Teddy was up at 5 AM on the morning of the 29th. Grandpa was slightly less enthusiastic. Once the sun came up we were able to see our cruise ship across the way.
After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, we were ready to go. It’s not far to the cruise port, where we checked in our luggage.
The first part of the check-in process went well, but after we got our SeaPass cards we were not able to board the ship. We ended up being warehoused in a large waiting hall for some time. During our wait, we met Peter and Kathy, a retired couple from Clemson SC. They were very nice, but cruising being what it is, we did not see them again – even though we assume they were on the ship with us for two weeks!
By the time we were able to board, we found the Windjammer buffet totally crowded. Fortunately, we got an outdoor table on the stern and the kids had lunch.
A Carnival ship was moored right behind us and two other Royal Caribbean monsters were in port as well.
Nice views of sunny Miami from the upper decks.
It was a lovely day for a sailaway.
Mariner of the Seas getting underway at the far eastern end of the channel.
After settling into our stateroom, and attending the lifeboat drill, we were all set. Here we go on our 20th cruise and 6th Transatlantic – but our first on any other cruise line except Celebrity.
