10/02/2023
Since we have a lot of first-time- cruisers coming with us, let's talk about boarding the Wish. IF you are PIF (paid-in-full), you can check in online 30 days before the cruise. I believe that is Sept 20 at midnight? (I'll double check that). They'll ask you your ID information and on the last page you should be able to pick a PAT (port arrival time). Pick the earliest one available. Then as a group the next day, we'll see whoever has the latest time and that's when Tom and I will have the bus come get you at HOME2 because you can arrive later but not earlier than your PAT.
Now for the fun part. After you drop off your bags, check in, and go through security and all that "stuff" at the port, you'll get a boarding group number. You hang out till they call your number. It goes fast.
When you are ready to board a crew member will ask you your family name. SO if you're not married get prepared now. Tom and I are announced as the Smitten Family (cause he's smitten with me). You can do Disney Characters or groups or themes and even if you do have the same name, you can still change it for fun.
As you step on board, they use a microphone and announce your family. Get ready to video tape it, cause it's cool.
I'm pretty sure Tom and I board early to meet with the wedding coordinator. If we are finished with our meeting, we'll be in the atrium to video everyone getting announced.
Once on board, you're on your own for a few hours before muster. Explore the ship, find out which of the restaurants are open for lunch and enjoy a sit-down lunch, or head to the self-serve restaurant (we like the sit down), after lunch find the free-soft -serve ice cream machine even if you had dessert! and the flavors change each day.
You are usually allowed in your rooms around 1:00 so you can unpack and get settled. and head to the pools (or bars). Drinks of the day are usually reasonably priced, and they change each day.
Around 4:00 they will have muster so you have to meet at whatever station is on your Key Card. MAKE SURE YOU SHOW UP...Gail... because no one can leave till everyone gets there and they will go find you.
We are at first seating for dinner. We go to a different restaurant each night but the wait-staff follows us. I'll talk more about each restaurant later.