Pulling away from the dock...Is there anything like it?

[Slam308]

There's no feeling quite like when you first pull away from the dock. Knowing that nothing else matters, no one's going to call you. For the next seven days, there's not a darn thing you can do about anything, so why worry. Work, family, in-laws, out-laws, for 7 days they don't matter.

Except for missing my puppies, there's no "real world" thought that crosses my mind. Anyone else out there feel this euphoria? Tell me about it!

[CoronaCpl]

Slam, you are SO RIGHT! We get that rush when we look out over the side of the ship and see we're pulling away. We try to be on the top deck at that moment. Not a worry. Not a care. Everything bad seems to slip away and be left behind at the port. Gotta love it!

 

Conversely, the worst part of the cruise (to us) is the last night. Rush to pack, rush to figure out how we're getting off the ship, rush...rush... We get this sad feeling on the last night, knowing when we wake up we'll be rejoined with everything we had happily left behind a week or so earlier. Bummer....

[Slam308]

Corona,

That's why we're finally doing a back to back. I want that feeling to last. I hate seeing those elevator floor mats hit Saturday. I think by the second week we'll be ready to head home.

That total abandonment of reality though....that's what I'm talking about!!

[wraithe]

There's no feeling quite like when you first pull away from the dock. Knowing that nothing else matters, no one's going to call you. For the next seven days, there's not a darn thing you can do about anything, so why worry. Work, family, in-laws, out-laws, for 7 days they don't matter.

Except for missing my puppies, there's no "real world" thought that crosses my mind. Anyone else out there feel this euphoria? Tell me about it!

 

Pull away was fabulous on Grandeur last year. Lisa and I were in our cabin on the balcony. This time plan to be on deck so we can participate in the party(ies). Looking forward to meeting you for your second week on the B2B!

Wraithe

[Slam308]

Wraithe,

We'll save the seats. See ya at the Sky Bar.

[Firefighterhoop]

I agree with you! That is one of the best feelings of the whole trip. My favorite spot is to be on the helipad in the front of the ship if we are on a ship with one! Great feeling to be out there, usually a lot quieter then anywhere else too!

[kenandlaura06]

I can't wait for that feeling...4 more months to go!

[threeofus]

Without a doubt the most exciting time....

The thing I really love about cruising is that everyone's vacation is starting at the same exact time.

When you check into a hotel there are people coming, and going...people there on business...but on a cruise everyone is exactly at the same place and the excitement is ...well I was going to say contagious...but that is a poor choice...well, you know what I mean.

[Pumbaamd]

On our last Brilliance cruise from Miami, there were other then us, four more ships in Miami that we passed on the way out (Majesty, Explorer and Radiance and CCL Imagination). All the shouting back and forth, all the ship's horn's blowin' to and fro, it's just a terrific sight. Right near the breakwater on the Miami Beach side, people in the condo's and those on the beach wave and holler as we go by. It's a fantastic site and time to turn off your cell phone.

Sailing out of Port Canavral, there are some bars and restaurants along the inlet. They also participate in a huge way as the cruise ship's leave the port. It definitely is an outstanding way to begin your cruise.

[scotts8826]

Where do you like to be on the ship when it pulls away from the dock? What place gives a great view? Anywhere dock side? Someone mentioned the heliopad. I will be sailing on the Rhapsody in two weeks. Where should I head after muster?

[Maryfrei]

We did a one night cruise on the Norwegian Spirit last Nov. We didn't sail until after dark. We were sitting in a lovely little french restaurant at a table for two by the window, with the New York skyline as our view. I still close my eyes and relive that sweet memory.

[LuvMyVette]

Pulling away from the dock is an awesome feeling. The thought of cruising for several days, not worrying about anything at home, no house chores, etc. is fantastic. I'm up on deck by the railing watching the NYC skyline and taking pictures. Going under the Verrazano Bridge is amazing and everyone is pumped up and ready to watch. On Voyager we made it by ten feet and it's so cool. Everyone goes crazy and it's one huge party. You can't describe the feeling but it's excellent.

Slam308 ~ We're doing our first B2B in September and can't wait. 14 days on a ship... I don't think I can handle it! :D Have a great time and enjoy!

[Daisy May]

Scotts8826. You are going to have a great time. We usuallly do the sail away party by the pool. Right after muster drill go by the pool, get the beverage of your choice and lean out the windows as you watch Galveston slip away. Be sure and look for the pod of dolphins that always seem to be in the channel and escort the ship out. I usually see them on the starboard side. Take care of the Rhapsody as we will be getting on her May 14th. Have a great time.

 

Sherry

[Nliedel]

I wander the ship during sailaway, different places and different feelings to go with each one. I love it.

[CruisinMommas]

Slam I love to watch as the ship leaves and as we dock in a new place. Where in appx. in Burlington County are you? We are from that area too. Looking for a reliable limo service to Cape Liberty.

[CoronaCpl]

BURLCO? I know that area! Pemberton. You folks living that close to Cape Liberty are lucky - multiple ships from which to choose... me, I only have one choice that is local (15 minutes away) - Grandeur.

[Let'sGo!]

The moment you leave the dock is great... but unfortunately I'm so caught up in the moment I don't even realize we're moving most of the time!

 

For me - the reality rush sets in the moment I step off the walkway and onto the ship itself. That's when I realize I don't have a pager or a Blackberry or anything!

[TC Cruiser]

I love the feeling of the ship moving away for the first time. Once we were scheduled to depart San Juan at 10:00 p.m. but so many passengers were arriving late due to bad weather that the ship stayed put for another three hours. Even though I had been up since 4:30 that morning I had to stay awake for it!

[Sheffie]

It is what dreams are made of.

[OPSoccermom]

Slam and Wraithe, you're making me sooo jealous!

 

When you have your drinks at the Sky Bar, ask for Archie. He's the most generous with the alcohol - we would have him "fix" the drinks that the pool waiters delivered. We met him during sail-away and for the first time on a cruise, we didn't make it to every bar on board. Thanks to Archie, we didn't want to go to any other bar.

 

Tell him hi from the cigar smoking, BBC drinking gang from last March. We still miss him. Hopefully we'll find a suitable replacement on Serenade this April.

[Firefighterhoop]

Where do you like to be on the ship when it pulls away from the dock? What place gives a great view? Anywhere dock side? Someone mentioned the heliopad. I will be sailing on the Rhapsody in two weeks. Where should I head after muster?

 

I would for sure be on the dock side which is the Starboard side (Right when facing forward). There are several restaraunts you will pass. There is nothing on the Port (L) Side to see. If you want to be where it is Noisy go to the Pool area, for quieter times, I usually go up front. Depends on the mood:)

 

There is NO helipad on the Rhapsody, so upstairs on Deck 10 is the best by far.

 

Have Fun!

[2ladies]

Recently, since joining Cruise Critic, on every sailing we have arranged a sailaway rendezvous aft on the open deck. Leaving Ft. Lauderdale on the port side, the condos blow horns etc. and the ship replies!!!

[huskerdude]

I agree, there is a wonderful feeling when you step on board. There is a great feeling to get that first drink of the day, at noon. There's a great feeling when you can finally get into your room and check it out. But without a doubt, the best feeling is being on the top deck as you pull away from the port. No more worries about your daily life. It all just blows away in the sea air that gently blows in your face. Ah, the sea air. One of the best feelings I have ever experienced. Maybe that's one of the reasons we keep trying to get back on a ship, any ship.

[above sea level cruiser]

There's no feeling quite like when you first pull away from the dock.

 

I agree, so long as your on the ship........................................:D

[njoyndride]

When the engines fire up after the muster drill and I feel that sweet vibration in th floor....best foot massage in the world :D !