Day 1 to 3

Day 1, Dover England Tuesday, July 6, 2010

So we got up today and walked to McDonalds for breakfast. 10 pounds each at the hotel was a little steep. Thought we’d walk to the grocery store to get some chocolate – curly whirly, fudge, flake, etc. However, couldn’t fathom risking life and limb to cross the highway to get there. Found out in the taxi on the way to the port that there was an underpass…who knew?! So no chocolate yet – hopefully on the way to the airport on the 18th! Got the taxi to the pier at 12. Got registered – pretty quick. Boarding Group 7. We thought yikes! However – got on pretty darn quick! Had lunch at Parrot Cay. Have to say we were a little disappointed with the buffet. Just didn’t seem to have the variety we’ve experienced other times… We could go to our rooms at 2:00, which we did – and one of our bags was already there! The other 4 followed shortly after. I think it was the quickest we’ve ever gotten our luggage. We went right away to Rockin’ Bar D to get our Palo ressies changed/booked. Switched from night 10 to night 5. Also added a brunch on the first sea day (tomorrow). Didn’t seem to be any trouble adding or making changes. Didn’t ask for tea, since DH won’t go anyway LOL. Went up to the spa for the draw, at DH behest. Surprised me by getting the 7 day Rainforest pass – for both of us!!! I’ll make him a spa junkie yet! Our dining rotation is APL – the only rotation I didn’t want – puts us in Parrot Cay for formal night and semi-formal. But, I didn’t want to change in case they actually put us with nice tablemates – figuring if we changed they’d put us alone. And I was correct – not only do we have great tablemates – we have a great table (Table 5) with windows in Parrot Cay and Lumiere’s, and an awesome server Leo. Our tablemates are a couple from Malta and their 2 ½ year old, who slept through dinner, but looks like a little doll. Dinner was good. Let the Magic Begin. Of course we saw the show first, albeit a little late. The comedian and juggler were entertainers we’ve seen before – Jimmy Tamley and Ron Pearson. They say there are others coming on at different ports. Dinner was at Animator’s Palate. We ordered the 7 day wine package. Let the Magic Begin!



Day 2, at Sea Wednesday, July 7, 2010

DD went to the club in the am so DH and I could go to Palo for brunch. She surprised us by wanting to stay after we were done – which gave us an opportunity to go to the Rainforest room as well! Lunch was lovely as usual. Lovely table by the window. Didn’t look especially busy. Mladen was our server. He was very kind. We shared a pizza and DH had the chicken parmesan with risotto which was divine. I just had the buffet – 2 helpings of the stollen bread with whipped cream and berries – yum! DD and I went at 3pm to make origami flowers. Mostly we wandered around and got re-acquainted with the ship. Had a few pics taken, got the 20 credit photo pass. Went to our Dis meet for a few minutes to put some faces with names. Went to the Captain’s Welcome Reception after Twice Charmed. Formal night, so we got dressed up, me in a black sparkly gown that I haven’t warn for about 10 years that I finally fit in again! DH rented a tux onboard, so he wore that, and DD in her lovely rose coloured formal dress. We looked awesome! Dinner was at Parrot Cay. A fun day at sea.

Day 3, Oslo, Norway Thursday, July 8, 2010

We did not book an excursion for Oslo. Decided to do it on our own. It was a cool, damp, drizzly day. I think that probably coloured our perception of Oslo. We got off the ship, wandered around for a while. Found a McDonalds with internet service, but didn’t have the laptop with us. Looked at some souvenir shops, but very pricey and very touristy (I know, what did I expect). Had a very expensive cup of tea and orange juice at McD’s. Walked to the royal palace, National Theatre, University, etc. Thought we’d walk to see the Vigeland sculptures, but got tired of being cold and wet, so went back to the ship fairly early, had a late lunch, took Maggie to the kids club and went to the spa (I had a massage and facial booked – special because of port day, yay!) Then went to see UP! In 3D. Cute movie. Squirrel. Where was I… Oh yeah. Dinner was normal rotational dinner at Lumiere’s. We actually skipped the show which was Ron Pearson, since we were at the movie. I have to mention the fish extenders and the Dis people who have left gifts for us. DD has had a blast seeing what comes next. There have been some really thoughtful and creative gifts. My favourite are the clear plastic folders to put all our memorabilia in to keep them nice to carry home. But there have been some other great things as well, glow in the dark bracelets, a Florida cookbook, Mickey head necklaces, pens, pencils, candy, stickers, magnets, the list goes on and on, and stuff keeps coming! We delivered our Canada flag bumper sticker magnets today, and will deliver our other goodies another day. It took quite a while to walk around 4 floors finding 23 cabins who are participating besides us!