Days 7 & 8 ~~ At Sea and Back Home

Day 7 was our last day at sea.  We donned our swimsuits and headed for breakfast.

           

He was ready to spend his last day on board.

After breakfast we hit the kids pool.

Faith helped Grace see what all the fuss was about in there.  

Then we hit up the mini golf course again.  

Grace got brave enough to check out the dog statue. 

Back to the pool where the boys monkeyed around until the slide opened. 

Then we hit the slide hard because it was getting chillier by the minute as we sailed toward Louisiana.

We did lots of things during the rest of the day that I have no pictures of because I didn't carry the camera around much and my phone had died.  

We played cards, had hot chocolate, had a great lunch and dinner in the Windjammer and did some packing.  

We just got our luggage out in the hall before the 11pm cutoff and headed to bed.  

Saturday I was up at 4am.  Checked the ship channel and saw it was 39 degrees as we neared New Orleans.

We got everyone up and went to the Windjammer for breakfast as we slid into the Crescent City. 

After breakfast we hung around in the adult-only pool area while we waited for our turn to get off the boat.

We made it off, grabbed our luggage - including the bag whose tag had fallen off from the unclaimed bags area.  

We headed outside to our van, loaded it up and tried really hard to exit the lot - finally were able to leave after having to replace the ticket that I had misplaced . . . 

And made it home safely!

Thanks for following along with us, we had a great week!!

 

Serenade Day 5 ~~ Grand Cayman

 Today was a beautiful day.  

We were anchored in Grand Cayman so we dressed in our swimsuits for a planned beach day.

We met again in the Windjammer for breakfast in our usual spot. 

Good food, good views and good company. 

Cruise hair!

Disney Magic, two Carnival ships and also a HAL ship were there with us.  

We tendered into shore and hopped in a taxi to Public Beach.

We found some shade and set up camp.  

Tired baby.

After a couple of hours we hopped back in a cab and headed to port.

Candy Store!!

After buying some souvenirs (SHARK TOOTH NECKLACES!) we headed back on the tender for the short ride back to Serenade.

Once back aboard ship we got out of the swimwear and headed to the buffet for lunch. 

Then there was rock climbing to be done. 

We finished off our day in the dining room with great food and service. 

Stay tuned for Day 6 ~~ Cozumel

Serenade Day 4 ~~ Jamaica

Day 4 dawned early as we approached land.

A quick check of the tv revealed our position.

We got up and dressed and headed out to meet in the centrum area. 

After we all assembled, we headed for our favorite spot in the Windjammer aft open deck for breakfast. 

We could see Jamaica off the starboard side of the ship.  

Good morning, Smiths!

Welcome to Falmouth, Jamaica!

Backing into port. 

Gracie enjoyed her Fruit Loops.

Jamaica, Mon!!!!

Andrew entertained Grace.

And we're off!  

We did some shopping in the port area.

The kids got some souvenirs.

Barefoot baby in Jamaica, mon!

Dancing with the locals - just like I did two years ago.  

We headed back on board where Brian, James, Alyssa and Faith got ready for their ziplining excursion. 

I stayed on board with the other 5 and entered a bean bag toss competition with Grandpa.

We were the only ones who showed up so the boys all won key chains.  LOL.

Then we hit the cabin to get suited and sun screened up for the pool!

Gracie was too little for the kids pool, so we brought along a baby tub for her to splash in.

They boys had a good time monkeying around.

After we were pooled-out we headed for the Windjammer for lunch. 

After lunch, we headed to the cabin for a nap.  

Meanwhile . . . 

While the kids and I were swimming and eating . . . 

Brian, James and the girls were exploring Jamaica.

They took a bus ride . . . 

And did some ziplining. 

In the jungles of Jamaica.

So pretty.

Meanwhile . . . 

Back on board . . . 

The kids woke up from their naps and we headed down to deck 5 to wait for Brian and the kids to return to us - hopefully before sail away.

We were docked next to Oasis of the Seas.  Huge!!

Finally, 30 minutes before all aboard . . . 

They're back!

We met up and watched the sunset together as we sailed away from Jamaica.

Time to get ready for dinner.

Gracie

Driving the boat

Mom and Matthew

Some of the gang.

Andrew

Brian and Jon

Faith and Peter at dinner.

Roasted rack of lamb, please.  Thank you!

Sherbet and a lady finger for Gracie.

A great day!  

Stay tuned for Day 5 - Grand Cayman!