Taking Winnie on a Wonder Cruise - A February Mexican Riviera Trip - All wrapped up 6/14

[franandaj]

I haven't been very active on the boards or at anything Disney for a bit. Just recently bought DVC DLT and got pumped to start visiting the parks again and looked for your trip reports because I always enjoy them. I was delighted to find this and then, of course, very sad to read about Fran. I feel like saying I'm sorry for your loss doesn't do justice to what I am feeling about it, but kudos to you for taking her on the cruise and taking such good care of her.

When you say DVC DLT do you mean the new DVC at the DLH? I thought it was the VDH, but what do I know?

Thank you for your condolences. It's a really difficult time right now, so much to do and many obstacles, it's frustrating.

You are an amazing woman that you can even come back and finish the report. I'm sure it's giving you fond memories, but wow, time with our loved ones is so precious and so delicate. I'm glad to read that you are doing okay and that you have some help.

I'm doing as OK as I could in this situation. Trying to plan lots of fun things for the future so I have lots to look forward to!

 

[franandaj]

She would indeed have wanted you to finish. She has told me so how much she knew you liked writing for your friends.
You're doing so well at moving forward

Thanks, it's nice having a distraction. Cleaning up all the stuff and listing things on eBay is a lot of work.

Ummm yum!! Love that you can pick what you want!

Yup! Customizing is important!

Oh well, better luck next time

Yeah, I'm sure we'll do a lot of trivia on the next cruise!

My little one will love this I think, I know Maria did.

Fun having a decorated door!

I loved the paper navigators; I think we will miss them

I totally missed them, but I can get used to the app. It did have a lot more information.

Awww! Classic Fran shirt!

She loved that shirt!

This is such a classic Fran look- I liked seeing this look in your TR's indeed

Yup. Will miss that little smirk.

Awww cute! So he is the host rather than Nemo I think it is on Fantasy?

Yeah, so I guess it's more BatB than Nemo on the Wonder.

Yum, I love chicken satay, but especially with peanut sauce on it

Mmmm....chicken satay, I see Thai food in my future!

D would probably have these and the tuna

I can't wait for the next cruise! Too bad it's going to be a year and a half away!

that is looking a bit rough, glad it tasted good.

Yeah, it was tasty, just looked wonky.

yum, I do like chicken and also pork schnitzel , especially when it's nice and crispy

mmmm......schnitzel

that's so funny, laughed out loud at the blood!

So creative @jedijill !!

that's a nice addition!

It was cute!

It looks dry, I'd probably eat the top part mainly

I had a couple bites and gave up.

snail?

Well maybe here we will catch them

That would be cool!

not yet...there is a new space being added but probably won't be done till next year...

That sucks.

me too, I still have yet to try the "overnight oats" thing - I'm not sure about cold oatmeal
Hopefully it's leveled out for now.

I thought you just soaked them overnight and then they were served warm. Cold oatmeal sounds gross.

I do that too sometimes, have been doing it since I was a kid

I just realized I could do that in like the last year or so. Since Fran was in the hospital the first time.

I actually thought that the waves were clearer on the first, but the sun brighter on the second!

Well at least you were noticing!

Indeed, you had a tough year, I'm so glad for this cruise.

I need a couple years to decompress....

Why have I never thought to do this!!

The little things are important, I'm a believer in that.

Cute! Stitch is Maria's favourite character

Nice choice!

One of my favourite things to make for dinner lately. Makenna loves them too- she loves veggies

I have a good recipe for these. Most places put water chestnuts in them and I don't like those, so I like to make my own without them. Although mine are Chinese not Thai.

Cream cheese icing?

Lots of good updates, upwards and onwards x

 

[franandaj]

Another lurker here-have enjoyed your trip reports over the years.You could certainly tell that you and Fran were a wonderfully devoted pair.Sending you condolences on the loss your wife.

Thank you very much for your condolences.

 

[franandaj]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I was so sad to hear this. I've been reading your reports for years and look forward to hearing about your upcoming adventures.

Thank you very much for your condolences. I hope to launch the latest adventures soon.

 

[franandaj]

So sorry for your lost Alison I have followed you and Fran through many TR and enjoyed all of them

Thank you very much.

rest assure at least now she is pain free

Yes, I can take solace in that knowledge.

you now have a guardian angel who’s looking out for you

She really has been looking out over me and making good things happen.

will follow you in your next adventures

Hopefully some more coming up soon!

 

[franandaj]

A lot has changed Alison, and we would love to treat you to an "insiders view" of our lovely country.

I'm sure it has! A lot has changed here in 35 years too! But I would enjoy your tour guiding!

As for your dance card ..... yip I know and I think we might be guilty of helping to fill it up.

I wasn't even thinking about THAT! It's so far out, I'm not worried. I'm just super busy through the beginning of November. I haven't even thought about what is happening for Thanksgiving and Christmas!

If only the tickers would work. They only change once a week. But who cares. YES, adjust and let us in on your plans.

Working on it!

 

[franandaj]

So sorry to hear about Fran! But definitely happy you have so many plans lined up, and people helping you out.

Thank you for your condolences. I'm going on a ton of trips in the next five months, more than Fran and I took in a couple years for the past few years. Then again when we first started dating we would travel every month, we had to stop that as we weren't getting anything done at home.

 

[franandaj]

Another lurker who wants to extend their apologies and love to you. I have loved reading your posts and getting to “know” you and Fran. Be gentle on yourself.

Thank you for your condolences. I'm glad you've enjoyed the TRs. Hopefully my new escapades will be as entertaining.

 

[franandaj]

Exciting news!! Yes, Frankfurt Airport to Nuremberg (and even to Linz) by train is really easy.

I was checking the train schedules tonight! There are lots of choices! I hope that I could just walk up and buy a ticket and wouldn't have to book it in advance. I don't know how long it would take me through customs, etc and wouldn't want to lock myself into a time and then end up being able to travel sooner!

You might want to see if you could not book a flight to Nuremberg on miles! You are on American Airlines, aren't you? Then it should be possible to connect through London and BA. Not sure if that makes it cost more miles though...

I checked, not more miles, but a looooooonnnng layover at Heathrow.

And May would work for us as our sudden plans for a "spring" (I know, technical winter) trip to WDW made us postpone Japan to July for Michael's birthday.

Good!

 

[franandaj]

They always do

I'm selling things as quick as I can!

No way! That’s great!!! Good for you!(all)

We can book Tuesday, some can book Monday, need to figure out where we want our cabin.

These are about the size of a football.

Yikes! Feed a family of four!

But of course. Her tastes often aligned with mine I’d found.

I completely understand that

It's such a guilty pleasure!

Yes you do.

I like it with brown sugar… and far too much of it.

I try to limit the brown sugar.....but.....

 

[franandaj]

Another long time lurker and fan of your reports, coming out of hiding to express my condolences. I am so very sorry for your loss.

Thank you for your condolences. I appreciate it.

 

[franandaj]

I am so very sorry to hear about Fran!

Thank you very much.

I have enjoyed your trip reports for years and had always hoped that some day we would be able to meet.

Well we can still meet....

You two shared such a strong love, I know that she is still in your heart and soul, and she will always look out for you.

That's so sweet of you to put it that way.

 

[franandaj]

I had just taken pictures with Spiderman. By the time I got back to the room, it was time to get Fran up and moving. We had Mixology at 5PM and it was close to 4PM. She took forever to get ready, so I started the process early. We were still late and all the decent seats that she could get in and out of were already taken, so they just put a chair for me at the end of the room and let her stay in her scooter.

The drinks were not already on the table for this class. I’m sure that they had been premixed and poured, but they brought them out one by one on carts.

Our 1st drink was Prosecco and lime with muddled Basil, this was pretty good. This was an example of a “wine cocktail”.

Then the next server came by with drink #2.

Our 2nd drink was made with hendricks gin infused with cucumber, st. Germain liqueur, green apple liqueur, cranberry juice, but first muddled with cucumber and lime before adding the alcohols. I believe that this one was version of a Martini

Our 3rd drink was bourbon based. It also had grand Marnier, luxardo cherry liqueur, fresh lime and agave. Garnished with a dried orange. This was a take on an Old fashioned, hers was made with bourbon, cherry juice, Angostura bitters, garnished with an orange peel. The bitters was muddled with sugar before adding in the other ingredients. This drink was my least favorite.

Here’s the bartender showing us her take on the Old Fashioned.

Here are our 4th & 5th drinks. The one in the Martini glass contains Zacappa 23 Rum, fresh Strawberry puree, fresh lime. I believe that this drink is an example of a “daiquiri style” drink. The shot is obviously and example of a shooter, it contained Frangelico, Chambord, half and half, chocolate liquor. It was super tasty!

We went back to the room feeling rather "happy". Fran crawled into bed and that's basically where she stayed for the rest of the night (minus potty breaks). I had packed three of our four suitcases and all of them had their port tags. The last suitcase was on the table, open and awaiting it's final deposits. And at that point, Fran told me that she wasn’t going to dinner tonight. Well that wasn’t unexpected.

I texted Jill and she told me that she was with Karin and Tom in the Cadillac Lounge. I said I'd be right down to join them. Jill had ordered a Gibson for me, and the server gave it to me just after I sat down. I took one sip, and the expression on my face must have been priceless. It was clear to everyone that something was wrong. "What. Is. In THAT????" I asked.

"Gin. Tanqueray" said our server. That's when Jill learned that Gibsons are normally made with Gin, but I get mine with Vodka.

They made me a new one with Gray Goose Vodka. We had to leave for dinner after that so I didn't get a picture until I'd drank a bit of it when we sat down to dinner. But first my last sunset at sea for a while.

They gave us beads and we didn’t even have to do anything to get them!

Last dinner menu of the cruise. I'd already picked out my meal before we arrived. I was looking forward to having beignets for dessert! Sorry it’s a little blurry.

I started with the sausage fritters. These were OK. I only ate about one and a half of them. They were pretty dense and not at all what I expected.

Next course I had the iceberg wedge. I really liked this. I hadn't eaten a lot of salads on this cruise (like I expected) and this one hit the spot.

I was looking forward to the Prime Rib, but unfortunately since I can cook a mean Prime Rib, it's hard to impress me. I ate two or three bites, when one of the servers came by with some horseradish. I was looking forward to my next bite with the horseradish since the first three were very bland.

However I never got that taste. All of a sudden I got a feeling in my stomach, it was subtle at first. I felt like I was going to burp. I held my napkin to my mouth, but nothing happened. Except that the feeling of bloating in my stomach got even worse. It must have shown on my face because the next thing I knew Jill was escorting me back to my room. I was dizzy, felt overall icky, and was unable to deal with the suitcases at all.

Good thing I had everything all packed. There were just a few more things that we threw into the last suitcase and Jill sealed it up and placed all the suitcases outside the stateroom door. I had meant to put the clothes I wore that night into the last suitcase, but I found them on the couch the next morning when I woke up. I took a few tums and was off to sleep in minutes.

March 4 Day 8 - Disembarkation Day

Somewhere in the middle of the night Fran woke me up seated on the side of the bed. She had managed to get out of bed, get to the potty, and back without my assistance. So sweet she didn't want to bother me since I didn't feel good. But she realized that she couldn't get back into bed without my help.

I think we woke up one more time before our final wake up at 5:30. I didn't want to wake up then, but I just couldn't fall back asleep so I gave up, got dressed and started packing up all the remaining items. I took this shot off the verandah as we entered the harbor. I watched us sail into port, sad that we were all done, but happy to see the kitties in just a few hours.

We left the room around 7:45AM. It took us forever to get an elevator, but finally we made it down to Deck 3 where breakfast would be. It took about 20 minutes for Tiana's to open and we went right to our seats.

While we were reading the menu a voice over the loudspeaker announced that "passengers with luggage tags with a red Mickey are now cleared for customs." Those were ours, but since we were already seated we decided just to have breakfast.

We got the last two raspberry filled pastries on the tray.

We both ordered Belgian Waffles with bacon.

Fran got a side of fruit.

I ordered a V8, but I’m not sure what I was served, it wasn’t V8, perhaps the mixture in their dispenser must have been off.

Getting off the ship was mayhem. The line extended all the way from the entry/exit point out the atrium, past the French Quarter Lounge and people were lining up into the entrance of Tiana's place. I felt bad for the poor guy who was working the door. He kept trying to make the line turn into the hallway where the elevators are located. They had to close down the restaurant to get ready for lunch service after all.

For periods of time the line didn't move at all. Evidently customs was holding everything up. They only had about eight customs desks for roughly 2800 passengers. A bunch of people would get off the ship and then the line would stop again. Karin and Tom waited with us while we waited to disembark, and we said our goodbyes until a couple weeks later. They were doing a Back to Back and didn't have to get off the ship until the last.

Off the ship, we had to wait in another line inside the terminal. Once we cleared customs we sought out our luggage. It was easy to locate and we found ourselves a porter to move the suitcases to the loading area. Folks who are going on their cruise get the short end of the stick. Dropping off is chaos while leaving is a breeze.

As soon as we exited the Port building, the porter told me to go get the car. He showed me where Fran would be and I crossed the street, entered the parking structure for the Intercontinental hotel, and got the car in about 10 minutes or less. Upon my return they let me drive onto the port property, park the car, and they had a loading area where I was able to get everything in the car.

Our porter came back just as I finished getting the luggage into the car so he was able to help me load the scooter. He said that he hoped he could help us load, but he doesn’t realize I’m fast!

And with that we were on our way home. It was around 11AM when we were fully loaded up and on the way. About an hour later I realized that I was getting hungry and I’d barely had a burger all week except the one we split on Day 3 of the cruise. I suggested In-N-Out Burger and it just so happened that there was one just off the freeway about 20 minutes ahead in Laguna Niguel. We got our usual, I went with the Double Double with raw onions, she went with the Cheeseburger also with raw onions, and split an order of fries. She finishes off my Double Double when I can’t eat anymore.

We were home an hour later, unloaded the car and chilled for the rest of the day. Before we left, I made sure that our freezer was plenty stocked so that I didn’t have to go to the grocery store and for dinner we had Orange Chicken over white Rice, with Tempura Green Beans dipped in Ranch, and Fried Wontons with a Soy, Sesame Oil, Vinegar, and Sambal Olek sauce.

The trip turned out to be a nice getaway for me. I’m not sure how much Fran enjoyed it, but she put up with things. All in all I should have potentially seen it coming, she was way more tired than she had ever been on a cruise. Plus once we got back she was having a lot of cognitive problems, getting lost while she was driving to familiar places, forgetting the simplest things. But we always want to hope for the best and never expect the worst.

Keeping in mind that last chapter I also wrote this last ending back in March as well.


I had some unfinished business that needed to be taken care of though, and I handled some of it the following week. There was the issue of me getting ill in the middle of my Prime Rib dinner. So I put it on the menu for the following week (I have multiple Prime Ribs in my freezer at home.) And finally got my tasty Prime Rib.

This is what I call “Prime Rib with all the fixins’”

I still have to get those pesky Beignets!

But there will be many more trips to the DLR where I can do that. For now you can join me on my next adventure (some of you may have seen some teasers on Insta from Su-Lynn aka ChunkyMonkey).

So come along with us on a 21 Royal Adventure!

 

[rndmr2]

I'm sorry you came in at such a downer of a time.

She had this one last trip. I don't think she enjoyed herself, but she promised me that she would go.

It was a pain to deal with. We got pretty good at the colostomy, she just couldn't go on any longer.

I'm going to finish even though it's bittersweet.

I was so sorry to hear the news of Fran's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Glad you were able to finish the report although as you said it was bittersweet.

Sorry you got sick on the last night

Looking forward to your new adventures

 

[dalmatian7]

All subbed for your next adventure. Would you mind sharing how you prepare your prime rib?

 

[bcwife76]

I'm sorry to hear you were feeling ill on the last night, not the greatest ending. Glad it didn't continue on debarkation morning at least.
We sailed on the Wonder over NYE and getting off the ship in San Diego on Jan 2nd was pure chaos. 6 customs agents and the ship was at full capacity. It was after 11am before we cleared customs. Luckily our flight home wasn't until 8pm (which ended up being delayed another hour anyway).
I've seen the 21 Royal photos but looking forward to reading ALL about it

 

[Limabec's Mom]

I am so sorry to read of your loss- I have enjoyed reading of all your adventures and look forward to future ones—

 

[cruisehopeful]

When you say DVC DLT do you mean the new DVC at the DLH? I thought it was the VDH, but what do I know?

That's what I meant and I think you are right about whatever it's called. I just call it, "My Disneyland timeshare."

 

[T.wilkes]

Oh my, I have followed your adventures for years! I remember your river boat trip and Alaska trip and both were added to my to do list. I remember your band concerts and rehearsals. I know how important her music was to her.

I also remember when your friend sweet Polly from Great Britain wrote trip reports and how sad it was when she also passed all too soon, just like Fran.

I am thankful that you and Fran got thus last trip together. What a strong person she was. I think if I had experienced just a fraction of what Fran did, I would have given up long ago. That is testimony to her character and her love for you.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Just trying to catch up where I last left off...

So the last time I was here and updating, Fran and I were planning to head to WDW for a glorious 10 days of fun. Instead two days before we were scheduled to leave, she checked into the emergency room at the hospital and never came out.

There are no words adequate for a time like this. I'm sorry she's gone, and sorry for your pain and loss. I hope you are and continue to be blessed by many, many fond memories of her and continue to have wonderful adventures in the years ahead.

I've just been crazy busy with what I call "moving forward". You remember all those shopping trips? Well now I'm weighing my options, go through the hassle of taking pictures and selling it on eBay or sell it at the garage sale?

I remember when Julie's parents passed away how much work there was to do to get things in order. So much you never think of!

However, Jill and Jenny assured me that they would have my back when the day came. Jenny was there with me when it happened, and Jill is helping a lot to clean up the aftermath. She invited me to go along on her solo trip to Egypt this Fall, and I accepted.

So glad they are there for you! That Egypt trip is going to be amazing!

I went with the Lamb/Beef shawarma. It's not like the version at the Avengers campus where you get meat and sauce contained inside a yummy pita. It's more like a shawarma Plate, but either way it was tasty.

Looks like a deconstructed shawarma.

Since it was Cruise casual for the last two days, this pretty much meant put on her sweat pants and shoes.

You call it "cruise casual", I call it "every day I can get away with it".

If you noticed on the papers we drew they also had us write our first names on the sheet, now we appeared in the credits.

You should put that on your resume!

That’s another thing that you can only do through the app. They used to have a future cruise desk where you did that with a person.

I'm shocked they have a convenient way for you to spend more money.

And here we are trying to sling webs.

Hope he gave you some good tips for the ride.

I took one sip, and the expression on my face must have been priceless. It was clear to everyone that something was wrong. "What. Is. In THAT????" I asked.

"Gin. Tanqueray" said our server. That's when Jill learned that Gibsons are normally made with Gin, but I get mine with Vodka.

I wish someone had a picture!

However I never got that taste. All of a sudden I got a feeling in my stomach, it was subtle at first. I felt like I was going to burp. I held my napkin to my mouth, but nothing happened. Except that the feeling of bloating in my stomach got even worse. It must have shown on my face because the next thing I knew Jill was escorting me back to my room.

Oh no! Not on the last night! You're not allowed to get sick on vacation!

Getting off the ship was mayhem. The line extended all the way from the entry/exit point out the atrium, past the French Quarter Lounge and people were lining up into the entrance of Tiana's place. I felt bad for the poor guy who was working the door.

Good grief. I'm amazed anyone ever got off.

For periods of time the line didn't move at all. Evidently customs was holding everything up. They only had about eight customs desks for roughly 2800 passengers.

The trip turned out to be a nice getaway for me. I’m not sure how much Fran enjoyed it, but she put up with things. All in all I should have potentially seen it coming, she was way more tired than she had ever been on a cruise. Plus once we got back she was having a lot of cognitive problems, getting lost while she was driving to familiar places, forgetting the simplest things. But we always want to hope for the best and never expect the worst.

It's always easier to see things in hindsight. In the moment, we're all still trying to hope for the best.

And finally got my tasty Prime Rib.

Gotta say, that looks a lot better than the one on the ship!