October 10, 2022

Day 1, Oct 9 - Symphony of the Seas

The drive to Port Canaveral is uneventful. We park at our favorite offsite parking location, hop on the shuttle and we are soon working our way through the various steps of check-in.

Two of my children, their spouses, two grand children and a close family friend are all on this cruise with us.

I avail myself of the special line for Pinnacle members.  It takes longer than the others in the group that use the regular lines.  Within 30 minutes we are on the ship finding our way to the Windjammer to await cabin access.

I forgot how crowded this becomes on the Oasis class ships. A challenge to walk between tables and chairs. The Mac and Cheese actually had lots of cheese and good flavor.

Our cabins are available at 1:00 and our luggage is already in the hall outside our door. Everything finds it's proper home, and vacation begins.

A stop to make reservations at the Coastal Kitchen is the second stop after the muster station. No luck, the computer isn't working. The concierge takes my information and will take care of it when the system is restored.

Time to chill in the Pinnacle/Suites lounge on deck 17 awaiting sailaway. Plenty of seating and a good view of the kids pool and the port area.

The ship leaves the dock a few minutes early. The MSC Divinia is still at dock behind us.  We slowly turn down the channel towards the open sea.  Within about 500 feet, the ship comes to a standstill. Not a common procedure in any channel.

As everyone is becoming aware af this unusual manuever, the ship reverses direction and heads back to the terminal. Without question the shortest distance I have ever travelled between dockings.

The captain informs the passengers that a crew member needs immediate hospital care. An ambulance arrives, the crew member is transferred, and we are soon on our way again. We wish him a speedy recovery.

Dinner in the main dining room is good, the service excellent. The grandchildren properly bahaved. My daughter Adrienne and her husband are celebrating thier anniversary. Life is great.

The welcome aboard show has a brief set from the two comedians on board.  Some passengers feel the first was the best, others think the second.  Strictly personal opinions.

There are a few showers through the evening, the seas calm. I think everyone sleeps like a rock, I know I do.

Tomorrow we stop at the private island of Coco Cay. The youger portions of our group will be going ashore. I will stay on board.

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