June 3, 2017
Well, we made it to the Anthem of the Seas in Bayonne New Jersey at Cape Liberty! The day started bright and early as most of our cruisers were super excited and arrived bright eyed and bushy tailed almost thirty minutes earlier than expected this morning at IMCC! After we gathered everyone up, tagged all our luggage, filled our to-go cups, grabbed a granola bar, had a quick photo shoot – we were off! The trip started off great with some conversations about how this was some folks first time cruising, some folks who have cruised before but have not been on this particular ship, and some seasoned cruisers offering some advice on how to navigate the trip.
Well, in true IMCC Caregiver Cruise fashion – the trip started off just fine, and even after a quick rest stop on the New Jersey Turnpike (and some Starbucks), we encountered a snafu in our trip! As we were headed up 95 North, Joel noticed the signs “Bayonne Bridge Closed.” Thinking that our astute driver had also noticed these, he didn’t think too much of it, until we were crossing the Goethels Bridge onto Staten Island. Now, for those of you who may not be familiar, the Bayonne Bridge connects Bayonne, NJ to Staten Island, NY. So, now as we are driving through Staten Island, Joel is taking a trip down memory lane as he had lived there for a few years and was showing the group some of his favorite spots; including Denino’s Pizza (which coincidentally has the best White Pizza in NY!) It wasn’t until we were literally UNDER the Bayonne Bridge and the bus comes to a complete stop on the side of the road and the driver says “I cannot find the Port” Joel knew something was up! After talking to the driver, Joel got us back on track and headed back over the Gothels Bridge, back to the New Jersey Turnpike and over to Bayonne where we FINALLY reached the Cape Liberty Cruise Port and spotted the Anthem of the Seas in all its magnificence!
Now, for those of you who may have traveled with us last year, or even followed along on our blog (welcome back!), you may recall what a kerfuffle it was getting through the terminal onto the ship in the Port of Baltimore. Well, let me tell you – Cape Liberty has it going on! They were right on it and not only escorted us to a private area where we were checked in, but they also gave us priority access to get on the ship! Here is a shout out to Rita Botte who took such good care of us! Before we knew it, we had checked in and were on board! After a short stop to our cabins, it was off to the Windjammer for some lunch!
Luckily, we were able to secure a table where all of us could eat together! This was no small feat as we had about 3,987 other people trying to eat at the same time (as evidenced by us all cramming into an elevator and stopping at every floor!) But luck had it, a spot opened up and everyone was able to get some lunch and choose their options from a variety of options; pan Asian, Salad Bar, Mediterranean, Light Sweets, Carving Board, and so on and so forth! No matter what you wanted – they had it! Curry Chicken. No problem. Caesar Salad with Salmon; here you go!
Finally after a late lunch, we headed up to the Pool Deck for our Bon Voyage soiree and watched the picturesque New York City skyline fade into the distance (and sailed under the Varazanno Narrows Bridge with only 12 feet to spare!) and we were off to the Atlantic headed towards Bermuda! Everyone hung out on the pool deck with their IMCC-Gear (shirts and towels) and then headed to change before dinner.
It was a lovely first night dinner. We were seated at two adjacent tables where the conversations were lively and the food was a-plenty! Granted, we only ate about two hours prior, but what the heck – we are on vacation! We left our calorie counters at home! Folks dined on everything from a traditional turkey dinner to Maine Lobster! Delish!!!
After dinner, most everyone was exhausted from the long day of traveling. Everyone except Joel and Christi that is. Joel and Christi were busy planning Day 2 of the Caregiver Cruise and after being left to their own devices after everyone went to bed, they decided to explore the ship and take some silly pictures! Let this be a lesson folks – if you go to bed early, this is where you miss out!
Finally, after arranging everything for Day 2, Joel and Christi called it a night, along with all the other fellow cruisers and decided to get some rest for an eventful Day 2 at sea! The day is starting bright and early with roller skating and ending late with an evening show in the Theater!
After a good night’s rest, (and an hour time change) – the group should be well rested for some fun in the sun!
Photo shoot at Insight!
And we're off!
On board the bus!
Sharing a few smiles on the way!
Quick Starbucks run!
Finally made it to New Jersey!
A few more smiles for the camera.
Time to board the ship!
Finally time for lunch together!
Enjoying the view.
And relaxing with our Insight towels!
Enjoying the food!
One of the late night photos!
