we’re off!

We had a complimentary breakfast at the Westin, packed up all our things and waited in a ballroom along with 200 other passengers. Because Bunny’s last name starts with a C, we were on the first bus to depart. It took 30 minutes to make the 10 minute drive to Port Everglades, the ship terminal. That’s because there were 9 ships in port today! We lined up in the terminal to check in, got our room/everything card. We had no paperwork, just gave them our passport and it was all done electronically. Easy as pie. We got a welcome glass of champagne as we boarded. We had to wait for our room for an hour. We went to the big theater to get a lesson in how to put on the life vest. As if we’ll remember that in an emergency. But it showed us where the muster station is.
‘We went to the buffet and had a light lunch-salad for me and no dessert-shocking I know! We got in our room. It’s cozy. I forgot to take photo before we messed it up so I will do that when it’s straightened tomorrow. Bunny’s bags were at our door. Not mine. So she started unpacking. I unloaded my backpack and carry on. Still no luggage. I had visions of it sitting at the wrong terminal and going to the Carribean. I asked our steward and he tracked it down. I was very relieved. But then it was time to go watch the ship depart. We ended up at the aft deck and all the activity was on the foredeck. We just stayed and watched 3 other ships depart before us. They all left amid loud blasts from their horns. The Disney ship holds 4500 passengers! Too many for me. The Royal Caribbean ship had a roller coaster and water slide on the top deck. We have 900+ passengers, no kids, no casino, thank you very much.
Suddenly we were moving! It was our turn, no horns blasting, just quietly slipping our bonds. We went to dinner around 6:00. We were early and practically had the place to ourselves. When we left at 7:00, the line was down the hall. Arriving sometime between those times seems the best choice. We want to be seated with others to get to know people. The food was tasty but most items were fish. Hmmm. They do have chicken and steak every night. We went to the theater for a recorded program of Christmas music filmed in the Royal Albert Hall in Denmark with a Danish soprano singing in English. It was very good.Then back to the room so I could unpack. Now I’m in my Jammie’s, watching a Downton Abbey movie and talking to you. Tomorrow is an At Sea day. We will explore the ship and get our sea legs. I was walking around like a drunken sailor after we put to sea.