We never look forward to this day, as it is always bitter-sweet. Saying good-byes to friends are difficult, but we will be seeing the crew members in 12 days. Many of our waiters and room stewards will be staying on until the Alaska season, so we shall see them soon. And we are sure they will have some good stories to tell about the work that was done in the meantime.
Breakfast was earlier in the dining room from 6:30 to 8am. Most of the guests went to the Lido or had room service. Why they would want to fight that crowd up there today was beyond us. There are some favorite staff members up there too, we hear.
Taking the camera, we made our way to deck nine to see what was happening with the loading of supplies and equipment for the upcoming build. Huge cranes were lifting containers to the bow as well as the aft pool deck. All of the plywood had been laid down on decks three and eight, covering the teak and linoleum-like decking. Many workers were already onboard, while more were arriving to board on deck A. The rumor had it that 1400 workers would be here in a few days. We shall verify that when we come back onboard.
Our window to go off of the ship was from 8 to 10am. We decided to leave around 9am, knowing that it might take some time to gather our luggage and go through customs. We left the ship with our cards being scanned, then walked between a line of crew and Henk and Christel, who were there to say “bye”. Of course they all know we will be coming back, but we did get hugs anyway.
In the terminal, the activity was hectic as usual. Since debarkation began at 7:30am, we figured that a lot of the luggage would be gone. There was still a mountain of it, and more was still being taken off. Having been gone for 4 months for most of the folks, the amount of luggage, boxes, and bikes in bags was staggering.
There was a line for everyone to procure a porter. Coming down the escalator, it took a moment to figure that out. There was a crabby couple who reminded folks that the line started back there, indicating way down there. Of course, we all knew you had to wait your turn for a porter and a cart, but when these same folks told Hazel D that there was a line, and she could not cut in with her already-filled 2 hand trucks of bags, we had to laugh. Obviously this couple had no idea who they were talking to, as Hazel is the wife of the CEO of Carnival Corporation. She was very polite to the lady who tried to embarrass her, and said she was not flying anywhere, and her husband was picking her up. She never let on who she was, as she has done the entire world cruise. In fact, this is her third grand world voyage, earning her that special Mariner Medallion.
Our most very vivacious tablemate Brenda, happened to be way in front of us, with George, who has been most helpful with her on ship tours. Perhaps it is her infectious Southern drawl that drips like honey, or her quick smart comments she can blurt out. But she did nicely put that crabby women in her place with a few choice words. Brenda would probably blame “Gretchen”, her alter ego, for sticking up for Hazel. Bet Brenda never knew she would have had two personalities on this trip. She admitted one had the halo, while the other was like a devilish witch. All in good fun….
So we got our porter, who had a difficult time figuring out how the balance the six bags on his trolley. Big to small would have been our plan, but he insisted on putting the lighter duffel with most of our breakables on the very top. It toppled off three times, so it will be a miracle if the glass platters, vases, and candle holders survived in one piece. They were all packed in an ice chest surrounded with some clothing, so time will tell when we get home at the end of May.
Going through the customs line with an officer, we were surprised that he did not even glance at the declaration, stating that they have not used these forms since almost a year ago. He simply looked at the picture page of our passports, compared them to us, and asked our names. That was it.
Once we got outside, we made our way slowly to the Fed Ex trucks, and made sure our bags were scanned into their system, and loaded into the truck. They were moving very slowly, and we were getting tired of waiting, so it did make it to the back of the van by the time we left.
Then it was on to the taxi line. Except there were no taxis waiting. We thought the line was fairly obvious, but when four cabs came to line up, some rude people jumped into the ones towards the end of the line. That left two groups including us, without a taxi. We all recognized the rude couple who did this, and we all said what goes around may come around if they show up on next year’s world cruise. It’s too bad that an already stressful morning had to be mixed with the worst in some people.
Within ten minutes, more taxis arrived, and we were on our way to the hotel. As we drove out of Port Everglades we could see that several ships were in port today. Besides us, there was Freedom of the Seas, Carnival Conquest, and Harmony of the Seas. This would also be a turn-around port for them.
The hotel in Plantation was a 15 minute ride from the pier. Since the property is undergoing construction, finding the access to the entrance was tricky. There is no shortcut, we would have to walk out and around the main road now, since most of it has been shut off with fencing. Oh well, the walk will do us good.
Check-in is normally 3pm, but we had been told that we may get into our room by noontime. That was the check-out time for the guests. So we waited in the lobby, figuring out the internet. That kept us occupied until the magic hour of 12pm, when we were handed our room keys.
We are quite happy with our suite here. Compared to our cabin on the ship for the last four months, this suite is twice the size, or better. Amenities include a mini-bar and sink with a refrigerator and small microwave. Starbucks coffee is complimentary in our room as well. There was also a list of useful personal items that we can request complimentary.
It didn’t take long to stash the little amount of things we had lugged with us. If we needed anything we forgot in the way of clothing, we will have ample opportunity to shop for it. But first on the list was lunch. Located within a few blocks of this hotel is the Westfield Broward Mall, which has four major stores – Macy’s Dillards, JC Penneys, and Sears. Several casual restaurants are there too. Red Robin is one of them, so that was our lunch spot today.
On the walk back, we ducked into a nice Walgreens to pick up some necessities. Especially some chips, pretzels, and dip. Tomorrow we will search for some other snacks like yogurts and cereal for some light breakfast snacks for our room. It is time we go “light” for a while…..back to normal, and more like being at home.
Relaxing in our room while downloading internet stuff (free!), we got caught up with a great Western movie. Before we knew it, the clock said 9pm. Dinner was still available downstairs, but would end by 10pm. When we got down to the lobby, there was a sign saying it was closed, but they were serving in the lounge. The manager came over and seated us anyway, and was very nice. We ordered the crispy chicken salads, and found them to be more than ample but good.
Needless to say, we slept like babies. So much for our first day after ending the Grand World Voyage.
The journey continues…..
Bill & Mary Ann
Plastic sheeting covered the seams
So much to load
Harmony of the Sea (RCI)
Melee inside Terminal # 26
The new hotel is in the back round
Aerial view of the Sheraton complex
