myfamilyluvs2cruise Posted July 10, 2012 Author #51 Share Posted July 10, 2012 (edited) After the surprise- We opened a bar tab, ordered a ridiculous amount of mojitos, smiled as the kids danced the cha-cha slide, and tried to take it all in. My DH was in such a state of shock . . . and then the man that I have only seen cry at the birth of our children and the passing of parents began to tear up. I think he was overwhelmed with the sheer number of people from different friendship groups that were there. I mentioned earlier that he is the best guy, and I think that is truly why we were able to pull off such a good group surprise. After our time in the disco was up, we all went up to see our rooms. We were all (with 2 exceptions) on the same floor in the aft section of the ship. We had some extended balconies and an aft wrap, and we were able to eventually get the divider opened up, which made for a fun party area. Our rooms were great- and I think everyone was pleased. It was nice that we could all be together. I guess I should mention that over half the people there were cruise virgins- so I had no idea what they were expecting. A few of them had made it clear that they had no intent or desire to ever cruise, and they were only going because of my DH. I was a little nervous about that, but was pretty confident they were going to have fun, no matter what. The balcony was so large that most of us gathered on our aft wrap balcony (which was AMAZING) - and opened a bottle (or 5 J) of wine. We laughed and chatted, and the kids were coming and going. It was a really great moment. Looking down from our balcony at the pier- I was shocked by the amount and type of food being loaded up. Bushels and bushels of carrots, watermelons, soda- it was so interesting to see! We met the people above us and next to us- all very nice. The couple on the aft wrap above us was really a hoot- and told us they would be getting married at Lindquist Beach on St Thomas- and I will write more about that later. (A little foreshadowing to keep you on the edge of your seat. . . J) We were thoroughly enjoying settling in, watching everyone come and go- have drinks and relax. It was then time for the muster drill. I did notice a more serious tone than in the past, which was good. The cruise virgins in our group were really taking it all in too . . . It was quick and painless- and then we were off to St Thomas! I had pre-arranged a dinner at the Steakhouse. The Carnival Group lady I worked with was amazing- she organized it so we would all fit into one side of the restaurant- which allowed us socialize and not disturb or be seen by any other guests- as I figured we might be loud and we did not want to ruin anyone else's dinner. About half of us had not yet receive our luggage- so we were half “cruise elegant” attire and have “elegant t-shirt” attire. But we were so happy to all be together, it didn’t matter. The service there was exceptional in each and every way. They offered to cut up our children’s meat- as the knives were sharp. The continually filled our wine glasses. They fed the kids first so they could leave and not get restless- they really bent over backwards. At one point, I stood up to say a few words to our group, and the manager of the steakhouse came running with a wireless microphone! Bad idea to give me a microphone after several drinks J, but nevertheless- they were so service oriented! Our dinners were fabulous- and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the meal. I did realize that the tip was indeed in the total- as I had already prepaid the $30 a person and they gave me no additional bill. I asked her about it, and she said we were all taken care of. There are conflicting accounts of that issue on these boards, but the gratuity was definitely included in our case. I asked her for a separate slip so we could tip additionally, and we added (15%), however, as we were so grateful for all that they did to accommodate our large party. It is challenging to handle a large group like that with grace and ease- and they did it really well! We went back to check on our luggage- which was indeed there. We changed out of our “T-shirt elegant” attire, and spruced up and unpacked. I had a liter of super glue strong hold hairspray that had completely dumped out in my suitcase- predominantly in my running shoes of all places. So I rinsed everything out and threw them in the laundry facility- which was SO convenient! As we walked back out we met Tony our steward. WHAT A GEM!!!! I cannot say enough about how kind and helpful (and tolerant) he was. We all tipped him upfront to keep our ice buckets full- and from that moment on- the ice was flowing like crazy! J I know there are varying opinions on tipping up front or at the end of the cruise (we all did both)- but I felt like our group might be a little bit of extra maintenance due to our size- and I wanted him to know we would take care of him. We then headed off to the Habana Bar- where Music Motion was playing. They were AWESOME- just like I had read here on CC. We all danced on the floor and sang- and had a ball. I will say that I was shocked that it was pretty much dead in that bar, with the exception of our 34 adults there were probably only 10 other people. I had read so much here about the live music and the Asian bands, and I was surprised more people did not take advantage of such a cool venue with a really fun band! Maybe that is why there is talk of discontinuing the live music? But there is much more to discuss about the live music . . . stay tuned J. After Music Motion took a break we moved on to the Disco. We danced some more and had a good time. But again, it was completely empty, except for our group there were probably 8 people in there. After a couple of songs, we realized were all zombies from all the excitement and fun- and most of us hung it up for the night. Our bed was super comfortable. Our room was spacious and clean. Our youngest daughter was in our room (it was a 3 berth) on the couch that converted to a bed. She said in her sweet little voice as she was falling asleep that this was the best trip ever . . . J And that was just day one! I will definitely post some pictures tomorrow morning. Thanks for reading my review!!! Edited July 10, 2012 by myfamilyluvs2cruise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myfamilyluvs2cruise Posted July 10, 2012 Author #52 Share Posted July 10, 2012 (edited) we saw you guys on the ship. we to where zone 2 getting on the ship. we had a great trip sounds like you all did too. Oh- did you see the blue t-shirted group? We were in normal clothes- and I was the one biting my fingernails and pacing- haha. I am so glad you had a great trip! What was not to like though, right? It was awesome! Edited July 10, 2012 by myfamilyluvs2cruise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gbphatcat Posted July 10, 2012 #53 Share Posted July 10, 2012 wow awesome so far can't wait to read more and see pics of this celebration Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texarribean Chick Posted July 10, 2012 #54 Share Posted July 10, 2012 AWWWWW - I must see pics of that sweet little face now. :) She said in her sweet little voice as she was falling asleep that this was the best trip ever . . . J And that was just day one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pcrum Posted July 10, 2012 #55 Share Posted July 10, 2012 Oh my...I am in tears just reading through your first post. What a lovely surprise!! Your DH is a lucky man and it sounds like he is very deserving of this special surprise!! DH and I turn 50 in Dec. of this year, so we are also thinking of taking a cruise to celebrate, but it's been really tough finding a date when my 17 year old twins can travel. Don't really want them to miss school, so it's looking like a New Year's cruise perhaps (my birthday is 12/31). I can't wait to read the rest of your review!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
usafchick1980 Posted July 10, 2012 #56 Share Posted July 10, 2012 What a great surprise. I would have been going crazy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kjunea Posted July 11, 2012 #57 Share Posted July 11, 2012 I will nominate you for "Spouse of the Year" anytime you want! You rock! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DEERINH2O Posted July 11, 2012 #58 Share Posted July 11, 2012 Congrats on a great surprise. Love reading this!!! Kathy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruisecrzy3 Posted July 11, 2012 #59 Share Posted July 11, 2012 Loving this so far and you've only posted day one...lol! From one "insurance geek" to another, I can understand that all details must be planned for! ;) Sounds like all the planning and details were well worth it! This review is going to be fun and promises to have a lot of followers! Looking forward to hearing/reading more and seeing lots of pictures. Thanks for taking the time to do this. You're going to think you're planning your surprise all over again. Ready when you are! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lumberjack2012 Posted July 11, 2012 #60 Share Posted July 11, 2012 Sitting on the edge of my seat in TN...can't wait to hear more...:D This is just awesome! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SenatorsFan Posted July 11, 2012 #61 Share Posted July 11, 2012 How great are you?:) What a wonderful thing you did for your DH. I can't wait to read the rest of this love story. Heather Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunshinecruiser62 Posted July 11, 2012 #62 Share Posted July 11, 2012 I'm another one with tears in my eyes.....what a wonderful surprise! Looking forward to the rest of your review and pix!:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruiserBren Posted July 11, 2012 #63 Share Posted July 11, 2012 With all the problems you had in February, I'm so glad everything worked out for your surprise!! Loving your review so far!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LizaMM Posted July 11, 2012 #64 Share Posted July 11, 2012 Tears in my eyes and goosebumps!! What a great story/review! Thanks for posting. Glad you had a great time Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momof4boys Posted July 11, 2012 #65 Share Posted July 11, 2012 You may be in insurance but you could be a fabulous story telller......"forshadowing"...?!?! Usually only teachers use that vocabulary!!! (I know...I'm a teacher!) :D Can't wait for the rest. Please don't take too long....I leave Thursday for the Freedom on the 14th!!:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GAHart Posted July 11, 2012 #66 Share Posted July 11, 2012 What an AWESOME wife you are!!!!!!!!!!! :) Looking forward to reading more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverfoxcruiser Posted July 11, 2012 #67 Share Posted July 11, 2012 I know I am a sap, but I actually had to wipe away a tear as I read about the big surprise. I cannot wait to read more. You are a wonderful woman for getting all of this together for him! :) Ditto, except tears FLOWED!! How absolutely wonderful and amazing!:D Silver Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShellDil Posted July 11, 2012 #68 Share Posted July 11, 2012 Tears here too! Fabulous story! I can't wait to hear more! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickeymuffin Posted July 11, 2012 #69 Share Posted July 11, 2012 Subbing because I love this review :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrFunInTheSun Posted July 11, 2012 #70 Share Posted July 11, 2012 Can feel your energy through the keyboard. Bravo on pulling of an exciting party. Can't wait to read this exciting cruise and pictures. Thank you for sharing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myfamilyluvs2cruise Posted July 11, 2012 Author #71 Share Posted July 11, 2012 (edited) Thank you all so much for your awesome comments . . . you are making my tears flow. :) I am trying to post pictures, but not a techie and keep getting an error. I will keep trying Edited July 11, 2012 by myfamilyluvs2cruise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ComeSailWithME Posted July 11, 2012 #72 Share Posted July 11, 2012 Is that you are your husband? WOW, he doesn't look 50 at ALL!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myfamilyluvs2cruise Posted July 11, 2012 Author #73 Share Posted July 11, 2012 Is that you are your husband? WOW, he doesn't look 50 at ALL!! Yes, that is him! That was the night before the cruise. He does look pretty good. :D Thanks! It seems the only picture I can attach right now are the ones taken from a cell phone. Perhaps it is the size of them? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myfamilyluvs2cruise Posted July 11, 2012 Author #74 Share Posted July 11, 2012 Here is our group before boarding the bus for the pier . . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myfamilyluvs2cruise Posted July 11, 2012 Author #75 Share Posted July 11, 2012 Here is a side action view of our friend sitting at the bar, and everyone else hiding down below :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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