Disembarkation And Back Home

I am awake and up long before the 7:00 AM set on my alarm. A quick shower and pack the last few things in my carry on suitcase. I am scheduled to leave in the first group, but I decide to wait until after 4 or 5 groups have been called to allow time for those that are in a hurry to leave the ship. When the next group is called, about 25 minutes into disembarkation I head to the gangway.

No wait for the elevator. As the door opens on deck 4 there is a sea of passengers in front of me. There has been a malfunction of the gangway, and no one has left the ship yet.  Why did they keep calling for more groups to disembark? The new procedure of waiting in your cabin is designed to eliminate the jam of people in public spaces.

After about 30 minutes the line begins to slowly move. Passengers never fail to boggle my mind. One lady about 20 feet in front of me is trying to manipulate 3 large suitcases. You just want to tell here that is why they give you luggage tags and have you gather your luggage in the terminal where a ported can assist if needed. the line meanders to the terminal and into the baggage holding room.

Facial recognition works flawlessly for CBP. 10 seconds max. A long walk to the waiting shuttle bus.

The shuttle driver is to make 2 stops before reaching the main lot. She forgets both of them. I guess it is too early in the day for her.

On the drive home I talk to my children. Most of them still have a lingering cough and upper respiratory infection. Everyone around me has caught this bug, but so far I have managed to avoid it. It is so common and widespread, the thought has gone through my mind that I might be an asymptomatic typhoid mary.

Arrive home, turn the water and water heater on, unpack, wash all my  clothes, and I am ready for another trip shortly after lunch time. In reality it will be about a month and then the first time for me on The Odyssey of The Seas to Curacao, my favorite port.

Day 5 - A Day At Sea

The sun rises to a mostly overcast day. Temperatures are about 75, the same as the sea.  There were a few showers during the night, and more are expected as the day progresses. Very typical Caribbean weather.

Cruising at over 20 knots and with a 25 mph wind almost directly on our bow the decks are very windy. Unless clipped, towels blow off chairs, paper napkins easily escape peoples grip. It is impossible to walk around the bow of the ship on deck 5 and 6.

Everytime someone opens the door to the pool deck a hurricane of wind blows through the open dining areas on deck 11 including Chops and  the Windjammer Definitely a windy day.  

Despite the breeze and the accompanying 6 foot seas the ship is very stable. No roll and very little pitch.

I'm hooked on the french toast for breakfast in Chops. I order it again today. Still no V8, they have none on board. Yesterday they loaded about 20 cases of canned goods aboard while we were in Cozumel. I was hopeful. Something important, but not V8.

during the day I finish the last piece of fruit from my basket. All the same fruit is available in the Windjammer, but it is just more convenient when it is in your cabin. I continue listening to the book I started nearly two weeks ago. there is a chance I may finish it by cruise end.

This afternoon I have reservations for the ice show. Every available seat is booked, probably 90% of the passengers that made reservations actually attend. I guess average for a free show.

The skaters are, as usual, excellent. The circus theme, under the big top, is well done. One skater takes a nasty fall and slams hard into the wall. She quickly recovers and continues skating, to relief of all. I'm sure more was bruised than her pride.

I pack late afternoon. Having checked the weather at home my evening clothes will suffice for the short drive home. A last stop at the Schooner Bar, and a seat in the back of the theater for the farewell show. Neither is very busy. For most passengers this trip has come to an end. A lucky few dozen will be staying on for the next trip.

Much more of a party crowd than I am accustomed to on Royal, but as I have said many a time. Any day at sea is a good day providing your not having to work.

There are very few suitcase out in the hall as I return to my cabin. Mine is still where I placed it 4 hours prior. Another indiction that most passengers will carry off thier luggage.

We should be in Port Canaveral by about 6:30 AM.