We returned yesterday from our Mariner, 3 day, fun cruise. We boarded the ship in Ft. Lauderdale in a steady drizzle. We met Mia and Mark in the check in line.(what a delightful couple) They introduced us to their daughter, Mia's dad and friend, who had come on the ship to visit. We confirmed our plans to meet for dinner. We all made our way to Compass Rose for lunch.
The rain continued, unfortunately, and the sail away party was moved inside to the Horizon Lounge. I must say, sail away looses a little when you do it inside! Oh well!
We did meet Mia and Mark and another couple we knew at Signatures for dinner and enjoyed wonderful food, wine, and conversation. Really great! We, pleasently, wound up, the six of us, the next two nights having dinner together in the Compass Rose. Also some dancing in Stars. Lots of fun!
Our day in Nassau, we spent dodging raindrops, but the next, in Key West, was delightful.
As you know, the Mariner was fresh out of dry dock. The visable changes were few. Although, the new coffee/cappuccino machine has been installed, Yeah! I know that some of the work has begun on the installation of showers to replace tubs in some of the staterooms (our's was a tub room). But, all that work continues in many areas of the ship. The main reason, for the dry dock was, of course, to replace the damaged prop, and that was accomplished.(we were told that the thing was massive) If our cruise is any indicator, it could not have been quieter or smoother.
The cruise was great......just waaaay too short!
I am sending a photo, to Karen, of us with Mia and Mark. Hopefully, she will post it for me. I don't yet, know how to do that. Maybe, in the new year, I will learn. LOL

Betty