Family Cruise 2019--Going Home

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. 

Family Cruise Day 7---Perfect Day Coco Cay

The weather the night before was making us consider that this might not be a "Perfect Day". Then, all excursions were cancelled, due to weather. I had rented snorkel equipment for us to use on our one and only beach day. Gone. 

We got ashore fairly early. It was almost chilly. Yes, in the Bahamas. It was very windy still, cloudy, and not hot. We immediately hopped on the first trolley we saw.

The horizon looks level, but the ship doesn't. Interesting.

We took the trolley all around the island. The map HERE shows the trolley only going around the waterpark portion, but we ended up on the beach by the Snack Shack. 

It was so disappointingly cold. The wind on the beach felt like sandblasting on our legs. The water was cold. 

The girls had been looking forward to a tropical beach all week, and they had an easier time going into Ontario cottage country lakes than they did here. 

We managed, but man! Not fun.  We later realized that the other beaches, with their break walls, might have been nicer, but it was miserable walking along the beach. Rob had gone for a walk and discovered we were right next to the big pool, which was what he had been looking forward to, so we packed up and moved. 

It's not easy to find 5 chairs; I think we settled for 4. This morning was the ONLY time for skating on the ship's rink, so Rob took the girls while Mom and I relaxed and tried to keep warm. Seriously. We also enjoyed the wildlife around the pool!

Awww

We headed into the pool to warm up, and checked out the islands. There were people looking at something, so we peered closer. Lizards, of several types and sizes!

We enjoyed the food at the Snack Shack, and the Skipper's Grill. Watch out for the washroom signs there, the sink is a common area and depending on which direction you come from, you might go the wrong way in....to the men's....thinking that the whole bathroom was women's and both openings on either side of the sinks went to the toilets....Saved myself in time :)

We had pouring, pouring rain at the pool. The umbrellas helped a little to keep things dry, but really, it wasn't a lot of help. 

Someone realized we were near the Lagoon, and that it was calm there. We enjoyed that so much more than the first, though it was a little stagnant feeling. Look at that sky!

We went back to the Snack Shack to get more awesome food, but it started to pour. Crazy Caribbean rain. Look at everyone huddling under that tiki bar hut. There was no where at the Snack Shack to escape the rain, just a tiny sliver under the condiments bar. We were wet, tired, chilled. Totally not the day shown in the commericals and ads, but we enjoyed it in typical Vetzal fashion. 

I always wish I took better food and menu pictures. The kids texted me food pictures, but I have no idea what days they were from. 

The coconut shrimp. Once Andrew knew we liked them, he kept them coming. I don't know how many we ate, but that would have been enough on it's own. 

I believe this is the braised lamb shank. Very good, if you like lamb.

Of course, it was "Have fun with the waiters" night. See the girls in their shorts? The dress code did say "casual" but most things say no shorts in the dining room. I wasn't thrilled, but it was the last night. I wonder just how tall Dobrovoj is!

After dinner, it was time to pack up. Mom and I, and I think Lucy, went to iSkate 2.0. I'm not sure why Megan didn't want to go. It was really good. More like Stars on Ice than the production show earlier in the week. 

I don't think I've ever done a port day the last cruise day. I wasn't looking forward to that, and it was compounded by everything being soaking wet. We had collected a few plastic bags, but not really enough. Keep this in mind if you choose this itinerary.

Did we enjoy Perfect Day? Of course. We were extremely disappointed when shortly after we booked, we found out the water park wasn't included (it was just opening around that time, so there wasn't much info online yet). Then we found out how much it was. It's cheaper for us to go to water parks here! I would have liked to check out the wave pool and some small slides, but not nearly enough to justify the cost. Maybe if they had a half day pass. Excursions booked through the ship are always more expensive than booked independently, but unfortunately, there are no alternatives here except booking online before your cruise and watching for a sale. 

Family Cruise Day 6---Sea Day

I was trying so hard to keep up with these posts. Only 3 days left and I totally slacked off.

We were trying to decide between Johnny Rockets or Playmakers for lunch, to use our $50 on board credit. Playmakers won. There wasn't a lot of seating and we had to go to "the back" near the arcade games. Service was slowish. We were worried about the wings being too spicey, even the "not spicey" ones are a little hot, the waiter said. They finally came and after a few, we declared the regular Buffalo ones too spicey. The waiter brought us some more "naked" ones. Along with drinks, I think it came to about $35US.  Twenty four wings were $12.

The best part of the lunch was the group behind us. I heard Toronto being mentioned. We realized it was a group of the cast from Hiro. One member was from Toronto. We had a brief chat. They said it was their last performance and their contract was over after this cruise. They highly recommended coming to the performances that day, it's was a more of "highlights" and talking about the cast.  We decided to go to the 5:00 show since we were scheduled to see the theater show after dinner. This made us late for dinner, but that's just something that happens.

View from the girls' balcony before going to the show.

Of course they wanted to be right at the front

Crazy high diving. Can you see her?

Look up!

Cool to see the slack line and other acts during the day.

These harnesses are so cool. Rob and I saw them up close on one of our first 2 cruises when we did a backstage tour.

Look how high they are!

The cast members we saw in the restaurant waved to us and gave us some extra splashes LOL

This was I think an onion "tarte" for a starter. It was very quiche like

Classic Calabrese salad

Don't remember what this was, but it appears to be shrimp on top of something.

Lucy wanted to give the lobster tail a try this time, since she missed it on the last cruise

She said it was okay.  Unfortunately, I don't know what the rest of us had. I wonder if this was the night with the coconut shrimp. Oh, we ate so many of those. He just kept bringing us more!

As a special treat for their 50th Anniversary, every table got a little cake.

Our great wait team, Dobrovoj and Andrew

I took this picture of the rules. We were trying to find out where it says "No Glasses". Then it was time to go to the main theater show, "Flight". I had heard you need to sit up on the balcony for the best view.

It was kind of a weird show, going back in time in the history of space travel and flight. Royal Caribbean does phenomenal productions.

Look at this bi-plane "flying" across the theater!

We'd been having a few issues with the room attendant and had a call and visit from the manager. When we got in from the show, this towel animal was there (they no longer do them every night), with a letter explaining our Future Cruise Credit to make up for the difficulties we had. 

I think this night was really windy. Was this the night Rob and Lucy went down to the Bionic Bar and tried a whole bunch of drinks? (Mocktails for Lucy). Then she threw up in the night LOL. I've forgotten so much already!

Family Cruise 2019--Day 5, Cozumel

Cozumel. You either love it or hate it. We had been on our second cruise and weren't too excited by the port area then. I wrote that I thought we were at the International Pier. This time we were, and it didn't seem familiar at all. Looking at the satellite map of Cozumel, I think we were docked at the south most pier last time (seems to be called Puerta Maya Pirs).  This time we were at the one just to the north of it, which is called Terminal de Cruceros on Google. On the current satellite image, it looks like it's still under construction which would explain why it felt so bare compared to what I remembered. 

                          

The day got off to a rough start. At dinner one night, Mom mentioned to the Head Waiter (Waitress) that she wasn't impressed with the breakfast in the dining room--the cold Eggs Benedict. She gave Mom a card and said to come to the Solarium Bistro and if there's a line up, present the card. We decided this would be the day. We got there around 9:20. Lucy was being very emotional but couldn't explain why. I know she was upset by not getting any wifi all trip, and by not going to a beach, but she said it wasn't that. She was visibly upset and silently crying in the line. Our Head Waitress saw and pulled us out of the line and to a really large table in the centre, surrounded by pillars and had these huge wicker chairs. Check it out: https://www.cruisecritic.com/photos/ships/symphony-of-the-seas-984/solarium-bistro-412073/solarium-bistro--v18418936/  

Rob was getting fed up with Lucy, and she didn't want to eat, so Mom and I checked out the buffet. I put in an order for a custom omelet, got the rest of my food and headed back to the table. Rob was still sitting there, pouting. Then my omelet came. After a few more minutes, he went up to order one.

He came back, upset. They stopped taking orders. It was 9:35 and the buffet was open till 9:30.  There was a long list of orders already in so they weren't taking more. Still plenty of food though. I don't think Lucy ate anything. The food was pretty good, still love the hash brown patties! It was a quieter (somewhat) spot than the Windjammer. I guess quieter, as in the number of people. It was still rather noisy. 

As we were heading out of the Bistro, a woman sitting at a table near the entrance grabbed Lucy's arm. What?! She asked Lucy what was wrong, could she help, she's a mom and she can tell she needs a hug, we all do sometimes, did she want a hug? Lucy is pretty shy. I can only imagine how mortified she was. She politely declined the hug and rejoined us. She was a little shook up. We hadn't met a lot of overly friendly people (Mom seemed to though, LOL). 

I'm not sure what we did for the rest of the morning, but we decided to meet at El Loco Fresh at 12:15 for lunch. I think Lucy went back to her cabin. I know I showed up at El Loco Fresh with Mom, and we were the first ones there. It has pretty good food, but the lines are a little crazy at times. Especially if you only want to grab one thing off the line--it felt rude to jump in at the chip section to get just a bowl of chips. Lucy still wasn't feeling great. After lunch we were heading to the Schooner Bar to play Scattergories, at 1pm. This is a game we have played as a family for years, only at Grandma's though. So we thought it was awesome we could do it together on the cruise. 

We got to the bar and there was nothing set up. We sat down and a few more people came in. Lucy decided to not stay and play, and went back to her cabin. She must have been feeling really terrible! Finally, the host came in and got us going. It was surprisingly a very small group. A few didn't actually know what Scattergories was. We had a lot of fun, especially when the letter C was used and we could add "Canada/Canadian" to many of the topics. We ended up winning! Received some lovely Royal Caribbean "medals". Megan is so proud to now have two.

After Scattergories, it was time to go ashore. Megan thought the sandy area to the right of the pier looked like a place we could go swimming. I explained that if it was suitable for swimming, it would already be used for swimming. There appeared to be a fence separating it from the port area.
We popped into the duty free store you get funneled into. We picked up the liquor we needed for our dog sitters. Then headed into the shopping area. I saw a sign for wifi at Tiki Hut #2 (it may have been #3). We tried to follow it, found "the beach" (don't get excited, more on that later), but no Tiki Hut #2. Then suddenly there was a sign for Tiki Hut #3 (or #2...). This one we did find. It was a round open shelter with benches around the edge. And indeed, wifi.

Have you seen happier girls? I loved that Mom was on the phone too. 

And I....I didn't take my phone. I have no idea why.

It was sooooo hot, this was the only shade, there was no breeze. I drank all my water. Megan was taking forever at the Ron John store. Everytime you walked anywhere, there were hawkers at every store trying to get you to come in. We did see the same vanilla as what we got in Costa Maya, for cheaper. 

For some reason we had to split up and we said we'd meet back at the Cozumel sign by the "beach". We couldn't get to it though! We tried retracing our steps but there only seemed to be entrances, not an exit. Finally, we found it.  Apparently the other half of our family also had a hard time, but were able to go out through an entrance and get to it. It was so weird.

The "beach". You walk down a slippery wet wooden dock and climb some steps down to a beach. It was very wavy, the caution flag was up, but we were determined to "go to a beach". We got soaked.

Lucy at the Bubba Gump restaurant.

The security leaving the port was terrible. You funnel into a room, the workers don't speak much English and were hard to understand. It was slow. Hot. Because we had alcohol, we were told we had to leave it outside and were funneled through doors on the left. The line to leave the alcohol was really long! Grandma and the girls decided to go ahead to the ship and Rob and I stayed to deal with the alcohol. As we moved up a bit, I noticed there was another door from the security room, with another table and ship staff to take alcohol. But there was NO line! The workers were just sitting there chit chatting, helping the odd person that came out. Why was this line different? It made no sense.  As we were waiting in line, I heard someone mention about making sure to get a receipt. We finally got up to the table and they took our info, we were pretty cranky by then. We asked for a receipt.

They didn't have any!!! So we held up the line while they found something to write on saying we gave them our two bottle of alcohol. They didn't even write what the alcohol was or it's value. Imagine if the bottles got lost?! There was a LOT of alcohol waiting!!

We headed back to the ship and went to the girls' cabin. They weren't there! We walked around and got a snack and still didn't see them! We went to Guest Services and they were able to tell us that they had indeed gotten on the ship. I'm not sure if it was this port, but at one, you went to different gangways depending on your muster station. This could be a challenge for a group like us, or other family groups who need to stick together. 

We finally found them and we got ready for dinner. 

This was one appetizer I wasn't too thrilled with.  I think it was the Seafood Vol au Vent. 

Even when other appatizers disappoint, the Caesar salad is dependable!

Looks like someone had a plain piece of chicken?

Lucy got the horseradish crusted salamon. I was surprised! She said it was good. The drink in the foreground is Rob's Sexy Ocean. He really enjoyed them!

Trifle for Lucy, Grand Marnier souffle for me! They even poke the hole for you and pour the sauce on. 

Chillin' for a bit after dinner. They discovered that the sofa actually had a trundle! However, you couldn't get into the drawers,  or the fridge ("the cooler"). You had to walk across it to get to the balcony. I can't imagine a 4th person in this room! That would really suck. At least in most cabins, with a Pullman bed, you can leave it down.

The kids wanted to go to another showing of "Hiro". I agreed to  go and sit in the front, with the waterproof camera. It was fun!

It was a little harder to see the overhead acts from the front row. So, if you get to see the show more than once, do sit somewhere different each time.

After, we went swimming. It was so nice but breezy.

Lucy found a quarter in the pool

Mom loved her night swims. So much calmer than in the day

When we walked around we noticed a pair of Crocs with some other things, on a chair. Then, the Croc showed up in the pool! It was windy! Not too long after, a couple came around and seemed to be looking for something. We pointed out the Croc and made his night

We walked around the deck, enjoying the lights.  We wanted to go in the hot tub, but the overhang ones were closed so we went to the Solarium. We were SO disappointed to find it filled with a bunch of young kids (3-10) and a couple adults. There are signs saying it's adults only! They weren't speaking English and there was no staff around. It was after 10pm! 

We parted ways and Rob and I went to the elevators. The Piano Man zoomed by! We quickly ran over to the elevators and pressed the buttons. He just kept zooming by! From deck 2 to 15 (or 16?). He never stopped!! How fair was that?! We gave up and left. 

I'm not sure if it was this day, but I think so. We kept having issues with Spanish speaking people in the elevator not moving over for others to get in, or letting people get out! Once there was a young dad at the back calling out "We want out! Excuse me!" and no one moved, they just stared straight ahead (I was waiting to get on). Finally, I gestured for them to move aside.  Then Mom and I were in the elevator, and she got trapped behind a woman and a stroller. I got out and held the door open, but no one listened to her "Excuse me". I finally yelled "Perdon!" I couldn't remember any more Spanish than that! I had just learned "door" but I couldn't remember it! "Mi momma necesita la puerta" might have worked. If you're travelling somewhere that speaks a different language (especially English), wouldn't it make sense to learn some simple words? Excuse me, please, no, thank you, yes. That would cover so many situations.