Sea Day – April 24

Well, it was a night of slightly rough seas and thunder woke us up in the night and early morning. It has calmed a bit now in the afternoon as I type this and the sun is out. 

This morning we got everything packed other than what we are wearing and what we will wear off the ship tomorrow. 

We had our last lunch in the dining room and went upstairs for desert. This afternoon we had a High Tea for everyone disembarking in Ft. Lauderdale. It really was a nice event and Hyperion Knight (from the show 2 nights ago). The scones were delightful and the room was abuzz with people saying goodbye. The Assistant Cruise Director Simon sang a few songs with the Princess Show Band and he has a very nice voice. Sammi, the Cruise director also sang and brought out almost everyone she could on staff out onto the stage to say goodbye. There were tons of little sandwiches and sweets being brought around as well as mimosas. (and tea, of course) On the way out our table mate Fran was emotional and she said now I understand why you guys can do this more than once, they really make you feel special. So, she’s crying and then I’m crying. It took her a while to come around to enjoying the cruise experience, but much to Bill’s delight she has come around and is open to more cruises. It was a pleasure to be tablemates with them. We will miss them and Nancy and Steve. I’m sure our paths will cross again. 

Then, we had “the last supper” and said goodbye to our tablemates. One couple is staying on since they are on until Los Angeles. (Nancy & Steve) We will miss our waiter Tommy and our Jr. waiter Rolando. 

Tonight, there was a Captain’s Farewell party after dinner in the atrium. Again, more food and champagne was being served. A duo performed and the Captain (holding 2 year old daughter Sienna) gave a speech. I have to say that he is the most visible and personable Captain we have ever met. Plus, I think he did an excellent job of getting us into ports with weather to contend with and other issues. He also was very fair about adjusting port times if we arrived late.  

 Karen & Annette

 final photo of our dinner table mates

 Rupesh, "our Bingo Guy"

 Willie

 Leonard & Basil

 Captain JP holding Sienna and Sammi the cruise director

Tonight’s entertainment was a group called “Well-Strung”. A talented quartet of men singing and playing stringed instruments. They did mashups of classical songs and pop songs which they called popsicals. (ha ha)

It’s been a day of running into people and saying goodbye. Bittersweet to say the least.

I had internet minutes left so I uploaded some photos to my Web Albums. I got a few up for Abu Dhabi and Ajman and Sharjah. I ran out of minutes before I could upload Jordan. 

In a few days at the hotel I should be able to get the photos finished uploaded and then I’ll incorporate them into the blog. 

We disembark after breakfast tomorrow around 8:30. 

We will have a busy few days getting everything laundered and organized as well as rearranging the storage unit. 

Then, we begin the search for the RV to start our next adventure. (and buy a car)

Of course, I have a 60 day South America cruise to plan excursions for. 

Losing the weight we put on from this cruise will start as well. UGH….

Having fast, free and good internet again will be great! So, I’ll need to call and catch up with family.

I’ll post the 25^th disembark and a recap in a day or so.

Thanks to everyone who followed along and emailed or commented on the blog.