Thursday, February 19, 2015

Our Carnival Liberty Mini-Honeymoon Cruise Review: Friday, January 16, 2015 - Day 6 - Disembarkation and Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach, FL (Picture Heavy Post)



We woke up at 5:45an, and were able to watch the ship sail into Port Canaveral via the ships dedicated webcam channel(s).   At 6:00am, room service brought our last breakfast on board. We had plenty of time to got ready and finish packing. The ships rules state that all guests must vacate their staterooms no later than 8:30am. This allows them enough time to get the ship ready for the next weeks cruise guests.  Once we had double checked our stateroom for any left over forgotten items we headed upstairs to get a picture of our port arrival and then we found a comfortable and quiet seat in the library. We were able to relax and play games while waiting for our disembarkation number to be called, we were #21 of 35+ (note: they do not call numbers in order...truly no pattern.)  Having cruised before I knew that I wanted to beat the crowds and find a good location to sit with our carry on luggage.  I thought we would be stuck waiting until at least 10:00am. SHOCKED!!!! We were called at about 9:00am. That was the fastest I have ever been called. I had warned Dan that the process was normally much longer.

Debarkation was really painless. They called us at 9:00am, off the ship at 9:10am, baggage at 9:20am, customs at 9:30am, shuttle to the truck at 9:35am, dropped off at the truck at 9:45am, and loaded up and on our way to Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach, FL before 10:00am.


Before taking this cruise, I had 29 VIFP Club points and was a Gold Level Member.  I am still a long way from the next level and to be honest I may never reach it since we were so unhappy with many areas of our cruise (see my next post for details.)


For several reasons Cocoa Beach, FL holds a big spot in Dan and I's heart.  Dan lived there are a teen, he surfed daily there, he was a Minuteman Football player at Cocoa Beach High School.  I used to attempt to surf there as a teen, I spent many Spring Breaks there. again as a teen.  We went on a Great Weekend getaway when we were about 20 years old and we were MARRIED there on the beach, last year on March 17, 2014.

Cocoa Beach, Florida Welcome Sign

Ron Jon Surf Shop
"The Original Location, not the Original Building.

Ron Jon Surf Shops Famous Logo/Image

Dan's New Shirt #1 (front)

Dan's New Shirt #1 (back)

Dan's New Shirt #2 (front)

Dan's New New Shirt #2 (back)

Here is a break down of how we managed to sail on a tight budget.  Our money is seriously tied up in our upcoming move to Ecuador.  If you are looking for an affordable vacation here it is.  Now we had many issues...But, we didn't spend much money.

In Cabin Phone Call
(From Nassau, Bahamas to Mom in Hernando, FL)
$5.97

Pixils Photo Gallery
(Elegant Dinner Photo, Professional Photo, and Our Custom Christmas Ornament)
$46.93

Jardins Cafe Bar
(2 Fancy Coffees,1 OMGosh Yummy Dessert, and Tip)
$14.00

The Fun Shop On Board the Ship
(2 for 1 Glass Dolphins)
$15.00

Service Gratuity
(Total Tips)
$120.00

Danielle & Emma's Bags
(Purchased in Nassau, Bahama's at the Straw Market)
$30.00

2 each Bottled Waters
(Purchased in Nassau, Bahama's $1.00 each plus tax)
$2.16

6 days of Parking and Transport To and From the Ship for 2 Passengers
$8.95 per day x's 6 days = $53.70 + Tax ($3.48) 
$57.18

Florida Turnpike Round Trip Tolls with the SUNPASS
$12.70

Gas for the Truck
4 hours and 29 minutes 
268.11 miles
$44.04

Driver Tips
$10.00

Cruise Rate for Both of Us 
(Wedding & Christmas Gift from Mom)
$446.00 (Cruise Fare) + $177.12 (Cruise Government Taxes and Fees) 
$623.12

6 each Chocolate Covered "Tuxedo" Strawberries delivered to our Stateroom 
(Ordered by Mom)
$12.00

Happy Honeymoon Cabin Decorations
(Ordered by Mom)
$30.00

Ron Jon Surf Shop
2 Men's Shirts
$39.81

Grand Total for Everything:  $1062.91
   





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WARNING!!!!  
STOP READING HERE IF YOU HAVE NO INTEREST IN THE NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF OUR MINI-HONEYMOON!!!  
ALSO, YOU WILL WANT TO SKIP OUR NEXT POST!!!

In Our Next Post:  I will be addressing the issues we had during the booking process, the cruise, and our complaint letter to the CEO of Carnival Cruise Line.

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