Bahamas, Day 1: Getting There

Greetings from somewhere in the middle of Atlantic Ocean!

It was a VERY early start to the day. I was up at 2:30 a.m. finishing packing to be ready for the taxi to pick me up at 4 a.m. so that I could make my 6 a.m. flight at DCA. Even for a perpetual early bird like myself, it was early. I needed some caffeine reinforcements ASAP. Thank goodness for Dunkin Donuts.

And I think I am officially old. While I was waiting in the security line, the kid (16 years oldish) behind me was playing one of those handheld video games at annoying loud volume especially at 5 a.m . Finally, I had to turn around and ask, "Can you please turn the volume on that down?" He obliged and actually apologized. And then the five elderly people in line behind him thanked me.

I have always been told that cruises are a lesson in overpacking and I am very proud to report that I, the perpetual overpacker, managed to not have to check any luggage. I carried on one suitcase. GO ME!!!

My flights to Atlanta and Orlando were on time and actually early. So not long after leaving rainy, chilly D.C., I was in humid, sunny Orlando. Since I am completely incapable of sleeping on planes, trains, or automobiles, I was entirely grateful for the travel care package from my parents that included the Season 1 DVD of Gossip Girl (who else is super excited for the Season 2 premiere on Monday!?!?!)

A rep for Royal Caribbean met me by the escalator by baggage claim. It was actually kind of weird because she walked up to me, holding a sign that said "Royal Caribbean" and asked if I was Rebecca. LOL, I have no idea how she knew. Shockingly enough, I do not travel with a sign that says "Hi! I am Rebecca!"

And then I joined my fellow Sovereign of Sea-ers on a coach bus to head off to Port Canaveral. The joy of having crazy patterned luggage is that you can always spot it. And for once, my bright blue tropical luggage was actually destination appropriate.

My sister and her family used to live in Cocoa Beach so it was fun to ride by sites familiar from previous visits. My favorite site of course being the signs in the rivers that read "Manatee Zone." I love manatees.

As the bus drew near the Port, I had my first glimpse of my "home" for the next four days, the Sovereign of the Seas!

So exciting!!!