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Monday, April 25, 2016

Cozumel and Pirate Night

April 4, 2016

Today when we woke up we were in Cozumel, Mexico! The weather was not very good and it was very overcast when we looked out. Breakfast this morning was room service as we had to meet our excursion group bright and early to go see the dolphins at Chankanaab Park. At this port we were able to dock so no tender boats today! Bobby used his lighter weight transport wheelchair as it would fold and fit in the taxi van. As we headed out with our group we were all handed brand new Mickey Mouse ponchos as it was pouring when we got off of the ship. The tour operators had given us the option to cancel and get a refund, but we figured we were in swimsuits and would be wet anyway so on we went! We followed our guide over the street to a shopping plaza and a taxi stop where they divided us into smaller groups and sent us on our way in the taxi. It rained the whole way there, but after we arrived it stopped raining! No pictures on this trip there and back, but plenty of our interaction as they had photographers there and of course Beth bought the photo package!

The park is accessible and Bobby was able to ride all the way to the pen area in his chair(which was good as the dock is a bit uneven and he might have tripped and fallen) He did have to descend and then ascend the stairs to the platform. This reporter could not join the interaction as due to my size, the dolphin would have considered me a toy and the thought of being left at the bottom of the ocean just didn't appeal to me!

The waves did create some swells and it was often hard for Beth to keep her balance while also holding onto the straps of each boy's life jackets so they didn't float off into the dolphin pen! Bobby really enjoyed the interaction and David had the time of his life! Take a look at these pictures to see just how much fun they had!

First meet Louis our dolphin friend for this interaction. He loved to jump!


Louis swam by several times for touching and petting and then each person got a chance to interact individually with him.




Here is a picture which shows Beth holding on to Bobby so he doesn't float away. David has a death grip on the fence at this point due to the swells.
Bobby was the second one to volunteer for his individual interaction. He has interacted with dolphins once before so he was very comfortable with doing it again. He did need a little physical help due to the wave swells, but really enjoyed playing with Louis!




David was ready for his turn after watching a couple of other people go after Bobby. He was thrilled and a bit scared all at the same time. He definetly wasn't sure about the kiss thing!




By the time it was Beth's turn Louis had become a bit mischeivious. He thought it might be fun to try to pull her off the platform while she was holding his fins! Luckily she kept her balance! Silly Louis!









Bobby almost floated away again and David kept a tight grip on the fence!


The photographer also took some shots in black and white that turned out very nice!





After a couple of jumps and flips we had to say goodbye to our new dophin friend Louis. What a great interaction!


This reporter did manage to find a safe way to have a picture taken with Louis....
After the crew picked up their photos, it was back to the ship for a quick shower, change of clothes and some lunch! Since the weather was not great they had added another showtime for Zootopia so that was the afternoon activity of choice. After the movie the boys spent a little time in the kids club and then another change of clothes as it was Pirate Night! Before dinner the boys got to meet Peter Pan.
When it was this reporter's turn to meet Peter he asked if I could fly?! He threw me up in the air and said"See she can fly!" Luckily he did catch me! What a thrill to meet Peter Pan himself!



After Peter the boys spotted Daisy Duck in her pirate garb and rushed over for a picture.
The pirate crew then headed to the backdrops for some Pirate Family photos.





Since this cruise had a Star Wars night with a special menu, the Pirate Night menu was not available. While it was missed the food was still scrumptious. The boys enjoyed vanilla smoothies in their special pirate glasses.





The boys weren't interested in the show for the evening as it wasn't a Disney Production and chose to go to the kids club instead of up on deck for the Pirate Party. After a bit it was time to turn in as the next days activities were to include a bit of walking for Bobby. Upon return to the stateroom the crew found a swan awaiting them, but it was dismantled before a picture was taken. 

This is Pirate Super Lu signing off after a very fun filled day! Aaarrgghh matey!


Thursday, April 14, 2016

First Day at Sea

April 3,2016
Today was the first day at sea and there were lots of activities planned for our crew! The day started with a Character breakfast bright and early. Bobby declared the food "very tasty!" This reporter loved the fresh fruit selection(although the boys had eaten half of it before we could snap a picture!)

The boys met Princess Sofia first followed by Jake.


The next one to stop by the table was Doc McStuffins and I decided to join the boys in their photo opportunity! 
And then finally the mouse himself stopped by for a visit. This reporter could not miss meeting the one who started it all!

After breakfast the boys spotted Jessie in the atrium. She fussed over Bobby's shirt just loving the saying! David gave her the biggest hug!

Jessie then saw me and was so excited! Such a treat!


The crew then headed back to the shopping area in order to buy the limited edition Star Wars pins that could only be bought on the cruise. We also did a bit of window shopping to preview what goodies might be purchased before the cruise ended :)

It was then off to the Castaway Cay members reception. Yummy snacks and free drinks! We adults enjoyed the Bellini while the boys enjoyed sparkling apple cider. David loved the shrimp and Bobby loved the chocolate chip cookies. Cruise director Minnie even showed up and of course the boys took advantage of that photo opportunity!



Next up was the Frozen meet and greet with Anna and Elsa! The wintery background sure was a contrast to the warm weather outside! 

After a quick lunch at Cabanas the boys went to the kids club. Beth headed to look at the shops and then to relax and read on the verandah where she may have nodded off for a quick little nap. Shhh!! When it was time to get ready for dinner the boys did not want to leave the club! They did though as tonight was formal night and family pictures were in order! 



After the photos we headed to the Enchanted Garden for dinner. Again more photos and delicious food! The ceiling of this restaurant changes from daylight to nightime as the dinner progresses. The flower shaped lights bloom into bright white with the darkening sky.





At the end of dinner our wonderful Assistant Server Jocelyn made the boys origami fish which the boys really enjoyed. Both our Server and Asistant servers were wonderful with the boys and the boys were excited to see them each night!



Tonights show in the Walt Disney Theater was Aladdin. What a fabulous performance. The Genie was so awesome! He was spot on! No pictures are allowed in the theater but we managed to snap a couple  as we waited to be let in for the show. I thought my escorts for the evening looked quite dapper!


After the show it was time to head back to the stateroom to get a good nights sleep as we will be in Cozumel tomorrow and have a dophin encounter scheduled. When we arrived back at the stateroom we found another creation waiting for us. Tonight there was an elephant along with the chocolates and next days Navigator!

That's it for our first day at sea! Tomorrow I will be reporting from Cozumel! This is Super Lu signing off!