We couldn't wait to get onto the Liberty of the Seas. A friend of Kristen's (who had been on this cruise before) told us to get to the pier by 10:00 a.m. to beat the long lines, although the ship did not set sail until 4:30 p.m. Since Liberty of the Seas accommodates 3634 passengers, we decided this was an excellent idea!
Kristen's husband and four sons drove us to the pier that morning in a 15-passenger rental van. The terminal was already abuzz with activity--passengers still leaving from the previous cruise, as well as lines of people already boarding. It was lucky that we arrived early as one daughter had significant difficulty boarding (the names on her two forms of I.D.--drivers license and birth certificate--did not match up). This required an extra I.D. to be faxed, which turned into 1 1/2 hours of wait time. There was another glitch, as well. It became necessary for Gary to exit the ship following check in to return the rental van key to Kristen's husband, Aaron. Gary had to wait in another long line to reboard. So a big THANK YOU to Kristen's friend for encouraging us to board the ship early!!
Once on board, we checked out our staterooms, then enjoyed a relaxing lunch in the Windjammer Cafe. During lunch, we could see raindrops on the picture windows of the cafe. Would setting sail be a rainout? But no worries! Soon the sun was out, the skies were blue and it was time to get a place on deck for the Set Sail Party. The view of downtown, the Bay of Miami and Miami Beach were out of this world!
Our first dinner in the dining room was scrumptious! Mr. Dinc and his group of waiters ushered in dessert singing "Happy Birthday" to Gary. They presented him with a small cake with lighted candle in honor of his 60th birthday. Of course, the total cruise was one long birthday celebration. Then it was off to the Platinum Theater for the first show of the cruise.
While there is always an element of hassle involved in boarding a ship (getting to the pier, checking luggage, waiting in line, checking in, unpacking, etc.) this was a fun, exciting day for our family ... a special time to honor an extraordinary hero in each of our lives, Gary W. Williams. We love you!
