Tommy was prepared and ready to go on our sail-away adventure. This time we traveled with five (5) cousin couples all celebrating our anniversaries’. We all met and boarded on Saturday in Galveston and returned the following Sunday. I personally needed this vacation, and it really was a great time! Hope that you enjoy these next adventure day stories!

Welcome Aboard!

My dancer did not waste any time busting a move. Dad realized quickly that he better get ready cause Tommy was feeling these beats!!

Awaiting our cabin entry can be a little boring for those not involved in conversation, as you see here. But when you realize the camera is on you, a smile will arise! LOL

Nothing is more important than making yourself at home. Tommy, once in the room started his set up. Heath and I do not get the use of the vanity when cruising with Tommy. He claims this area for himself. He packed and carried his own backpack FULL of animals; specific animals, that he hand chose to make this voyage with him. Don’t think that there weren’t a few special requests from this smart boy either!! What I thought was his Christmas wish list turned into his "cruise request items!" Of course, I had these items ready just in case a "bribe" was needed on our adventure. I went ahead and presented him with one as we loaded up in the car. He got one when we boarded. He did so good! Then he received the final one that afternoon when our luggage arrived! We opted for video's this trip. We brought Tommy's portable DVD player and his choice of movies instead of depending on Wi-Fi, signal and service on the iPad. It worked perfectly. He has a carrying case and we were even able to take to dinner. After dinner was normally an evening event/show and if loud we had his headphones handy just to cut some of the unexpected noise or pyrotechnics that were used in the performances.

The sail away party was starting as we made our way one level above the action so that we could observe but it did not take long for Tommy to want to be involved so he and I went downstairs for some grooving!

Dinner Time

The staff we had for dinner every night was awesome. I made some special requests for Tommy since there are few things that he will eat. Night two, I was worried but we worked through it and night 3-7 they had his meal items already on the table awaiting our arrival. I so appreciated the way they tried to accomodate him. Even more, they loved getting him involved in the musc/dancing dinner show! You will see several nights of him dancing and following their moves and joining the line going all through the dinning hall. I believe that many who were sitting around us also enjoyed their dinner and the "show" that Tommy provided! LOL

"Biscuit, Egg... Breakfast, Tomorrow"

We heard this every night as Tommy was preparing for his morning spread! He is very visual in his eating as well as picky. The biscuits were square, but thankfully he was still willing to eat them. The buffet eggs were powdery and wet, Heath stopped by the egg station and got a plain omlette which worked out perfect. We seasoned and cut up so it looked scrambled and he ate it up! He spent some time in the pool after breakfast as we enjoyed the quiet breeze on the back of the boat. Priceless -

Daily, when we were not at a port of call, we would make some "chill time" for Tommy to just relax. He could sit in his space and watch a movie or whatever he wanted in the room. Downtime similliar to what he would do at home in his room is "safe" and "calming" for him... Just like past cruises, he really enjoys watching the track of the ship on the tv map channel. He can see where we are, what is next and most importantly when we will be back to "Tommys house!"

First Port - Key West

I was so looking forward to this port. I have always wanted to go to the Key's and Heath, and I are already wanting to make a trip back! Tommy is used to disembarking the ship by now. He follows and doesn’t get overwhelmed with the crowds. It is such a easy process for him now which makes it an easy process for us too!

The Hop on Hop off trolley tour is what we chose to do while in the city. If there is something you want to stop and look at longer you just get off and catch the next trolley. The twelve of us traveling together were able to hop on and we road all the way to the "southernmost point" where we hopped off for a photo! The trolley guide made several recommendations, and we tried "Sandy's" It was a food truck, with a seating area. The food was delicious.

Around the corner was a butterfly conservatory. I have never been in a conservatory like this before, so it was a very interesting stop for me that I enjoyed. Tommy was a little unsure and tried to swat at a butterfly, but I quickly redirected him to where they were lighting and feeding to distract him from them buzzing around his head! LOL One did land on his ear and I thought he was going to loose it. I tried to tell him that they were kissing him, but he was just blowing and shaking his head... We made our way through the path, there were waterfalls, flamingos, ducks and many birds as well. The flowers of course were beautiful. As we reached the end, Tommy found an AC vent and decided to lift his shirt so that he could get cooled off in his own way!! Only Tommy!! LOL The end of the path leads to a gift shop with a plethora of items available.

As we worked our way back through the city streets, we shopped for souvenirs, found some new shoes for Heath as his feet were really hurting and Tommy found him some new crocs - His favorite shoe in bright blue! Other stops were: Kermit's for some key lime pie and a close up look at the lighthouse! We did not climb but we did find a great angle for a picture.

Back on the ship, the views of Key West were spectacular. As we sailed away into the sunset headed for the Bahamas, we got ready for a meal, entertainment and a good night’s sleep.