Fabulous, if exhausting,1st day

After breakfast, we gathered our things, walked a quick 2 blocks to the free shuttle bus and had checked baggage, filled out health forms, and checked-in as #1 priority passengers by 10:45. 

                   

   

  Earliest and quickest check-in ever.  Our cabins were to be ready by so we wandered around the ship for awhile, had lunch at the Solarium Bistro ( meaning we actually had a healthy meal :)) and the room ready announcement came 15 minutes ahead of schedule.  Took our carry-on bags to the room and the boys ( all 3) left to play ping pong.   Seemed strange to me since this ship has an amazing number and variety of activities available.  But they were happy and I enjoyed some time to relax and get settled.  Luggage arrived fast so settling in was easy.

I don't think we will have any trouble making our 10,000 steps.  This ship is huge.  The only time I've gotten completely lost on a ship - several times.  It is really an amazing ship especially for people with children of all ages.  

Main Promenade - 5th deck

Will take more ship board pictures on our sea day on Saturday

The Teen area is remarkable and the number of kids playing basketball, ping pong, kicking soccer balls, trying the Flowrider, etc, is the most I have ever seen.  The pool for smaller children is delightful, very Disneyesque.  We'd toured the whole ship twice and it's really mindboggling.  Very crowded due to the time of the year but bearable.  

Not my typical cup of tea, but so perfect for Max and Nick...a very good decision for this trip.   They are still very tired from lack of sleep, napped this afternoon, and ran on a long indoor  track in an out of the way location to help themselves adapt.

Dinner was at the American Icon Restaurant ( euphemism for a main dining room) at 6 pm.  Nice room, a bit noisy and adequate service, the food was quite good.  We all had different starters and entrees and everyone liked the meal.  

Of course desserts included Creme Brûlée ( me), Warm chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream (Poppa and Nick ) and a decadent Praline Finger  with chocolate and vanilla mousse (Max).  Thankful for the length of the ship...these calories can really add up.

After dinner, we watched the parade through the Promenade desk...a cross between Disney and Mardi Gras). 

Then we all went to the evening musical show "Queen Rocks".  It was a great show-- enjoyed by all - we think we were the oldest ones there!  On the way back to our room, Art found a new friend. 

!Missy will be jealous.

Off to bed with dreams of the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii tomorrow