Embarkation

Here it is, the Carnival Destiny.



Embarkation. This was something we had feared, as our last experience was not the best. We had to wait in very long lines to check-in and board the ship. But, we were hoping our VIP status would change all of that (honestly, we don't know how we got it, but we were glad we had it).

We arrived at the terminal an hour before embarkation was to begin. But, we thought we would be pretty close to the first in line. Turns out, we didn't have to wait. We walked into the terminal and there were two lines (longer) snaking around to the x-ray machines. A person stopped and asked if we needed help and we said that we have VIP boarding passes. VIP, no problem. We were escorted to the front of the roped line, allowed in and were told to put our bags on the x-ray machine (now, this was ahead of all of those who had been waiting in line). So far, so good.

We headed up the escalator's to the check-in area. We looked for the VIP line and discovered it was not a line, but a room. So, we walked in to what I best can describe as a fancy airport lounge. They promptly asked for our names and asked us to have a seat. They would call us when they were ready. We waited no more than 5 minutes. Once our name was called, we handed them our ID's and they handed us our Sign and Sail cards (your lifeline while on the ship) and away we went.

We proceeded to the nearest escalator to have our embarkation photo taken and to board the ship.



The photo is much better than the one we took in San Diego a couple of years ago. We realized what they were doing this time (last time we stood 20 ft. apart from each other and didn't smile). I think it turned out nice.

We boarded the ship only to find out our room was not ready. We were bummed, as we had carried on some of our luggage. But, we decided to explore the ship and take more photos of the Miami skyline.











We had reserved a suite and were excited to see what it looked like. We discovered it had a dressing area with a walk-in closet, a "double-wide" balcony and a whirlpool tub (which neither of us used). Oh, and if you look closely at the bathroom photos, the white box on the wall is a hair dryer. Honestly, the wierdest looking hair dryer I have ever seen.















We proceeded to unpack and wait to be called to our muster station for our life safety drill. Now, Joel will not allow me to share with you his photo of this drill (you should ask him why), but mine is below.



We headed back to our room to prepare for the ship's departure. We opted to sit out on our deck and watch as the other ships left, including the huge Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas.





By the time we left port at 6:00 p.m., it was raining. We couldn't take any more pictures from the Lido deck before leaving, so we opted to have one of the ship photographers take our photo (we had decided that we would have them do this every day). Here are some of the photos they took.







Our cruise had assigned dinner seating and we were anxious to meet those we would be having dinner with throughout our cruise. We had such a positive experience on our last cruise that we were hoping to have the same, if not better, experience this time. We were not disappointed.

Cole and Cecilia are a young couple from New York. She is from Brooklyn and he is from the Bronx. They were great and we really enjoyed getting to know them.



Well, our cruise has begun. We are sailing to our first destination...Ochos Rios, Jamaica.

Miami, Florida...The Beginning

Now, I told you yesterday that I would let Mommy and Daddy use my blog to tell you all about their vacation (as long as I got to tell you about mine). So, I have now told you how much fun I had at Aunt Angie's house. Now, I will let Mommy and Daddy tell you all about their vacation. I told them to start from the beginning...

Once we dropped Cosmo off at Aunt Angie's house, Joel and I made our way to the MSP airport. Much to our surprise, there were plenty of parking spaces and very short security lines. Once we made it through security, we got a bite to eat at McDonald's (knowing we wouldn't be eating there for some time).

We boarded our flight to Miami (which was mostly full) and we took off on time (never happens). We arrived in Miami a few minutes ahead of schedule and our luggage was one of the first ones off (again, never happens).

We took a Taxi to our hotel (which was under construction. We checked into our huge room (it was a conference room and a bedroom. But, it overlooked the cruise terminal so we would be able to see our ship in port.

This was the view from our hotel room...





Once we settled in, we went down and asked the bellman where was the nearest place to eat. It was at this point that we should have realized we were not in downtown Miami (as previously advertised). He indicated at a place called "Bayside" was about 10 blocks away. So, Joel and I set out to walk the 10 blocks. Needless to say, it was somewhat creepy. There was no one around - and I mean no one. Again, there was no way we were in downtown Miami.

Once we arrived at Bayside, we went looking for a place to eat a late lunch/early dinner. Also, Joel recognized Bayside. He said that when he was in Miami a few years ago on business that his friend Nick had taken him there for dinner and drinks.

Anyways, we found a little place to eat and then decided there was no way we were going to walk the 10 blocks back to the hotel. We found a cab and headed back.

Later that evening, we decided to charge our iPods before getting on the ship tomorrow. It was then that Joel brought the wrong charger and that we needed to get another one. We opted to hop in a cab late that night and go back to bayside to find one.

Our cab driver did not have change - so Joel needed to get some. We gave him $5 before heading to get some change. But, something wierd happened - all of the cab drivers got in their cars and spead off - including ours. And, at the same time, I wathced someone get mugged and the ";robber" take off running with someone's belongings. Needless to say - I wanted to get out of their was quickly as possible.

We made it back to the hotel and called it a night. When we woke up the next morning - there were three ships in port.







Our ship was in the middle of the pack (we eventually learned). Anyways, we packed up our stuff and took one last picture before checking out and heading to the boat.



We waited forever for the elevators and once we arrived in the lobby we realized why. There were a ton of people checking out and heading to cruise ships as well. Clearly, we had picked a popular hotel. But, Joel and I agree, one we would not come back to.

We checked out and caught a cab to the Port of Miami to start our long-awaited vacation...

My Vacation was a Blast

As many of you know, Mommy and Daddy went on a Caribbean Cruise last week. Well, I got to go on a vacation too.

It started out as any other Friday. I usually go to day camp on Friday's - so nothing seemed out of the ordinary, except Daddy was getting ready at the same time as Mommy (usually, he doesn't get dressed until after Mommy leaves for work in the morning).

Much to my surprise, Daddy and Mommy were both taking me to day camp (or so I thought). But, Mommy let me ride in the front seat with her on her lap. Usually, I have to ride in my crate. I fell asleep, assuming that we would arrive at day camp shortly. But, that wasn't the case.

Mommy and Daddy pulled up to a house. The house looked familiar to me - but I couldn't quite place it. Daddy picked me up while Mommy got all of my "stuff" together. And then, Daddy rang the doorbell and who do I see? It was my cousin Clyde (another Havanese). I was so excited. Daddy put me down and Clyde and I ran around with each other! Caroline was there as well - so I gave her a few kisses.

So, if I had to be away from my Mommy and Daddy, this was the way to do it. I slept with Natalie, Ellie and Clyde! Uncle Rock would take me on walks (and so would the girls). And, Clyde and I got to play a lot during the day (it was like going to day camp). I had a blast. And, Natalie told Mommy and Daddy that she wished I could stay longer. Isn't that sweet!

Thanks again for taking care of me!

Clyde



"The Girls"



Mommy and Me

Happy Halloween!

I am so excited. Today is Halloween. Today is the day all of the kids in the neighborhood stop by in their best costumes to get candy from me!

I am relieved that Mommy and Daddy made it home from their vacation in time for tonight's festivities! I am not so sure about the outfit they chose for me, but it works. Orange is my color.









For those of you wondering if Mommy and Daddy had a good time on their cruise, they did. They have so many stories and photos to share with all of you. I told them it was OK to use my blog to share them with you. But, I told them I would have to tell them about my vacation too. So, watch for all of our stories in the next couple of days.

Fall Cleaning

Mommy and Daddy have been working hard around the house this weekend. Yesterday, Daddy went and put all of these little flags in the yard. Mommy said it was to make sure Daddy didn't run the sprinkler heads over when working in the yard this weekend. I was too tired to care. But, Daddy looked kinda funny doing it.





Then, they cleaned out the garage. I really don't like it when I can hear them but I can see them. I just want to hang out with them all the time. But, Mommy said I would have gotten really dirty (and lord knows that Mommy doesn't like a dirty dog). But, today has been particularly disturbing. A group of men showed up at the neighbor's across the street very early this morning. They are working on putting a new roof on the house - but I can't stand all of the bangining. And, then Daddy decided he needed to go outside and do something in the lawn (I don't like the sound of the lawn mower). So, I was having a very hard time trying to decide what to focus on. Mommy caught it all on video. By the way, Daddy did something wierd to the lawn. It looks like a goose pooped all over the lawn.

Anyways, I want to say hi to Cheri. She met with Mommy and Daddy early this week about the photos she took of me in August. They came home with lots of photos (they look really cute. I must admit I take good pictures). Also, I want to give a shout out to Grandma. I am glad you where able to have your Chemo this week. I am sure you are anxious to get it over with. But, hang in there! I am thinking of you all of the time!

Ring Around Wabasha

What a busy weekend! Mommy and Daddy got out of bed very early yesterday morning. They didn't tell me why, so I just thought maybe it was like a normal morning. I went downstairs to eat while Mommy got ready to go. Then, Daddy got out my leash and collar and I thought I was going to go to day camp. But, I wasn't. They told me that we were going to Wabasha to see Grandpa and all the kids. We were going to participate in "Ring Around Wabasha," a charity walk named in honor of Grandma.

I went last year too, but I couldn't walk the whole way. I was really little. So, I was excited to show everyone that I could walk the whole way this year! I got to see the ducks again (last year was the first time I had seen a duck). Can you spot the ducks (and swans) in the picture below?



I was very excited to see all of the kids. I got to play with all of them. Here I am with Sam and Abby before the walk.



But, before we left on the walk, a friend of mine showed up for the walk as well. Clyde! That's right, Clyde came for the walk too! I was so happy to see Clyde (and I had a blast playing with him all day yesterday). Nathalie and Ellie said that they were having a hard time telling us apart. Can you tell us apart?







Well, this year I finished the walk all on my own (I led the way). I had such a blast. I can't wait to go back next year.





Oh, and before I sign-off for the day, I want to wish Grandpa and Uncle Chris a happy birthday!

Clancy and Me

Many of you know that Clancy is my best friend. He goes with me everywhere. When I go to day camp, he rides along with me (and then he gets to go to work with Mommy). I sleep with him and I play with him. He is never too far away from me.



Mommy and Daddy tried to catch me playing with Clancy today (but I don't think they had too much success). But, they thought Grandma would like to see me running around (I know she really likes that).