Sunday, November 4, 2019 - Miami, Florida

Sunday, November 4, 2019 - Miami, Florida

  

Beautiful outlook from my balcony this morning!  From my perspective on the ship, these buildings seems to rise out of the sea.

Gervaise was up early and watched the ship come in from her balcony at the hotel, and sent me this photo!


We'd docked early, but for some reason, the ship failed to clear so that guests could debark and be on their way home.   Usually everyone leaving the ship is off by 9:15, give or take a few minutes.  Debarkation usually begins around 8:00 a.m.   Not this morning.   Lots of delays, so that some guests who had planes to catch were getting nervous and cranky!

Even those of us in transit (perhaps 40) had to clear the ship and go through immigration and customs.   I'd purchased something in the jewelry shop and had my receipt.  Knew I would have to pay a bit of duty.  They were so disorganized in customs.   I waited 40 minutes through the process (with no one before me) and finally was through, only to wait to get back on the ship - perhaps another hour.

There was also a crew changeover, not everyone, but enough going home and enough coming on board so that process also got hung up with the delays.    Finally back on board.  Read the newspaper and then went out to the terminal to await Gervaise's arrival.  She arrived shortly after noon.   Walked with her through the check-in process and we were ready to have lunch in the Colonnade.   It will be so nice to share this next 12 days with her.

After showing Gervaise the ship, her unpacking, and a short rest for me, there was the emergency drill to which every passenger must attend - or be kicked off the ship before departure!  Then the sail away on deck with lots of live music, passed canapés and fruity  drinks.

We'd decided to sit out on deck for the sail away and then stay for an informal supper.  The cool breezes were blowing, and humidity seemed to be done - finally!!!!

Early to bed, and so our Caribbean adventure (sans Cuba!) begins.




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