The ports, excursions, most of the ship, food, friends (old and new), paying it forward, crew, staff, most of the entertainment - Better than good!!!
Return trip home - Not so good!!! When departing Tampa we heard a "loud thump" on the plane, and although nothing was said at the time we were all a little uneasy. About an hour into the flight the Captain came on and told us we were making an emergency landing in Montgomery, Alabama. He said there had been an unusual noise they could not identify, they had even checked back with the airport in Tampa to check the runway to see if we had hit anything - negative, said it might be a blown tire (and if so possible rough landing) - negative. So he said they were going to have a mechanic check it out and we had to remain on board while the emergency personnel gave it a once over. After 1 1/2 hours they let us disembark on stairs (they still were uncertain as to the problem) that didn't quite fit our plane (that airport doesn't accommodate full size planes). We then waited about an hour for them to tell us there were no available flights out of there so they were busing us to Atlanta (2 1/2 hours away) for reconnecting flights if possible. The time now about 3:30 (we left Tampa at 11:50). K.C. & I opted to rent a car and drive home from Montgomery (6 1/2 hours). I guess I was a little more upset by the whole thing than I realized because our return trip included many pit stops on the way home.
Sorry for all of you that returned home with land sicknesses and for the Olivia virgins who felt snubbed. Believe me, we would have been more than happy to take ya'll under our wings. We invited solos to join us and we also ate at tables with other couples we had never met. I find it very interesting and enjoyable meeting and getting to know other strong, independent women.
We're looking forward to seeing ya'll on the Sun cruise in October and in Costa Rica in January.
Hugs,
Margaret & K.C.