BACK HOME

We are home safe and sound.

We left the ship early yesterday knowing we would have to wait several hours for our flight home but wanted to avoid all of the craziness at the Airport we had heard about from those returning back home after the first cruise.  While we had Business Class the lines at the airport didn't sound good recognizing that Saturday's are their busy day.

We were supposed to meet the Concierge at 6:45 AM but got down to the area at 6:20 AM and shortly we saw Concierge Arialla who asked if we wanted to leave early and we said yes and she confirmed driver was there. She escorted us off the ship where we were also met by Head Concierge Marco and the two of them took us to wear our luggage was, where the coordinator for the locals was and they all walked us to the vehicle Crystal booked for us where we met driver Roosevelt.  After saying our goodbyes and thanking them for all their help we were on our way to the airport.

The drive to the airport is about half the length of Nassau.  Nassau is not the largest of the Bahama Islands but has the largest economy, more jobs, and more people.  Roosevelt mentioned that with very few cruise ships transiting Nassau but only starting and ending the high end shops in downtown Nassau are still closed.  He pointed out somethings along the way and was a hoot. The three of us laughed the entire way.  He would make a joke or just say something funny and Keith would too.  We mentioned to him that we really have enjoyed the friendliness of the locals and how welcoming they made us feel.  

When we got to the airport we waited 15 minutes for the airline to being check in and checked in.  The luggage conveyer belt was not working so we had to walk a short distance to drop off our two checked bags and then head back to where we started and walk a bit further to stand on line for security. Two lines and we were first on one of them and they were to open 30 minutes later which turned out to be 40 minutes but we were not in a rush. Went though security and how we love TSA Pre Check which was not an option since this is not a USA airport so we had to pretty much strip down. LOL.  We did have to remove all electronics and place in binds such as iPhones, iPad, Kindle, and Computers.  Keith normally likes to go first so he can time getting items on conveyer and get through his screen so no one accidentally or intentionally walks off with any valuables.  Unfortunately, they held up the person in front of Keith so stuff got through before Keith.  For some reason someone who was from the airport and helping someone put his ID badge in Keith's bin with electronics and started to take that bin over to nearby chairs but Keith noticed it and let him know (nicely and politely) that he had our bin. All good.  After getting through security since USA customs does immigration and customs at the airport as they do with a number of places we went through Immigration first.  With Global Entry no wait.  After that we went through customs.  

From there we decided to eat and Keith spotted a cafe with sit down service and they were kind enough to place us in one of a few booths which was far away from others.  It was still breakfast time so we had a second breakfast each having pancakes and coffee.  All good.  Food was tasty and it killed time and we were not in a rush so all good.

By the time we got to the gate we had three hours to board.  Not a big deal.  We talked, read and walked.  The good news is for July they added on Saturdays' a direct flight home and Keith booked it.  Incoming flight on time.  We boarded on time.  Arrive to our home airport early.  Flight was fine. At one point Flight Attendant came on the system to say Pilot had asked food service be discontinued for a bit as we might encounter strong turbulence and the good news is we didn't and food service continued.  We were in one of two rows of business class.  A snack or light lunch came in a box and it was perfect. We chose the turkey sandwich which was accompanied by a small salad, fruit and a cookie.  Guess who didn't eat the cookie.  LOL.

After landing and being met by the driver our wait for bags was not long and we made good time to the house.  All good and happy everything worked out well.

We loved the cruise as you all could tell.  We were nervous before we began the journey, when we go to the hotel, when we got to the ship because of Anne Marie's situation but everything turned out well.  Our thank to everyone and particularly the hotel and Crystal for keeping us safe.

We have three photos to post; Pancakes from the Airport cafe and our smiling photos at the cafe. LOL but we were smiling.  We promise.

Cheers,

​Anne Marie and Keith