It was a rocky night for the last night of the cruise. It's not a long stretch from Coco Cay to Miami, so when the weather is nice, it's great to be on deck because the ocean is calm with the ship going slow. But once again, it wasn't the most pleasant weather over night or when we arrived in Miami. It was hot and humid and I think drizzle.
This is the MSC terminal I think, it was under construction.
I assume this was the RCCL terminal. It feels like forever ago.
We decided to do the scheduled timed departure because we weren't in a hurry. And I wanted Mom to have that experience. It meant we didn't have to get up too early, though food is only available till a certain time. It was a bit stressful because we had two different departure wait areas and times. A lot of people paid no attention to the departure "rules". We saw lots of people with their full size luggage, long after the self-walk off time was supposed to end.
We got off and headed to find our luggage. It's so strange, seeing so many suitcases lined up, just trusting that everyone else is going to be honest. We got the bags, then headed to the customs line (or maybe customs comes first. I can never remember these things). We were through that quickly. There were some long lines though and some less than pleasant terminal workers who just don't seem interested in making it a nice day for you. Maybe they have too much power and like to keep us minions in line. I don't know. It just doesn't feel like the end of a lovely holiday. Hot, humid, sticky floor, loud echo-y luggage area. Like being in the basement.
We got out and had to decide how to get to the airport. We were going to do taxi, but there was a stand advertising bus transportation at what seemed like a good price. They said to don't delay, the bus was almost full and would be leaving soon. We rushed over to the full size coach bus.
It was half full. And hot. We sat and waited for 40 minutes, I think it was. Cranky kids (not mine), smelly air (it's outside, but partially covered). Finally, we left, but we didn't go straight to the airport! We stopped at a hotel (or two?). We couldn't believe it. Next time, we'll get a taxi.
Finally we got to the airport. We got dropped off at an outside counter, somewhere we've never been before (we're not all that familiar with the Miami airport, but it had been only 2 years!). It was the north-east end of the building (look on Google Map; and find the Corona Bar and Grill--we were just to the right of it, it looks like there's tractor trailers parked there). We really weren't sure if that was where we were supposed to be. Finally made it up to the counter, it was the right spot. But one of our suitcases was overweight! We were bringing home a bottle of booze, and a bottle of vanilla, but it was enough to make a difference! We became one of those people, re-arranging suitcases at the check in LOL.
We headed inside, first stop, bathrooms! Luckily they were right there. We had been told what security gate to go to, and headed in the only direction we could. Poor Mom was really tired and sore--she had a knee replacement that didn't heal well, and the other knee needs work, and her hips are going. We got to the security gate and it was lined up so long. The officer there said to keep going, down to gate E3. A group of us headed the way she pointed and soldiered on. We got to the gate we thought she had said, and it was closed! A few other people showed up, also visibly confused and frustrated. Mom and I stayed there while Rob and the girls headed back to the agent to find out where we should be. Apparently, she wasn't the friendliest either. She says she said something else, which wasn't nearly as far. We marched back, only to find the line nearly as long as the original gate we were supposed to go to!
We snaked through the line, and somehow Mom was in front of us in the line. She got near the front and the agent directly people asked if she was alone. She said yes, and the agent directed her to the side. Mom says "What about the rest of my family?" LOL. The agent looked ticked but let us through. We stood next to another gate and agent, I think there was a sign indicating it was the line for travelers needing assistance. The agent was talking to the first agent and we patiently waited a few minutes. Finally he noticed us and was actually friendly! He said we should have spoke up--we replied we're Canadian, we're too polite LOL. He directed us to a security line with another large family needing assistance for a senior and a baby.
I don't recall much about security. It's annoying as a group. They're not friendly. We were hungry. We got through and started walking. We were right by TGI Friday's, I think, but for some reason Rob wanted to get to our gate and then decide what to eat. Luckily, a worker with a big golf cart stopped and asked Mom if she wanted a ride. Of course! Her and I hopped on and zoomed off. I tipped him, and he almost drove off with our luggage LOL. Later, the girls said they say "No Tipping" signs on the carts and didn't know if that meant no money tipping, or no tipping of the cart. Oh well.
We found seats. There was no food around. We packed up and walked back to TGI Friday's. Yeah. Not amused. We had a decent lunch though it's so crowded with all your luggage with you. Then we walked back to the gate.
Again, they announced voluntary checking of carry on luggage. We were in the "safe" zone of the plane, but by only one group. Mom decided to check her bag because it really hadn't worked well on the way down. I think we checked our bags too maybe. Then they demanded that the last group check their carry on. Some passengers were not happy! You see them with a suitcase, a huge backpack (doubtful it would fit under the seat), and a few hand held large items. Then they get mad when there's not enough room.
Mom stayed in her seat for the entire flight. Bad move. When we land, we never rush off. There was a pushy lady behind Rob, but joke on her--by the time we made it to luggage, she was still waiting. We got to the gangway and Mom was not doing well. An agent asked if she needed a wheelchair, and she finally agreed. We hadn't reserved one though, so we couldn't have one of the ones they had waiting. Some how one was found nearby and Rob took off pushing Mom.
He had a couple incidents regarding feet and tight turns LOL.
The girls and I lagged behind. They were gone in the wind LOL. We also got to go through the short line for Customs, though I remember some confusion about the machines vs the agents. Long walk to the luggage, so Rob took off ahead of us slow pokes. If there ever is a next time for Mom flying somewhere, we are pre-arranging a wheelchair! Although, there needs to be enough people. Only two people wouldn't work if you need a luggage chart too. We disregarded the sign about not taking the luggage chart on the train thingy and headed off. In the parking lot, there was a SUV with a busted out rear window. It was taped over. We hate airport parking. We were joking about how there had been a wheelchair in the shelter when we first arrived and Mom refusing to use it, but now we were leaving one there.
Pretty smooth drive home. I think we ordered a pizza and that's all, trip over. Would we do it again? Well, with the current world situation, Rob says he's never cruising again. Back in the winter I found an east coast cruise for this fall that I tried to convince Mom, my SIL and her Mom, to go on, but no one was too keen. I won't go on another huge ship again either. I'm done with the Oasis class, and all the extra stuff we don't use. We really like the Freedom class (about 3500 people) but they've added stuff to the top decks too so now less room. The Celebrity Equinox was also really nice and relaxing but full of old people LOL. I watched some videos on the newest Holland America's ship and it looks really nice, and Princess looks good too. Who knows now though. No travel for anyone.
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