Graduation Celebration: Let's Set Sail!

It's finally time! It's been two weeks since we last set sail and we already  miss it! This cruise was one of our favorites so far and I'm excited to share it with you! So let's get started!

Prior to the cruise we talked a lot about transportation options. Ultimately once we decided to spend the night before at Disney, combined with a run to the airport, it made the most sense to rent a car. We left fairly early after a quick stop at the Grocery Store for sunscreen and breakfast, and a stop at the Liquor store for RUM!

As for parking the car we debate between an "off-site" parking lot for $10 per day or parking at the port for $75. In the end convenience won out and we parked at the garage next to the port.

This was about 10 a.m. when we arrived.  Our Port Arrival time was 10:30 so by the time we unpacked the car and got  in line we were right on time. Unfortunately the porters had just left the garage so we had to go downstairs to check our luggage (note for those arriving..just drop your luggage and your guests off FIRST that way if the porters have left it's no big deal).

We quickly checked-in and were excited to see we were Boarding Number 2!

Remember there is a difference in Port Arrival Time and Boarding Number! You will select your Port Arrival time during online Check-In (if you aren't using Disney Transportation). The earlier you check-in online, the earlier your Port Arrival time! Then boarding numbers are assigned based on arrival at the port!

We took a few photos while waiting for the ship to welcome us!

Eric is forever being the jokster!

Before we knew it Group 2 was being asked to board! Since it was still early we skipped lunch to explore the ship. Since we were like the 2nd guests on board...it was EMPTY! ENJOY!

Next up...Adult only areas. I can't stress enough. NO ONE UNDER 18! There were so many times kids were walking through these areas.

After a quick bite to eat at Cabanas (sorry  no pictures!) we were off to see our rooms. We were on Deck 7 in rooms 7673 and 7675.  Overall these rooms were great BUT I will say the vibrations when we pulled into Nassau and Castaway Cay was enough to wake us up both mornings!

I surprised everyone with room decorations!

The room was the perfect size for just 2 of us! We opted for the Deluxe Inside Room so we could have a split bath...invaluable!

It was time to start our rest and relaxation! We spent a little time laying out before Muster Drill!

After the MANDATORY muster drill, it was time to SAIL AWAY!

3 out of the 4 of us took advantage of the Beer Mug Program...more on that later!

 I opted for a fun fruity drink instead!

After that it was time to get ready for the evening. When you book your cruise, if available, you will have your choice of dinner and show times. Since we were traveling without kids we chose second seating. That meant we'd head to a show around 6 p.m. and then dinner was at 8:15 p.m. Check your Key to The World Card for more info (You'll also have "tickets" In your stateroom on the first night to bring to dinner)

First up for us was a favorite...the Golden Mickey's! Since no photography is allowed in the shows, we have no pictures but it was amazing! Be sure to arrive early to get good seats!

Dinner was next...at Animator's Palette! This is the only picture we have but the food was AMAZING!

The first day was full of fun and excitement! The ship is amazing and our friends were loving ever second of it! It was time to hit the hay though...get ready for Day 2...Nassau!