Our last full day on the ship began with our docking at Castaway Cay. While we heard it rained first thing in the morning, we slept through it, safely immured in our category 11 inside cabin. By the time we got outside, it was actually fairly lovely weather, with the Flying Dutchman out to greet us, as always.
We took a tram out to the main drag with the family beaches and shops and things, and wandered around there for awhile. Then, after spectating a little at the stingray experience, we (I) decided to walk down to the adult beach. The heat and the length of the walk caused some of us (Mom) to decompensate a little, but we eventually made it there and found some beach chairs to sit in, while looking at the sea.
It's really a beautiful place, with the water incredibly clear and blue. And yes, there was an interdimensional rift that made half the island a different hue when I took the photo. I'm here to document these things for you.
After a certain amount of lolling about (with me keeping a careful eye out for bugs, because I got bit to the point of anemia last time here,) lunchtime arrived. We grabbed some sodas and ice cream to ward off the heat that was becoming a tad oppressive, and then trammed back to the ship for a nice lunch at Parrot Cay. They like to tell you that the food is the same on the island as it is on the ship--not so much. There was a lot more variety onboard, beyond the usual barbeque and mahi mahi they serve seaside. While we ate, we were seated at the next table over from where all the entertainers were sitting. This was amusing, as Magical Danny seemed totally amazed that with all the food onboard, people still eat hunks off the gingerbread house they display on the Christmas cruises. Welcome to America, Magical Danny.
More walking around the decks ensued after lunch, until people rebelled and retired back to the cabin for an afternoon nap. We then found our next-to-last blanket animal for the cruise:
I'm going to go with "squid" for this one, but honestly, it's a little bit of a reach.
After napping and showering were accomplished, I went out on deck to see the stunt-bike demonstration put on by Kevin Robinson, who is an X-Games gold medalist. They constructed a little ramp alongside the ship where he did a number of jumps and totally wiped out once, making a good case for the wearing of helmets in such activities.
We attended our last origami session with Ponz, the multifaceted CM, and then went off to our last show, "Remember The Magic" which was partially a variety show, involving all the entertainers we've seen in the last few days, and the continuation of a sketch started in the first day's show. The family that was shown all happy and excited at the beginning of the cruise is totally depressed and dejected that it's all over and they have to go home, until Peter Pan and Anne-Marie come back from yesterday's show, and assure them that the magic will always continue, with "faith, trust...and a little bit of pixie dust!!" I'm thinking a wad of cash doesn't hurt either.
We get our gratuity envelopes ready, and head out for the last night's dinner, entitled "'Till We Meet Again." This had one of the best appetizers of the cruise, seared ahi, and I fall for the soup again which is a sort of watery chowder. At least it was consistent to the end.
My entree was a seafood pasta which was billed as having lobster, but which looked a little more langoustine-like. Nevertheless, it was pretty good, although the noodles were a little al dente...but maybe my taste has gotten corrupted since everyone else here likes their pasta mushy.
After the entree, they had the traditional parade of the baked Alaska, along with a parade of the servers, carrying their home flags. Baked Alaska in general is not the most outstanding dessert, being just ice cream and meringue, but I always feel obliged to have it, given that they've gone to the effort of setting it on fire. Ox was not as sensitive, and went with the sugar-free cappuccino mousse.
We race back to the room to get our luggage out by the 11pm deadline, and manage to make it, although not before Felindro asks if we're ready. No, Felindro. We'll be ready at 11pm. He does make us one last towel animal however, and we admire it before going off to see the crew perform in their late-night goodbye cabaret. As is traditional, it's a tad on the raunchy side, but I'm sure nothing like what it would be on another cruise line.
After making sure we have everything we're supposed to for the next day, we finally retire for the last time in our tiny cabin. Not, however, before we close the circle on this cruise as it was always meant to be.
Thanks, Mickey.
Tomorrow: Disembarkation...
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