We headed down the LONG passageway to the absolute end of the hallway and found cabin 7001 - an inside category 10 stateroom. This was when it hit me that this was my first cruise without a verandah!! EEK - what was I thinking?? Can I deal without my verandah??? Well - I don’t have a choice do I??

We saw that both of Chris’ bags had already arrived - but no sign of mine. We drug the bags inside and saw that the room was full of gifts. We had our castaway club gift (same one from the Panama Canal cruise last year) a red beach bag, notebook, red mesh bag and two drinking bottles.  Also in the room was a bottle of champagne and our robes for the romance package we had added to the cruise. It was nice - but neither of us can drink alcohol - so we gave it to my parents.

After settling in to the room and exploring a bit - it was time for the safety drill - we donned our lovely coast guard issued orange life vests and headed for Deck 4 - muster station F. See how lovely we look?

After the drill - we returned to the room, dropped off the stuff, moved my bags in the room (they arrived) and headed back to deck 9 for the sail away party.  We saw my aunt and uncle at the party - but never did see my parents or the kids.

We both really learned to enjoy the ALKEEEHOL free drink of the day (and the $3.00 glass it came in that you paid for - even if you didn’t want it...)

Not too long after that - the party kicked into high gear -

And with seven magical notes of “When You Wish Upon a Star” - we headed down the channel and out to sea.

We said our goodbyes to the family and headed down to the room to get ready for early dinner (with the kiddos - we had to eat early. As a grown up - I think I prefer the late seating - note to self on the Trans-Atlantic).