December 30. Sunday.
This was a bittersweet day. I had a blast with my family in New Orleans but I also had to say goodbye. The Dvo clan disembarked the ship that morning & hopped in a rental mini van bound for church. James, Rosie, & I grabbed a taxi and met them there. We attended Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, the well known local church I had visited before. It was a cultural experience for all!
After the service, we met at the delicious restaurant Oceania for lunch. It's in the French Quarter wedged between Royal & Bourbon Street. GrandMary had thoughtfully sent us a gift card to go there! Carter was very pleased, but he will literally eat anything these days. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch & final time of fellowship together. Afterwards the family & I wandered around the French Quarter, saw the historical cathedral, and poked around antique shops. It really is an amazing city packed full of art & culture.
Thirty minutes before I had to be back on board the ship I was struck with panic when I realized what time it was. The Saints game had just gotten out, traffic was terrible, and the clock was ticking. Saying goodbye to my family is always so hard but after a round of tearful hugs I tore myself away and began my trek back to the port. The sidewalks were so crowded and I'm sure I looked like a total hot mess crying and booking it down the street. I ran the last mile & arrived at the port gate just as a security guard was locking it. I screamed and startled the poor guy but managed to choke out a thank you through my sobs. I'm just such a Southern Belle. Lord willing, I made it up the gangway three minutes early. (For those of you who don't know, if you miss your ship you get fired. It's serious business.) That evening my normal routine resumed, and I attended the techs & shows with a heavy heart.
December 31. Monday.
It was almost a typical sea day. I worked the shopping talk, art auction, & then our show Band On the Run. After the show we all rushed back to our cabins to get changed for that nights festivities! I loved celebrating New Years Eve on a ship. All of your friends are in one place and no one has to drive home!
I started the night in James & Rosie's cabin toasting the end of a crazy year and the beginning on a new one! As I neared midnight we migrated up to the pool deck. It was packed with people & a giant screen over the pool displayed a digital clock counting down the minutes. Over the speaker system the captain led the crowd in the final countdown. The reggae band played while everyone screamed, kissed, & toasted each other. It was fabulous pandemonium.
January 1. Tuesday.
For obvious reasons everyone slept in that morning. Around noon a group of us shuffled off the ship and over to our favorite beach spot in Costa Maya. Patrick and I laid out and got ice cream. Lazy day in paradise.
That evening Big John & his wife invited the entire cast out for a special dinner. They were two American passengers who had all ready spent two weeks cruising with us and adored the production cast. They even brought Christmas presents for everyone. The dinner was amazing & seven courses long! Before each course the Executive Chef would come out and explain what we were about to eat. It was fantastic!
January 2. Wednesday.
I slept almost the entire day. Shout was canceled because Dana had hurt her foot the day before on the beach. That night I went out to dinner with James and Rosie.
January 3. Thursday.
That morning I was particularly unhappy during boat drill because Sophie & Montana were no longer in my station. They got assigned jobs as Assistant boat drill station leaders. Sad. Afterwards we had an entertainment meeting and cast weigh-ins. I worked in the dressing room the rest of the day. That night I had dinner with the Captain and went to the White Hot party.
January 4. Friday.
Cozumel! We all relaxed in the sun at No Name & I blogged. & Shout was rescheduled to that night.
January 5. Saturday.
Just another day of the always crazy show, Elements!
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