Sleepless at Sea: Ready to Go

After a sleepless night, I woke to the sounds of Bobby Darin singing "Beyond the Seas" and knew that was our goal.  Showers were taken, final items stuffed into carry-on luggage, and off we went to the final breakfast of this cruise.

It was amazing to see so many people wide awake at this hour.  It can be assumed some stayed up the entire night partying until the last moment--for some had that unnatural pop-eyed look of those struggling to keep eyes opened.  At least everyone was chugging along and ready for that FINAL shipboard meal.

Out the expansive windows, we could see fog over the inter-coastal waterway--yes, fog in Florida!  Dockside at the port does not look familiar.  It appears we returned to a different terminal than we left from.  Now in our stateroom awaiting directions, we can view the vegetation along the waters of South Florida.  The sun is burning  off  the fog as a work vessel passes the port side of the ship and up the inner-coastal.

Time to just wait for our group color and number to be called; oh, there was just an announcement--but not for us.  Guess I will finish in anticipation of the final call.

Last post first? Order is out the window!

The worst part of a cruise is always the last day--no that's night.  Reason is not the activities, dinner, or company; it is the packing!  How did we ever get all of this stuff  in those tiny suitcases and not have it over 50 pounds?  We didn't buy anything that is traveling on the next plane with us, so why doesn't everything fit at 50 or less pounds?

It would make sense if they weighed us for a gain after having the bountiful display of food presented during the cruise; that is not the case.

As we stuffed, crammed, and otherwise wrestled with our belongings sweat dripped off of our foreheads--no, that was my forehead.  Finally, we took a break and went to the last show of the cruise--Dancing With the Stars at Sea.  We returned refreshed and gradually got all packed in the bags, the biggies put outside for pick-up, and got a chance to relax.

That is where we are now--sitting around in our ______oh, yes, bathrobes_____ as we enjoy the last of the cruise and I use up my internet minutes writing this piece.

Tomorrow, off to more adventure as we spend the day at the Miami International Airport awaiting our next plane.  Looking forward to that seat in the Admirals' Club with my name on it.

Educational Cruising---a class every woman needs to take.

Many people talk about the food and services on a cruise.  I must admit the food is usually outstanding, plentiful, and beyond what one would eat on a regular basis--perhaps that is why everyone claims “the cruise”  is responsible for the additional pounds  many bring home as a souvenir from those glorious days of sailing.  The service of the everyday staff and the spa staff are beyond one’s idea of pampering.  They make one feel like royalty, if only for a brief moment in time--yes, you must go back via TSA to get your reality check.  Ah, the memories.   

My favorite part of cruising is not the food or the pampering but, instead, the shopping!
To make sure not a  moment is  lost on the mundane, there is a special department onboard to keep everyone informed about all of the latest bargains to be found at the next port.  You will learn of the latest cuts in stones and  design in diamond jewelry, the newest of gems, and what your favorite celebs are wearing this season.  With the little VIP card issued by this wizard of shopology, you will get discounts on your gem buys and a complementary gift from the ever-friendly sales staff.  They will make sure they have showered you with information and whirling price-tags until you are totally confused and leave or impulsively buy that overpriced bobble you really did not need. You proudly leave the shop with your brightly branded bag identifying you  as the latest sting of the sales forces and target for the next hawker down the line.  Hopefully after several ports you will learn that you can look without buying or know exactly what you want to spend or buy before entering.  Get the free charm at DI, the free necklace at Effy, and whatever is a give away from the various shops.  It is an adventure and a vacation, Enjoy.

If you have not had enough shopping, you can get a little more in when the ship leaves port and the onboard shops can once again open their doors for business.

If you Can't say anything nice, . . . .

The boarding process to the Noordam was really smooth, or so we thought.  We arrived at the terminal at a little past noon.  It was told to us that the lines for boarding started at 9 but folks were not allowed on board until shortly before 11.  The processing must have been fast because no lines existed when we arrived. 

Our luggage was swept away at curbside so we just walked in and magically got our keys after showing our passports.  That was easy and we thought the rest of the day would go so, too.

Most of our luggage arrived within a an hour EXCEPT mine with all my clothes.  Only after the ship pulled away from port  around 4 PM was I told the was a "problem" with my bag.  SECURITY RISK!!

I had packed a small paring knife to cut fruit in our room.  It was  decided the knife was TOO dangerous and a threat.  P----d me off!  Try cutting an apple with a butter knife. 

Very upset.  Did not even go to dinner the first night out.  Unhappy campers.
I can't say anything nice about that day so I will say no more. 

Things have to look up, I think.

Really? On the road again? The wake-up call.

Just waiting around for the driver to arrive and whisk us away to Sacramento for the first leg of our mixed up adventure.  This one is an odd combination but with a good reason; let me explain.

Last spring, I was dreaming over the most recent Gate1Travel brochure.  Glassy-eyed, I said to dear husband that it would be nice to do a river cruise--where you see land all of the time BUT much too expensive. End of that idea . . . topic closed.

To my surprise in July, I found myself being airlifted to UCD in Sacramento in the process of having a stroke.   Impossible; amazing; really?  It was on roof of the hospital leaving the helicopter  when I decided that river trip was NOT too expensive and we needed to do it very soon, 

As soon as I got home from my hospital adventure, I called John Scott at Gate1Travel and booked our Danube River cruise.  That was a Wednesday.  The following Saturday, my boating instructor--Bob Burke, mentioned a group from the San Joaquin Delta Power Squadron were going on a Caribbean cruise and would we like to join them. The date was close to the river cruise date sooooooo we said, "Sure thing!"  After a bit of calendar surfing and time allotted for London with  a side trip to Paris,  that brings us to today.   

I hear the bell; must go!  More later.