November 2007
Day 1 - Monday, November 26, 2007
11/26/2007 - 10:00a: Our flight to Ft. Lauderdale was scheduled to depart at 11:05a so, naturally, we left for the airport at 7:30a. That's not as crazy as it sounds as today is one of the worst travel days of the year; we're coming off the Thanksgiving weekend AND it's a Monday morning. Bill Barr offered to (well, "was coerced" into) driving us the airport (thanks so much, Bill!) We awoke to rain (thank goodness; Atlanta needs it badly) but, surprisingly, it did NOT improve traffic. But we arrived at the airport at 8:15a (great time from our house), checked in and started through the security lines.
I have to give Atlanta-Hartsfield and Delta credit for handling the enormous crowd very, very efficiently. There were an estimated 10,000 people heading for the security checkpoint at the same time -- and it wasn't chaotic at all. TSA had stepped up with all the lanes working and we were in the Crown Room by 9:40a. Might have been so much worse had we not allowed all the extra time.
Gael's first Bloody Mary in hand (and my first Diet Coke) gives us almost an hour to relax before the flight.
11/26/2007 - 10:30a: Strolled down to the gate for our 11:05a departure only to find no airplane at the gate. Weather delays with the flight coming from Baltimore (which will be our airplane). New departure time on the gate display: 11:45a. Here comes da plane, Boss, da plane! at 11:02a. Departing passengers stop short at the exit from the jetway to look up at the connections display handily located right there. Walking collisions abound.. Note to Delta Facilities Department: How about putting the screen across the aisle? Hmmmm?
11/26/2007 - 02:32PM: Landed and got our bags, took a $20 taxi ride to Port Everglades and got right onto the ship. This is a nice one; smaller by more than half than other cruise ships we've been on.
Our suite (1113) was more than acceptable to Gael (this time). 301 sq ft not counting the 55 sq ft balcony. At least she won't be obsessing about the size of the room this time.
Toured the eleven decks to get our bearings, had a bite on the pool deck and struggled through the lifeboat drill. Here's SWMBO awaiting our turn:
Our butler Leslie came by to introduce himself and brought wine and canapes. We liked him at once. It might have been the wine and canapes... :)
And he took our Ft. Lauderdale photo:
This ship has a nice feature. They call it a "block party" on every deck where you meet in your corridor for wine and cheese. The captain and other senior crew wander through saying hello. Good opportunity to meet your neighbors. We met one chap who wanted to talk cars and racing. Sadly, he's a Brit and thinks Corvettes aren't for real; we likely won't be pals...
11/26/2007 - 07:00PM: Then we wound up in the Galileo Lounge where a combo was playing for dancing. You may know that I don't dance (don't ask me) but SWMBO loves to dance just about above everything else. The cruise line thoughtfully provided professional dancers just for such an occasion. She danced her heart out (sadly I didn't have the camera with me; I won't make that mistake again!) It really made me really happy to see her so happy!
Too much (free) alcohol so we missed dinner and turned in early. Tomorrow: Princess Cays!
|