NOTE: There are seven (7) photos in this post. Photos by me (Bruce) taken with a Google Pixel 6 Pro unless otherwise indicated. (Photos by Linda taken with a Google Pixel 6.)
SATURDAY 24 February (T4-C2) — A Marvel(ous) Day At Sea
Today, I was up earlier than I intended to be. I thought my phone said 6 something, but it was actually 5 something. I was tired of lying down anyway, so I got up and finished working a Multi-Sudoku puzzle. It was still dark, and Linda was still asleep, so I worked on drafts of the blog posts for this trip/cruise. At some point I heard voices outside. Brendan, Shawna, and Sadie were on the balcony along with Meghan. Meghan gets up very early and had already been out to get coffee. Madeline joined the group shortly thereafter. This is the first cruise we’ve been on with family/friends in adjacent cabins. Yesterday, we had our cabin steward open the dividers between the four balconies so we could visit easily. It was a nice arrangement. We had a brief discussion about breakfast but failed to coordinate a plan. Other than meeting for dinner every evening, our group took a “freestyle” approach to the cruise, which was great for everyone.
Sadie sits in a large, blue, throne-like chair by one of the two impressive mosaics with themes related to fairytales (prince/princess) that ended up in animated Disney features. The mosaics were located in one of the elevator/stairwell lobbies on one of the decks, but I don’t recall which one.
Sadie in the other (red) throne-like chair by the other mosaic.
It was Marvel Day at Sea, so we got dressed with our Guardians of the Galaxy t-shirts and went to Cabana’s (the buffet) for breakfast. We thought our son’s family was also headed there, but we somehow missed them while walking around looking at food. Our son saw us go by, however, and found us to let us know where they were sitting.
Breakfast at the Cabana’s buffet offered a lot of choices, and we all found something that we liked. The things I chose were well-prepared and tasty. While both of us appreciate the finer dining in the restaurants, neither of us object to the buffet food, and appreciate the convenience of many hours of availability with the attendant flexibility to eat when you want, and choose from a broad selection of food offerings.
Chris and his daughter, Katie, at one of the shuffleboard courts on the exterior promenade deck. (Photo by Linda)
Meghan and Chris at the same shuffleboard court. Chris is sporting his “Star Lord” t-shirt for Marvel Day At Sea. (Photo by Linda)
Today was Marvel Day At Sea, and there were many special activities taking place around the ship. These included photo opportunities with official costumed “crew” members. Perhaps surprisingly, we did not get photos of any of these events. While that might seem strange in retrospect, the members of our party who were most excited about the day where our daughter, her husband, and his daughter. I don’t recall specifically what Linda and I did all day, nor do I recall what Marilyn or our son and his family did today, nor would I even know if they off doing things on their own. What I do know, is that Madeline had already become very comfortable with the “Edge Club,” a dedicated/staffed space for guests ages 11 – 13. At age 11, she places a high value on any independence she can negotiate.
Sadie with her great-aunt, Marilyn. Sadie is seriously focused on whatever Marilyn is showing her on the phone. Based on Sadie’s attire, it appears that she went swimming today. Not surprising; if there’s water available, Sadie is usually in it. (Photo by Linda)
The Disney Cruise Line (DCL) app includes a messaging feature that allows guests to message one another without purchasing a “Internet” package. The feature requires guests to establish connections, so Linda took care of linking her phone with at least one phone from each of the other cabins in our group.
Fairly quickly, Madeline took possession of her mom’s phone and accomplished her number one goal for the cruise; to be allowed to roam around the ship on her own as well as come and go from the Edge Club at will. This actually worked out very well, and she made several friends her age. ABIR, Sadie continued the who-dun-it game with her mom and/or dad.
Yes, Sadie is using crayons on the white linen tablecloth at dinner. But it was okay. Our assistant waiter, Trevor, was the first to do this at dinner last night as he set a puzzle for Sadie (and the rest of us) to solve. After that, it was “game on” for the remainder of the cruise! (Photo by Linda)
In addition to well-prepared and tasty dishes, dinner was always nicely presented. This photo is typical of how desserts were plated.
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