Vacation Diary Day 4: Dancing Queen

This was the day that we could leave the boat for an excursion into Mexico, but there weren’t many activities that would’ve worked well for us. I didn’t think Ella or Audrey would enjoy an 8-hour trek to check out the Mayan ruins. We decided to walk into town so Ella could buy a souvenir, and then we would spend the rest of the day on the boat.

It’s pretty nice if you don’t go on an excursion because the boat is much less crowded.  Micelle and I dropped the girls off at the kid’s club to give us a few hours to have some adult time.  We were worried about Audrey getting to use the kid’s club because they have two requirements that Audrey hasn’t met yet: be potty trained and be independent.  Once again, the service could not have been better.

The staff told us they would give Audrey a medical waiver so that she could use the kids’ club, and she did great.  She walked around, explored, and played with toys all day. 

While the girls were enjoying kid time, Michelle and I did something we hadn’t done in over a decade. We bar hopped.  Our first stop was the jazz lounge.  When I saw the incredible whiskey lineup, I had to order my bar go-to beverage, the Old Fashioned.  I ordered one with the Whistle Pig 12-year Rye. 

The bartender said, “Excellent choice, but I have to let you know that it’s going to be $52.”

Nope.  I will pay for a good view, but I wouldn’t fully enjoy the drink knowing I just paid $52 for it. “How about Woodford Reserve Double Oaked?” I inquired

“That is also $52,” Replied the bartender.

I had one more downshift I could make before I threw my palate into “park” and ordered a beer. 

“How about regular Woodford Reserve?”

“That is $26,” he answered.

That was the first and only cocktail I consumed as I stuck with beer and wine for the rest of the trip.  Maybe if my Powerball strategy works out, I will drink cocktails on next year’s cruise.

While I don’t have to worry about Audrey getting motion sickness, I do worry about her getting lost. Now that she is more comfortable walking, she loves to explore. Anytime I can’t immediately find her at home, I have a mini-panic attack. On a boat, that is a major panic attack.

Ella and Audrey were in two different sections of the kids’ club, so we divided and conquered for the pickup. Michelle went to pick up Audrey, and the staff member at the kids’ club desk went to get Audrey. It took longer than expected, and other parents who were in line behind Michelle had retrieved their children and left. Michelle ran through the mental checklist while she waited:

1. Yes, they have gates at every exit
2. Staff members are attending every section of the kids’ club
3. There is no way to reach an outside deck from the kids’ club.
4. You have to give a password when you pick up your child.

Audrey couldn’t have left the kids’ club, so where was she? It turns out that the staff member had been walking around the kids’ club and calling Audrey’s name. For those who might not know this, calling a deaf child’s name is a terrible way to get their attention. Eventually, Michelle was able to get Audrey. We can laugh about it now.

The night of the excursion is the Pirate party.  All the staff dress up as pirates, and the guests are encouraged to as well.  Of course, we had to support the theme. What is more fun than having everyone dress up as a group of people who murder and steal other people’s property for their own gain?  I think tomorrow night is dress up as your favorite Murderous Dictator night. I hope I remembered to pack my Josef Stalin costume.

Pirate night ends with a party on the pool deck and fireworks.  The upper two levels of the boat were jam-packed with people, but our waiter was kind enough to give us a tip on the best place to see the fireworks. So, we joined the other sardines on the upper deck and joined the dance party. I don’t think anybody there danced more than Audrey. At one point, it was getting lat,e and we tried to get Audrey to leave, but she refused as she grabbed the railing with both hands and continued dancing. Little Audrey stayed there the entire time.

It turns out that profound hearing loss is no match for Bon Jovi, DJ Snake, and Lil Jon.

I don’t think there is anything in life that can bring greater joy than watching your deaf daughter shut down a dance party.