So, I'm an old Naval Officer and have an ingrained, deep seeded, welded to my DNA FEAR of missing the ship's movement. You just don't even know. DW tolerates my insanity. We drive to FL from VA and stay overnight at the same hotel in Port Orange so we have an hour drive to PC arriving around 9:30. Out of NY, we're up at 4 to get to Manhattan early. Again: MUSTN'T MISS THE SHIP.
On warm mornings, we hang out on deck 3 of the PC parking garage waiting for the terminal to open. Translation: Dad holds place in line while DW & 3 kids frolic in excitement with MANY pictures taken.
Once terminal opens up, quickly through security, check in and (used to) pick up Mickey Bands. Kids are all Edge+, so that's all over. We've not been lower than group 3 (we're Gold), so it's a quick wait watching TV/Reading Books (specially purchased and held back for this time). DW isn't a fan of crowds, so it's early in and early aboard (satisfying my fears). Kids roam a bit, but it's not too long of a wait. One time though on W. Carib, Fantasy was late out of CC for previous cruise due to medical emergency. As such, they were ~2 hours behind sked so the wait was a bit longer.
Excitement builds for all 5 of us until boarding begins and then it's off!
No boarding picture - not really our thing. Just wanna get aboard!
One of the kids provides name for announcement. DS did it last time. DD1 will get her turn IN 45 DAYS. DD2 gets her turn (again) IN 105 DAYS.
We like to take the midship elevator up to the pool deck. Walking through the pool area seems to solidify that we're really there. Dunno why
Usually lunch at Cabanas or BBB (as was). This time, I've convinced DW to have sit down lunch. Maybe
We used to turn the horde...I mean our wonderful children...loose in the pools/slides while we hangout topside. Now, they're all more interested in the Edge, so we'll explore some inside-type relaxation. Good cuppa joe at the coffee shop sounds good.
When the cabins are ready, we head down to unpack. I'm well trained: I do what she says.
We summon the demons...er, kids...to the room via the Navigator app to muster as a group. Again, old Naval Officer: thou shalt not get lost.
Sailaway party used to be fun, but the kiddos want to head to Edge, so I think that DW & I will either head to the Veranda or Promenade for sailaway next time.
We prefer main dining seating and dress for dinner every night, so it's back to the room for last minute pressing of shirts/dresses...before we head to our dinner.
On the longer cruises, we give the night 1 show a pass. Otherwise, we'll hit the show/entertainment. I always say a little prayer hoping to get Michael Holly as an entertainer. DW & I laughed 'til we were silly.
Anyway, at this point, it's full swing and underway!