The Ship

After a short nights sleep in Ft. Lauderdale--our flight arrived about 2:00am there, we pushed through the humidity (Kent and I both think the worst humidity we faced the whole trip was our first day in Florida) and loaded up our crazy pile of luggage in a friendly taxi. Both kids gasped when they saw the ship in the distance as we approached the Port. "That's our ship!" Kyle yelled! Kent and I just smiled at noting the excitement found in the perspective of little eyes. Our embarkation went so easily it was remarkable. We arrived before noon and spent very little time in lines! Whaoo! We received our room keys and headed up the gangway to find the buffet lines ready to feed us. We walked about the ship a bit, and at 1:30 we were able to find our cabin. Our muster drill was well organized and over quickly--though never quickly enough. The second round of instructions in Spanish tested our patience and pores. Ft. Lauderdale humidity combined with wearing life vests isn't too comfy.

While we originally booked an ocean view room, Kent had later upgraded us to a balcony room. The BEST extra money we spent. We used it for hours each day whether to check out the ports of call or for Kent and I in the evenings. We were able to put the kids down at a decent time and still stay up just the two of us out on the balcony. We played cribbage, sipped some wine, watched the stars, organized for our next days destination and even sorted laundry while the kids were sleeping. I doubt we'll cruise again without a balcony!