16 Sep
Day 1 – The First Embarkation in Forever
The big day was finally here! This was my first Disney cruise in 18 months!! Good gravy that was a long time. I kept saying during Covid that if I had known that February of 2020 would be my last cruise for 18 months, I never would have slept! I would have enjoyed every last second.
But the time was finally here. And I was beyond ready!
I woke up at 6:15! Which was 4:15 my time. Way too excited to sleep!
I got some work done, and then we were off to ‘Ohana to meet Missy and family for breakfast! Now that’s how to start the day!
We got there early and I took some pictures while we waited.
Hey, I know those people down there!
We said hello, and sat down pretty quickly. And we started eating.
And eating and eating.
Wow that was good.
We shopped a little afterwards and then ran and got our stuff. We had such a late arrival time! It was painful! But we did have lots of time that morning, which was nice.
We decided to run by the outlet mall and pick up a few things.
Then finally, we were on our way!
We drove to Budget and dropped off our car. The shuttle driver asked what port arrival time we had. He said they were turning people away if they were even 5 minutes early. We were right on time though, so we climbed in!
There she is!! *tear*
Through the screening!
It started raining a little right as we were walking in.
Testing tents:
We had boarding group 12, and we made it through the tents very quickly. I was just sure we would be able to board as soon as we got inside. The check in line was long, no biggie. 
The platinum line was long too!
We made it though! The stairs of success!
Oh how I have missed this.
Whoa. They were only on 1 to 6! We may have a while!
New chairs!
I got up and wandered and took pictures.
A reminder to download the app!
1 to 7 now!
Ooh, these were new! Brilliant!
I came back and sat down, and we waited.
For a very long time! Over an hour! I was a bit surprised.
But nothing was going to damper my excitement! It’s time!
Once on the gangway, we waited (socially distanced, of course) for our turn to board.
This is what we were waiting for! We were all escorted to dots to stand on and watch the welcome show. This was a short show in lieu of the Sailaway Party.
I know them!!!
Then we were dismissed in groups.
Mickey and Minnie stayed to wave at us!
Then we were off to our room! Our Key to the World cards were waiting on the Fish Extender:
Here’s a video of our stateroom:
We had safety instructions on the bed:
Our current view:
And our room!
I love these lamps.
It was so late, and we were starving! But dinner was in like two hours. We had to go get a snack at least!
Not that!
A chicken finger and 6 fries. That’ll do.
Debbie had crab legs:
It was empty:
We went back and unpacked next.
Why thank you!
Dinner was in Royal Palace tonight!
I had fried cheese.
Debbie had shrimp:
The round table was gone, and we had live music! I loved it!
With a violin!
I had Chateau Briand!
And the Grand Marnier souffle. I love it!
After a delightful dinner, we walked around a little.
We saw our first “Appear and Wave”, which was the new process for character meet and greets. I didn’t mind them, and there were a lot of them!
Then we went through the clubs!
We finally started sailing away, so we went outside to watch.
And what did we see? The Fantasy!!
It was so exciting!
We went to the theater to see Beauty and the Beast next, which is always amazing!
I got a Coke Zero and a water for Debbie, and discovered the new tipping system. You just add it in the app! Super easy.
We tried to go to trivia next, but it was full.
Bedtime! Sea Day tomorrow!
Dreaming Again! – August 16-20, 2021
Day 1 – The First Embarkation in Forever
Day 2 – When the Bottom Fell Out
Day 3 – I Missed You, Castaway Cay
Day 4 – Take Two!
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