2-8-2004  embarkation on our first ever cruise:

After spending a wonderful week in Orlando, we were now embarking on our first ever cruise.  We spent the night by the Orlando airport and took a Disney Cruise shuttle to the port Canaveral.  It was about an hour ride, but they had tv monitors throughout the bus with videos of the Disney ships and their cruises which made us even more excited about our cruise. 

Got a kick out of the decor even on the outside of the ship!

 We made our way through the lines and onto the ship without much trouble.

 Even the entrance onto the ship is cute.

 I also liked how they announced our name over the intercom and welcomed us as we enter the ship.

 We boarded the ship around 1:30 and were directed to the Lido deck for lunch.

Rooms weren't ready yet, so everyone was sent to lunch. By the time we got to the restaurant the inside seating was full so we sat outside. A cold front had moved in the day before and it was COLD and WINDY.  But the food on the Lido buffet was very good.

 The cabins on the Disney ships are pretty nice for a cruise ship.  Also in the room was a small fridge, coffee table, desk, amble closet, safe, tv with satellite programming, and a bathroom with a shower/tub combination (something not many "cheap" cabins on other ships have). We were in an inside cabin, which I decided i don't care much for because of the lack of windows and light during the day.

 Another unique feature of the Disney ships are the fold down couches that make a twin bed.

 I really liked that there was a curtain that pulled all the way across the area where the bed is.

 neat lamp shade in our room

 small tv, but we weren't there to watch tv

 I loved the little individual packets of bath and shower stuff.

 After the rooms were ready and our luggage was delivered, we hit the jacuzzi for a little while. Before shove off, the muster drill had to be done, so we cut our jacuzzi enjoyment short and headed back to our room to get ready for the drill.  That was back in the days when you had to show up to your muster station with your life preserver on.

 With that done, we headed to the Palo restaurant to registered for dinner there that night, stopping to admire things around the ship along our way.

 So I don't forget what room we had----

 Cute family pool

 Then we stood on deck and watched as we sailed away.

 it looked like a cold winter day---and it was.

 Lots of kids playing basketball

 and we're off!

 Good bye Cape Canaveral---won't see you again this trip, unfortunately!

 At 7:30 we reported to Palo's (their special restaurant with an extra charge for dinner). 

 The service was very very good.

 The waiter not only brought us what we ordered, but also samples of other items to try.

 Dinner was great, too!

 The whole dining experience took about 3 1/2 hours.

 It was worth every penny

 BAck at our room---

 After dinner, we waddled around the boat some more.

 Eventually came upon the ESPN bar, so we caught the 2nd half of the pro-bowl game.

  That was the year Bulger was their All-star player and doing well for my home town Rams.

 Another of the pools

 One of the snack areas on board.

painting on the ceiling.

 Day one was behind us and so far, so good.