacked, as we had to account for eight days, which included a formal day, swimwear and two costume days. This was for three people. But until all of these things had made it into a bag, it looked like a closet had exploded.
For once I was not stressed. I left most of that at work. I was so extremely happy to be both taking a break from my work life, and escaping the Colorado winter, that very little was going to bother me. I had spent the last month at work trying to get ready for both this vacation, and the retirement of Daryl. Margo, however, was having to put together our annual clothing jigsaw puzzle, making sure we had the correct change of clothes and packing nothing that we could literally not live without. So, I went about cleaning and staying out of her way. After taking a break to eat, she sorted her mind out and had those 11 bags packed by 10 PM. By 10:30 PM I was in bed, about to start my four hours of sleep.
Pam and Jayme met us at our house at 3:40 AM, and we were on our way about ten minutes later. It was trying to rain, but was sleet instead. The roads were a little slick so we took our time getting to USAirport Parking, which directly in from of my warehouse. Our plan was to just leave our vehicles there, and not have someone have to take us to the airport at this godawful hour.
Everything worked as planned. We cleared all of the hurdles, luggage transfer, getting to the airport, clearing security, finding our gate, and on and one, right on schedule. The plan pushed away from the gate early, but we had to de-ice, so it basically left on time.
The three hour and change flight was mostly routine. We did fly through clouds and created enough bouncing that people in the aisle were order to take the nearest seat. Jackie and I had a row to ourselves, so we got a seatmate for about 10 minutes. This was as rough as I had been through, but I was not scared. I have never heard of turbulence taking a plane out. It’s those take offs and landings that worry me a bit. That was it the only thing noteworthy from the flight.
Because we are staying a Disney property the night before our cruise, we were able to check most of our bags all the way through to our hotel, from Denver. That was six large bags that we did not have to worry about, and two more for Pam and Jayme.
I was no t happy with the way our vacation started out. The weather was sleety and cold, and Southwest’s gangway was not weather proof. We all tracked through water. Margo stepped on a stainless-steel strip and her leg skidded out from underneath her. I was in front and I heard was someone gasp, and Margo cry out. I was pissed even before I got turned around. I saw her on one knee.
Everyone, especially the Southwest people, were “Are you OK?”. We were all fighting with luggage, between the Southwest person at the door, Jayme and me, we got her up. But, she was fighting back tears. I just knew that her knee was going to swell up and she would be hobbled the whole trip. I was worried about it the whole flight. But, when we got to Orlando, she said it was fine. When we checked later, she had a nice bruise, but any swelling was minimal.
Once we landed we had a little trouble finding the Disney area, but we were soon on a bus, and taken to our hotel; the aforementioned Disney All Star Music Resort. It was about a 35-minute ride to the hotel, but the bus had entertainment and information playing on screens, so it went quick. Check in required us to rearrange rooms so that our room and Jackie’s were side by side. But, other than that check in was smooth.
Our rooms weren’t ready, but they would text us when they were. We were all hungry so we headed off to the food court and had a cheeseburger and fry lunch. The burger was decent. Then we decided it was time to lounge around the pool, and people watch.
Up until this point we had been mostly inside. First the plane, then the terminal, then a bus, then the hotel itself. Now we got pull up a lounger and soak in 80-degree sunshine. It felt so good. Pam and Jayme went off to get some drinks for everyone. They brought Margo and I a Banana Cabana. I had asked about then getting me a Pain Killer, a drink originating from the Soggy Dollar, on Jost Van Dyke. But, the guy did not know how to make it. He was willing if we could provide a recipe. But, this Banana Cabana tasted reallllly good. It disappeared in minutes. I bought the next round.
They told us our luggage would be delivered in 2-3 hours after we arrived at the hotel. When it hit four hours we were getting worried. From our poolside chairs, we could actually see our front door on the 3rd floor. We knew no one had gone in or out. So, Margo and I went to find out what was going on. It took over an hour of back and forth, and phone calls, and checking our rooms when some bags were delivered, and some not to finally get it all sorted out. We had a stretch of about half an hour when Disney could not account for three of our bags, but they finally all turned up.
About this time Margo also took Jackie to her room. We had walked her pretty good. Margo and I both warned her she needed to exercise and walk more, because this vacation was going to be taxing. But, she maintained her chair-to-chair-to-bed routine. Between that and the sun she was spent. I think she ended up taking better than an hour nap.
With that excitement of our luggage adventure out of the way, we people watched, with the girls helping to make sure we did not miss any nicely filled bikinis. Sort of made us feel a bit old, but that was probably their plan anyway. Dinner back at the food court, and we went back to our rooms to prepare for tomorrow.
Jackie has been excited for a week, as she watched Margo gathering the clothes and such. We are anxious to see her reaction to seeing the ship. I don’t think, other than a building, if she had ever seen anything as big as the Disney Fantasy. We will find out.
Our rooms weren’t ready, but they would text us when they were. We were all hungry so we headed off to the food court and had a cheeseburger and fry lunch. The burger was decent. Then we decided it was time to lounge around the pool, and people watch.
Up until this point we had been mostly inside. First the plane, then the terminal, then a bus, then the hotel itself. Now we got pull up a lounger and soak in 80-degree sunshine. It felt so good. Pam and Jayme went off to get some drinks for everyone. They brought Margo and I a Banana Cabana. I had asked about then getting me a Pain Killer, a drink originating from the Soggy Dollar, on Jost Van Dyke. But, the guy did not know how to make it. He was willing if we could provide a recipe. But, this Banana Cabana tasted reallllly good. It disappeared in minutes. I bought the next round.
They told us our luggage would be delivered in 2-3 hours after we arrived at the hotel. When it hit four hours we were getting worried. From our poolside chairs, we could actually see our front door on the 3rd floor. We knew no one had gone in or out. So, Margo and I went to find out what was going on. It took over an hour of back and forth, and phone calls, and checking our rooms when some bags were delivered, and some not to finally get it all sorted out. We had a stretch of about half an hour when Disney could not account for three of our bags, but they finally all turned up.
About this time Margo also took Jackie to her room. We had walked her pretty good. Margo and I both warned her she needed to exercise and walk more, because this vacation was going to be taxing. But, she maintained her chair-to-chair-to-bed routine. Between that and the sun she was spent. I think she ended up taking better than an hour nap.
With that excitement of our luggage adventure out of the way, we people watched, with the girls helping to make sure we did not miss any nicely filled bikinis. Sort of made us feel a bit old, but that was probably their plan anyway. Dinner back at the food court, and we went back to our rooms to prepare for tomorrow.
Jackie has been excited for a week, as she watched Margo gathering the clothes and such. We are anxious to see her reaction to seeing the ship. I don’t think, other than a building, if she had ever seen anything as big as the Disney Fantasy. We will find out.
Day Two--Saturday-February 23, 2019
We had planned for breakfast at 9:00 AM, but the hotel was going to call us to ask for our number of bags at 7:45, so Margo was a bit restless and was up around 6:00. She went to bed before I did, and her FitBit said she got seven hours, so she was rested. I was up sometime after 7:00 AM. We were both showered and ready at 8:00, but our phone call for our bags never came. This call was for the bus that would take all but our personal bags to the ship. They needed a count. We texted Pam and Jayme, and they had received their call. Jackie said her phone rang, but she was in the shower. We were just ab out to call down, when the guys showed up to pick up the bags. We gave him both the count and the bags, and we were ready for breakfast. We later found out they said they tried to call us twice, but the phone never rang.
Disney was having a couple of races that day, and judging by the number of people who were wearing medals, and how packed it was at the food court, the races must have ended. I guess we should have started earlier. But, we are on vacation and our bus would not be leaving until about 12:30 PM. We were in no hurry.
Breakfast was not bad. With the crowds it took us about 1 ½ hours to eat. Pam and I had a Ham and Cheese omelet, Margo a Cheese omelet, and Jayme and Jackie some sort of breakfast combo. It was all good. Not great, but pretty good. It was a little pricey, but we are at a Disney resort, so that was expected.
It was close to 11 AM when Margo, Jackie and I went back to our room. I needed to get caught up on my finances. I still track expenses. Now with Jackie traveling, it is mandatory, so I can get reimbursed. She has a half a million-dollar trust fund, which can be used for about anything Jackie needs. A vacation is an acceptable expense, so I keep receipts, and get paid back for Jackie’s part.
With that handled we went back downstairs to find Pam and Jayme. They were unencumbered by my financial routine, and went wandering. There was actually very little to see. There was the pool, which we had enjoyed several hours of sun and drink yesterday. It bears repeating that we really enjoyed our time by the pool. Until it got to about 5 PM, it was fairly quiet. The temp was in the 80s, but even in the sun it was nice. When the sun went behind a cloud, it was perfect. Those Banana Cabana’s went down way too easy.
We went looking for more of them after breakfast, but the bar did not open until noon. We had to meet Wally at 12:20, so grabbing a drink was not going to work. Wally was the guy coordinating the people riding Disney’s bus to the port. He had left a message for Pam and Jayme, but not Jackie or us. I think we figured out that when we rearranged the rooms, Pam and Jayme got our room, and the phone call they got was meant for Margo, who was the reservation holder. Anyway, drinkless, we found a table just outside the bar and soaked in more sunshine and people watched for about 45 minutes or so.
We boarded the bus around 12:40. There was much debate about how long the ride would be. Pam looked up 1 hour 20 minutes on her phone. The coordinator said 1 hour 30 minutes. The driver said about a 1 hour 10 minutes. We got there about 1:45. The morale of this story is to trust the guy driving the bus.
We got off of the bus, picked up our personal bags, and were ushered through security. My hip made sure I got a detailed search, including undoing my belt so the guy could check behind my buckle. He used the back of his hand, but it was still weird. The others were embarrassed for me, and pretended like it never happened. It sucked and I felt like an idiot redressing in public. One more example of how bad people make it harder on the law abiding.
But, at least we released to go check in. The advantage of arriving at this time was that the terminal was nearly empty. We went to the front of the line. Pam and Jayme went to one person, Jackie, Margo, and I, right to another. We took longer, as we had two rooms, but the whole check in process lasted about ten minutes for us.
We had planned for breakfast at 9:00 AM, but the hotel was going to call us to ask for our number of bags at 7:45, so Margo was a bit restless and was up around 6:00. She went to bed before I did, and her FitBit said she got seven hours, so she was rested. I was up sometime after 7:00 AM. We were both showered and ready at 8:00, but our phone call for our bags never came. This call was for the bus that would take all but our personal bags to the ship. They needed a count. We texted Pam and Jayme, and they had received their call. Jackie said her phone rang, but she was in the shower. We were just ab out to call down, when the guys showed up to pick up the bags. We gave him both the count and the bags, and we were ready for breakfast. We later found out they said they tried to call us twice, but the phone never rang.
Disney was having a couple of races that day, and judging by the number of people who were wearing medals, and how packed it was at the food court, the races must have ended. I guess we should have started earlier. But, we are on vacation and our bus would not be leaving until about 12:30 PM. We were in no hurry.
Breakfast was not bad. With the crowds it took us about 1 ½ hours to eat. Pam and I had a Ham and Cheese omelet, Margo a Cheese omelet, and Jayme and Jackie some sort of breakfast combo. It was all good. Not great, but pretty good. It was a little pricey, but we are at a Disney resort, so that was expected.
It was close to 11 AM when Margo, Jackie and I went back to our room. I needed to get caught up on my finances. I still track expenses. Now with Jackie traveling, it is mandatory, so I can get reimbursed. She has a half a million-dollar trust fund, which can be used for about anything Jackie needs. A vacation is an acceptable expense, so I keep receipts, and get paid back for Jackie’s part.
With that handled we went back downstairs to find Pam and Jayme. They were unencumbered by my financial routine, and went wandering. There was actually very little to see. There was the pool, which we had enjoyed several hours of sun and drink yesterday. It bears repeating that we really enjoyed our time by the pool. Until it got to about 5 PM, it was fairly quiet. The temp was in the 80s, but even in the sun it was nice. When the sun went behind a cloud, it was perfect. Those Banana Cabana’s went down way too easy.
We went looking for more of them after breakfast, but the bar did not open until noon. We had to meet Wally at 12:20, so grabbing a drink was not going to work. Wally was the guy coordinating the people riding Disney’s bus to the port. He had left a message for Pam and Jayme, but not Jackie or us. I think we figured out that when we rearranged the rooms, Pam and Jayme got our room, and the phone call they got was meant for Margo, who was the reservation holder. Anyway, drinkless, we found a table just outside the bar and soaked in more sunshine and people watched for about 45 minutes or so.
We boarded the bus around 12:40. There was much debate about how long the ride would be. Pam looked up 1 hour 20 minutes on her phone. The coordinator said 1 hour 30 minutes. The driver said about a 1 hour 10 minutes. We got there about 1:45. The morale of this story is to trust the guy driving the bus.
We got off of the bus, picked up our personal bags, and were ushered through security. My hip made sure I got a detailed search, including undoing my belt so the guy could check behind my buckle. He used the back of his hand, but it was still weird. The others were embarrassed for me, and pretended like it never happened. It sucked and I felt like an idiot redressing in public. One more example of how bad people make it harder on the law abiding.
But, at least we released to go check in. The advantage of arriving at this time was that the terminal was nearly empty. We went to the front of the line. Pam and Jayme went to one person, Jackie, Margo, and I, right to another. We took longer, as we had two rooms, but the whole check in process lasted about ten minutes for us.
We boarded the ship. It is Disney’s tradition to announce the people boarding and you greeted by applause from a contingent of the crew. We were introduced as the Kretzer and Howell family. It’s a nice touch.
It was about 2:10 when the applause died down, and we had been told when we got off the bus that the buffet closed at 3:00 PM. That made our decision on what to do first easy. We went up stairs to eat. The buffet restaurant on all of the Disney ships is called Cabanas. I remembered the food as being nothing special on our two previous trips. But, this was actually decent. The food was as good as you would get in a diner, and the service was much friendlier.
With our tummies full, we went downstairs, the buffet is on deck 11 and our rooms on deck 8, to drag our luggage inside. It looked like we had all of ours, but we missed one. We had so much luggage this trip that if a bag was missing it did not stand out. Pam and Jayme were definitely short one. They had only three, so a third of theirs did not make. Pam was annoyed. Jayme had faith in the system. I think he said something like, “last trip it wasn’t all there at the start, but they found it an ran it up later.”
It was about 2:10 when the applause died down, and we had been told when we got off the bus that the buffet closed at 3:00 PM. That made our decision on what to do first easy. We went up stairs to eat. The buffet restaurant on all of the Disney ships is called Cabanas. I remembered the food as being nothing special on our two previous trips. But, this was actually decent. The food was as good as you would get in a diner, and the service was much friendlier.
With our tummies full, we went downstairs, the buffet is on deck 11 and our rooms on deck 8, to drag our luggage inside. It looked like we had all of ours, but we missed one. We had so much luggage this trip that if a bag was missing it did not stand out. Pam and Jayme were definitely short one. They had only three, so a third of theirs did not make. Pam was annoyed. Jayme had faith in the system. I think he said something like, “last trip it wasn’t all there at the start, but they found it an ran it up later.”
We got the luggage moved in and arranged the bags so we could function. There was not a lot of time to unpack, which is part of Margo’s routine. The Sail Away Party was up going to go on the upper decks at 4:30 PM. The Sail Away Party kind of sets the festive tone for the cruise. On Deck 11, over at the main pool area, there is also a stage, where the Disney Team puts on a big show. It is very popular with the kids and is high energy. We have always observed from Deck 11 or 12. We enjoy the music and energy, but we like to watch the ship pull away from the dock and start our cruise.
Something we also usually do is grab a drink, (the Drink of the Day, was Paradise Punch, aka Rum Punch. It was yummy) and head up to the Sail Away Party. It’s a high energy show with Disney live entertainment, including the original Disney characters. We watched a bit of the show, but we like watching the ship pull away and begin out trip. The party began up on deck 11 around 4:30. Sometime after 5:00 PM we had turned around and found a spot at the seaward facing rail.
Something we also usually do is grab a drink, (the Drink of the Day, was Paradise Punch, aka Rum Punch. It was yummy) and head up to the Sail Away Party. It’s a high energy show with Disney live entertainment, including the original Disney characters. We watched a bit of the show, but we like watching the ship pull away and begin out trip. The party began up on deck 11 around 4:30. Sometime after 5:00 PM we had turned around and found a spot at the seaward facing rail.
It’s kind of cool watching and feeling the ship start to move. There is an air of both excitement and anticipation of that first, gently sensation of movement. You are not even sure if it really happened, until you fix one eye on a point and see if the perspective changes. We got to see several smaller, because everything short of an aircraft carrier is smaller than what we are one, go by. One of them was some sort of day cruise ships, which was of a good size. Looks like it might be fun if we were ever spending a day in the port.
Once we pulled away, Margo’s mind focused on all that luggage. Pam and Jayme wanted to explore the ship and would deal with unpacking later. So, we went down to deck 8 and began emptying suitcases. I took care of finding a spot for my stuff, and Margo handled everything else. Jackie did hers, but Margo had to pop in more than once to give directions, and make sure she did everything. Jackie might put away underwear and socks, and call it done it. Margo would have to go in and remind her there are things that needed hung up and her bathroom stuff.
I had mentioned to Margo, that unlike our past tours, Disney was not allowing power strips. They said it was in the interest of safety, and it is, but they did not explain why. I am sure they are afraid that people would plug any number of high wattage items, like hair dryers, and dry enough power through the outlet to start melting things and cause a fire. So instead of her power strip, she got a post card size note telling her, in most polite language, that they took her power strip, and how to retrieve it. She was not too angry, because it was expected. We ended up OK without it.
Once we pulled away, Margo’s mind focused on all that luggage. Pam and Jayme wanted to explore the ship and would deal with unpacking later. So, we went down to deck 8 and began emptying suitcases. I took care of finding a spot for my stuff, and Margo handled everything else. Jackie did hers, but Margo had to pop in more than once to give directions, and make sure she did everything. Jackie might put away underwear and socks, and call it done it. Margo would have to go in and remind her there are things that needed hung up and her bathroom stuff.
I had mentioned to Margo, that unlike our past tours, Disney was not allowing power strips. They said it was in the interest of safety, and it is, but they did not explain why. I am sure they are afraid that people would plug any number of high wattage items, like hair dryers, and dry enough power through the outlet to start melting things and cause a fire. So instead of her power strip, she got a post card size note telling her, in most polite language, that they took her power strip, and how to retrieve it. She was not too angry, because it was expected. We ended up OK without it.
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I forgot to mention anything about our room. We got an inside state room to do what we could to minimize costs. A balcony would be nice, but as we did not Plan to spend a lot of time in our room, it was hard to even think about justifying the cost.
The Disney Fantasy, our ship, is the sister ship to the Dream, a larger class of ship. The Magic and Wonder, were their first two ships, and we have sailed on both. The two bigger ships come with a new feature, a simulated pothole, right over the bed. It is a TV screen which they feed either a forward or aft view of the water. We had a forward view and Jackie had an aft. It definitely made the room feel larger. Plus, Disney added magic to the port holes. Periodically, and I did not time, some sort of animation would appear. Maybe a Disney character would be flying in a plane across the porthole. Things of that nature.
Once Margo was unpacked we went down to Guest Services to register for the 5K run which would happen on Castaway Cay, on Friday, our last real vacation day. Margo also wanted to get a spare key for Jackie’s room, just in case Margo had to get in.
We linked back up with Pam and Jayme and decided to do a 50/60s Music trivia. This was at 7:30 and would take us until lunch. We kind of sucked at this. The game had a lady name Tiria play a short clip of a song. You had to write down the title and the artist. You get one point for each. There were 15 clips, for 30 total points. We got 8 points. Pam and Jayme were kind of lost. Margo got most of the answers we got right. I kicked in one, maybe two. It was still fun, because at the end we would sing some of the songs. With the drink of the day, or whatever we were drinking, it made things much easier to go down.
The Disney Fantasy, our ship, is the sister ship to the Dream, a larger class of ship. The Magic and Wonder, were their first two ships, and we have sailed on both. The two bigger ships come with a new feature, a simulated pothole, right over the bed. It is a TV screen which they feed either a forward or aft view of the water. We had a forward view and Jackie had an aft. It definitely made the room feel larger. Plus, Disney added magic to the port holes. Periodically, and I did not time, some sort of animation would appear. Maybe a Disney character would be flying in a plane across the porthole. Things of that nature.
Once Margo was unpacked we went down to Guest Services to register for the 5K run which would happen on Castaway Cay, on Friday, our last real vacation day. Margo also wanted to get a spare key for Jackie’s room, just in case Margo had to get in.
We linked back up with Pam and Jayme and decided to do a 50/60s Music trivia. This was at 7:30 and would take us until lunch. We kind of sucked at this. The game had a lady name Tiria play a short clip of a song. You had to write down the title and the artist. You get one point for each. There were 15 clips, for 30 total points. We got 8 points. Pam and Jayme were kind of lost. Margo got most of the answers we got right. I kicked in one, maybe two. It was still fun, because at the end we would sing some of the songs. With the drink of the day, or whatever we were drinking, it made things much easier to go down.
The Fantasy has three restaurants that cruisers rotate through the seven nights of cruising. Those are; Royal Court, Enchanted Garden, and Animator’s Palette. Animator’s Palette is on all four of the ships. We were starting at Royal Court. We signed up for the second seating, because there are generally less of the kids.
Our head server was Maisel from the Dominican Republic. The assistant server was P’la. Both spoke with a heavy accent that we all had a hard time understanding, but they did a great job. The menus are always upscale and fancy. This is stuff that we would never order on our own. But Margo and I almost always find stuff that sounds good. It is not always the case. Tonight, they had some sort of tenderloin filet. It was outstanding.
I don’t recall what Jackie ordered. I think Margo helped her order off of the kid’s menu. It had more traditional menu items. Jayme definitely ordered off to the kids’ menu, ordering a grilled sirloin. Pam found something off of the regular menu. We finished off with dessert. Jayme ordered chocolate ice cream. The rest of use order off of the regular menu. They always have a chocolate offering, and I usually get that.
Our head server was Maisel from the Dominican Republic. The assistant server was P’la. Both spoke with a heavy accent that we all had a hard time understanding, but they did a great job. The menus are always upscale and fancy. This is stuff that we would never order on our own. But Margo and I almost always find stuff that sounds good. It is not always the case. Tonight, they had some sort of tenderloin filet. It was outstanding.
I don’t recall what Jackie ordered. I think Margo helped her order off of the kid’s menu. It had more traditional menu items. Jayme definitely ordered off to the kids’ menu, ordering a grilled sirloin. Pam found something off of the regular menu. We finished off with dessert. Jayme ordered chocolate ice cream. The rest of use order off of the regular menu. They always have a chocolate offering, and I usually get that.
They had 9:00 character pictures. So, we went down for those. Margo and I signed up for a $300 photo package. We get unlimited photos, taken by the Disney photographers, in a USB drive. It’s expensive, but they take good pics and it insures you have memories. I was going to try very hard to take pictures and brought my camera. But, at this point in time I had not even unpacked it. I was making fair use of my phone. I really won’t know if they are any good, until I view the pics on my computer.
As this was Jackie’s first cruise and first Disney experience, we also wanted to get her around to seen as many of the characters as possible. We managed to get Goofy and Chip and Dale. We also got pics with two Star Wars background and the Fantasy. Disney now owns both Marvel and Star Wars, so they have lots of those opportunities. No Marvel on this cruise, as we were doing a Pirate day. Three themed nights would be a bit much.
By this time, it was 10:00 PMish. It had been a hectic first cruise day. We were up to our room at 10:15, and we were in bed not much after that. But, it did not last. Margo suffers from Restless Leg Syndrome, and she took her meds very late. She wanted to go up to Deck 11 and get some coffee. She says she can drink it late and still sleep. So, I got back out of bed, through on my old True West shirt, shorts and shoes, and up we went.
We got her some coffee. I didn’t want anything. I was good with water for the night. It was pretty quiet at 11 PM. Everything, especially the pool, was closed. It was kind of nice. It felt like you had the ship to yourself. Back to the room a few minutes later. Margo said the walk did not really do her a lot of good, but she went to bed shortly. I took one good look at our Porthole, which was showing an evening sea scene. I decided that as the stars were not moving at all, that this must be a simulated scene. This made sense because there was no light so we should not be able to see anything. That was ok, because the porthole was too bright to leave on to sleep. I crawled into bed and was asleep soon after.
As this was Jackie’s first cruise and first Disney experience, we also wanted to get her around to seen as many of the characters as possible. We managed to get Goofy and Chip and Dale. We also got pics with two Star Wars background and the Fantasy. Disney now owns both Marvel and Star Wars, so they have lots of those opportunities. No Marvel on this cruise, as we were doing a Pirate day. Three themed nights would be a bit much.
By this time, it was 10:00 PMish. It had been a hectic first cruise day. We were up to our room at 10:15, and we were in bed not much after that. But, it did not last. Margo suffers from Restless Leg Syndrome, and she took her meds very late. She wanted to go up to Deck 11 and get some coffee. She says she can drink it late and still sleep. So, I got back out of bed, through on my old True West shirt, shorts and shoes, and up we went.
We got her some coffee. I didn’t want anything. I was good with water for the night. It was pretty quiet at 11 PM. Everything, especially the pool, was closed. It was kind of nice. It felt like you had the ship to yourself. Back to the room a few minutes later. Margo said the walk did not really do her a lot of good, but she went to bed shortly. I took one good look at our Porthole, which was showing an evening sea scene. I decided that as the stars were not moving at all, that this must be a simulated scene. This made sense because there was no light so we should not be able to see anything. That was ok, because the porthole was too bright to leave on to sleep. I crawled into bed and was asleep soon after.
Day Three--Sunday-February 24, 2019
I was up at just before 8 AM. I don’t recall if we made any plans for a breakfast time, but we were all tired from yesterday. Margo was up before I was, which is normal. It is pretty rare that I beat her out of bed even on vacation. I slept fine. But Margo’s acid reflux was in full swing. I think she has hiatal hernia, as she has enough liquid bubble up to make her sound like she is drowning. She gets up coughing in the same manner. I’m going to make sure she mentions it the next time she goes to see the doc.
I was ready by 8:30. Jackie wasn’t. I am still amazed at what she doesn’t either know or do. Margo went in and found that Jackie had not dried off. Margo said she was using her robe, instead of a towel.
Breakfast was at Cabanas. We had talked about going to one of the main restaurants for breakfast, but today was not going to be the day. They have a decent selection of food. The doughnuts are refrigerated, so they come out cold. The scrambled eggs can be a little runny, but you can almost always find cooked ones. The bacon is not as crispy as I like, but still not bad. Those are the complaints. But there was plenty of fresh fruit, with at least five different kinds. Several kinds of eggs, breakfast meat, has, grits, waffles, French toast, and on and on. You walk away hungry, it is your own fault. I usually walked away stuffed.
We decided to find a spot on Deck 11, which is where Cabanas is located. We parked just outside the adult section, which was filled with adults trying to escape the kids. The free ice cream station (Eye Scream, with Mike Wizokski from Monsters, Inc) was right there. That meant we got a steady stream of kids and their parents. It was fun to people watch. Lot of people who filled their swimwear nicely, and lots that look like they don’t own a mirror.
We decided that since we were right there we would eat at Flo’s V-8 Café. On deck 11, in the middle, is the family pool area. On the forward end is the adult area. Immediately exiting the adult area, there is food court kind of place. I think it is generally called Flo’s V-8 Café.
I have no idea what any of us had for lunch, but someone asked Jackie is she wanted a wiener. That just struck everyone as funny. So, it was “Jackie? Do you need a wiener?” or “Did Jackie lose her wiener? or “Jackie, we will keep looking for your wiener?” We got to laughing so hard, I took pictures. Jackie said we were “stuck on wieners.”, and that started it all over again. It certainly made lunch more amusing that usual.
I was ready by 8:30. Jackie wasn’t. I am still amazed at what she doesn’t either know or do. Margo went in and found that Jackie had not dried off. Margo said she was using her robe, instead of a towel.
Breakfast was at Cabanas. We had talked about going to one of the main restaurants for breakfast, but today was not going to be the day. They have a decent selection of food. The doughnuts are refrigerated, so they come out cold. The scrambled eggs can be a little runny, but you can almost always find cooked ones. The bacon is not as crispy as I like, but still not bad. Those are the complaints. But there was plenty of fresh fruit, with at least five different kinds. Several kinds of eggs, breakfast meat, has, grits, waffles, French toast, and on and on. You walk away hungry, it is your own fault. I usually walked away stuffed.
We decided to find a spot on Deck 11, which is where Cabanas is located. We parked just outside the adult section, which was filled with adults trying to escape the kids. The free ice cream station (Eye Scream, with Mike Wizokski from Monsters, Inc) was right there. That meant we got a steady stream of kids and their parents. It was fun to people watch. Lot of people who filled their swimwear nicely, and lots that look like they don’t own a mirror.
We decided that since we were right there we would eat at Flo’s V-8 Café. On deck 11, in the middle, is the family pool area. On the forward end is the adult area. Immediately exiting the adult area, there is food court kind of place. I think it is generally called Flo’s V-8 Café.
I have no idea what any of us had for lunch, but someone asked Jackie is she wanted a wiener. That just struck everyone as funny. So, it was “Jackie? Do you need a wiener?” or “Did Jackie lose her wiener? or “Jackie, we will keep looking for your wiener?” We got to laughing so hard, I took pictures. Jackie said we were “stuck on wieners.”, and that started it all over again. It certainly made lunch more amusing that usual.
Once we were over Jackie’s wiener, and finished lunch, we all picked up and went in three different directions. Jayme and Pam went to wander the ship. Margo and Jackie went to shop. I went to take pictures. Our last cruise, I was embarrassed at how few pictures I took. I was going to put extra effort into taking pictures.
I went up and snapped several pictures, which I really did not snap. I had the “snap’ noise turned off on my phone, and based on the absence of pictures, I did not press the button or some such operator error. I did manage to get an atrium shot and several pictures of Satellite Falls the adult area waterfall that you can sit under. I figured we would visit it later.
There is not free Wi-Fi on the ship. They do over very expensive WIFI, about $89 for a gig, so almost no one is linked to the outside world. Disney does over their own phone system, which based on observation, very few people use. They are bulky and pain to use. We never even tried to figure them out this trip. Two years ago, we used them, room-to-room, a couple of times.
I went up and snapped several pictures, which I really did not snap. I had the “snap’ noise turned off on my phone, and based on the absence of pictures, I did not press the button or some such operator error. I did manage to get an atrium shot and several pictures of Satellite Falls the adult area waterfall that you can sit under. I figured we would visit it later.
There is not free Wi-Fi on the ship. They do over very expensive WIFI, about $89 for a gig, so almost no one is linked to the outside world. Disney does over their own phone system, which based on observation, very few people use. They are bulky and pain to use. We never even tried to figure them out this trip. Two years ago, we used them, room-to-room, a couple of times.
As a result, most people rely on notes, or the Disney Cruise app. The app is useful in that it allows communication (turn phone on Airplane mode and connect to DCL-Guest”) and has information about the various events going on. It is flawed in that it does not notify you of a message if the app is in the background. I remembered to check it, and found a 10-minute old message from Margo which said something like “I found a bracelet at Tiffany’s. $190”.
My first thought was “That Tiffany’s?”. It was. My second thought was “Damn”. But, she would not have asked if she did not really want it. Plus, I budgeted nearly $1000 for souvenirs. I texted back “Buy it”. She did not respond, so I found Tiffany’s. Inside were two very proper and conservatively dressed sales ladies. The nearest one was Beth from England. I told her my wife was just in here looking at a bracelet. She happened, I had a 50/50 shot, to be the one who waited on her.
Beth showed me the bracelet. It was a small sterling silver thing, that was cast in flowers. It was cute. I told her to ring it up. While she was working her Disney-Tiffany magic, with both cash register and ribbon, I texted Margo that I was in Tiffany’s.
Once the transaction was complete, Margo was still not there. I asked Beth if she could keep the gift behind her counter, and I would let Margo show me the piece. She was delighted, and even showed me to their waiting area. Margo was there in like two minutes. She walked in and said “He said to get it” Then Beth showed her I was here. Disney’s app communication limitations rears its head. I asked her to show it to me. They had more than one, and Beth had given me one from stock, which was shinier. I give it my seal of approval, and Beth produced the bracelet in their signature Tiffany blue bag. Beth told her that “her Prince Charming had already gotten it for her”. I got a kiss and Margo got some Disney magic
My first thought was “That Tiffany’s?”. It was. My second thought was “Damn”. But, she would not have asked if she did not really want it. Plus, I budgeted nearly $1000 for souvenirs. I texted back “Buy it”. She did not respond, so I found Tiffany’s. Inside were two very proper and conservatively dressed sales ladies. The nearest one was Beth from England. I told her my wife was just in here looking at a bracelet. She happened, I had a 50/50 shot, to be the one who waited on her.
Beth showed me the bracelet. It was a small sterling silver thing, that was cast in flowers. It was cute. I told her to ring it up. While she was working her Disney-Tiffany magic, with both cash register and ribbon, I texted Margo that I was in Tiffany’s.
Once the transaction was complete, Margo was still not there. I asked Beth if she could keep the gift behind her counter, and I would let Margo show me the piece. She was delighted, and even showed me to their waiting area. Margo was there in like two minutes. She walked in and said “He said to get it” Then Beth showed her I was here. Disney’s app communication limitations rears its head. I asked her to show it to me. They had more than one, and Beth had given me one from stock, which was shinier. I give it my seal of approval, and Beth produced the bracelet in their signature Tiffany blue bag. Beth told her that “her Prince Charming had already gotten it for her”. I got a kiss and Margo got some Disney magic
Pam and Jayme had gone down to deck 4 to check out the signature bar area. On their ships they always have a group of bars. I would call them themed, but that seems a little cheap. They are all done very well. The Fantasy had bars called O’Gills, The Tube, Skyline Lounge La Piazza, and Ooh La La. They reported that the area was really nice.
We linked back up and we to our rooms. It is a Disney custom for travelers to decorate their stateroom doors with magnets that represent the event that inspired their trip, or some such theme. I would say that more doors than not have those decorations. Margo and I bought decorations for our doors, Jackie’s, and Pam & Jayme’s.
So, did Gordie and Windy. Who are Gordie and Windy? There were a couple celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary, whose door happened to face the hall which we had to turn down. We were already wondering who they were, and we were happy for the landmark so we did not miss our turn.
We decided to go down to La Piazza. They were doing their own versions of Wheel of Fortune and What’s My Line. Disney called theirs The Wheel and Who am I. We came in the middle of The Wheel and watched two teams of kids play. The puzzles were all Disney themed. There were two that we saw. It looked like it would have been fun, but on a Disney cruise, the kids come first on most of these games.
We were very disappointed in Who Am I. They allowed kids as young as 5 to play. That kid asked “Is it an Octopus?” three times. You were only allowed to ask Yes or No questions and even on adult was saying “Pass” when their turn came up. I don’t remember if we left early or if that 5-year-old was the last game. Either way we were back up in our rooms by 4 PM
We linked back up and we to our rooms. It is a Disney custom for travelers to decorate their stateroom doors with magnets that represent the event that inspired their trip, or some such theme. I would say that more doors than not have those decorations. Margo and I bought decorations for our doors, Jackie’s, and Pam & Jayme’s.
So, did Gordie and Windy. Who are Gordie and Windy? There were a couple celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary, whose door happened to face the hall which we had to turn down. We were already wondering who they were, and we were happy for the landmark so we did not miss our turn.
We decided to go down to La Piazza. They were doing their own versions of Wheel of Fortune and What’s My Line. Disney called theirs The Wheel and Who am I. We came in the middle of The Wheel and watched two teams of kids play. The puzzles were all Disney themed. There were two that we saw. It looked like it would have been fun, but on a Disney cruise, the kids come first on most of these games.
We were very disappointed in Who Am I. They allowed kids as young as 5 to play. That kid asked “Is it an Octopus?” three times. You were only allowed to ask Yes or No questions and even on adult was saying “Pass” when their turn came up. I don’t remember if we left early or if that 5-year-old was the last game. Either way we were back up in our rooms by 4 PM
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Tonight was formal night and we all went upstairs to change into our formal wear. I think Jayme and I had the exact same suits as two years ago. I was wearing a different tie. Margo had decided that she was not going to spend a ton of money on her formal wear. She has gained some weight since Jackie and the stress involved came to live with us. So, she figured this was going to be a one and done for this outfit. We ended up at Arc and she spent three dollars. More money for souvenirs.
The captain of the ship was going to be downstairs posing for pictures at 5:15 PM. So once we were all in our Sunday-goin’-to-meeting clothes, we went downstairs, to the atrium for our picture.
Captain Tom was kind of grouchy. He did not look thrilled to be doing this, but it was almost certainly in his contract to do it. They kind of pushed us through the line, so we only got a single group shot with the captain. At least Margo was able to get him to sign her book, saving us the aggravation of doing that on Thursday.
The captain of the ship was going to be downstairs posing for pictures at 5:15 PM. So once we were all in our Sunday-goin’-to-meeting clothes, we went downstairs, to the atrium for our picture.
Captain Tom was kind of grouchy. He did not look thrilled to be doing this, but it was almost certainly in his contract to do it. They kind of pushed us through the line, so we only got a single group shot with the captain. At least Margo was able to get him to sign her book, saving us the aggravation of doing that on Thursday.
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We still had nearly an hour before the show that would be happening at the Walt Disney Theater, so we all had our formal pictures taken at the four stations they had set up for the occasion. In the past at least one of these turned out nice. The only one we missed was the picture in front of the Grand Staircase. The line there was pretty long. But, most of these guys would be heading to dinner shortly. So we went to the theater to see the show.
The show tonight was called “Wishes”. It was about three teens who were graduating from high school. They had met and became best friends when they were seven years old, at Disneyland. It takes place at Disneyland, towards the end of the day. The friends go to the wishing well, like they had on their first visit. One character had found a special coin on that visit, and returned it to the well. It was a magical coin, and her wish to have one last, great adventure began our story. It was really well done and it bounced through several Disney movies. 50 minutes later we were leaving. We really liked it and felt they had set the bar pretty high for future shows.
Then it was off to dinner at Animator’s Palette. This has always been my favorite, and probably the favorite of most, because there is one on at least three of the Disney ships. They always have fun entertainment in addition to the meal.
The show tonight was called “Wishes”. It was about three teens who were graduating from high school. They had met and became best friends when they were seven years old, at Disneyland. It takes place at Disneyland, towards the end of the day. The friends go to the wishing well, like they had on their first visit. One character had found a special coin on that visit, and returned it to the well. It was a magical coin, and her wish to have one last, great adventure began our story. It was really well done and it bounced through several Disney movies. 50 minutes later we were leaving. We really liked it and felt they had set the bar pretty high for future shows.
Then it was off to dinner at Animator’s Palette. This has always been my favorite, and probably the favorite of most, because there is one on at least three of the Disney ships. They always have fun entertainment in addition to the meal.
Tonight the restaurant would be themed from the movie “Finding Nemo”. We got to “talk” to Crush, the surfer dude sea turtle from Finding Nemo. This was done via one of many large TV screens built into the walls. It made it look like we had a window into the ocean. He called Margo out, talking about the color of her shell (top) to identifier. He asked all our names, and had a short, where-you-from kind of conversation. There were only the five of us at this table, which I enjoyed.
For dinner there was a pasta option that looked good. Margo had a tenderloin, which when it came out, looked even better. I ate all of my entrée, and Margo gave me half of hers. This is not unusual, Margo ends up eating only a portion of hers. Maisel noticed and asked if I wanted a steak. I thought that one over for a fast second, and said yes. I’m on vacation, and I was still hungry. I wasn’t after that second entrée and dessert. It was a very good steak. It was probably the best steak I have had in many months.
We went back to the atrium and got our pictures in front of the Grand Staircase. The it was back to our rooms. The formal clothes need to come off. Jackie took hers off even before dinner. Two surprises awaited us in our staterooms, one pleasant, one not so much.
For dinner there was a pasta option that looked good. Margo had a tenderloin, which when it came out, looked even better. I ate all of my entrée, and Margo gave me half of hers. This is not unusual, Margo ends up eating only a portion of hers. Maisel noticed and asked if I wanted a steak. I thought that one over for a fast second, and said yes. I’m on vacation, and I was still hungry. I wasn’t after that second entrée and dessert. It was a very good steak. It was probably the best steak I have had in many months.
We went back to the atrium and got our pictures in front of the Grand Staircase. The it was back to our rooms. The formal clothes need to come off. Jackie took hers off even before dinner. Two surprises awaited us in our staterooms, one pleasant, one not so much.
On our bed was a towel animal. This is a Disney custom on every cruise we have done. Every night, at turn down, the room steward would fold a combination of a towel, small blanket, hair or hand towel, into some sort of animal. Yesterday we got a puppy. Today we got a snail. They are a really fun part of the cruise that we look forward to.
The unpleasant surprise was a time change. We would be leaving the Eastern Time Zone, and moving to whatever they call the next one east. What I called it was a loss of an hour of sleep.
Whatever. Margo decided she liked the 11 PM coffee yesterday, and it would taste just as good tonight. So 11 PM were up on deck 11 getting her a coffee. When we got back to the state room, I wasted no time in climbing into bed.
The unpleasant surprise was a time change. We would be leaving the Eastern Time Zone, and moving to whatever they call the next one east. What I called it was a loss of an hour of sleep.
Whatever. Margo decided she liked the 11 PM coffee yesterday, and it would taste just as good tonight. So 11 PM were up on deck 11 getting her a coffee. When we got back to the state room, I wasted no time in climbing into bed.
Day Four--Monday-February 25, 2019
I expected the time change to really cause be to sleep in, but I was up at 8:30. Margo was up earlier. Her acid reflux bothers her when she sleeps in bed. She had been sleeping in her recliner for many months now. I was concerned about this. Last night I all but begged her to take one or both of my pillows to prop herself up, but she refused.
When we linked up with Jayme and Pam, we found out that Pam had not slept well either, and for the same reason; acid reflux. I offered some of my generic Prilosec, explaining that it worked wonders for me. She said it didn’t work for her, so I moved on. Jayme had gotten up around 8:00, and had slept like a baby.
Sometime between 9:30 and 10:00 we were in Cabanas eating breakfast. When we had stuffed ourselves on the breakfast fare we found a table just outside the adult section and settled in to play Relative Insanity. This is a game, invented by Jeff Foxworthy. There are red cards, which state the first part of a sentence. Then there are yellow cards which are used to complete the sentence. Each player had seven yellow cards, and chooses his funniest one to complete the sentence. Funniest sentence wins. First one to win five sentences wins the game.
I expected the time change to really cause be to sleep in, but I was up at 8:30. Margo was up earlier. Her acid reflux bothers her when she sleeps in bed. She had been sleeping in her recliner for many months now. I was concerned about this. Last night I all but begged her to take one or both of my pillows to prop herself up, but she refused.
When we linked up with Jayme and Pam, we found out that Pam had not slept well either, and for the same reason; acid reflux. I offered some of my generic Prilosec, explaining that it worked wonders for me. She said it didn’t work for her, so I moved on. Jayme had gotten up around 8:00, and had slept like a baby.
Sometime between 9:30 and 10:00 we were in Cabanas eating breakfast. When we had stuffed ourselves on the breakfast fare we found a table just outside the adult section and settled in to play Relative Insanity. This is a game, invented by Jeff Foxworthy. There are red cards, which state the first part of a sentence. Then there are yellow cards which are used to complete the sentence. Each player had seven yellow cards, and chooses his funniest one to complete the sentence. Funniest sentence wins. First one to win five sentences wins the game.
Margo and I had played this game with Jessi and Pete months ago. We went through every card, twice. I thought the game lost its luster on the repeat. It had not gained much back in these months. But, it was still fun. It would have been funnier with alcohol, but we weren’t drinking. The time of day was not stopping us. This was Alan Jackson/Jimmy Buffet territory with 5 o’clock occurring somewhere. No, we were not drinking because we were still to full.
But, by 12:30 our position near the ice cream station had gotten too noisy. We had not ridden the AquaDuck yet, so we went back up to our rooms to put on swimsuits. Jackie wanted no part of this, so she elected to stay in her room and watch cartoons.
The AquaDuck is a water roller coaster. It is a large tube-type waterslide. It starts up on deck 12 aft, and goes to midship, and winds back to aft, a deck lower. It goes faster than it looks. It looks fun and was packed when we had looked yesterday. Today the wait was about 15-20 minutes.
I haven’t mentioned this yet, but the trip so far had been marred by high-winds. You get a 25 mph freeze on the exposed decks, just because the ship moves. But, Mother Nature had added another 10-15 mph. So, it was pretty miserable out in the open. It also engaged a safety protocol on the AquaDuck where every trip required two riders, instead of one.
Jayme and Pam rode together and Margo and I did the same. We each rode it twice. The ride itself was fun. But, there is windchill in effect even when it is 85 degrees. I would not call it cold, but the wind was annoying while you were waiting in line or getting off the ride. Combine that with Margo and mine old and creaky joints, and we had reasons enough to beg off on a third ride.
But, by 12:30 our position near the ice cream station had gotten too noisy. We had not ridden the AquaDuck yet, so we went back up to our rooms to put on swimsuits. Jackie wanted no part of this, so she elected to stay in her room and watch cartoons.
The AquaDuck is a water roller coaster. It is a large tube-type waterslide. It starts up on deck 12 aft, and goes to midship, and winds back to aft, a deck lower. It goes faster than it looks. It looks fun and was packed when we had looked yesterday. Today the wait was about 15-20 minutes.
I haven’t mentioned this yet, but the trip so far had been marred by high-winds. You get a 25 mph freeze on the exposed decks, just because the ship moves. But, Mother Nature had added another 10-15 mph. So, it was pretty miserable out in the open. It also engaged a safety protocol on the AquaDuck where every trip required two riders, instead of one.
Jayme and Pam rode together and Margo and I did the same. We each rode it twice. The ride itself was fun. But, there is windchill in effect even when it is 85 degrees. I would not call it cold, but the wind was annoying while you were waiting in line or getting off the ride. Combine that with Margo and mine old and creaky joints, and we had reasons enough to beg off on a third ride.
I mentioned lunch. It was about 1:30 and a little room had opened up in rapidly expanding tummies. Back to Cabanas to see what had changed. I will hand it to Disney, even without my favorite buffet item, fried chicken, they put out a great spread. We, or at least I, walked out stuffed again.
I kind of didn’t care. I had both been dreading and looking forward to this trip. Dreading, because it was going to be expensive and we had just taken a cruise two years ago. I knew I would be escaping a week of Colorado winter, but just a flight to Miami or Ft. Lauderdale would have done the same thing, and I would be visiting a different place.
But, this was so relaxing and revitalizing. My type A, go-go, personality would kick in over and over, but something as simple as a walk would send it into remission. I was having a great time, just eating, drinking, people watching, and an occasional diversion. So much better than working and being cold.
I kind of didn’t care. I had both been dreading and looking forward to this trip. Dreading, because it was going to be expensive and we had just taken a cruise two years ago. I knew I would be escaping a week of Colorado winter, but just a flight to Miami or Ft. Lauderdale would have done the same thing, and I would be visiting a different place.
But, this was so relaxing and revitalizing. My type A, go-go, personality would kick in over and over, but something as simple as a walk would send it into remission. I was having a great time, just eating, drinking, people watching, and an occasional diversion. So much better than working and being cold.
We decided that Jackie deserved to be the center of attention, other than looking for her wiener, so we all went back the rooms to change out of swimwear (it dried quickly) and into shorts. We would then take her to the ship’s shopping area to see if she could find something she liked.
With respect to souvenir kind of shopping, there is Whitecaps and Mickey’s Mainsail. There are other shops, but Jackie would not be interested in jewelry or fine watches. In Mickey’s Mainsail we found her a light jacket and a t-shirt. She said she was happy with that. We figured we would fine her more stuff when we got off the ship, on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Jackie says she is having fun, and could even point out high points of the trip. What she was not enjoying was the walking. Margo and I warned her many times over the past months that a cruise involves lots of walking. Sometimes she would do pretty well, and we could get nearly 200 yards out of her. Most of the time it was more like half that. Then once we started stopping for her to rest, the intervals would decrease. At least most of the time, the trek between Point A and Point B was small.
With respect to souvenir kind of shopping, there is Whitecaps and Mickey’s Mainsail. There are other shops, but Jackie would not be interested in jewelry or fine watches. In Mickey’s Mainsail we found her a light jacket and a t-shirt. She said she was happy with that. We figured we would fine her more stuff when we got off the ship, on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Jackie says she is having fun, and could even point out high points of the trip. What she was not enjoying was the walking. Margo and I warned her many times over the past months that a cruise involves lots of walking. Sometimes she would do pretty well, and we could get nearly 200 yards out of her. Most of the time it was more like half that. Then once we started stopping for her to rest, the intervals would decrease. At least most of the time, the trek between Point A and Point B was small.
Margo and Pam had seen a braiding station up on deck 11. Both of them decided they needed tropical braids. So while they got their hair done, Jayme and I watched the waves go by on one side and the people go by on the other. The people were much more interesting. The braids turned out fine, with Margo only getting a small portion of her right side done.
Daisy Duck was taking pictures in the atrium. The time was likely around 4:15 PM. She was the most gregarious of the characters we had met so far. She would flirt and pose and bounce from person to person, even though her photographer wanted to keep things moving.
After Daisy we went to Shutters, the photography area of the ship. This is where you can view the photos taken by the Disney photographers. We only had a few of them. We also checked Jackie’ photobook, which we preordered, and prepaid. Something was wrong, in that it looked to be trying to charge us again. We went to the desk and they got that straightened out. The book was under Margo’s name instead of Jackie’s.
With that done we went back up to the rooms to drop off our purchases. Pam had gotten into the act and bought a t-shirt she had been eyeing. It said “Lost at Sea. Don’t Send Help”. I guess Pam and I are on the same page.
Daisy Duck was taking pictures in the atrium. The time was likely around 4:15 PM. She was the most gregarious of the characters we had met so far. She would flirt and pose and bounce from person to person, even though her photographer wanted to keep things moving.
After Daisy we went to Shutters, the photography area of the ship. This is where you can view the photos taken by the Disney photographers. We only had a few of them. We also checked Jackie’ photobook, which we preordered, and prepaid. Something was wrong, in that it looked to be trying to charge us again. We went to the desk and they got that straightened out. The book was under Margo’s name instead of Jackie’s.
With that done we went back up to the rooms to drop off our purchases. Pam had gotten into the act and bought a t-shirt she had been eyeing. It said “Lost at Sea. Don’t Send Help”. I guess Pam and I are on the same page.
The 6:15 show tonight was Aladdin. This was stage production of Disney’s movie. They had to abridge it, down to an hour or less. It was still exceptional, with the Genie stealing the show, just like he did in the movie. We all walked out of there humming “You Ain’t Never had a Friend Like Me” or another such tune. Disney was two for two with their shows.
We were spending $300 on a photo packaging and Jackie had to have at least 34 pictures to put in the book we ordered, so when we saw that Mickey Mouse was up on Deck 4, we went over to get it. This proved to be a grave error on my part. Because right next to the spot where Captain Mickey was being the center of attention, was Tiffany & Co.
We took several pictures with the Lord High Mouse, and Margo declared that she wanted to go into Tiffany’s. She may have said words to the effect of “I want to go look at Tiffany’s”. Dangerous words. I think the rest of wandered about, as we had half an hour before dinner. I soon received a text saying that she found a ring for $200. That required a trip to meet her at Tiffany’s so she could show me her conquest. Because shopping is akin to hunting, in that you are hunting for the perfect “thing”, and it is a big deal when you find it. She found it, and it matched her bracelet. We couldn’t very well leave the bracelets mate to be bought by some stranger, could we?
We were spending $300 on a photo packaging and Jackie had to have at least 34 pictures to put in the book we ordered, so when we saw that Mickey Mouse was up on Deck 4, we went over to get it. This proved to be a grave error on my part. Because right next to the spot where Captain Mickey was being the center of attention, was Tiffany & Co.
We took several pictures with the Lord High Mouse, and Margo declared that she wanted to go into Tiffany’s. She may have said words to the effect of “I want to go look at Tiffany’s”. Dangerous words. I think the rest of wandered about, as we had half an hour before dinner. I soon received a text saying that she found a ring for $200. That required a trip to meet her at Tiffany’s so she could show me her conquest. Because shopping is akin to hunting, in that you are hunting for the perfect “thing”, and it is a big deal when you find it. She found it, and it matched her bracelet. We couldn’t very well leave the bracelets mate to be bought by some stranger, could we?
Dinner tonight was in Enchanted Garden. This is a garden themed restaurant with lots of greenery, and with a fountain in the center. Mickey, himself, adorned the top. All of the restaurants have menus that you would expect to find in a four or five star restaurant. I lack dining experience to tell you if the food is up to those standards, but if it isn’t I must be missing out. The food was outstanding. Most of the time the portions were also pretty good.
Tonight, after dessert (also excellent, even if I can’t recall what I had) P’la performed some prestidigitation for us with some foam balls and cups. He would magically move one ball from one cup to another. Margo said she caught him taking a ball from his pocket, and I thought I caught a glimpse of one compressed ball in one hand. But, other than that it really looked like magic. He was definitely to impress us. I don’t think other tables were so graced.
With the extra time we spent in Enchanted Garden it was nearly 10 PM by the time we made it to our room. Jackie is not used to all this exercise. At home she moves from bed to chair to chair to bed. Unless we go out to dinner, Margo takes her to visit their mom, or North Metro (disabled person agency) picks her up, she does not move outside a 20-yard circle. So, she was more than happy to sit in front of her TV until she was tired, as opposed to walking to the aft area of the ship to see Match Your Mate.
Tonight, after dessert (also excellent, even if I can’t recall what I had) P’la performed some prestidigitation for us with some foam balls and cups. He would magically move one ball from one cup to another. Margo said she caught him taking a ball from his pocket, and I thought I caught a glimpse of one compressed ball in one hand. But, other than that it really looked like magic. He was definitely to impress us. I don’t think other tables were so graced.
With the extra time we spent in Enchanted Garden it was nearly 10 PM by the time we made it to our room. Jackie is not used to all this exercise. At home she moves from bed to chair to chair to bed. Unless we go out to dinner, Margo takes her to visit their mom, or North Metro (disabled person agency) picks her up, she does not move outside a 20-yard circle. So, she was more than happy to sit in front of her TV until she was tired, as opposed to walking to the aft area of the ship to see Match Your Mate.
Match Your Mate, which is Disney’s version of the Newlywed Game, and Margo and I have seen before, is hilarious. It works the same as the TV show, and as it takes place at 10:30 PM is designated as adults only. They asked the husbands three questions, and did the same for the wives. They had one couple married 3 ½ years, another 38 years, and the final couple was married 45 years.
Margo wanted to do it, and I was game, but the lady in front of us very exuberant, and was not going to be outshined. She and her husband were picked. They were the middle couple.
I don’t think I can remember all six questions. But, what I do remember was:
1) Where was your first official date?
2) What part of your wife’s body did you notice first?
3) Which member of your wife’s family, living or dead, would you leave stranded on a desert island?
4 )What is your husband’s most annoying habit?
5) ?
6) Most interesting place you have had sex?
The middle couple ended up winning. Their answer to the desert island question was the wife’s ex-sister in law, Lisa. When the MC asked why, the husband answered “Because she is a bitch.” The crowd loved that. Their interesting sex answer was “under her parents dining room table”.
Margo and I would have done well. We got five of six. I’m not posting our answers, sorry, but I am at least a little proud to say we missed #6. Pam and Jayme, I think said they got 4 of 6. Not sure which ones they did not match on.
This put us about 11:15 PM. No coffee for Margo tonight. It was going to be an early start tomorrow, but watching Match Your Mate was worth it.
Margo wanted to do it, and I was game, but the lady in front of us very exuberant, and was not going to be outshined. She and her husband were picked. They were the middle couple.
I don’t think I can remember all six questions. But, what I do remember was:
1) Where was your first official date?
2) What part of your wife’s body did you notice first?
3) Which member of your wife’s family, living or dead, would you leave stranded on a desert island?
4 )What is your husband’s most annoying habit?
5) ?
6) Most interesting place you have had sex?
The middle couple ended up winning. Their answer to the desert island question was the wife’s ex-sister in law, Lisa. When the MC asked why, the husband answered “Because she is a bitch.” The crowd loved that. Their interesting sex answer was “under her parents dining room table”.
Margo and I would have done well. We got five of six. I’m not posting our answers, sorry, but I am at least a little proud to say we missed #6. Pam and Jayme, I think said they got 4 of 6. Not sure which ones they did not match on.
This put us about 11:15 PM. No coffee for Margo tonight. It was going to be an early start tomorrow, but watching Match Your Mate was worth it.
Day Five--Tuesday-February 26, 2019
Today would be our first day off the ship. We would be docking at the island of Tortola. Tortola is one of the British Virgin Islands and like all, is beautiful. But, I am getting ahead of myself.
Margo’s alarm went off at 5:00 AM. She shut if off and rolled over. She was going to shower and also had to make sure Jackie got ready, so I nudged her a bit. I was sympathetic, as she had finally gotten some uninterrupted sleep, having gotten an extra couple of pillows to help prop herself up. She was eventually up at 5:30 AM to begin the morning. I was up ten minutes later, once she was out of the shower.
We met Jayme and Pam in the hall, all three of our state rooms were side by side, with Jackie’s connecting to ours, and headed upstairs to Cabanas, for breakfast. We intended to start drinking and wanted to do that with food on our stomachs.
Our planned excursion was to take a Disney arranged ferry to the island of Jost Van Dyke, named for a 17th century Dutch settler, and low-level pirate. One of its claims to fame is home of the Soggy Dollar Bar. The Soggy Dollar is named such because there is no dock for boats, and the most common way to get from boat to shore is to wade or swim. The end result is wet currency. The Soggy Dollar is the originator of the cocktail, The Painkiller.
Margo’s alarm went off at 5:00 AM. She shut if off and rolled over. She was going to shower and also had to make sure Jackie got ready, so I nudged her a bit. I was sympathetic, as she had finally gotten some uninterrupted sleep, having gotten an extra couple of pillows to help prop herself up. She was eventually up at 5:30 AM to begin the morning. I was up ten minutes later, once she was out of the shower.
We met Jayme and Pam in the hall, all three of our state rooms were side by side, with Jackie’s connecting to ours, and headed upstairs to Cabanas, for breakfast. We intended to start drinking and wanted to do that with food on our stomachs.
Our planned excursion was to take a Disney arranged ferry to the island of Jost Van Dyke, named for a 17th century Dutch settler, and low-level pirate. One of its claims to fame is home of the Soggy Dollar Bar. The Soggy Dollar is named such because there is no dock for boats, and the most common way to get from boat to shore is to wade or swim. The end result is wet currency. The Soggy Dollar is the originator of the cocktail, The Painkiller.
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I first heard about both SDB and the Painkiller while doing research for this trip. It sounded like fun to me. When we were having planning sessions for this trip I would mix up this concoction to put us all in tropical moods. But, there was a problem with traveling to this place. You either had to go through several travel machinations to get from the Road Town (capital city of Tortola, and our port of call), or take the Disney excursion. The latter was $83. The former was cheaper, but not much. I was fully planning of just avoiding this. But, in our final planning session, Pam chimed in, asking if this wasn’t the place I wanted to visit. After admitting it was, but mentioning the cost, she shrugged the cost off and said it was fine with her. Jayme agreed, and it was settled. Margo and Jackie could care less. Margo said she would be fine with whatever I wanted to do.
So after breakfast we elevatored down to deck 3 to the Walt Disney theater. We were five minutes late, arriving at 7:35. But we knew that nothing would really be happening until at least 8 AM. As we were last in, we were last out. That became a noticeable disadvantage, as the with Jackie’s asthma, bad ankle, and as out of shape as a squashed can of Play-Doh, we began to fall farther and farther behind our Disney guide.
His quest was to get us from the Disney Theater, through the Disney gatekeeper, and to ferry. Every time you get on or off the ship you are scanned, using your Key to the World card. This card is a combination; hotel key, credit card, and ID card. You don’t pay for anything with cash or a credit card. This makes it seem like everything is free, and you spend more. It is not as simplistic as that, but people do tend to spend more.
Back to Jackie. At first we all tried to stay together, then Pam and Jayme were encouraged to keep out guide in sight, and I would keep them in sight. Margo would monitor Jackie, and we would stop if needed. Jackie did fairly well, having to stop just once, as I recall. I could not help myself in admonishing her about Margo and mine warning for the past year that the cruise would entail a lot of walking, and she should be working on conditioning. I was a constant battle to get her out of a chair and move. Even when we would go to Walmart, she would often opt to stay in the car. Sometimes we made her go, sometimes we did not. It is hard having a 49-year-old child.
So after breakfast we elevatored down to deck 3 to the Walt Disney theater. We were five minutes late, arriving at 7:35. But we knew that nothing would really be happening until at least 8 AM. As we were last in, we were last out. That became a noticeable disadvantage, as the with Jackie’s asthma, bad ankle, and as out of shape as a squashed can of Play-Doh, we began to fall farther and farther behind our Disney guide.
His quest was to get us from the Disney Theater, through the Disney gatekeeper, and to ferry. Every time you get on or off the ship you are scanned, using your Key to the World card. This card is a combination; hotel key, credit card, and ID card. You don’t pay for anything with cash or a credit card. This makes it seem like everything is free, and you spend more. It is not as simplistic as that, but people do tend to spend more.
Back to Jackie. At first we all tried to stay together, then Pam and Jayme were encouraged to keep out guide in sight, and I would keep them in sight. Margo would monitor Jackie, and we would stop if needed. Jackie did fairly well, having to stop just once, as I recall. I could not help myself in admonishing her about Margo and mine warning for the past year that the cruise would entail a lot of walking, and she should be working on conditioning. I was a constant battle to get her out of a chair and move. Even when we would go to Walmart, she would often opt to stay in the car. Sometimes we made her go, sometimes we did not. It is hard having a 49-year-old child.
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We eventually got to the ferry and boarded. The temperature on our trip so far had been in the mid-80s. We were getting mostly sunny skies. Today it was cloudy and overcast. We had been dealing with wind the whole time, and today was no exception. The seas were pretty choppy, especially after we cleared the harbor. It was about this time I began singing part of the Gilligan’s Island theme song.
“The weather started getting rough, the tiny ship was tossed. If not for the courage of the fearless crew the Minnow would be lost. The Minnow would be lost”
Margo was less amused than the lady beside me, who chuckled.
It was about 35-40 minutes to Jost Van Dyke. As I mentioned, you do not dock on Jost Van Dyke. I was interested to know how close to shore they could get us. We were on a catamaran, and I did not think they could beach this. I don’t recall when them told us this, but eventually it was made clear that we would be transferring to another, smaller boat, in shifts, and the ferried within about 8 feet of shore. A gangplank was dropped and we walked ashore via that.
But, the water in White Bay was still choppy, and our ship would bob up and down, transferring said motion to the ramp. The crew of the boat helped everyone and there were no accidents.
Pam and Jayme were on the first ferry trip, and they secured us beach loungers on the upper part of the beach, under shelter, on a concrete pad. None of us are beach people, feeling an obligation to be out in the sand. The view from up here in our Disney exclusive area was just fine. Plus the bathroom and a bar were directly behind us. The spot was perfect in my estimation.
“The weather started getting rough, the tiny ship was tossed. If not for the courage of the fearless crew the Minnow would be lost. The Minnow would be lost”
Margo was less amused than the lady beside me, who chuckled.
It was about 35-40 minutes to Jost Van Dyke. As I mentioned, you do not dock on Jost Van Dyke. I was interested to know how close to shore they could get us. We were on a catamaran, and I did not think they could beach this. I don’t recall when them told us this, but eventually it was made clear that we would be transferring to another, smaller boat, in shifts, and the ferried within about 8 feet of shore. A gangplank was dropped and we walked ashore via that.
But, the water in White Bay was still choppy, and our ship would bob up and down, transferring said motion to the ramp. The crew of the boat helped everyone and there were no accidents.
Pam and Jayme were on the first ferry trip, and they secured us beach loungers on the upper part of the beach, under shelter, on a concrete pad. None of us are beach people, feeling an obligation to be out in the sand. The view from up here in our Disney exclusive area was just fine. Plus the bathroom and a bar were directly behind us. The spot was perfect in my estimation.
I mentioned the bar. It had a hand-written sign advertising Rum Punch and Painkillers, $7 each. I came to Jost Van Dyke with the explicit intent of having a Painkiller. So, I went up to get one. The bar dude informed me that there were no Painkillers available. I reminded him that this was Jost Van Dyke, and that was probably illegal. He ignored me. I got Margo and Rum Punch, and began scanning the beach, hoping for a sign. Jayme ordered a Carib beer, after being informed that they did not have Bud Light. It was bitter and not worth drinking.
God sent a sign I was not looking for in the form of a cloud burst. The skies had looked a little menacing the whole trip. I was wondering if this was a harbinger or if this would blow over. It turned out to be the latter, and it was over in less than 10 minutes.
The skies began to clear and the sun came out. I was past ready to get started on my quest for a Painkiller. I know I have mentioned the drink many times, but without clarification. The drink was concocted sometime in the 1970s at the Soggy Dollar Bar. It is 4 parts Pineapple Juice, 1 part Orange Juice, 1 part Crème of Coconut, and 1-4 parts Dark Rum. I prefer mine on the weak end.
I knew the Soggy Dollar was on Jost Van Dyke, but there are two areas on the island where it could be. If it wasn’t on this section, I was not sure there would be much enthusiasm from my traveling family to walk up a steep grade, descend the same, just for a cocktail. But, as fortune would have it, that was not necessary. It was about 200 yards down beach.
God sent a sign I was not looking for in the form of a cloud burst. The skies had looked a little menacing the whole trip. I was wondering if this was a harbinger or if this would blow over. It turned out to be the latter, and it was over in less than 10 minutes.
The skies began to clear and the sun came out. I was past ready to get started on my quest for a Painkiller. I know I have mentioned the drink many times, but without clarification. The drink was concocted sometime in the 1970s at the Soggy Dollar Bar. It is 4 parts Pineapple Juice, 1 part Orange Juice, 1 part Crème of Coconut, and 1-4 parts Dark Rum. I prefer mine on the weak end.
I knew the Soggy Dollar was on Jost Van Dyke, but there are two areas on the island where it could be. If it wasn’t on this section, I was not sure there would be much enthusiasm from my traveling family to walk up a steep grade, descend the same, just for a cocktail. But, as fortune would have it, that was not necessary. It was about 200 yards down beach.
Four out of the five us had made the trek. Jackie was happy to hold now the fort, and now walk, in the unforgiving sand, to an unknown destination. Once we found SDB, I ordered three Painkillers. The bar dude, Leon, said “That’s a lot of pain”. Margo and Pam joined me in imbibing. We all liked it.
The girls saw nothing to keep them around, that is after we had all shopped in their small gift shop, so they went back to keep Jackie company. It was turning out to be a very beautiful day, and it was not lost on my why they called this paradise. It was dreading going back home already.
But, that was days away. Jayme and I played a game of cornhole (bean bag toss) on the beach. It was his first time, and he beat me 21-16. If we had hours and hours to spend here we would have played more, and drunk more. That was not the case. It was nearing 11 o clock and we were to be back ready to load at 11:45. So Jayme and I walked back.
The girls saw nothing to keep them around, that is after we had all shopped in their small gift shop, so they went back to keep Jackie company. It was turning out to be a very beautiful day, and it was not lost on my why they called this paradise. It was dreading going back home already.
But, that was days away. Jayme and I played a game of cornhole (bean bag toss) on the beach. It was his first time, and he beat me 21-16. If we had hours and hours to spend here we would have played more, and drunk more. That was not the case. It was nearing 11 o clock and we were to be back ready to load at 11:45. So Jayme and I walked back.
Margo had called home and gotten ahold of Jolene, who was on her way to a doctor’s appointment. It was 3 hours earlier back home, so before 8 AM. They talked for a few minutes, and Jolene reminded Margo about the beach cam at the Soggy Dollar. The SDB had a camera that points straight out to its little section of White Bay Beach and streams it on its website for the world to see. Jolene had been checking in on many prior days, doubtless dreaming of the day when she could visit. Now she would have the opportunity to see someone she knew on the website. That was our cure to walk back now, which took less than five minutes.
During that walk Jolene hung up, so she could focus on driving. Margo called Jessi, at about 10:30, waking her up, as it was only 10:30 AM. Margo told her about the beach cam, and about having a painkiller on the beach. and Jessi was still half asleep and promised to call her back after looking into the cam.
When we talked to Jessi when we got back, Jessi said that about the time she hung up, the words Painkiller and Beach started working on her brain. She had no idea about the drink, Painkiller. So in her mind her mother was buying pills from some guy on the beach. That woke her up, and she called back. In the ensuing conversation the true nature of a Painkiller was made clear. We got quite the laugh when Jessi explained her side of the conversation.
During that walk Jolene hung up, so she could focus on driving. Margo called Jessi, at about 10:30, waking her up, as it was only 10:30 AM. Margo told her about the beach cam, and about having a painkiller on the beach. and Jessi was still half asleep and promised to call her back after looking into the cam.
When we talked to Jessi when we got back, Jessi said that about the time she hung up, the words Painkiller and Beach started working on her brain. She had no idea about the drink, Painkiller. So in her mind her mother was buying pills from some guy on the beach. That woke her up, and she called back. In the ensuing conversation the true nature of a Painkiller was made clear. We got quite the laugh when Jessi explained her side of the conversation.
I ordered another Painkiller, because I could, and it would make a nice prop for our internet streaming debut. Both girls had called us back in the next ten minutes or so, and reported they saw us front and center. The both took screen shots and sent them to Margo, as proof of our accomplishment. I was most happy for the second drink. But, we had to get back.
Upon our arrival back at Camp Disney, or whatever the guys said it was called, Margo reminded me about our drink coupons. These were good for one non-alcoholic drink. Jayme and Pam gave us theirs, for reasons unknown. Generosity, I suppose. I went up to the bar and ended up with 2 cans of Coke and 2 pouches of Capri Sun, Pacific Punch. Then it was time to go..
I think we had ended up with about two hours on the beach. We could have done more, but only down beach where we could play cornhole and drink. Like I said, we are not beach people, and splashing around in the water does not appeal. We did coax Jackie to stand ankle deep in the surf, just so she could tell everyone she got in the ocean.
Upon our arrival back at Camp Disney, or whatever the guys said it was called, Margo reminded me about our drink coupons. These were good for one non-alcoholic drink. Jayme and Pam gave us theirs, for reasons unknown. Generosity, I suppose. I went up to the bar and ended up with 2 cans of Coke and 2 pouches of Capri Sun, Pacific Punch. Then it was time to go..
I think we had ended up with about two hours on the beach. We could have done more, but only down beach where we could play cornhole and drink. Like I said, we are not beach people, and splashing around in the water does not appeal. We did coax Jackie to stand ankle deep in the surf, just so she could tell everyone she got in the ocean.
We were back on the boat a little early, 11:15, and back on The Fantasy by 12:15. We toyed with the idea of eating on the island, but we were tired, due to the late night and time change. The thought of figuring out lunch seemed like too much effort. Plus returning to the ship would give us the opportunity to change out of our swimwear.
We were changed, lunched, and off the ship by 1:30. During our Cabana lunch, I took several pictures of Road Town, Tortola from deck 11. The island looks drier than I would have thought, but with all that blue water of the bay, it was still striking.
Road Town is the capital of the British Virgin Islands, but it not a very big town. The touristy shopping area was only about a block long, covering two streets. There was a Diamonds International at the very beginning. Margo and I skipped it. Pam did not, much to Jayme’s annoyance.
Margo and I quickly discovered that most of the shops catered to more upscale shoppers. There was really only two that sold the touristy stuff we were seeking. One of those was a Del Sol. I’ve had my fill of their overpriced product in my other tropical trips. We went in, and went out rather quickly.
The other store sold us a magnet for Mary back home, and a T-shirt for Margo. Mary, who had done a fair amount of traveling herself, collects destination magnets. The metal overhead and cabinet side are covered with them. I think she has something like 30 different states, half dozen foreign countries, and several Caribbean islands represented. Tortola would be new for her.
We made out way back and we were not seeing Jayme and Pam. I finally found them at Diamonds International. Pam was looking a jewelry way out of their price range. She said she had no interest in buying, but just liked trying them on. Jayme (& I) knew that was like playing with matches. Sooner or later you were going to get burned. These salesmen were of the greatly despised, high pressure variety.
I think the piece that she was looking at when I walked over was for $9,600. The salesman looked at Jayme and he told him “No, I am NOT buying anything. I can’t afford that, and I don’t want it”. Of course the salesman took No to mean No, and changed the number on the calculator to reflect what the monthly payment could be. Jayme told him “That’s a truck payment”
He was getting more and more upset, telling me how much he hated this kind of salesman, and that if they weren’t careful, he was going to end up in trouble. Finally Pam walked away, and we all got out of the store.
Jayme as at least as tired as he was agitated. We all were. Someone suggested going back to our rooms, since shopping was bust, and taking a nap. No one disagreed, and that is what we did. We were back in our rooms by 3:00 PM, and we all took about an hour and a half nap.
We were changed, lunched, and off the ship by 1:30. During our Cabana lunch, I took several pictures of Road Town, Tortola from deck 11. The island looks drier than I would have thought, but with all that blue water of the bay, it was still striking.
Road Town is the capital of the British Virgin Islands, but it not a very big town. The touristy shopping area was only about a block long, covering two streets. There was a Diamonds International at the very beginning. Margo and I skipped it. Pam did not, much to Jayme’s annoyance.
Margo and I quickly discovered that most of the shops catered to more upscale shoppers. There was really only two that sold the touristy stuff we were seeking. One of those was a Del Sol. I’ve had my fill of their overpriced product in my other tropical trips. We went in, and went out rather quickly.
The other store sold us a magnet for Mary back home, and a T-shirt for Margo. Mary, who had done a fair amount of traveling herself, collects destination magnets. The metal overhead and cabinet side are covered with them. I think she has something like 30 different states, half dozen foreign countries, and several Caribbean islands represented. Tortola would be new for her.
We made out way back and we were not seeing Jayme and Pam. I finally found them at Diamonds International. Pam was looking a jewelry way out of their price range. She said she had no interest in buying, but just liked trying them on. Jayme (& I) knew that was like playing with matches. Sooner or later you were going to get burned. These salesmen were of the greatly despised, high pressure variety.
I think the piece that she was looking at when I walked over was for $9,600. The salesman looked at Jayme and he told him “No, I am NOT buying anything. I can’t afford that, and I don’t want it”. Of course the salesman took No to mean No, and changed the number on the calculator to reflect what the monthly payment could be. Jayme told him “That’s a truck payment”
He was getting more and more upset, telling me how much he hated this kind of salesman, and that if they weren’t careful, he was going to end up in trouble. Finally Pam walked away, and we all got out of the store.
Jayme as at least as tired as he was agitated. We all were. Someone suggested going back to our rooms, since shopping was bust, and taking a nap. No one disagreed, and that is what we did. We were back in our rooms by 3:00 PM, and we all took about an hour and a half nap.
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Margo, Jackie and I were up and into our Pirate costumes (Did I mention it was Pirate Night?) by 5:00. Pam and Jayme were not ready. That was more my fault. When we parted to grab a nap, I had told Jayme words like “We would figure something out at 5 PM” When I glanced at the Disney app to see what was going on, it was clear that getting ready for the Pirate festivities was the something. But, I did not communicate that and crawled into bed.
When the three of us walked out of our room, Pam was literally walking out of her room, too. She noticed the costumes and said that they were not ready, and that she was going out to look for Jayme. I told her we would be on the lookout for him, and that we would be getting out pirate pictures taken. When she and Jayme were changed, we could go back through the lines with them and get out group shots done. The lines for the pictures were surprisingly light. I am guessing that most of the families were getting ready, as the early dinner seating was 6:15. So we were through all of the four of five stations in about half an hour. That worked out well, as Pam and Jayme were down about that time. We all went through the stations again, with a few puzzled looks from photographers, but mission accomplished. |
We finished up just in time to head to the Disney theater to take in the nightly show. Tonight is was rePrecussion, a two-man percussion team who would pound on trash cans, 5-gallon buckets, and pot and pans for their sound. They interjected an abundance of comedy and it made for a very entertaining show.
All of the shows had been great. They lasted about 50-60 minutes and the time flew by. When I looked at my watch, it was 7:15. There was an 80s Music Trivia going on in O’Gills, and we had marked that as something to do. We all figured that since we had grown up with this music, we would do better.
A word before I forget. It is no accident that as one event ended, there was something else going on that we wanted to attend. Disney is known for its crowd control ability. We have been to their amusement parks about half a dozen times, and they have many techniques to keep people under control. Timing and placement of rides is one. Today they had provided the entertainment we wanted, and timed it so we had the opportunity to make each one. It was a marvel to behold, when you stopped to think about it.
We did not do very well on the 80s Trivia. It turns out that really none of had made much attempt to learn the artist, unless it is a favored group. Since you earned one point for the title, and one point for the artist, we were doomed. We also would run up against the “I-know-this-one-but-I-can’t-think-of-the-name”. I think we got 8 points. But, we had a great time singing the songs at the end, as the correct songs and artists were revealed.
All of the shows had been great. They lasted about 50-60 minutes and the time flew by. When I looked at my watch, it was 7:15. There was an 80s Music Trivia going on in O’Gills, and we had marked that as something to do. We all figured that since we had grown up with this music, we would do better.
A word before I forget. It is no accident that as one event ended, there was something else going on that we wanted to attend. Disney is known for its crowd control ability. We have been to their amusement parks about half a dozen times, and they have many techniques to keep people under control. Timing and placement of rides is one. Today they had provided the entertainment we wanted, and timed it so we had the opportunity to make each one. It was a marvel to behold, when you stopped to think about it.
We did not do very well on the 80s Trivia. It turns out that really none of had made much attempt to learn the artist, unless it is a favored group. Since you earned one point for the title, and one point for the artist, we were doomed. We also would run up against the “I-know-this-one-but-I-can’t-think-of-the-name”. I think we got 8 points. But, we had a great time singing the songs at the end, as the correct songs and artists were revealed.
It was dinner time now, and we were back in The Royal Court. Two trends continued. First the food was excellent, and I did not note what I had. The food was truly the best we have ever had on a cruise ship. We are basic meat and potatoes kind of people, so it was nice to see how the other half lives. I doubt there will come a time when we will seek this kind of food out, as it more like an expensive event, than a meal. But that does not mean we did not thoroughly enjoy the food and the service.
The second trend was P’la and his magic. We performed more slight of hand today. I think because we had the late seating, there was more time for him to interact with the guests. Pam and Jayme are more gregarious than Margo and I, and had engaged both of our servers early on. It was a very nice add-on to our meal, and made us feel special.
Margo and I had fallen into a pattern of pretty much wanting to go back to our room after dinner. There was stuff we could be doing or seeing, but by the end of the meal, and with said meal working on our systems, we were just ready to relax. I was always wanting to take about 20 minutes and jot down the notes of what we did for the day. I would used those to write this narrative. Jackie was always ready for sleep, as she was not used to this much activity. Margo enjoys watching an old favorite Disney production, on the stateroom TV. If we needed a drink, we would go get it from deck 11, in a leisurely, (and quiet, now that the kids were in bed) manner. We turned in for the night around 11, dead tired even with a nap.
The second trend was P’la and his magic. We performed more slight of hand today. I think because we had the late seating, there was more time for him to interact with the guests. Pam and Jayme are more gregarious than Margo and I, and had engaged both of our servers early on. It was a very nice add-on to our meal, and made us feel special.
Margo and I had fallen into a pattern of pretty much wanting to go back to our room after dinner. There was stuff we could be doing or seeing, but by the end of the meal, and with said meal working on our systems, we were just ready to relax. I was always wanting to take about 20 minutes and jot down the notes of what we did for the day. I would used those to write this narrative. Jackie was always ready for sleep, as she was not used to this much activity. Margo enjoys watching an old favorite Disney production, on the stateroom TV. If we needed a drink, we would go get it from deck 11, in a leisurely, (and quiet, now that the kids were in bed) manner. We turned in for the night around 11, dead tired even with a nap.
Day Six--Wednesday-February 27, 2019
Today was another port of call. St. Thomas was only about an hour’s sail from Tortola, so we were there when we awoke. I was up at 6:15 AM and Margo 45 minutes earlier. We would essentially be repeating our morning routine of yesterday. Breakfast at Cabanas from 7 to 8, meet in the Walt Disney Theater by 8 AM, and then board our conveyance by 8:30 AM
Today we would be staying on the island in which we docked, and taking the Ultimate Island Experience. This sounds much grander than it actually was. It ended up being a bus ride to The Mountain Top, a bus ride to Megan’s Beach, and then a bus ride to shopping district, then a ferry back to the ship. This description, however, does not do the day justice, at all.
Today we would be staying on the island in which we docked, and taking the Ultimate Island Experience. This sounds much grander than it actually was. It ended up being a bus ride to The Mountain Top, a bus ride to Megan’s Beach, and then a bus ride to shopping district, then a ferry back to the ship. This description, however, does not do the day justice, at all.
The drive to Mountain Top, which is a combination tourist store, and overlook, was marred by iffy weather. It was cloudy, windy, and rain appeared imminent. It was also about 80 degrees, so if there were any complaints from our crowd, they were weak and merely conversational. I was not complaining at all.
We arrived to Mountain Top at about 9:05, and were told we had all of 25 minutes to take care of whatever business, be that the overlook, shopping, restroom, or drinking. The Mountain Top makes the claim of being the originator of the Banana Daquiri. Jayme bought me and Pam one, while I went to the restroom (something was doing too often), and Margo and Jackie went shopping.
When Jayme handed me the drink, I took a sip off the top to bring the level down to minimize spillage. My eyes crossed and my throat burned. I am not a liquor fan. The foo-foo drinks we had been drinking on the ship were likely a bit weak, and had plenty of juice to mask the alcohol. I was more than happy with that, as I had budgeted for them.
Jayme seeing my face said that the bartender and poured rum on the top and failed to mix it. Not a very good bartender if you ask me. I stirred my drink and tried it from the plastic straw.
We arrived to Mountain Top at about 9:05, and were told we had all of 25 minutes to take care of whatever business, be that the overlook, shopping, restroom, or drinking. The Mountain Top makes the claim of being the originator of the Banana Daquiri. Jayme bought me and Pam one, while I went to the restroom (something was doing too often), and Margo and Jackie went shopping.
When Jayme handed me the drink, I took a sip off the top to bring the level down to minimize spillage. My eyes crossed and my throat burned. I am not a liquor fan. The foo-foo drinks we had been drinking on the ship were likely a bit weak, and had plenty of juice to mask the alcohol. I was more than happy with that, as I had budgeted for them.
Jayme seeing my face said that the bartender and poured rum on the top and failed to mix it. Not a very good bartender if you ask me. I stirred my drink and tried it from the plastic straw.
We interrupt this narrative for a complaint. Disney has decided to stop using plastic straws on its ships, and probably its parks. They are going with a paper straw which feels funny in your mouth and deteriorates leaving a wet feeling. I am all for helping the environment, but this act is driven not by hard science and research, but by the work of a 9-year-old. In 2011, some kid, doing a project in class, had his dad call three straw makers, and after getting data from them, averaging it out, he came up with a number of 500 million straws used each day in the US. That is close to two per day for every person in the country. I am dubious of that fact, which had never been vetted, and that they cause such a problem when the vast majority end up in a landfill with all the other plastics. So, on your next Disney cruise, pack your straws and be the envy of the cruise. We now resume our scheduled program.
It was better, but still a bit strong. The banana taste was also strong, and almost made the drink palatable. Less rum would have suited my taste. I finished it off anyway. Margo and Jackie found where the magnets were at, and they helped me pick one out for Mary. Margo found some hairspray, as she was hating what the humidity was doing to her locks.
I took a few quick pictures from the overlook. The weather was still overcast, so they look kind of dreary. I was starting to dread going to beach. During a Colorado summer, this kind of weather might pass away in 20 minutes. Or it might last all day. I had no real reference to go by, but I quickly made peace with the situation. Am overcast day at a beautiful beach was better than the wintery weather back home. Pam and Jayme had been keeping up on it, and we got snow and subnormal temps from the time we left. Winning.
I took a few quick pictures from the overlook. The weather was still overcast, so they look kind of dreary. I was starting to dread going to beach. During a Colorado summer, this kind of weather might pass away in 20 minutes. Or it might last all day. I had no real reference to go by, but I quickly made peace with the situation. Am overcast day at a beautiful beach was better than the wintery weather back home. Pam and Jayme had been keeping up on it, and we got snow and subnormal temps from the time we left. Winning.
The driver, Caesar, made his way down the mountain. He told us that his grandmother told him that every thing that goes up, must come down. They did not have to come down at a speed in excess of the 20 miles the posted limit, on a narrow winding road. The sides of all the buses we saw testified to the frequency of trading paint. Still not really caring. It would make an interesting story if we bumped another bus.
We arrived at Magen’s Beach, reported to be one of the most beautiful in the world, about 9:45 AM. It was still overcast, but the skies looked a bit brighter and I could see patches of blue. We quickly commandeered a spot similar to Jost Van Dyke, a covered area where we could sit and people watch. It was not on the sand, but darn close.
We arrived at Magen’s Beach, reported to be one of the most beautiful in the world, about 9:45 AM. It was still overcast, but the skies looked a bit brighter and I could see patches of blue. We quickly commandeered a spot similar to Jost Van Dyke, a covered area where we could sit and people watch. It was not on the sand, but darn close.
I had decided that I was going to be a beach bum, and take a nap in the beach. I walked over to a nearby rental place and paid $8, plus a $5 deposit for a beach lounger. I set it up in the shade, covered my face with my Outback Jack hat, and faded in and out. It was not exactly a productive use of my time, but productivity was not high on my list of things to accomplish.
I still managed to so some people watching, eventually my bladder decided I should get up. The restrooms were about 100 yards away, and past that was more of the beach. So I walked down and admired everything around me, near and far. It was a beautiful place, that had become more crowded as the morning wore on.
I still managed to so some people watching, eventually my bladder decided I should get up. The restrooms were about 100 yards away, and past that was more of the beach. So I walked down and admired everything around me, near and far. It was a beautiful place, that had become more crowded as the morning wore on.
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When I got back I sat at the table with the rest of the family. They were chatting up a local lady, who served as excursion director of some sort. I could not tell is she was employed by Disney, or one of the other two cruise lines in port. She was telling everyone the benefits of the local flora. She mentioned several fruits, one of which postponed the symptoms of asthma for a year. Another which delayed the stages of cancer. I was skeptical, but listened anyway. There was likely a grain of fact in there somewhere.
We boarded our bus and Caesar took us to if not the shopping area, at least a shopping area, around noon. We were instructed to meet at a place called Local Color at either 10 ‘til 1 PM or 10 ‘til 2 PM. The place where we were dropped off was right in front of a long line of back to back tents with tons of tourist stuff. But, everyone was selling the same stuff, and they were all pushy. I left Margo and the gang to make sure we could find Local Cover. They were going to check out the tents. Pam and Jayme had made a couple of purchases, but Margo was having nothing to do with anyone who annoyed her. They were all annoying her with their tactics.
We boarded our bus and Caesar took us to if not the shopping area, at least a shopping area, around noon. We were instructed to meet at a place called Local Color at either 10 ‘til 1 PM or 10 ‘til 2 PM. The place where we were dropped off was right in front of a long line of back to back tents with tons of tourist stuff. But, everyone was selling the same stuff, and they were all pushy. I left Margo and the gang to make sure we could find Local Cover. They were going to check out the tents. Pam and Jayme had made a couple of purchases, but Margo was having nothing to do with anyone who annoyed her. They were all annoying her with their tactics.
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I found Local Color about two blocks away, and discovered it was a tourist shop selling the stuff we were after. More importantly I had scouted out several places to eat. It was noon and we were hungry. One of them was a place called Greengos, whose logo was a sugar skull. These were two things that Margo liked. When I proposed the places I had seen, the other being an inviting place called Bumpas, Margo chimed in she voted for Mexican. The others said they did not care, but I was certain that Pam was not going to like eating Mexican food, in a Caribbean port. Both she and Jayme are picky eaters. But, to be fair, what the hell would people on St Thomas know about Mexican food, so you can color me a bit skeptical, too.
We made it there in about 5 minutes. The restaurant was located down a place called Hibiscus Alley.
They had some outdoor seating, and Pam asked a set of American looking tourists, they gave the place a ringing endorsement. That put her mind at ease. They recommended their waiter but I did not catch his name, so I just let the lady seat us normally. That turned out to be a piece of luck.
Our waitress, Rachel, turned out to be from Colorado. She was in her early 20s, was from Littleton, and went to UNC, in Greeley. Her parents used to take her to St. Thomas during Spring Break, and she fell in love with it. She, and her boyfriend, split a $1200 apartment, which includes as utilities and Wi-Fi. She said she could not touch that back home, and makes more money her. She will be going back to the States in a few years. The food was pretty good and the service was top notch.
Margo and Jackie went into the Belgium Chocolate Factory, which was just across the alley. It was expensive, something like $7 for 4 pieces, but it was yummy. I used my time to take a few pictures.
With this accomplished we all decided to head to Local Color. It was too late to wander much further, but it was still a bit early for our ride. Local Color would let us shop for awhile and kill some time. I am sure that this pick-up location was just a coincidence. Margo, Jackie, and I each ended up with a t-shirt.
I walked across the street to take a few pictures, while the rest of my family kind of loitered around, window shopping and people watching. Jayme or Pam noticed that the lady who sent us off this morning on our tour was back. So they checked us in. We expected to had to wait another 20 minutes, but she led us across the street to a side dock, and we boarded an old ship that Jayme and Pam christened the Columbus, because it was old enough to have been along side the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria.
They had some outdoor seating, and Pam asked a set of American looking tourists, they gave the place a ringing endorsement. That put her mind at ease. They recommended their waiter but I did not catch his name, so I just let the lady seat us normally. That turned out to be a piece of luck.
Our waitress, Rachel, turned out to be from Colorado. She was in her early 20s, was from Littleton, and went to UNC, in Greeley. Her parents used to take her to St. Thomas during Spring Break, and she fell in love with it. She, and her boyfriend, split a $1200 apartment, which includes as utilities and Wi-Fi. She said she could not touch that back home, and makes more money her. She will be going back to the States in a few years. The food was pretty good and the service was top notch.
Margo and Jackie went into the Belgium Chocolate Factory, which was just across the alley. It was expensive, something like $7 for 4 pieces, but it was yummy. I used my time to take a few pictures.
With this accomplished we all decided to head to Local Color. It was too late to wander much further, but it was still a bit early for our ride. Local Color would let us shop for awhile and kill some time. I am sure that this pick-up location was just a coincidence. Margo, Jackie, and I each ended up with a t-shirt.
I walked across the street to take a few pictures, while the rest of my family kind of loitered around, window shopping and people watching. Jayme or Pam noticed that the lady who sent us off this morning on our tour was back. So they checked us in. We expected to had to wait another 20 minutes, but she led us across the street to a side dock, and we boarded an old ship that Jayme and Pam christened the Columbus, because it was old enough to have been along side the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria.
The weather, having cleared up this morning had been gorgeous. If I had looked into the sky with a more discerning eye, I might have noticed the storm clouds rolling in. I didn’t, and neither did Pam or Jayme. We three went up top to sit on the open, and uncovered roof deck, to take in the views of Long and Cay Bays. Margo and Jackie, not wanting to fight the stairs, elected to stay downstairs out to the sun.
The trip across the bay to where our cruise ship was docked, was maybe ¾ of mile, and took ten minutes. Five minutes into the trip, it started to rain. Six minutes into the trip it became a downpour. Seven minutes into it our resolve to tough it out evaporated and we made our way down the stairs, without incident. Margo was amused.
The rain actually felt kind of good. 85 degrees feels like heaven coming out of a Colorado winter, but it can still get hot. Not complaining. I was growing very accustomed to this. But the rain was a pleasant diversion. By the time we got back to the ship, I was about half dry.
Part of that is because Jackie was having trouble. We had to stop four times, about every 500 feet, to let her rest. She forgot her rescue inhaler, and I had loaned her mine. But, not matter how we explain it, she does not grasp the concept of a deep inhale and holding it. She inhales deep, the drops her shoulders and exhales through her nose. So, even the Albuterol was having limited success. But, we finally made it back.
Jayme and Pam should have been well ahead of us, but Pam got held up getting back on the ship. She had packed a small Leatherman in her bag, and the magnometer caught it. She was indignant. She was more upset that she had forgotten to take it out. I was wondering why they should even care about blacklisting such a device. Yes, it had a small knife blade. But, my God. Someone determined would steal a steak knife during dinner and have a more effective weapon. Instead of being effective, all these things do is annoy people.
The trip across the bay to where our cruise ship was docked, was maybe ¾ of mile, and took ten minutes. Five minutes into the trip, it started to rain. Six minutes into the trip it became a downpour. Seven minutes into it our resolve to tough it out evaporated and we made our way down the stairs, without incident. Margo was amused.
The rain actually felt kind of good. 85 degrees feels like heaven coming out of a Colorado winter, but it can still get hot. Not complaining. I was growing very accustomed to this. But the rain was a pleasant diversion. By the time we got back to the ship, I was about half dry.
Part of that is because Jackie was having trouble. We had to stop four times, about every 500 feet, to let her rest. She forgot her rescue inhaler, and I had loaned her mine. But, not matter how we explain it, she does not grasp the concept of a deep inhale and holding it. She inhales deep, the drops her shoulders and exhales through her nose. So, even the Albuterol was having limited success. But, we finally made it back.
Jayme and Pam should have been well ahead of us, but Pam got held up getting back on the ship. She had packed a small Leatherman in her bag, and the magnometer caught it. She was indignant. She was more upset that she had forgotten to take it out. I was wondering why they should even care about blacklisting such a device. Yes, it had a small knife blade. But, my God. Someone determined would steal a steak knife during dinner and have a more effective weapon. Instead of being effective, all these things do is annoy people.
We made it up to our rooms to changed, drop off our purchases, and dry off. It was around 3:30, so we thought we would run up to Shutters to look at our pictures, and start on Jackie’s photobook. But, there is some sort of rule that all of Disney’s on-board stores have to be closed when the ship is in port. Doubtless this is part of the contract with the island authorities so they can reap as much of the tourist dollars as possible. We were leaving port around 5:00, and Shutters would be open around 5:15.
We were dry and had nothing better to do at the moment, so we went to deck 11 to get drinks, ice cream, and find a decent spot to watch our ship pull out of port. It is always interesting to watch the ship pull in or leave the docks. We all marvel at the skill it must take to get something this big into such a specific spot with causing damage or even notice to the passengers.
Someone mentioned that the Norwegian ship, Epic, which was in front of us was already supposed to have left. They had actually left Port Canaveral minutes before we did, and we had seen them in the distance several times before. They finally left and we pulled out around 5:30. We watched from deck 13, which was about as high as we could go. You could tell that the channel we were in was fairly close to the minimum depth to accommodate our ship, as we kicked up a lot of brown water, until we were a mile or so from the dock. We also kicked up a sea turtle, who came to the surface to complain, and then disappeared to find a quieter place to rest.
The 6:15 show tonight was Kyle Knight and Mistie. They were a husband and wife magician team. Mistie was the assistant, but they were very much partners in pulling off some of their tricks. Their box trick at the end was nothing sort of mystifying. Kyle climbed into a box, which was chained, padlocked, and then hoisted into the air. Mistie climbed onto the pedestal in which the box had been raised from. She raised a black drape, above her which was affixed to a ring, and covered her on all sides. She dropped the drape, and Kyle, who was supposed to be in the box, was there instead of her. When the box was lowered and opened, Mistie came out. I possibly have it figured out, but the execution, skill and timing, still make you question magic’s existence. Once again the show was over in a flash.
We had time before dinner, so we decided to hit the ships retail outlets (except Tiffany’s, ouch) to find something for the kids. Jessi and Peter were going over four times a day to let Nellie out and to play with her a bit. We had to make sure we got them a souvenir. We were having trouble shopping for both of them. No one out grows Disney, but adults look a little odd wearing flashy Disney apparel. Then factor in that both of those two have tastes which are edgier than Disney ventures, and we have defined out issue. But, then Margo found a pair of canvas shoes, that were both adorable and subtle. Pete is rapidly losing his hair, and has taken to wearing hats. We found him one that looked like he might wear, and called our mission compete.
Dinner was in Animator’s Palate, and the Disney team had a surprise for us. At our table (#54) were placemats and markers. We were given specific instructions on how to fill in the areas of the placemats and were told they would be collected, animated, and used as our entertainment later in the evening.
With those instructions, our servers took our orders, including dessert, and we all went to work on our masterpieces. Maybe Margo and Pam completely followed the instructions, not to used numbers, letters, words, or symbols, and to stay inside the lines, but Jayme, Jackie, and I freestyled a bit. The works that we turned in were in not danger of ending up in the Museum of Modern Art, but we get points for turning it in right?
Some time around the entrée, I think, Mickey Mouse came up on the screens and thanked us for our help. Evidently he had not seen the art, and he began to run the presentation. As expected most of the art sucked, but the way they made it move, and integrated in to backgrounds was very entertaining.
I made an attempt to film it, but operator error caused me to miss about 60% of it. I captured the rest, which, I believe included cameos of all our art, accept maybe Jackie. I did get a picture or video to the credits, which listed our names as artists.
P’la was running out of magic tricks, even though Pam and Jayme had taken to asking him every night. Today, he asked for something small and I gave him my FitBit. He put it in a small plastic box and invited all of us to open the box. He even opened for us to show it could be done, and if we were observant, how it was done. We were not observant. Finally, Jayme spent a few seconds really looking at it to see if he could locate where the breaks were located, and opened it. We finally, after instructed, all got to open it.
But, he did stump poor Jayme, when he proposed a word puzzle. It went something like this.
“I am 6 years old, and my brother is half my age. How old is he?”
We all got that. Then he continued.
“Later in life, I am 60 years old. How old is my brother?”
It took much longer than Jayme would care to admit that the answer was not 30. The brother was 57 years old. If you don’t get it, contact Jayme and he will explain it to you.
Even though we would be changing our clock to gain back the hour we lost earlier, Margo and I were in our rooms early. We were there by 10 PM, although we ended up watching a Disney movie, Cars, and were still up to at least 11. I think Pam and Jayme might have taken in the 10:30 show. We were all enjoying this cruise at different paces, but enjoying none the less.
We were dry and had nothing better to do at the moment, so we went to deck 11 to get drinks, ice cream, and find a decent spot to watch our ship pull out of port. It is always interesting to watch the ship pull in or leave the docks. We all marvel at the skill it must take to get something this big into such a specific spot with causing damage or even notice to the passengers.
Someone mentioned that the Norwegian ship, Epic, which was in front of us was already supposed to have left. They had actually left Port Canaveral minutes before we did, and we had seen them in the distance several times before. They finally left and we pulled out around 5:30. We watched from deck 13, which was about as high as we could go. You could tell that the channel we were in was fairly close to the minimum depth to accommodate our ship, as we kicked up a lot of brown water, until we were a mile or so from the dock. We also kicked up a sea turtle, who came to the surface to complain, and then disappeared to find a quieter place to rest.
The 6:15 show tonight was Kyle Knight and Mistie. They were a husband and wife magician team. Mistie was the assistant, but they were very much partners in pulling off some of their tricks. Their box trick at the end was nothing sort of mystifying. Kyle climbed into a box, which was chained, padlocked, and then hoisted into the air. Mistie climbed onto the pedestal in which the box had been raised from. She raised a black drape, above her which was affixed to a ring, and covered her on all sides. She dropped the drape, and Kyle, who was supposed to be in the box, was there instead of her. When the box was lowered and opened, Mistie came out. I possibly have it figured out, but the execution, skill and timing, still make you question magic’s existence. Once again the show was over in a flash.
We had time before dinner, so we decided to hit the ships retail outlets (except Tiffany’s, ouch) to find something for the kids. Jessi and Peter were going over four times a day to let Nellie out and to play with her a bit. We had to make sure we got them a souvenir. We were having trouble shopping for both of them. No one out grows Disney, but adults look a little odd wearing flashy Disney apparel. Then factor in that both of those two have tastes which are edgier than Disney ventures, and we have defined out issue. But, then Margo found a pair of canvas shoes, that were both adorable and subtle. Pete is rapidly losing his hair, and has taken to wearing hats. We found him one that looked like he might wear, and called our mission compete.
Dinner was in Animator’s Palate, and the Disney team had a surprise for us. At our table (#54) were placemats and markers. We were given specific instructions on how to fill in the areas of the placemats and were told they would be collected, animated, and used as our entertainment later in the evening.
With those instructions, our servers took our orders, including dessert, and we all went to work on our masterpieces. Maybe Margo and Pam completely followed the instructions, not to used numbers, letters, words, or symbols, and to stay inside the lines, but Jayme, Jackie, and I freestyled a bit. The works that we turned in were in not danger of ending up in the Museum of Modern Art, but we get points for turning it in right?
Some time around the entrée, I think, Mickey Mouse came up on the screens and thanked us for our help. Evidently he had not seen the art, and he began to run the presentation. As expected most of the art sucked, but the way they made it move, and integrated in to backgrounds was very entertaining.
I made an attempt to film it, but operator error caused me to miss about 60% of it. I captured the rest, which, I believe included cameos of all our art, accept maybe Jackie. I did get a picture or video to the credits, which listed our names as artists.
P’la was running out of magic tricks, even though Pam and Jayme had taken to asking him every night. Today, he asked for something small and I gave him my FitBit. He put it in a small plastic box and invited all of us to open the box. He even opened for us to show it could be done, and if we were observant, how it was done. We were not observant. Finally, Jayme spent a few seconds really looking at it to see if he could locate where the breaks were located, and opened it. We finally, after instructed, all got to open it.
But, he did stump poor Jayme, when he proposed a word puzzle. It went something like this.
“I am 6 years old, and my brother is half my age. How old is he?”
We all got that. Then he continued.
“Later in life, I am 60 years old. How old is my brother?”
It took much longer than Jayme would care to admit that the answer was not 30. The brother was 57 years old. If you don’t get it, contact Jayme and he will explain it to you.
Even though we would be changing our clock to gain back the hour we lost earlier, Margo and I were in our rooms early. We were there by 10 PM, although we ended up watching a Disney movie, Cars, and were still up to at least 11. I think Pam and Jayme might have taken in the 10:30 show. We were all enjoying this cruise at different paces, but enjoying none the less.
Day Seven--Thursday-February 28, 2019
I was sure that I would sleep in, but I was up at 7 AM. Apparently, the time change did not take. We showered and got ready. I knocked on Pam and Jayme’s door. The time change had taken just fine there, as they had just gotten up. We told them to take their time, and we would go up to the adult area and hang out until they were ready.
We ended up at Cove Café, which is Disney’s version of Starbucks. Jackie, Margo, and I all got a coffee. We figured we would sip some cappuccino until Jayme and Pam were ready, but the service was so slow, that they were upstairs as the last of our drinks were concocted.
We had our morning meal at Cabanas. We still had not ventured to one of the sit-down restaurants for a meal other than dinner, but no one was complaining. The food here was good. The only complaint I had was that one of their drink stations were did not appear to have Coke set up right. It was not dispensing enough syrup. It looked like ice tea and tasted off. But, the other one was at least closer, so it was not a bit deal.
Today was our final day at sea, and our Star Wars day. No port, so all of our diversions would have to come from on board. Jackie, Margo, and I were already in our matching Star Wares shirts. Pam and Jayme went back upstairs to shower and change. Jackie, Margo, and I went to Shutters to put some real time in on Jackie’s book. It had to be finalized by tomorrow evening, and with all the packing to be done, we did not want to leave it for the last minute.
We could only use 34 total pictures for Jackie’s photobook, and Jackie had around 100. We obviously needed to winnow it down. There was a section for Castaway Cay that would accommodate 4 pictures, so we reserved most of that for the pictures that would be taken on the island, tomorrow.
We also checked on the personalized photo shoot that we had pre-booked. I had heard that these pics were not included in the package we had already paid $300 for. So I asked about prices. When the lady said something about packages starting at $500, it was a no-brainer. We canceled our appointment.
With that done we moved down to the atrium where Disney had set up several photograph stations where we could take pictures with several different backgrounds. Each photographer had his own personality and preference for poses, but at least two poses were universal; Everyone side by side, and smile big, and Use the Force.
We ended up at Cove Café, which is Disney’s version of Starbucks. Jackie, Margo, and I all got a coffee. We figured we would sip some cappuccino until Jayme and Pam were ready, but the service was so slow, that they were upstairs as the last of our drinks were concocted.
We had our morning meal at Cabanas. We still had not ventured to one of the sit-down restaurants for a meal other than dinner, but no one was complaining. The food here was good. The only complaint I had was that one of their drink stations were did not appear to have Coke set up right. It was not dispensing enough syrup. It looked like ice tea and tasted off. But, the other one was at least closer, so it was not a bit deal.
Today was our final day at sea, and our Star Wars day. No port, so all of our diversions would have to come from on board. Jackie, Margo, and I were already in our matching Star Wares shirts. Pam and Jayme went back upstairs to shower and change. Jackie, Margo, and I went to Shutters to put some real time in on Jackie’s book. It had to be finalized by tomorrow evening, and with all the packing to be done, we did not want to leave it for the last minute.
We could only use 34 total pictures for Jackie’s photobook, and Jackie had around 100. We obviously needed to winnow it down. There was a section for Castaway Cay that would accommodate 4 pictures, so we reserved most of that for the pictures that would be taken on the island, tomorrow.
We also checked on the personalized photo shoot that we had pre-booked. I had heard that these pics were not included in the package we had already paid $300 for. So I asked about prices. When the lady said something about packages starting at $500, it was a no-brainer. We canceled our appointment.
With that done we moved down to the atrium where Disney had set up several photograph stations where we could take pictures with several different backgrounds. Each photographer had his own personality and preference for poses, but at least two poses were universal; Everyone side by side, and smile big, and Use the Force.
If you have never seen a Star Wars movie the latter one only suggests what to do. With out try to go into a lot of detail, using the force involves using your mind to move things. The conduit for the force is often an outstretched arm to either serve as the gun barrel or to catch the thing you want to bring to you.
In the original Star Wars movie, the big villain, Darth Vader, kills on of her peers by the outstretch hand method, strangling the guy, while saying “I find your lack of faith (in the force) disturbing” It then follows that when we use the force, we are using the same pose. I was the only one of our group who has seen any of the SW movies. So, I was all facial expressions, too. I thought it was fun.
About 11:15 Pam and Jayme came down dressed in our family T-shirts. I had ordered all five of them off of Amazon. They say “The Force is Strong in our Disney Family”, in the black and gold colors and logo Star Wars style. Margo had taken it a step further and monogramed them with our names. We all looked pretty good, and we did not have to pack another costume.
We went with Pam and Jayme, repeating the same stations, letting them take their couple photos, then we would get in with them and have group photos taken. I thought it was fun and like our photos of half an hour ago, I would ham it up for the Use the Force poses. We finished with this around 11:45, and then it was time to eat, something you do way too much of on cruises.
After we had finished with our Cabana lunches, we went three different ways. We dropped Jackie off in her cabin, so she could watch cartoons (her choice), Pam and Margo went to attend a 1 PM Origami class. Jayme went to find a semi-quiet place where we could relax, people watch, and I could work on this narrative. I didn’t get a whole lot done, as Jayme and I would end up talking about one thing or another.
The girls class finished up just in time for us to make the 1:45 Movie Quotes trivia contest. If I have seen a movie, even once, I can usually pick out a quote. Trouble is I stopped watching movies, on a regular basis at least ten years ago. The politics of most of the actors have so pissed me off, I can not bring myself to support them financially. I have no problems getting my entertainment elsewhere.
If you have never seen a Star Wars movie the latter one only suggests what to do. With out try to go into a lot of detail, using the force involves using your mind to move things. The conduit for the force is often an outstretched arm to either serve as the gun barrel or to catch the thing you want to bring to you.
In the original Star Wars movie, the big villain, Darth Vader, kills on of her peers by the outstretch hand method, strangling the guy, while saying “I find your lack of faith (in the force) disturbing” It then follows that when we use the force, we are using the same pose. I was the only one of our group who has seen any of the SW movies. So, I was all facial expressions, too. I thought it was fun.
About 11:15 Pam and Jayme came down dressed in our family T-shirts. I had ordered all five of them off of Amazon. They say “The Force is Strong in our Disney Family”, in the black and gold colors and logo Star Wars style. Margo had taken it a step further and monogramed them with our names. We all looked pretty good, and we did not have to pack another costume.
We went with Pam and Jayme, repeating the same stations, letting them take their couple photos, then we would get in with them and have group photos taken. I thought it was fun and like our photos of half an hour ago, I would ham it up for the Use the Force poses. We finished with this around 11:45, and then it was time to eat, something you do way too much of on cruises.
After we had finished with our Cabana lunches, we went three different ways. We dropped Jackie off in her cabin, so she could watch cartoons (her choice), Pam and Margo went to attend a 1 PM Origami class. Jayme went to find a semi-quiet place where we could relax, people watch, and I could work on this narrative. I didn’t get a whole lot done, as Jayme and I would end up talking about one thing or another.
The girls class finished up just in time for us to make the 1:45 Movie Quotes trivia contest. If I have seen a movie, even once, I can usually pick out a quote. Trouble is I stopped watching movies, on a regular basis at least ten years ago. The politics of most of the actors have so pissed me off, I can not bring myself to support them financially. I have no problems getting my entertainment elsewhere.
The contest had 25 movie quotes. We got 14, with me providing most of the answers. The others contributed one or two each, and some of those were wrong. The competitive side of me was annoyed, and I was a bit vocal asking these team why they wanted to do this if they did know any movies. I literally watch an hour of TV a night, and it is some sort of documentary. Margo and Pam & Jayme have Netflix subscriptions, so my assumption was that they were watching movies all the time. I should have just rolled with it, and enjoyed the comradery. Lesson learned.
We decided it was time for some water action. Jackie had no desire to ride the AquaDuck, no matter how many of told her it was fun. But, she was OK with sitting in the hot tub. So we all went upstairs to put on our swimsuits.
Pam and Jayme were champing at the bit to ride the AquaDuck again, because it was fun. So they went up to deck 12. We stayed on deck 11 and found the hot tub. It was empty and we soon found out why. The hot tub was up against on side of the deck. You looked out on open water, and the view was very nice. But, the sun was on this side of the ship, and it was hot. We stayed in the hot tub for about 20 minutes, shading ourselves. Then it was just too uncomfortable and we got out.
Our plan was to meet at FroZone, where the ice cream was. We may have had some ice cream. I recall they had vanilla, chocolate and banana. You could turn the flavors into twists. I had mostly chocolate on the cruise, but I did try the chocolate/banana twist, and it wasn’t bad.
Pam and Jayme met us about 3 PM. They said the line for the AquaDuck was not bad. I was game. Margo, had visions of all the packing that needed to be done to fill seven suitcases, so she decided a better use of her time would be in our stateroom. Jackie followed, and Pam, Jayme, and I went to ride the water slide.
We rode the AquaDuck twice more. It was now about 4:15. We could have kept going, but I was feeling guilty having Margo slave away in the room, even though I would just be in the way. I still felt maybe I better be providing emotional support. I turned out to be exactly right. Not five minutes back to the room she started crying, complaining she was feeling overwhelmed, as we all kept looking to her for direction on what to do next, and my whining about the last trivia game had put her over the edge. So, I sent some time apologizing and reassuring her that everything was going great, and no one had a problem with anything she suggested we do
We decided it was time for some water action. Jackie had no desire to ride the AquaDuck, no matter how many of told her it was fun. But, she was OK with sitting in the hot tub. So we all went upstairs to put on our swimsuits.
Pam and Jayme were champing at the bit to ride the AquaDuck again, because it was fun. So they went up to deck 12. We stayed on deck 11 and found the hot tub. It was empty and we soon found out why. The hot tub was up against on side of the deck. You looked out on open water, and the view was very nice. But, the sun was on this side of the ship, and it was hot. We stayed in the hot tub for about 20 minutes, shading ourselves. Then it was just too uncomfortable and we got out.
Our plan was to meet at FroZone, where the ice cream was. We may have had some ice cream. I recall they had vanilla, chocolate and banana. You could turn the flavors into twists. I had mostly chocolate on the cruise, but I did try the chocolate/banana twist, and it wasn’t bad.
Pam and Jayme met us about 3 PM. They said the line for the AquaDuck was not bad. I was game. Margo, had visions of all the packing that needed to be done to fill seven suitcases, so she decided a better use of her time would be in our stateroom. Jackie followed, and Pam, Jayme, and I went to ride the water slide.
We rode the AquaDuck twice more. It was now about 4:15. We could have kept going, but I was feeling guilty having Margo slave away in the room, even though I would just be in the way. I still felt maybe I better be providing emotional support. I turned out to be exactly right. Not five minutes back to the room she started crying, complaining she was feeling overwhelmed, as we all kept looking to her for direction on what to do next, and my whining about the last trivia game had put her over the edge. So, I sent some time apologizing and reassuring her that everything was going great, and no one had a problem with anything she suggested we do
We all decided that some alcohol would be appropriate about now. Pam and Jayme let us know they were going to shower and change. They would find a spot to relax down in the adults only bar area on deck 4. Margo had a list of other things she wanted to do, to get ready for the last two days of our trip. So we headed down to the lower decks.
Our first stop was Shutters, we again worked on Jackie’s book. This was going to end up being a cute keepsake for her, and something she can show everyone. But, it sounds like it was going to take about three weeks after the cruise was over. Hopefully it will be quicker.
We dropped down to deck 3 to hit Guest Services. We wanted to register for the 5K race (No race. Walk leisurely) on Castaway Cay tomorrow. We also wanted to ask for the envelopes to add additional tips for our servers and room stewards. As always, they were doing a spectacular job. We registered and found out the envelopes would be in our rooms tonight. With errands completed we went back up our room.
We were not up there long, before Jayme let us know they had camped out at the Skyline Lounge. I think Pam and Jayme had scouted this place out a couple of times, but Margo and I had not had the privilege. I had heard or read that the bar takes it name from the interior video displays which change to reflect different major city skylines. I sound very interesting.
We went down and discovered a dark, and very quiet bar, like it was late at night. The bar served upscale cocktails, some of them with a color changeable cube, which would turn the drink some neon color. Margo decided on a Paris-75. I don’t recall what was in it, but my wife, who hates the taste of alcohol, drank the whole thing. I was not going to risk ordering something that would taste too strong. I was just not it the mood. So I asked for foo-foo drink of the day. I think they called in Galaxy in a Glass, in honor of the Star Wars themed day. It was a strawberry crushed ice thing that went down smooth.
We spent about 45 minutes of so at the Skyline Lounge and watched the skyline change from Barcelona to London. The screens were high resolution, and did kind of make you feel like you were overlooking the city. The fact that they were not 3D was really the only thing messing with the illusion.
The 6:15 show was at 7:30 tonight. It featured a ventriloquist called Lynn Trefzger. I had never heard of her, but I had never heard of any of the other performers we had seen this past week. Yet, they had all been outstanding. Lynn was no exception. She introduced us to a couple of her friends, opening with a 3-year old, named Chloe. The first thing Chloe did was yell to the audience that she “pooped in the potty”, bring laughter to all the parents in the room, which was about everyone. She was hilarious. Jeff Dunham hilarious.
Her last bit she brought up three people from the crowd, a 12 year-old, a Mom, and a Dad. Somehow she made the question of asking them their favorite color a complete, and raucous skit. She instructed them to open their mouth, like a puppet, each time she tapped them on the shoulder. I can not do the routine justice in a description, but she would have them answer her question in an embarrassing way, both with words and her voice. The mom ended up with a sultry voice, which belonged in golden age movies, saying “Orrrange. I just loooove orrrange”. The body language of her “dummies” did not match the words coming out their mouths. Once again the time evaporated.
We were back in Animator’s Palate, for our third, and last time. I don’t even remember what the entertainment was this time. What I do remember was that we all had a discussion at the table about how much to add to our server’s tip allocation. Most cruise line have a recommended tip, per person, per night, and they add it on to your bill, as a default. All totaled, Margo and I would have $189, posted to our account. It would be divided up, not equally, between the Server, Assistant Server, Head Server, and our Room Steward.
The Head Server really only comes by and asked how everything was, and while he may oversee everything, really doesn’t do much, hands on, for us. The get $63 and $49 respectively. The Room Steward (JR, and maker of the towel animals), gets $63. I don’t recall what we finally settled on, but I think we gave Maisel, P’La, He gets $14 out of the $189 Maisel and P’la were our Server and Assistant Server. and JR $25 each, and Dogan, the Head Server, $5.
On previous cruises we never even knew who our Head Server was, but Dogan came around each night asking if everything was OK, and if we had feedback. On about the third night, I said “More ice in the water glasses?”, asking it in the manner if that was feedback he was looking for. Every night, my glass, and no one else’s, was completely full of ice. The others got ice as it came from the water pitcher. Two nights later when they had continually refilled my glass (I go through a lot of water), I had two glasses of ice. No one else. The others were amused. He earned his $5.
Maisel, also explained her in her heavily Dominican Republican accent, that when we fill out the end of the cruise comment cards, her bosses did not consider “Very Good”, the second from the top mark, to be acceptable. Only an “Excellent” was good enough. So she kind of pleaded for Excellents. It was hard to see where the line between explaining and begging was, in her accent. She did not need to worry. She and P’la were get top marks from all of us.
As was custom, we went back to our rooms. Pam and Jayme did not necessarily follow our lead, nor did I expect them to. They got to some alone time and do what they liked. This was their very expensive vacation, too. Margo got hungry not long after we returned to our state room. I don’t recall if her portions were too small (unlikely), or if maybe she did not care for her choice. Anyway, we went up to Deck 11 to see what the choices were. She was really after some fruit, but that station was closed. We were back up in our room 15 minutes later (10:30). I mentioned room service, but she was ahead of me, and grabbed the book, in our room, which had a menu. She ordered a bowl of fruit and I asked for a chocolate chip cookie. They said it would be up in about 20 minutes. It took about 5. Margo’s bowl of fruit was a little on the small side. My plate came with two cookies.
I worked on tracking expenses, (we were over budget, but only by about $50) and working on this blog. Margo was watching Bambi, and I kept getting drawn into that, and got little writing done. I had not seen Bambi since my girls were little. It was nice to revisit. I finally crawled into bed, just a bit past midnight.
Our first stop was Shutters, we again worked on Jackie’s book. This was going to end up being a cute keepsake for her, and something she can show everyone. But, it sounds like it was going to take about three weeks after the cruise was over. Hopefully it will be quicker.
We dropped down to deck 3 to hit Guest Services. We wanted to register for the 5K race (No race. Walk leisurely) on Castaway Cay tomorrow. We also wanted to ask for the envelopes to add additional tips for our servers and room stewards. As always, they were doing a spectacular job. We registered and found out the envelopes would be in our rooms tonight. With errands completed we went back up our room.
We were not up there long, before Jayme let us know they had camped out at the Skyline Lounge. I think Pam and Jayme had scouted this place out a couple of times, but Margo and I had not had the privilege. I had heard or read that the bar takes it name from the interior video displays which change to reflect different major city skylines. I sound very interesting.
We went down and discovered a dark, and very quiet bar, like it was late at night. The bar served upscale cocktails, some of them with a color changeable cube, which would turn the drink some neon color. Margo decided on a Paris-75. I don’t recall what was in it, but my wife, who hates the taste of alcohol, drank the whole thing. I was not going to risk ordering something that would taste too strong. I was just not it the mood. So I asked for foo-foo drink of the day. I think they called in Galaxy in a Glass, in honor of the Star Wars themed day. It was a strawberry crushed ice thing that went down smooth.
We spent about 45 minutes of so at the Skyline Lounge and watched the skyline change from Barcelona to London. The screens were high resolution, and did kind of make you feel like you were overlooking the city. The fact that they were not 3D was really the only thing messing with the illusion.
The 6:15 show was at 7:30 tonight. It featured a ventriloquist called Lynn Trefzger. I had never heard of her, but I had never heard of any of the other performers we had seen this past week. Yet, they had all been outstanding. Lynn was no exception. She introduced us to a couple of her friends, opening with a 3-year old, named Chloe. The first thing Chloe did was yell to the audience that she “pooped in the potty”, bring laughter to all the parents in the room, which was about everyone. She was hilarious. Jeff Dunham hilarious.
Her last bit she brought up three people from the crowd, a 12 year-old, a Mom, and a Dad. Somehow she made the question of asking them their favorite color a complete, and raucous skit. She instructed them to open their mouth, like a puppet, each time she tapped them on the shoulder. I can not do the routine justice in a description, but she would have them answer her question in an embarrassing way, both with words and her voice. The mom ended up with a sultry voice, which belonged in golden age movies, saying “Orrrange. I just loooove orrrange”. The body language of her “dummies” did not match the words coming out their mouths. Once again the time evaporated.
We were back in Animator’s Palate, for our third, and last time. I don’t even remember what the entertainment was this time. What I do remember was that we all had a discussion at the table about how much to add to our server’s tip allocation. Most cruise line have a recommended tip, per person, per night, and they add it on to your bill, as a default. All totaled, Margo and I would have $189, posted to our account. It would be divided up, not equally, between the Server, Assistant Server, Head Server, and our Room Steward.
The Head Server really only comes by and asked how everything was, and while he may oversee everything, really doesn’t do much, hands on, for us. The get $63 and $49 respectively. The Room Steward (JR, and maker of the towel animals), gets $63. I don’t recall what we finally settled on, but I think we gave Maisel, P’La, He gets $14 out of the $189 Maisel and P’la were our Server and Assistant Server. and JR $25 each, and Dogan, the Head Server, $5.
On previous cruises we never even knew who our Head Server was, but Dogan came around each night asking if everything was OK, and if we had feedback. On about the third night, I said “More ice in the water glasses?”, asking it in the manner if that was feedback he was looking for. Every night, my glass, and no one else’s, was completely full of ice. The others got ice as it came from the water pitcher. Two nights later when they had continually refilled my glass (I go through a lot of water), I had two glasses of ice. No one else. The others were amused. He earned his $5.
Maisel, also explained her in her heavily Dominican Republican accent, that when we fill out the end of the cruise comment cards, her bosses did not consider “Very Good”, the second from the top mark, to be acceptable. Only an “Excellent” was good enough. So she kind of pleaded for Excellents. It was hard to see where the line between explaining and begging was, in her accent. She did not need to worry. She and P’la were get top marks from all of us.
As was custom, we went back to our rooms. Pam and Jayme did not necessarily follow our lead, nor did I expect them to. They got to some alone time and do what they liked. This was their very expensive vacation, too. Margo got hungry not long after we returned to our state room. I don’t recall if her portions were too small (unlikely), or if maybe she did not care for her choice. Anyway, we went up to Deck 11 to see what the choices were. She was really after some fruit, but that station was closed. We were back up in our room 15 minutes later (10:30). I mentioned room service, but she was ahead of me, and grabbed the book, in our room, which had a menu. She ordered a bowl of fruit and I asked for a chocolate chip cookie. They said it would be up in about 20 minutes. It took about 5. Margo’s bowl of fruit was a little on the small side. My plate came with two cookies.
I worked on tracking expenses, (we were over budget, but only by about $50) and working on this blog. Margo was watching Bambi, and I kept getting drawn into that, and got little writing done. I had not seen Bambi since my girls were little. It was nice to revisit. I finally crawled into bed, just a bit past midnight.
Day Eight--Friday-March 01, 2019
Today was our last port, Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay (pronounced Key. I don’t know why). I was looking forward to the 5K race/walk we would be doing. On the past cruises we had taken they would do it early in the morning, and by the time it was over, the non-racers were getting of the ship. But, we us arriving so late, 9 AM, the race would not start until 10:15. So we still needed to be early off the ship to grab primo spots on the beach. That would be in the shade.
We were up at 7 AM, and at breakfast at 8 AM. Another nice meal, which we ate on an outside table, watching the waves go by, and enjoying another sun drenched day. It was an easy decision to go down to deck 4 to watch the captain and crew work their magic.
What was equally interesting to watch was the cast members and dock works start to disembark and head off to their stations. There were guys on fork lifts and guys with pallet jacks moving quantities of food and other necessities.
We were warned that it would take 20-30 minutes after arriving before we could get off. It took about 30, as that was when the announcement was made. We were still up on deck 4, staying away from deck 1, like an earlier announcement has asked. So we were not first off the ship. It would not have mattered too much with Jackie’s mobility issues.
Pam and Jayme went ahead to get us a spot. We were instructed to take the shuttle and get off on the second stop, Pelican Point. The walk just to get to tram was a lot for Jackie. We had to stop once, maybe twice, to make it. When we finally got to the tram stop, there were a lot of people ahead of us. We ended up having to wait for the 3rd tram before we could get on.
We normally had walked to the first beach, and that would have allowed us to take at least two pictures that we would use for Jackie’s book. I assumed there would be other opportunities, as character appearances were listed most of the morning. What they did not tell you was that photographers would not be accompanying them. And since only officially Disney-taken photographs could be used in the book, we were done with our choices for Jackie’s book. Only I did not know that get.
We also skipped, while walking to the tram, the opportunity to by a canvas cooler filled with 6 ice cold waters. I was hesitant to buy and hesitant to pass up. Ice cold water would taste very good, especially after the race. I had brought my own water, but I knew after an hour it would be warm. But, on the other hand, there was refreshments at the Cookies Two pavilion, and someone would have to carry (and pay) for this. I opted out. I think it ended up being the right choice.
Pam and Jayme found us good spots. They were shaded, near food, and bathrooms. As soon as week linked up and parked Jackie and Margo, the rest of us headed to the starting line. I forgot to mention Margo’s issue. She had been having trouble with her feet swelling most of this trip. She had like five different choices in footwear, but the ones she could get into were not good for a three mile walk. Very reluctantly, she had to bow out.
Jayme is on his feet all day, and I was sure he would have no trouble. I walk 3-4 four miles every day, so the distance would be no problem, but I do it at night. I was sure I would have no problems, as I had brought water, a hat, and it wasn’t like it was a 100. It was upper 70s to low 80s. I was not sure about Pam. She doesn’t get too much walking in during her normal day. Two years ago, she was injured, with a bad foot, and was able to walk all around the parks all day. So, I knew she was not going to go soft on us. I just was not sure if an hour sustained walk was going to make her sick. I’ll spoil it for you and tell you she was fine. Happy to see the end, but fine.
We were up at 7 AM, and at breakfast at 8 AM. Another nice meal, which we ate on an outside table, watching the waves go by, and enjoying another sun drenched day. It was an easy decision to go down to deck 4 to watch the captain and crew work their magic.
What was equally interesting to watch was the cast members and dock works start to disembark and head off to their stations. There were guys on fork lifts and guys with pallet jacks moving quantities of food and other necessities.
We were warned that it would take 20-30 minutes after arriving before we could get off. It took about 30, as that was when the announcement was made. We were still up on deck 4, staying away from deck 1, like an earlier announcement has asked. So we were not first off the ship. It would not have mattered too much with Jackie’s mobility issues.
Pam and Jayme went ahead to get us a spot. We were instructed to take the shuttle and get off on the second stop, Pelican Point. The walk just to get to tram was a lot for Jackie. We had to stop once, maybe twice, to make it. When we finally got to the tram stop, there were a lot of people ahead of us. We ended up having to wait for the 3rd tram before we could get on.
We normally had walked to the first beach, and that would have allowed us to take at least two pictures that we would use for Jackie’s book. I assumed there would be other opportunities, as character appearances were listed most of the morning. What they did not tell you was that photographers would not be accompanying them. And since only officially Disney-taken photographs could be used in the book, we were done with our choices for Jackie’s book. Only I did not know that get.
We also skipped, while walking to the tram, the opportunity to by a canvas cooler filled with 6 ice cold waters. I was hesitant to buy and hesitant to pass up. Ice cold water would taste very good, especially after the race. I had brought my own water, but I knew after an hour it would be warm. But, on the other hand, there was refreshments at the Cookies Two pavilion, and someone would have to carry (and pay) for this. I opted out. I think it ended up being the right choice.
Pam and Jayme found us good spots. They were shaded, near food, and bathrooms. As soon as week linked up and parked Jackie and Margo, the rest of us headed to the starting line. I forgot to mention Margo’s issue. She had been having trouble with her feet swelling most of this trip. She had like five different choices in footwear, but the ones she could get into were not good for a three mile walk. Very reluctantly, she had to bow out.
Jayme is on his feet all day, and I was sure he would have no trouble. I walk 3-4 four miles every day, so the distance would be no problem, but I do it at night. I was sure I would have no problems, as I had brought water, a hat, and it wasn’t like it was a 100. It was upper 70s to low 80s. I was not sure about Pam. She doesn’t get too much walking in during her normal day. Two years ago, she was injured, with a bad foot, and was able to walk all around the parks all day. So, I knew she was not going to go soft on us. I just was not sure if an hour sustained walk was going to make her sick. I’ll spoil it for you and tell you she was fine. Happy to see the end, but fine.
I was concerned that Margo might be a bit upset, because doing this was her idea, and she was being left behind. I could see that this could bother her. So, I tried to text her when we reached milestones on the course. But, with the sun on my phone, and the volume down, we were about 2/3 through the race before I figured out I had selected my own name and was texting myself. I didn’t feel stupid at all.
When I first texted her, correctly, about our location. She texted back “Cool. We are in the sun now. Our chairs have run out of shade.” You can’t tell emotion from texts very well, so I was not sure how to take it. I texted back “We may have to move”. Her response; “Maybe”. Still not getting much to gauge.
Hydration or my concern about Margo was not my biggest annoyance. That would be keeping my shoes tied. I had to stop three time to tie one or the other. Margo says I just to tie the laces tight enough. Maybe she is right, but I think the material of the laces was more to blame. I don’t get up from the ground easily, anymore. My hip is just not that strong. I need to push myself up with some sort of support, or just kind of ease myself up, awkwardly. There were not a lot of places ideal for stopping. I had to walk with loose laces a couple of times, risking a blister. Luckily, I survived without injury.
OI was now able send Margo updates, but I was not getting anything. When we were in the last stretch I noticed a pavilion that had picnic tables and lots of shade. I was thinking this would be where we moved. It looked to be completely empty, but I have a feeling that would not last.
As we pulled around a bend on the path taking us to the finish line, Pam or Jayme spotted Margo. I think she had yelled at them to start mugging for the camera. Hands above heads, in a victory pose or something. She seemed pretty happy and I mugged for the camera. She made sure to get a shot of us in front of the time clock, so we could see our times. The Disney cast member made sure we got our medal. It was decent size, but of rubbery plastic. It was still cool. I tried to let Margo wear it, as I told her I had run the race for her. But, she would have none of being given a sympathy medal. She would earn it, to wear it, or not at all. Next time.
The spot I had noticed was the pavilion for everyone to sit down and eat. I knew from past experiences, that it would fill up rather quickly, once they started serving food. A sign said that would be at 11:30. It was a little past that now. It had taken us more like an hour ten to complete the walk, and we did not get there at 10:15. I got everyone to gather their stuff and we selected a spot close to food.
As per usual, the food was great. It was BBQ style, with all of your favorite BBQ fare, plus other things. We had been eating a lot of fruit on this trip, because we all like the pineapple. This was here, too. We all got full fast, even skipping the ice cream. I did have a couple of chocolate chip cookies, and way too much soda.
Mickey Mouse was to appear at Monstro Point, which even with two maps and asking two different Disney people, I had a hard time finds. We all made our way to this area, in which the kids were excavating a dinosaur skeleton. Mickey appeared in Indiana Jones khakis, and promptly ignored us adults. I was OK with that. This was Disney and they are about families. I was very disappointed, however, that there was no photographer. When we inquired we were told there would not be one. I guess it was just too late in the cruise to get those pictures ready for patron decisions. We were tired of walking around, and we did not feel real welcome. I would not say they were rude, or brushed us away, but we definitely felt like we were second class right here. We left, sans picture.
I have come to the conclusion that this island is probably my least favorite stop. It would be much better if we could score a cabana and be guaranteed a comfortable spot to enjoy the day. But, none of us really like beach loungers, or being in the sand. We don’t care to get in the water. Most of the excursions are either outside our physical parameters, or involve skills we don’t possess and don’t care to acquire. All most all of the others are too expensive, terrible values, or just not appealing.
Now, we spent time at two other beaches and had a great time, but we did not feel comfortable setting up a camp that was too small to seat all of the people who wanted to eat. It was designed for people to eat and leave. So we left. If we get a cabana next time, maybe we lounge around all day. Otherwise, we repeat the actions of today, or stay on the ship and sleep in.
When I first texted her, correctly, about our location. She texted back “Cool. We are in the sun now. Our chairs have run out of shade.” You can’t tell emotion from texts very well, so I was not sure how to take it. I texted back “We may have to move”. Her response; “Maybe”. Still not getting much to gauge.
Hydration or my concern about Margo was not my biggest annoyance. That would be keeping my shoes tied. I had to stop three time to tie one or the other. Margo says I just to tie the laces tight enough. Maybe she is right, but I think the material of the laces was more to blame. I don’t get up from the ground easily, anymore. My hip is just not that strong. I need to push myself up with some sort of support, or just kind of ease myself up, awkwardly. There were not a lot of places ideal for stopping. I had to walk with loose laces a couple of times, risking a blister. Luckily, I survived without injury.
OI was now able send Margo updates, but I was not getting anything. When we were in the last stretch I noticed a pavilion that had picnic tables and lots of shade. I was thinking this would be where we moved. It looked to be completely empty, but I have a feeling that would not last.
As we pulled around a bend on the path taking us to the finish line, Pam or Jayme spotted Margo. I think she had yelled at them to start mugging for the camera. Hands above heads, in a victory pose or something. She seemed pretty happy and I mugged for the camera. She made sure to get a shot of us in front of the time clock, so we could see our times. The Disney cast member made sure we got our medal. It was decent size, but of rubbery plastic. It was still cool. I tried to let Margo wear it, as I told her I had run the race for her. But, she would have none of being given a sympathy medal. She would earn it, to wear it, or not at all. Next time.
The spot I had noticed was the pavilion for everyone to sit down and eat. I knew from past experiences, that it would fill up rather quickly, once they started serving food. A sign said that would be at 11:30. It was a little past that now. It had taken us more like an hour ten to complete the walk, and we did not get there at 10:15. I got everyone to gather their stuff and we selected a spot close to food.
As per usual, the food was great. It was BBQ style, with all of your favorite BBQ fare, plus other things. We had been eating a lot of fruit on this trip, because we all like the pineapple. This was here, too. We all got full fast, even skipping the ice cream. I did have a couple of chocolate chip cookies, and way too much soda.
Mickey Mouse was to appear at Monstro Point, which even with two maps and asking two different Disney people, I had a hard time finds. We all made our way to this area, in which the kids were excavating a dinosaur skeleton. Mickey appeared in Indiana Jones khakis, and promptly ignored us adults. I was OK with that. This was Disney and they are about families. I was very disappointed, however, that there was no photographer. When we inquired we were told there would not be one. I guess it was just too late in the cruise to get those pictures ready for patron decisions. We were tired of walking around, and we did not feel real welcome. I would not say they were rude, or brushed us away, but we definitely felt like we were second class right here. We left, sans picture.
I have come to the conclusion that this island is probably my least favorite stop. It would be much better if we could score a cabana and be guaranteed a comfortable spot to enjoy the day. But, none of us really like beach loungers, or being in the sand. We don’t care to get in the water. Most of the excursions are either outside our physical parameters, or involve skills we don’t possess and don’t care to acquire. All most all of the others are too expensive, terrible values, or just not appealing.
Now, we spent time at two other beaches and had a great time, but we did not feel comfortable setting up a camp that was too small to seat all of the people who wanted to eat. It was designed for people to eat and leave. So we left. If we get a cabana next time, maybe we lounge around all day. Otherwise, we repeat the actions of today, or stay on the ship and sleep in.
We did stop to do a little shopping. Jackie had gotten some souvenirs, but the ones on this island are exclusive, and certainly deserved to have mementos. She usually does not ask for things. There are exceptions, but Margo and I end up steering her away from superficial things she does not need, that it is hard for her to suspend that pattern. So we decided to make sure she knew she could get something. I also decided to get Savannah something here. We finally settled on a very cute, stuffed sea turtle. I can already hear her say “It is the cutest thing, ever!”
We were back on the ship shortly after, and sometime near 1 PM. Margo wanted to make progress on packing. Pam and Jayme needed to get started. Margo packed for about an hour, while I moved suitcases for her, but mostly worked on my blog.
There was a character appearance scheduled for 2:25 in front of the ship, so we figured we would give it one last shot to get another picture for Jackie’s book. That turned out to be a bust, as again there was on photographer. We still took a picture with the Captain, and then went back through security to reboard the ship.
We spent the next three hours packing or going up to deck 11 to get a snack. We filled up on the island, but it was wearing off. Pam and Jayme had been doing their own thing, assumedly mostly packing. But, they only had four suitcases, to our 7, including Jackie, who is worthless to pack. She doesn’t graph the concept of what we are doing. She would pack almost nothing, after Margo would try to explain that we needed to leave some essentials out for the morning. Then she would pack up everything, or what she thought was everything, and Margo would ask her what she was going to wear in the morning, or where her medicine was, or her hairbrush. So, she definitely needed help.
Sometime around 5 o’clock we went downstairs to work on checking in with our airline. We flew Southwest, and you need to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight, which is the soonest you can, with out paying for Early Check In, otherwise the chances are good you will be stuck in middle seats, away from your family. There was no free Wi-Fi, so we tried to buy some. We spent like $25 and used it up just figuring out how to sign in. Someone told us that Guest Services would check us in for free. A very nice lady at Guest Services checked us in at 5:40 on the dot, and we got numbers starting with B-10, a very good number going through the free channels.
Pam and Jayme, finished with their packing, decided to go watch “Christopher Robin” a first run Disney-Winnie the Pooh movie. It would start at 5:30, and end at 7:15. We were tied up with checking in, otherwise we would have joined them. Instead, after finishing checking in with Southwest, we went to Shutters to finish Jackie’s book.
It took us until about 6:15 to get to the point where we were happy, and confirming we had not used a picture more than once. We had done that, trying to get the best fit on the pages. Upstairs at 6:30, and Margo got the bags pretty much the way she wanted them. With the movie over, Pam and Jayme texted us that they were going up to deck 13. That sounded good, as there was a nice quiet spot there, now that the pool had closed and most of the kids were finishing up dinner.
We were back on the ship shortly after, and sometime near 1 PM. Margo wanted to make progress on packing. Pam and Jayme needed to get started. Margo packed for about an hour, while I moved suitcases for her, but mostly worked on my blog.
There was a character appearance scheduled for 2:25 in front of the ship, so we figured we would give it one last shot to get another picture for Jackie’s book. That turned out to be a bust, as again there was on photographer. We still took a picture with the Captain, and then went back through security to reboard the ship.
We spent the next three hours packing or going up to deck 11 to get a snack. We filled up on the island, but it was wearing off. Pam and Jayme had been doing their own thing, assumedly mostly packing. But, they only had four suitcases, to our 7, including Jackie, who is worthless to pack. She doesn’t graph the concept of what we are doing. She would pack almost nothing, after Margo would try to explain that we needed to leave some essentials out for the morning. Then she would pack up everything, or what she thought was everything, and Margo would ask her what she was going to wear in the morning, or where her medicine was, or her hairbrush. So, she definitely needed help.
Sometime around 5 o’clock we went downstairs to work on checking in with our airline. We flew Southwest, and you need to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight, which is the soonest you can, with out paying for Early Check In, otherwise the chances are good you will be stuck in middle seats, away from your family. There was no free Wi-Fi, so we tried to buy some. We spent like $25 and used it up just figuring out how to sign in. Someone told us that Guest Services would check us in for free. A very nice lady at Guest Services checked us in at 5:40 on the dot, and we got numbers starting with B-10, a very good number going through the free channels.
Pam and Jayme, finished with their packing, decided to go watch “Christopher Robin” a first run Disney-Winnie the Pooh movie. It would start at 5:30, and end at 7:15. We were tied up with checking in, otherwise we would have joined them. Instead, after finishing checking in with Southwest, we went to Shutters to finish Jackie’s book.
It took us until about 6:15 to get to the point where we were happy, and confirming we had not used a picture more than once. We had done that, trying to get the best fit on the pages. Upstairs at 6:30, and Margo got the bags pretty much the way she wanted them. With the movie over, Pam and Jayme texted us that they were going up to deck 13. That sounded good, as there was a nice quiet spot there, now that the pool had closed and most of the kids were finishing up dinner.
We talked and had beer, Jayme had pre-purchased a case of beer, not knowing I really don’t drink a lot beer anymore. But, I helped with a couple of them as we whiled away the time before dinner. Our drinking was interrupted by an announcement from the cruise director. He mostly telling us about disembarking, tomorrow, but he ended by saying that a number of cruisers has asked him about “the rocket launch”. He acknowledged that there was one, and while we would still be at sea when it happened (2:49 AM), we would be able to see it from the ship. We all decided that would be a sight to see, and worth getting back of bed for.
Our final dinner was at the Enchanted Gardens. No magic tonight. I think P’la had run out of tricks. We gave them the extra tips, in envelopes, and took pictures with them. Then by 9:30 we were back in our room. I packed up my electronics bag, my gadget bag, as I call it, which has my camera (which I never used), cords, chargers, my computer, and usually my GPS, which was not needed on this trip.
I set out our luggage at about 10 PM, tagged with Tinkerbell for us, and Pluto for Jackie, so as to know where to go to get our luggage. The bags, which were to be out by 10:30, disappeared almost as fast as I set them out. Then we went to bed. I set my alarm for 2:15, and dozed off fairly quickly.
I was tired when my alarm went off, but as seeing a rocket launch is on my bucket list, there was no thought of rolling over and blowing it off. We through on some clothes, and made our way up to deck 13, and as far forward as we could. It was a little windy, but you could find shelter, and a little cool. But, we all had jackets.
There was more than a little talk about it being canceled. During the Space Shuttle program, those launches were getting postponed all the time. I think we decided on 3 AM as the drop dead time. Pam wandered over when she saw several uniformed crew also up with us, and asked them if they had any inside information on the launch. They told her it was less than two minutes to launch and everything was still a go.
She did not have time to tell us, because at 2:49 AM, we saw this bright flare out in the distance. And then we watch an orange streak make its way up, up, and up, until it was just a small dot. I thought I saw a second flare, which may have been a second stage, but I had turned away at just that instance, and when my attention was turned back, it seemed bigger, and then was essentially gone.
The next morning I researched the launch, now that we had internet again, and found out that this was kind of a historic flight. We had watched the launch of a Falcon 9 rocket, which was carrying a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. This was a demonstration mission, so there were no crew, but the goal was to start the process for the US’s renewal of manned space flight. We have not been putting men into space since the demise of the Space Shuttle program. This was the first launch of the Crew Dragon spacecraft, built by Elon Musk (Tesla’s owner) SpaceX company. The Crew Dragon is planned to begin carrying men to International Space Station
We were bed by 3:15, very happy to have had this little historical bonus as part of our trip.
Our final dinner was at the Enchanted Gardens. No magic tonight. I think P’la had run out of tricks. We gave them the extra tips, in envelopes, and took pictures with them. Then by 9:30 we were back in our room. I packed up my electronics bag, my gadget bag, as I call it, which has my camera (which I never used), cords, chargers, my computer, and usually my GPS, which was not needed on this trip.
I set out our luggage at about 10 PM, tagged with Tinkerbell for us, and Pluto for Jackie, so as to know where to go to get our luggage. The bags, which were to be out by 10:30, disappeared almost as fast as I set them out. Then we went to bed. I set my alarm for 2:15, and dozed off fairly quickly.
I was tired when my alarm went off, but as seeing a rocket launch is on my bucket list, there was no thought of rolling over and blowing it off. We through on some clothes, and made our way up to deck 13, and as far forward as we could. It was a little windy, but you could find shelter, and a little cool. But, we all had jackets.
There was more than a little talk about it being canceled. During the Space Shuttle program, those launches were getting postponed all the time. I think we decided on 3 AM as the drop dead time. Pam wandered over when she saw several uniformed crew also up with us, and asked them if they had any inside information on the launch. They told her it was less than two minutes to launch and everything was still a go.
She did not have time to tell us, because at 2:49 AM, we saw this bright flare out in the distance. And then we watch an orange streak make its way up, up, and up, until it was just a small dot. I thought I saw a second flare, which may have been a second stage, but I had turned away at just that instance, and when my attention was turned back, it seemed bigger, and then was essentially gone.
The next morning I researched the launch, now that we had internet again, and found out that this was kind of a historic flight. We had watched the launch of a Falcon 9 rocket, which was carrying a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. This was a demonstration mission, so there were no crew, but the goal was to start the process for the US’s renewal of manned space flight. We have not been putting men into space since the demise of the Space Shuttle program. This was the first launch of the Crew Dragon spacecraft, built by Elon Musk (Tesla’s owner) SpaceX company. The Crew Dragon is planned to begin carrying men to International Space Station
We were bed by 3:15, very happy to have had this little historical bonus as part of our trip.
Day Nine--Saturday-March 02, 2019
I normally don’t spend a lot of time on the trip back home. It is a depressing time and usually the same boring and dehumanizing routine. But, this year, it was literally a full day of travel, I thought I would document the day.
Up at 7:00 AM. Even with out main luggage gone, Jackie, Margo and I would still have four total bags to deal with. We jammed the final dirty clothes and bathroom stuff into a couple of bags, and left out stateroom for the last time.
We had been instructed not to arrive at Enchanted Garden, our assigned breakfast spot, before 8 PM. We had the late dinner seating, so we got the late breakfast seating. We could have skipped breakfast and left much earlier, but our flight was not until 5:40 PM, so there was zero reason to hurry. The next trip, we might rethink using the Disney transport, because it really does hamper what you can do.
The scrambled eggs were runny, there was no butter, and they initially forgot my ice. But, they had just kicked out the first seating, so they were rushed, too. The service was still excellent. With them taking our dishes, the realization that our trip was over was starting to sink in.
The line to get off was not terrible, and I got the impression that we were among the last to leave. There were still people behind us, but it was not a crushing crowd. When we finally cleared the line, we were met by a guy with a big luggage cart, asking if we needed help. We could either accept his offer of assistance, which would require a tip, or handle all the bags by ourselves, with Jackie not being of much use. I will once again use the term “no-brainer”.
The guy was big help. He was with us for about 15 minutes, ten of which were spent retrieving the contraband Margo and Pam had tried to smuggle aboard. We got to the bus and I tipped him $15. I think Jayme also kicked in some, but I am not sure there. My attention was focused on luggage and then boarding.
It was still nearly 11 AM when we got to the airport. It was about a 45-60 minute ride, and it had been very relaxing. Now we had to claim all of our luggage, making sure it was all our luggage, and then find a couple of luggage carts to move all our dozen plus pieces to a place where we could camp for a few hours. We could not check in until three hours before our flight. That meant finding a home until 2:40.
We accomplished all of the above, and kind of blocked off an area in Terminal B for our exclusive use. I think we were taking up 2-3 more seats than we needed, but Orlando had a lot of places for you to wait.
We still had not gotten anything for Jolene and Randy, who had helped with the house while we were out, so I spied a Kennedy Space Center store only a few dozen yards away, and told Margo I would see what if there was anything they might like. I was more than successful, in that I found something for them, plus an absolutely adorable bear, in a space suit, for Jackie. I returned, they went back to confirm my opinion, and came back with $130 in total souvenirs, including a book for me.
Up at 7:00 AM. Even with out main luggage gone, Jackie, Margo and I would still have four total bags to deal with. We jammed the final dirty clothes and bathroom stuff into a couple of bags, and left out stateroom for the last time.
We had been instructed not to arrive at Enchanted Garden, our assigned breakfast spot, before 8 PM. We had the late dinner seating, so we got the late breakfast seating. We could have skipped breakfast and left much earlier, but our flight was not until 5:40 PM, so there was zero reason to hurry. The next trip, we might rethink using the Disney transport, because it really does hamper what you can do.
The scrambled eggs were runny, there was no butter, and they initially forgot my ice. But, they had just kicked out the first seating, so they were rushed, too. The service was still excellent. With them taking our dishes, the realization that our trip was over was starting to sink in.
The line to get off was not terrible, and I got the impression that we were among the last to leave. There were still people behind us, but it was not a crushing crowd. When we finally cleared the line, we were met by a guy with a big luggage cart, asking if we needed help. We could either accept his offer of assistance, which would require a tip, or handle all the bags by ourselves, with Jackie not being of much use. I will once again use the term “no-brainer”.
The guy was big help. He was with us for about 15 minutes, ten of which were spent retrieving the contraband Margo and Pam had tried to smuggle aboard. We got to the bus and I tipped him $15. I think Jayme also kicked in some, but I am not sure there. My attention was focused on luggage and then boarding.
It was still nearly 11 AM when we got to the airport. It was about a 45-60 minute ride, and it had been very relaxing. Now we had to claim all of our luggage, making sure it was all our luggage, and then find a couple of luggage carts to move all our dozen plus pieces to a place where we could camp for a few hours. We could not check in until three hours before our flight. That meant finding a home until 2:40.
We accomplished all of the above, and kind of blocked off an area in Terminal B for our exclusive use. I think we were taking up 2-3 more seats than we needed, but Orlando had a lot of places for you to wait.
We still had not gotten anything for Jolene and Randy, who had helped with the house while we were out, so I spied a Kennedy Space Center store only a few dozen yards away, and told Margo I would see what if there was anything they might like. I was more than successful, in that I found something for them, plus an absolutely adorable bear, in a space suit, for Jackie. I returned, they went back to confirm my opinion, and came back with $130 in total souvenirs, including a book for me.
We had lunch from the food court at around 12:15, the time was moving so slowly, and then Pam, out of boredom, went to talk to a Southwest rep. She was told that we could check into our flight four hours earlier, not three, as I had been told a few years earlier. So, not long after lunch we drug those two luggage carts to the full service line, and relieved ourselves of the burden.
Once most of our luggage was on its way, we needed to clear security. We are all members of TSA Pre-check, so getting through should have been a breeze. Even though they were busy, the Pre-check line was short, computers could stay put, and the guy at the front kept telling us we had only two things to do; Empty out your pockets, and empty out your hands. He should have mentioned, “Don’t send a bottle of water through the scanner, Jackie”
Because he did. We made it through and Margo is asking me where is Jackie’s bag. We kept her between us, and my stuff and Margo’s came through, but Jackie’s bag was pulled aside. So were two others in front of her, so it took a minute for TSA to show the bottle of water Margo gave her at breakfast with orders to drink. Jackie had been not drinking a lot of water and Margo had been pushing it so she would stay hydrated. With the evil water confiscated and the skies safe, we made out way to our gate to camp for four more hours.
It seemed to take forever for these four hours to pass. The flight was supposed to leave at 5:40, that meant boarding at 5:10. Early in the four hours Jackie told Margo that her arm hurt. Jackie said she hurt it pulling herself up onto the Disney tram, more than 24 hours ago. Margo was not happy that she had waited until now to say something.
No one was really hungry, but we grabbed some sub sandwiches from Jersey Mike in the 4 o’clock hour. We decided to carry them on, and eat on the plane. They did not taste that well on the plane, but we had little choice. It was going to be a four hour flight and we needed to eat something. We made our flight decisions based on cost. I’m not sure that we should not have just paid more, and taken an earlier flight. Maybe like I mentioned before, we eschew Disney transport and arrange out own so we could use the time better.
Once most of our luggage was on its way, we needed to clear security. We are all members of TSA Pre-check, so getting through should have been a breeze. Even though they were busy, the Pre-check line was short, computers could stay put, and the guy at the front kept telling us we had only two things to do; Empty out your pockets, and empty out your hands. He should have mentioned, “Don’t send a bottle of water through the scanner, Jackie”
Because he did. We made it through and Margo is asking me where is Jackie’s bag. We kept her between us, and my stuff and Margo’s came through, but Jackie’s bag was pulled aside. So were two others in front of her, so it took a minute for TSA to show the bottle of water Margo gave her at breakfast with orders to drink. Jackie had been not drinking a lot of water and Margo had been pushing it so she would stay hydrated. With the evil water confiscated and the skies safe, we made out way to our gate to camp for four more hours.
It seemed to take forever for these four hours to pass. The flight was supposed to leave at 5:40, that meant boarding at 5:10. Early in the four hours Jackie told Margo that her arm hurt. Jackie said she hurt it pulling herself up onto the Disney tram, more than 24 hours ago. Margo was not happy that she had waited until now to say something.
No one was really hungry, but we grabbed some sub sandwiches from Jersey Mike in the 4 o’clock hour. We decided to carry them on, and eat on the plane. They did not taste that well on the plane, but we had little choice. It was going to be a four hour flight and we needed to eat something. We made our flight decisions based on cost. I’m not sure that we should not have just paid more, and taken an earlier flight. Maybe like I mentioned before, we eschew Disney transport and arrange out own so we could use the time better.
The flight did not leave until 5:50 or so. The flight itself was four hours, and I had to get up to pee three times. I had not taken my diabetic meds for two days and had left my high blood pressure diuretic at home. Did not work out.
Once we were on final descent the captain came on the intercom and gave us a weather report. He said that Denver’s weather was the same as Orlando. There was some laughter, even before he delivered his punchline….except its 50 degrees colder and snowing. He was wrong. It was 70 degrees colder, as we were in single digits, with wind.
Once we were finally at our gate, Margo was completely tired of waiting on Jackie, and even with the moving walkways, it was going to be a trek. There were three unattended wheelchairs near our gate, and Margo commandeered one of them. Pam ended up pushing Jackie all the way to our shuttle.
Getting Jackie to the shuttle was only half the battle. Between all of us, we easily filled up two luggage carts. I pushed one, Jayme the other, Jackie had at least one bag, and Margo probably two. And, as I mentioned, snow and wind. Our shuttle was one level down, and one island 5, the furthest from the doors.
So we fought our way across the road and just missed the shuttle that was waiting. I only had room for one person. The next one was fairly quick, but even though we were first in line there were people whining about all the luggage we had, so they had to wait. The driver, Jayme and I really did make short work of the luggage, while the girls boarded. I was very glad to finally sit down, and get out of the cold. This had been quite a system shock, coming out of the tropical sunshine.
But, we were not done with the weather. Nay. Nay. Once we were shuttled to our cars, we had to load up all of the luggage, scrape the several inches of snow off of our vehicles, get them started and say our good-byes. I had my light jacket and gloves. It was cold and miserable and I wanted to go back to Florida.
Pam and Jayme had further to go, and left first, but we were only seconds behind. Pam had had the foresight to print out a couple of discount coupons for the lot we were in, and that probably saved me close to $20. It still cost us $77 to park, but that was still probably the way to go.
The drive home was slow, due to the weather and our aversion to do anything to keep us out in it, any longer than needed. We finally pulled into the garage at 10:20 PM. Nellie did not seem to be super glad to see us. I guess we interrupted her slumber. I brought the bags in, so we could start working on them, tomorrow. But, we were both still pretty keyed up. So we plugged in Monsters, Inc and pretended like we were back in the land of sand and sun. I finally crawled into bed at 1 AM
That was it. I don’t know if this was the best vacation I have ever taken, but it ranks up there. The timing was great, in that we missed out on plenty of cold and snow. We had a great time and I actually relaxed a lot of the time. I am very Type A vacationer, always on the go to see and do things. On this trip, we planned a few things, but pretty much winged it. The fact that we were captive to someone else’s itinerary, kind of made that easier to do. The sunshine and drinks did not hurt either.
We are already talking about our next cruise. Margo and I are thinking in 2022. We would like to turn it into a big family trip, with the kids, and maybe my siblings. I am sure Pam and Jayme will be game. I guess we find out then.
Once we were on final descent the captain came on the intercom and gave us a weather report. He said that Denver’s weather was the same as Orlando. There was some laughter, even before he delivered his punchline….except its 50 degrees colder and snowing. He was wrong. It was 70 degrees colder, as we were in single digits, with wind.
Once we were finally at our gate, Margo was completely tired of waiting on Jackie, and even with the moving walkways, it was going to be a trek. There were three unattended wheelchairs near our gate, and Margo commandeered one of them. Pam ended up pushing Jackie all the way to our shuttle.
Getting Jackie to the shuttle was only half the battle. Between all of us, we easily filled up two luggage carts. I pushed one, Jayme the other, Jackie had at least one bag, and Margo probably two. And, as I mentioned, snow and wind. Our shuttle was one level down, and one island 5, the furthest from the doors.
So we fought our way across the road and just missed the shuttle that was waiting. I only had room for one person. The next one was fairly quick, but even though we were first in line there were people whining about all the luggage we had, so they had to wait. The driver, Jayme and I really did make short work of the luggage, while the girls boarded. I was very glad to finally sit down, and get out of the cold. This had been quite a system shock, coming out of the tropical sunshine.
But, we were not done with the weather. Nay. Nay. Once we were shuttled to our cars, we had to load up all of the luggage, scrape the several inches of snow off of our vehicles, get them started and say our good-byes. I had my light jacket and gloves. It was cold and miserable and I wanted to go back to Florida.
Pam and Jayme had further to go, and left first, but we were only seconds behind. Pam had had the foresight to print out a couple of discount coupons for the lot we were in, and that probably saved me close to $20. It still cost us $77 to park, but that was still probably the way to go.
The drive home was slow, due to the weather and our aversion to do anything to keep us out in it, any longer than needed. We finally pulled into the garage at 10:20 PM. Nellie did not seem to be super glad to see us. I guess we interrupted her slumber. I brought the bags in, so we could start working on them, tomorrow. But, we were both still pretty keyed up. So we plugged in Monsters, Inc and pretended like we were back in the land of sand and sun. I finally crawled into bed at 1 AM
That was it. I don’t know if this was the best vacation I have ever taken, but it ranks up there. The timing was great, in that we missed out on plenty of cold and snow. We had a great time and I actually relaxed a lot of the time. I am very Type A vacationer, always on the go to see and do things. On this trip, we planned a few things, but pretty much winged it. The fact that we were captive to someone else’s itinerary, kind of made that easier to do. The sunshine and drinks did not hurt either.
We are already talking about our next cruise. Margo and I are thinking in 2022. We would like to turn it into a big family trip, with the kids, and maybe my siblings. I am sure Pam and Jayme will be game. I guess we find out then.