drewsmom123

First drinks. Bloody Mary and Bahama mama

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Forums mobile app

Our shuttle left the hotel at 9:00, we were at the terminal and in line by 9:30. They started letting us in around 9:45. We had room keys and a boarding card by 10. Now we are just waiting to board to start working on our beverage quota. DH doesn't want to waste any time getting our money's worth. We met a family from Michigan that is on our cruise FB page. Getting to know people beforehand has been a lot of fun.

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Forums mobile app

Awesome!

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Forums mobile app

Nice bathroom area.

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Forums mobile app

Yesterday was a really long day. Traffic was crazy. But we finally arrived at Days In Cocoa Cruiseport. Very nice place. The room is clean and comfortable and the pool looks clean. The desk clerk Dusty, was very friendly and helpful. However, she informed me upon check in that there is a $50 charge for parking and the shuttle. This was very unexpected, I thought it was part of the room price. I have started the process of getting my money back and will give an update if things change.

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Forums mobile app

14 hours from Knoxville to our hotel and then I find out that the shuttle to the terminal is $50. Not a happy camper. I will post details later but now I'm going to bed.

We are now at 5 days, 5 hours, and 11 minutes. I am trying to tie up any loose ends that I can think of. I’m buying dog and cat food today. The dogs live in the house so they will demand attention, however, I worry about the cats. Our son is not a fan of cats so he tends to forget they exist. I have an auto feeder for them, but it won’t last all week. Maybe they will be persistent enough that he will get the hint. They won’t starve- there are plenty woodland creatures for them to torture- but I kinda hope that if we keep them fed they won’t resort to “playing with” small, cute snacks.

Late in the week I will do a grocery run and cook up a pot of chili for DS. He will work a lot while we are gone but I like for there to be something for him if he chooses to eat at home. He has a doctor’s appointment so I have made him a folder of info- needed paperwork, directions, phone #, instructions (its an MRI).

I have downloaded some movies and books to my ipad for the car ride. DH is not a fan of riding in the car. He likes to be the one in control and doesn’t like my driving, so I chose some action packed movies to distract him when it is my turn to drive. I also like to make sure that I have plenty to read- mostly for the car ride, but sometimes I read while we are sun worshipping. Usually, I just like to people watch, but occasionally I need some reading material. I have chosen Eric Clapton’s biography, a murder mystery, and some fluff - which may be pure smut- it was a recommendation from a friend and I know what kind of stuff she reads.

I installed the iConcierge app but I can’t do anything until we connect to the ships wifi.

I don’t need to stop the mail, however, I did make sure that my sister is aware of important information in case something happens to us. Our will is locked in the safe, so someone needed the combo.

I try to always be accessible to my teachers, so I have set a vacation responder letting them know I won’t get right back to them, with a list of what to do if they have a question - google that, email a friend, etc.

I checked the sunscreen supply. It is getting pretty old- some of it years old. So I bought a new bottle- DH has a new tattoo and is very particular about it. I also bought a can of bug spray - Zika virus you know. I like to bring Tylenol PM. I have trouble sleeping away from home and it also helps if things are a little noisy, hopefully it will also ward off any consequences of drinking more that the usual “little bit on Friday nights.”

I have printed reservations and directions to Friday’s hotel.

Now it is just a matter of checking my lists multiple times while actually putting things in the suitcase and trying to get DH in the car at a reasonable hour Friday morning. Wish me luck

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Forums mobile app

That is it for tonight. I will be back tomorrow night with debarkation info and a summary of my view of our Epic experience.

 

Thanks for “cruising” along!

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Forums mobile app

I am sailing on the EPIC next week and I can't wait. This will be my 2nd time on her. I am just ready to relax and enjoy the sunshine.

 

The OP: Your pictures are beautiful. Great review so far!

I am on the Epic next week too. The this review has been a great help.

We are now at 5 days, 5 hours, and 11 minutes. I am trying to tie up any loose ends that I can think of. I’m buying dog and cat food today. The dogs live in the house so they will demand attention, however, I worry about the cats. Our son is not a fan of cats so he tends to forget they exist. I have an auto feeder for them, but it won’t last all week. Maybe they will be persistent enough that he will get the hint. They won’t starve- there are plenty woodland creatures for them to torture- but I kinda hope that if we keep them fed they won’t resort to “playing with” small, cute snacks.

Late in the week I will do a grocery run and cook up a pot of chili for DS. He will work a lot while we are gone but I like for there to be something for him if he chooses to eat at home. He has a doctor’s appointment so I have made him a folder of info- needed paperwork, directions, phone #, instructions (its an MRI).

I have downloaded some movies and books to my ipad for the car ride. DH is not a fan of riding in the car. He likes to be the one in control and doesn’t like my driving, so I chose some action packed movies to distract him when it is my turn to drive. I also like to make sure that I have plenty to read- mostly for the car ride, but sometimes I read while we are sun worshipping. Usually, I just like to people watch, but occasionally I need some reading material. I have chosen Eric Clapton’s biography, a murder mystery, and some fluff - which may be pure smut- it was a recommendation from a friend and I know what kind of stuff she reads.

I installed the iConcierge app but I can’t do anything until we connect to the ships wifi.

I don’t need to stop the mail, however, I did make sure that my sister is aware of important information in case something happens to us. Our will is locked in the safe, so someone needed the combo.

I try to always be accessible to my teachers, so I have set a vacation responder letting them know I won’t get right back to them, with a list of what to do if they have a question - google that, email a friend, etc.

I checked the sunscreen supply. It is getting pretty old- some of it years old. So I bought a new bottle- DH has a new tattoo and is very particular about it. I also bought a can of bug spray - Zika virus you know. I like to bring Tylenol PM. I have trouble sleeping away from home and it also helps if things are a little noisy, hopefully it will also ward off any consequences of drinking more that the usual “little bit on Friday nights.”

I have printed reservations and directions to Friday’s hotel.

Now it is just a matter of checking my lists multiple times while actually putting things in the suitcase and trying to get DH in the car at a reasonable hour Friday morning. Wish me luck

We board on the 31st. I'm so excited. Thanks for the live info it is great to see what we have to look forward to. What is the temperature?

Cute Toenails! Good choice on driving day before. Traffic here in FL can be hectic at the best of times but right now most of the major highways are under construction. Why must they do them all at once??????

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Forums mobile app

The preparations have truly begun.

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Forums mobile app

I think are going to do 26 to 95 and avoid Atlanta. The distance is about the same.

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Forums mobile app

I don’t have time to finish reading this thread tonite, so forgive me if someone has suggested this already. Find a motel or hotel in Port Canaveral where you can sleep and then leave your car in the parking lot for the entire week. I did this two years ago but can’t remember the name. We paid for one nights lodging, the next morning had their breakfast and caught the included shuttle to the port terminal. There must have been 40-50 families doing the same thing. We all left our cars in the two rows at the front of the hotel. You keep the keys. The following Saturday a shuttle picked us and our luggage, back to the same motel where loaded our car and drove off. It didn’t even cost $100. Your cheapskate, uh, frugal husband should love that.

 

Google: sleep park cruise Port Canaveral and you should find a dozen or so.

 

One more thing, I’m confused on your dates but I think you’re going Easter week? Did that in 2016. Drove on Good Friday. My 7 hour drive from Columbia took about 12-13 hours. 95 was a parking lot most of the way from the sheer volume of the entire population of the northeast going to Florida for the week. Stop and go then stop and crunch. Several seemingly little fender benders just made it worse. If I’d waited to leave until 4am Sat AM like I’d planned, we might have missed the ship.

Traffic was just as horrible a week later on the NB return trip.

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Forums mobile app

Quick note to OP - the UBP includes sodas, not sure if they will give it to you by the un-opened can :)

I am hoping they will, but have read on several other posts that you just get a cup. I plan to ask every time I order.

it's actually obsessive cruise planning disorder or OCPD

I am a proud member

OCPD!! I love it! I am looking forward to treatment in 9 days.

What do you all put in your GPS to get to the boat? My ride wants to know.

I will probably be staying at a hotel with a shuttle but I would think if you searched Port Canaveral it should take you right to it.

I second this. I would at least try to get to Orlando. During Spring Break/Holiday season, I like to call I-75 in Florida the land of the random burning car. I would say about 50% of the time I go south on that road in Florida during the holiday season, I run into some huge delay from a wreck or burning car. Plenty of cheap hotels in Orlando or Ocala (Which seems to be the southern end of random burning car zone).

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Forums mobile app

Check out the Econo Lodge on Merritt Island. It's inexpensive, quiet, has free parking where they watch your car from the office, and a shuttle to the port. The property is older but clean, has a nice pool, and the service was great too. I stayed in November and was very happy.

I did, they are booked but I think I found something that will work.

We sail on Epic's TA in 19 days. Hope you have a great cruise and have time to post your review before we hit the road. Go Dawgs. :D

I hope to get it done as soon as we return. Have fun!!

Please ell your service member thanks for his service.

I can’t help with the decision on whether to drive to the port a day early or not but I will give you something to think about. Your first full day will be Great Stirrup Cay and as I’m sure you know, more than a few times the water is too rough to tender so it might become a sea day after all.

 

I’m frugal too but I think I’d drive to within two hours of Port Canaveral and find a cheap hotel for the night and then finish the drive in the morning.

 

Regardless I’m sure you’ll have a great time on the Epic. I like your attitude of letting your hair down when on vacation, it’s the only way to cruise. FYI, recently CC member StayCool did a trip report on the Epic and posted a photo of a sign on deck 19 that read “bathing suits required in this area.” So it’s OK to let your husband hang out up there. :D

I saw SayCool's picture of the 19th deck. I think they were on one of the short spring break trips. I wonder if it will stay when the ship returns to 7 day itineraries. Thanks for the drive day advice, we do want to make sure we get there on time. I know I will have a great time, we always do no matter what the circumstances.

PLEASE, for your sanity sake, drive down to PC the FULL day before the cruise!! Leave home on Friday morning (as early as possible) and drive down - find a hotel/motel within your price range as close as to PC as possible (make sure the breakfast is included!!).

 

We were on a B2B cruise and did not need to attend muster drill on the 2nd leg. I was in an elevator some 30 mins before sailaway, and a family got into the elevator with suitcases ... they looked so flustered but relieved. I asked what happened ... they had driven down - only 5 hours from home and got stuck in massive traffic jam that added 4 hours to their journey! She said "never again! We'll fly next time", I said "drive down the DAY BEFORE", and he said "good idea".

Sounds like a very good argument to me. Thanks for the input.

[/img]

We are 13 days away and I am very excited. This is my current situation so I can't complain but salt air and sea breezes will be wonderful. For those still following along here are the things I am doing at this point to get ready.

We will be driving to Port Canaveral and our original plan along was to leave very early Saturday morning to arrive at the port around 1ish. However, the closer we get, the more I think we should leave Friday afternoon. 10 hours is a long trip and it leaves you exhausted the whole first day. If we had. a sea day first that would be ok, but I don't want to so some thought needs to go into this. I realise this is probably a no brainer for most, but it would be adding a hotel stay to our already expensive trip so we will have to mull it over. That mostly means I have to spend the week reminding him of how much he doesn't enjoy long drives and that we don't want to sleep through the first day. Tha car recently got an oil change and yesterday got new front tires. I also went ahead and cleaned the interior. One less thing to worry about the week of.

This week I have been looking at parking and think I will go with “Lots of Honor” it is a service-disabled veteran-owned business that helps the Homes for Troops program. So I get to feel charitable and save a little money. It will cost around $75 for the week. It would be around $120 to park at the port.

I am getting closer to actually putting things in my suitcase. I got one out and open so I can start moving things there. While I was thinking about packing I decided I better do a swimsuit check. It is a good thing that I did. I like to wear swim shorts when we do excursions- both for comfort and for coverability and my good pair has just about had it. So I headed over to Lands End to put in an order. I got lucky and found a beautiful white cover up in the clearance tab that I can wear to the White Hot party. Bonus for me. I also doubles checked to make DH has shoes for the river tubing trip. He's not a sandles guy so I hadn't seen them in a while.

I have mentioned that we won’t purchase the wifi package, so I have been looking at where I can check in while we are gone. We have republic wireless phone service so if I can find some wifi, I can check emails and send texts back home. Looks like my easiest access, free wifi is going to be at: GC Margaritaville, Cozumel- Senor Frogs and Hard Rock, and Ocho Rios - Margaritaville. We are leaving a 21 year old at home. I am always hopeful that he will reassure me regularly that everything is fine at home, I am also always disappointed in this wish. He likes make me ask. He is a good kid and everything is always fine, however, it’s a mom’s job to worry right?

I have added the following to my what to do onboard list I found the suggestions during my CC reading but forgot to write who said so I can't do a shoutout.

The escape game- Sign up for under the big top 11;15-2;30 @headliners 4:15-6:45 Box office. I create digital breakouts for my teachers and students and I think I will enjoy this.

When eating at Taste have the crab cake stuffed potato skins and grouper sandwiches- thanks bostongal965.

On my list for next week is to download the iConcierge app - so I can have my scheduled things on my phone. Print directions to the parking place, a walking map of Cozumel, and any other stray paperwork.

Thursday at work I mentioned my countdown to Spring Break and my friend made fun of me for keeping track. I said I'm going on a cruise and am really excited. She said me too! I ask where to, then when leaving, and are you on the Epic? She is! How fun! I hope she is not disappointed when she finds out how unteacher like I can be when on vacay.i am in a somewhat supervisory position and am considered central office personnel. I dress up everyday and work very hard to always be professional in everything I do. On this trip I don't plan to wear anything other than swimsuits and running shorts ( not because I run, because I don't). Remember I have to meet my drink quota daily so I'm not sure how that is going to look. Oh well it is time she find out that I play just as hard as I work.

I've been thinking about what to do Easter Sunday. We always go to the Sonrise service at our church. So I think I have decided to get up just before sunrise and have a moment of prayer and reflection. Go back to bed for a nap, then we can take our time at breakfast, let those in a hurry get on the first tenders, then make our way to GSC peacefully.