Wonder of the Seas

Jan 21st - Feb 3rd 2025

Tuesday 21st January 2025

Home to Heathrow

A normal start to the day with some patients. Luckily the 3rd patient wasn’t at home so we had a very straightforward morning and we were home by 12:45. 

Had lunch and did some final packing - we loaded the car by 14:30 and headed off down to Heathrow. Very easy journey - took just over an hour. We parked out the front of the Courtyard and went in. 

I’d checked in online and used points for the booking so we only needed a quick stop at the front desk. They’d upgraded us to superior twin room 604. It’s on the same floor as the bar and restaurant. Dropped our stuff off in the room and did some unpacking. Had one case packed for cruise and another for pre-cruise so that was easy. 

Went to the bar and relaxed with a Pepsi Max and a glass of wine overlooking the runway. Sadly no planes taking off or landing on 27R - all at the other end. While enjoying my second Pepsi Max and watching Nikki trying to stop her hiccups - I noticed an email from Virgin saying our flight for Wednesday to Orlando had been cancelled. Shit!! 

Lucky we were going to the US 4 days early for the cruise so we had plenty of time. I’d booked Meet and Greet parking for 18:00 and was then going to catch a bus back to hotel for dinner. I checked on the app and it seemed we had been rebooked to travel via Washington but it wasn’t letting me click to accept the trip. 

Decided I’d go over to the airport and speak to Virgin directly. Dropped the car with Meet and Greet and then went down into Terminal 3. The Virgin ticket desk people were pretty hopeless. They wanted us to fly to Manchester immediately and to fly from there to Orlando tomorrow morning. Nope. 

Then they came up with the idea of going via Atlanta. It meant my planned Addison Lee pick up from the hotel at 09:00 for our 13:00 flight would be useless and we’d need to leave the hotel at 07:40 for a 10:50 departure to Atlanta and then an 18:16 flight down to Orlando with Delta. I was really struggling to hear the ticket agent but we got there. 

I then walked over to the bus station and caught the bus back to the hotel. Exhausted. We went to the Indian restaurant on floor 6 of the hotel - nice meal - but during it Virgin emailed again to say we were flying to Atlanta tomorrow and then to Orlando the day after. What??!? 

Back to the room and on the phone to Virgin. They confirmed the original plan still applied. Went to bed - but not really confident tomorrow will work!

Wednesday 22nd January 2025

Heathrow to Atlanta to Orlando

Unsurprisingly - not a great night’s sleep! Firstly there was the worry of what Virgin would do to us today - and then the Marriott bed was SO soft it felt like I was practically on the floor. 

Got up at around 05:30 and Nikki made some coffee. Thankfully I’d had no more emails from Virgin overnight! We went down to breakfast just after 06:00. Quite a decent spread considering it was only £11 per person. Seemed to be lots of crew staying in the hotel. 

Back to the room for a shower and a pack and I took Nikki downstairs by 07:30 and then went back up for the cases. Addison Lee turned up and got us loaded. I’d ordered a van but the chap struggled to get everything in because he was determined that the back seats didn’t move - until they did.

Quick journey to Heathrow and we arrived at the lane up to the Virgin Upper Class Wing. It’s only the second time we’ve used the wing - and just like last time the barrier wasn’t working properly so we were held there for about 10 minutes with our driver running back and forth to the intercom. Eventually got up and things immediately got better. 

Someone came for the bags and a very helpful lady took us to the desk. She got us checked in very quickly and we went through the private security channel. Made ourselves known to SA and someone escorted us to the Virgin Lounge. 

Found a very nice spot and got brought some drinks. Ordered Eggs Florentine for Nikki and 2 toasts for me. I assumed it was 2 x 1 slice but it was 2 x 4 slices so sent one back! Bit of stress when we were supposed to be met to be taken to the gate. Nobody from SA turned up. The Virgin staff were great and kept calling them for us. Eventually someone did come and transferred us to a buggy for the run down to Gate 42 which is about 15 minutes from the lounge. 

Pretty much straight on board. We were on a new A350 in a 1-2-1 formation. We had 8G and 8D in the middle. Very nice seats indeed. After takeoff the crew brought round warm flannels and drinks and also the lunch menu. Very nice offering. 

As we were on a rebooked flight our veggie choice from the original flight hadn’t carried over but the veggie offering from the menu was very nice indeed. “Pickled golden beetroot with whipped goat's cheese, black truffle honey, roasted hazelnuts and watercress followed by Pumpkin Girasoli with herb cream and pistachio mint pesto”. Then a break for a bit and then “dark chocolate and morello cherry delice, vanilla cream and blackberry” followed by “British cheese plate blacksticks blue, coastal cheddar and melusine goat's cheese with red onion chutney, grapes and walnuts”. That’s the menu description - not mine!! Absolutely stuffed! 

I’d jokingly asked about the Freddo Frogs I’d seen on a Virgin video but they said they only did that for kids at Christmas - but shortly after the stewardess turned up with a handful of Dairy Milk bars. Amazing! Watched a couple of films - well started to and fell asleep! Had a wander around and sat in the bar and we chatted to the crew about our cancelled flight. Seems it was a medical divert on yesterday’s Orlando flight which landed in Canada and then had an aborted takeoff and went “tech”. They then sent our plane to pick up the passengers. Fair enough I guess. 

Got back to my films and before we knew it - it was time for more food!  This time it was “Togarashi spiced smoked halloumi burger with sesame, baby gem lettuce in a brioche bun served with chipotle mayonnaise and salted crisps”. Don’t think I’ll need to eat again on this holiday! 

We landed in a very cold Atlanta at around 15:30. The polar vortex that has been giving loads of snow across the north-east US was impacting the whole of the east coast. We were met off the plane by SA who took us down to immigration. It took about 5 minutes to get through - which is a record. Our bags were among the first off and we then took them down to the connection drop off and we were then taken on the train to the Delta terminal. 

Found a place for a much needed coffee and an orange juice. Went up to the gate which was already full with over an hour to go before departure. We’d been ticketed in 29C and 24C so I asked at the gate if we could be moved together but it was a full flight. Waited for a bit and then the gate agent came over to check us in and said he loved British people and moved some people so we could be in 24B and 24C. 

Once we boarded at 18:10 we were told the Captain hadn’t turned up so we had to wait onboard for over an hour. Luckily there were seat-back screens to keep us occupied so watched The Office. We clapped for the Captain when he finally turned up. 

The flight was just under an hour to Orlando. There was a bit of confusion at the gate over our wheelchair but our SA chap sorted it out once we got to baggage claim. Very long - and tense wait for the bags - took forever for the 2nd case to come out. SA chap helpfully took us right to the Hertz garage where my name had long gone from the Gold board. 

When we walked out of the terminal it was obvious this was very non-Florida weather. About 5° - very chilly. The SA chap also waited with us and brought the luggage right to the car. Nice tip for him!

We got ourselves sorted and drove to the hotel - the Holiday Inn Orlando SW Celebration Area on the Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway - the 192. Check in was swift plus they gave us unexpected breakfast vouchers for all 4 days of our stay. We’re in 1714.

Really cold in the room so we whacked the heaters on. Despite it being close to 23:00 we decided we should eat something so I ordered us a Burger King from Uber Eats. I met the chap outside the main entrance and we got that down us before turning in just after Midnight. That was a LONG day!!

Thursday 23rd January 2025

Orlando

I woke up at around 06:00 after a good night’s sleep. We have a suite and the bed is very comfortable indeed.

We sat and drank coffee in the lounge until we came to. The room has a little kitchen area with a pod coffee machine, sink, fridge and freezer plus a couch, desk and some chairs. It also has balconies in the both rooms and a decent bathroom with a rather complicated walk-in shower.

Went down to breakfast around 08:00. Not a bad spread at all. Has decent fruit, some cooked food and things like pancakes, waffles etc - plus copious amounts of coffee and juice. I had some bagels while Nikki had some strawberries and blueberries followed by eggs. 

After showers we went down to Walmart for more coffee pods and Pepsi Max for the room. The weather was awful - cold and drizzly but I stuck with my shorts and sandals. We then stopped at Subway and got some lunch for later before heading back to the room. 9 degrees in a place where everything is designed to be outside is not much fun! 

Spent the time lunching, dozing, drinking coffee and Pepsi Max and watching TV - basically recovering from our long day getting here. 

We left to pick up Matthew and Stuart from airport at around 15:00. I’d seen that you could go to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with your UK Blue Badge and get a temporary Florida disabled parking permit. We stopped at the one in Sand Lake Road on the way to the airport - but it was madness in there. I’ve seen the DMV referenced in US comedy shows as the place you go to lose all kind of hope in life - and I’d concur. So we’ll stick to the trusty UK Blue Badge!

Got to the airport pretty early and parked next to the C Terminal. Very modern and clean. The chaps’ flight had just landed so we got settled at the Starbucks in arrivals and waited for them to come through. It took over 2 hours because of long delays at baggage reclaim. Really enjoyed sitting there watching the world go by though. Chatted to a policeman about how the toll roads worked and whether I had to stop and pay. He said the rental car would have a machine that just clocked us as we sped by. Great to see Stuart & Matt when they arrived. 

We got the car loaded up and drove back to the hotel through the cold and mist! They got checked in and then came to our room later on. 

Back out on the Irlo Bronson and we went to Perkins. Amazing meal! Plus beautiful desert. 

Back to the hotel - wiped out and straight to bed. 

Friday 24th January 2025

Orlando

I woke up at around 05:30 and sat in the lounge. Feeling a lot more with it today. We were showered and ready to go by 07:30! 

Met downstairs for breakfast at 08:30. Server was so good - I mentioned how much we’d enjoyed the strawberries yesterday and she turned up with a bowl full. Very quiet too. 

We then headed back down to Walmart for more supplies via a laundry. Came up with an idea of getting a roll on bag we could pack with Pepsi Max for the cruise. Found one in Ross for $24.99. Also got Nikki a scarf as she was freezing. 

Drove up to International Drive and went for a Coldstone and then to Disney Springs for an Earl of Sandwich - not an experience I’d be up for repeating. Absolute bear garden. 

Went back to pick up my laundry and then back to the hotel for some much needed downtime. 

We met downstairs at 18:45. Loads of Hell’s Angels are staying here so the front of the hotel is packed with gleaming motorcycles. 

Went off to Olive Garden. Pretty decent food but I think in my mind I was expecting more. Was more like a decent Harvester!! Stopped at Walgreens on the way back to the hotel for some Gaviscon. Had a little drive around and came across 2 taped off areas with police on standby. And so to bed.

Saturday 25th January 2025

Orlando

Again I woke up at 05:30. I thought I’d have kicked in to Florida time by this point!

We met up for breakfast at 08:30 but it was an absolute bear garden. There’s some kind of Spanish speaking maths competition going on for school kids and they are ALL staying at our hotel. So what seems like hundreds of kids in blue t-shirts swarming the breakfast area - plus the odd Hell’s Angel!

I decided to go back up to the room and grab the car keys so we could go out somewhere else to eat. We remembered a Denny’s just up the road. Breakfast was decent but the service was a bit crappy. Nikki really enjoyed it. For me it was just OK. 

Back to the hotel for a freshen up and then down to Walmart to get the Pepsi Max supplies for the cruise. Bought 2 cases and got them loaded in our new $24.99 roll on thingy from Ross! All sorted. 

I was also looking for a travel router which would be very useful for the cruise but was having no luck finding it. It was supposedly for sale at Walmart but turns out that’s online and not in-store. 

Back in the car we were looking at other places to buy it so I pulled into the Aldi car park opposite Walmart to do some more research. We found somewhere that seemed to do it and as we were pulling out - a woman in a Hyundai Sonata reversed into the passenger side of us. 

I jumped out thinking we’d need to exchange details - but she just drove off. Luckily another lady parking her car had seen the whole thing and had taken a picture of her number plate. When we looked at the damage it was barely a dent but we thought we should report it. Amazingly there was a Sheriff in the car park dealing with another crash so me and Stuart went over to him and he told us what to do. Call 911 and tell them we’d been involved in a hit and run. We did that and waited. He said the woman would be arrested later that afternoon and it was very common for drivers in Kissimmee not to have insurance.

The Sheriff came over and waited with us and about 50 minutes later someone came from the Florida Highway Patrol. He was Trooper Jason Blades and it’s fair to say my travelling companions were quite taken by him! He took all the details and then sat in his car for over half an hour doing stuff on his computer. He eventually came out and gave me a document detailing everything - including the other driver’s name and address!! 

A bit shaken we decided to go for a coffee at Dunkin’. While there I looked at the Hertz site and realised we needed to tell them all about it so we went back to the hotel and I called them. Very good service if a bit slow. Woman took down all the details and then at the end played a pre-recorded message saying we also needed to do it online! Back down to the car and did that with the required pictures of the barely dent. 

The hunt for a router continued at Target and Best Buy but I was flagging at this point so we went for a Coldstone instead! 

We went back down to Kissimmee and checked out the crazy golf place but it was in no way accessible! They told us their sister site on International Drive was accessible but we couldn’t face it - gave up on that. 

Back to the hotel for some brief downtime before heading out again for dinner. We’d fancied Cheesecake Factory but the queue there was immense so we went to Arbys instead. They did us a decent enough meal. 

Went back to the hotel and found our usual Blue Badge spaces were all full so had to park around the back of the hotel. By 20:45 we were all knackered so called it a night and hit the hay around 21:30

Sunday 25th January 2025

Orlando to Port Canaveral

Earlier start to the day - it’s ship day!!

We both woke up by 05:30 and did some last minute packing. Met downstairs for breakfast at 07:30 but it was packed with the Mexican maths Olympic bods. Took ages to find a table. 

Went back up to the room to finish the packing. I took Nikki down in the wheelchair just after 08:30. Stuart was already there so we got the chair and the cases in and then Matthew appeared so we packed the car and hit the road by 08:45. 

Very smooth drive to Port Canaveral. Pretty much a straight road all the way. Plus we had some great music to listen to! Picked up a delay when we got to the port but it turned out we were early so were getting caught in the pick up line for people getting off last week’s cruise. 

Once we got around them the drop-off area was deserted. Chap took our bags and I pushed Nikki over to the Scootaround people to get her super-duper chair and stroller. Very easy. Me and Stuart then took the car upstairs and got it parked. 

Check-in was a doddle - we got through the terminal so quickly thanks to some very helpful check-in ladies in the disabled area. We were on the ship by 10:30! We dropped our bags off at The Key bag drop off area outside the restaurant on Deck 4 and then went for a wander to a Central Park. 

It’s weird getting on a brand new ship that you know so well. Our last RC cruise was on Symphony of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas is pretty much a carbon copy! 

At this stage none of us fancied anything more than water so we sat there and figured out Nikki’s new chair. I’d see YouTube videos that showed how you controlled the chair with your phone so when you park it you can summon it back. Sadly you need a QR code for that and there was none on the wheelchair.

We went in for The Key lunch at Midday. Service was quite slow but the food was excellent. Mushroom Soup to start followed by an off-menu pasta dish for me and another mushroom dish for Nikki. She had ice cream and I had a New York Cheesecake for desert. 

By this time it was gone 13:00 so we waited ages for a lift to come to take us to 6636. Finally got there and our bags were waiting outside so we cracked on with the unpacking. So much stuff!! Got sorted and I sat on the balcony while Nikki had a nap. 

Matthew and Stuart came to the room at around 16:00 and we watched a bit of SNL but it kept glitching as people tried to join my Roku box. Weird. 

Me, Matthew and Stuart had a wander on the top decks as the ship started to sail while Nikki had a nap. Lots of very high-energy dancing. Unsurprisingly we just watched. 

I went for a massage at 17:30 which was fab but felt a bit discombobulated after! 

Met for dinner at 18:30 and jumped the queue. We were on table 271 with Lindo and Ida as our waiters. Nice meal. Tomato soup, Indian main course and cheesecake to finish. 

Back to the cabin to get jackets etc for the InTense water show at 21:15. Got there at 20:45 and nabbed our seats. We wondered if it would be cancelled as the water was sloshing around in the pool. Amazing show. So much incredible diving. Afterwards we were whacked out so we’re in bed by 22:15.

Monday 26th January 2025

Port Canaveral to Coco Cay

Woke up around 06:00 and made my traditional wander for a Starbucks. Ship very quiet. Came back to the cabin and watched the outside world from the balcony. 

By about 06:45 I could see Coco Cay up ahead - Symphony of the Seas had beaten us there. She was parked arse in and I was hoping we’d do the same meaning we’d have views from our balcony. Sadly not. We docked right next to Symphony creating a canyon with 18 storey buildings each side. 

Watched the workers on the docks for a while - including the parade of chefs getting off the boat to work on Coco Cay for the day. 

Had a shower and after some messaging met Stuart and Matthew met at Johnny Rockets on our deck for breakfast at 08:00. Quite busy already but we got a small table. Service took a while but enjoyed our juice, coffee, eggs and toast. 

Nipped back to the cabin and we all gathered at the gangway at 09:15 for our day at Coco Cay. Very busy with people wandering off both ships at the same time. A bit like coming out of a concert. 

We walked down the pier and on to the island. Very Disney but really charming. We had a wander around and settled on Chill Island. Found four sunbeds very easily. We were about 5 rows back from the sea but at least there we had shade thanks to the palm trees and umbrella. A chap came and took our drinks order - I’d brought some Pepsi Max so just had ice. 

We were in front of the restaurant area with loos nearby so perfect. I went into the sea for a swim. Quite cold but very nice when in. Crystal clear waters with lots of tiny little fish. Had a float for a while. Wish I’d brought my water hammock. 

Spent the day grazing on some food - tacos with beans and later on a burger and an ice cream. We didn’t starve! Stuart went back to the ship around 13:00 and we followed around 15:00. Got completely lost on our way to take the towels back so there was much swearing!

After a morning on the sunbed my back was playing up so I went to the medical centre and got given a muscle relaxant and some pain killers for $186. Very efficient though. Got some ice in a bag from our room attendant and sat on the balcony with that. 

Matt and Stuart came to our room at about 18:00 and we put the world to rights on the balcony. Went down for dinner at about 18:45 and did our usual thing of just walking straight in. 

Same table and waiters as last night. I had Arancini to start with mushroom risotto next and then tiramisu for desert. Most enjoyable. 

We then went upstairs to the music hall. Lifts are absolutely packed all the time. Watched a rubbish music quiz before heading back to the cabin for a comfort break. 

We had a show booked for 22:00 but Nikki flagged and collapsed on the bed and refused to be roused! I went and joined Stuart and Matthew in the theatre for the show. Fab acapella show with lots of well known songs. Really well staged and the cast were excellent. Back to the room and zonked out into my bed.

Tuesday 27th January 2025

At Sea

Sea day today so a bit of a lie in. Still woke up around 07:00 and went to get our traditional Starbucks to start the day. Sat on the balcony watching the sea go by. We’re just off the northern coast of Cuba and looks like we will be for most of the day. 

Went to the Solarium Bistro for our breakfast. Very busy as they’re doing brunch rather than breakfast. Had some Cheerios followed by some bagels with cream cheese. Nikki had fruit and an omelette. Lots to choose from that’s for sure! 

After breakfast we came back via our cabin and went to the Schooner Bar for a quiz at 10:00. We did appallingly! We kind of knew 2 answers for every question - and chose the wrong one each time! First woman to fly from Hawaii to the US - knew it would be Amelia Earhart or Amy Johnson. Chose Johnson. Wrong! Same with the Berlin Wall coming down. Knew it was 1989 or 1990 and chose 1990. Wrong. Coke/Pepsi. Coffee/Tea. We weren’t last but we certainly didn’t trouble the top spots! 

We stayed for another quiz which was fun and then decided to go up on deck. Lots of people sunbathing and enjoying the warm sunshine. We sat awhile and watched the world go by. Then it was down to the Schooner Bar to watch the 12:30 parade. 

We stayed for the first 15 minutes and then dashed down to Deck 3 for lunch in the main restaurant. I had smoked potato soup, risotto and a coconut cake. Very nice. After that it was nearly 14:00 and Matthew wanted to go and see a presentation on future cruises to Alaska. We joined him for the start then made our excuses. We went off to the Windjammer for a small bit of ice cream. 

Nikki wanted a nap so I dropped her off at the room and then met Stuart on the top deck to enjoy the warm weather. Back to the Schooner Bar for coffee and then some downtime. 

When I got back to the room and turned the TV on I realised someone was watching my YouTube through my Roku. Spent half an hour adding 2 factor authorisation to everything. Suggested a pre-dinner wander to see Flow Rider etc on the top deck. Checked out the golf course and came back to change for dinner. 

Really busy down there as it’s formal night. Did my usual walk to the front and go straight to our table 271. Sadly there were people just finishing up there from the early sitting so we waited while they relaid it. I had soup, Indian dish and warm apple cobbler for desert. Nikki had a luminous green risotto! 

After dinner we went to listen to some jazz in Central Park. Most enjoyable even if the drums were too high in the mix! And then it was down for the Ice Show. Just stunning. Incredible how fast they can go on what is a small ice rink. And this aerialist girl was jaw dropping. Spinning around so quickly. Best show so far for sure. Plus the music was good - Peter Gabriel, Muse, U2 etc. and then to bed!

Wednesday 28th January 2025

At Sea to Cozumel, Mexico

Woke up around 06:30 as there was clanking outside - we’ve arrived in Cozumel. Looked out and it was still dark but could see we were right next to the port. 

After collecting our Starbucks we sat on the balcony and watched the sun come up. Enjoyed our view in the warm until Serenade of the Seas pulled up next to us!! Interesting watching the goings on as a ship docks. Not as big as Symphony in Coco Cay so we can at least see the sky through the canyon! 

We met at 09:00 up at the Windjammer for breakfast. Massive spread. I had some Cheerios and then some cooked with hash browns and other potatoes. Most enjoyable. 

After a detour back to the cabin we met on deck 2 to get off. Wasn’t as busy as Coco Cay. We stopped off at a pharmacy for some Gaviscon for me and some sun lotion for Matthew. The pharmacy staff could triple their takings if they came up with a better queuing system! Very busy little port but not rammed. Lots of little shops with every shopkeeper trying to entice you in with “special” offers. 

Decided to go out of the port to an outdoor shopping centre just across the road - Royal Shopping Centre. Much the same as the port. Very warm and quite humid. Wandered around a bit and came to a small square. I grabbed a Sprite and some water from the bar and we sat there for a bit. 

Talk turned to tequila and the fact none of us had tried it. Nikki volunteered so I went back to see the barmaid at the bar who sorted me out with a shot, salt and lime. Plus she gave me a small shot of the really good stuff. Nikki had a try and quite enjoyed it. The really good one made her cough but she woman-fully persevered in the name of science. I tried the smallest possible sip. Not for me. 

After a brief comfort break we headed back to the ship. Up to Windjammer for the ice cream then up on deck to enjoy the sunshine. Went back to Windjammer for lunch - salad and mac and cheese - and then found some sunbeds. 

I’d asked about a private cabana but for $250 we gave that a wide miss. Stayed in our secluded position for a while and may have nodded off. Stuart then texted mid afternoon about a possible scone hunt. 

Nikki relocated near to Matthew and I went and joined Stuart in Central Park. No scones but a very nice cake. That’ll do. We were then heading up to rejoin Nikki and Matthew when we diverted to my cabin for a comfort break. It was then apparent that my stent was playing silly buggers so we went back upstairs to get Nikki and returned to our cabin. 

Stent problems resolved through the evening. We sat on the balcony then watched some TV before ordering room service. Decent Quesadillas with a cheesecake to follow. 

Was watching MSNBC when news of the plane crash at Reagan Airport first came through. Hit the sack around 22:10

Thursday 29th January 2025

Cozumel, Mexico to Roatan, Honduras

Best day of the trip! Little bit confused with the time difference in Honduras. Still am to be honest. It’s either an hour behind or ahead! Nikki left her watch on ship time while our phones defaulted to Roatan time!

Woke up and used Nikki’s bike to go for coffee to save my stent. Very useful! Sat on the balcony and watched our docking in Coxon Hole Roatan. Lush green hillside and a very colonial looking port - built a matter of years ago but nice look. Met by a band! Very tropical. FaceTimed with Ann to show her around our cabin and the surroundings. 

Went to Jonny Rockets for breakfast. Not bad at all. Felt very humid out on deck though. I’d booked our driver for 10:00 but that would now be 11:00 ship time because of the time difference. Messaged Roatan Getaway Tours to ask if we could go earlier and they said our driver was already here anyway. So we went back to the cabin to pack our bag and met Matt on the dockside. 

Had a bit of trouble finding Gate 2 as I think they design the port to keep you there shopping. Found it eventually and went out into the madness of Roatan Port on ship day! Loads of cars, bikes etc and loads of people offering taxis, tours etc. Helped by a friendly local, we found our driver. 

We waited a patch of waste ground while he went to get our vehicle. Got chatting to a local man who seemed to be policing the parking on the aforementioned patch of waste ground. He said we needed our wits about us! 

Our chap arrived and we got loaded. Off we went down the port road. Every shack was adorned with Pepsi branding! We drove down Main Street which hugged the coastline before turning inland. Roatan is exactly what you’d get if you asked AI to make a picture of a Caribbean Island. 

We passed the airport and then the other cruise terminal at Mahogany Bay. Quite a few ships in. Flights at the airport to and from Houston, Atlanta and Miami plus local ones to the capital Tegucigalpa. 

We then drove around the French Cay area before arriving at AJ’s Monkeys and Sloths. Our driver said it was a lot quieter than normal so that was good for us. We unloaded and waited all of 2 minutes in the waiting area before we were called to start the tour. 

First up we went to the Guinea Pigs area and were each handed a GP. Very soft and just sat happily in our hands. The keepers explained a bit about them and handed out some treats for them. Very cute. 

We then got to meet the Sloths. They had 4 there with names like Flash and Lightning! Very endearing faces and so slow and deliberate in their movements. Nikki, Matthew and I had Sophia hung around our necks. We were not allowed to stroke her as Sloths have very poor eyesight and anything like that can startle them. The claws on them for climbing are very impressive. Very soft animal and not as heavy as I imagined. Sophia just wrapped her arms around my neck while I supported her bottom and she just sat there looking around in an almost tortoise fashion. Beautiful! 

After that we moved around the outside of the building next to the Macaw enclosure. Each of us had one put on our arm. Much heavier than I expected and beautiful colours. And what a beak. That would do some damage! 

While we were sat there a Capuchin Monkey called Jack appeared and tried, via Matthew’s shoulder and head, to get into the feed building through a window. He failed - but then spent ages running up and down Matthew and Nikki and taking a great interest in the wheelchair! 

We then moved on to the monkey enclosure itself. They took us inside via two gates and then the madness started! Small monkeys everywhere! Just standing still one would leap onto your head (with quite a thud) - wrap its tail around your neck and in my case - try to steal my vape. They like shiny things! Spent a good half an hour being used as a monkey climbing frame. One was caught in the act of breaking into Matthew’s bag! 

All the animals at AJs are rescued from things like deforestation. Came out of the monkeys to the hand washing station - much needed. And then we had a comfort break and a drink before loading back up with our driver. 

He then took us on a tour of the east of Roatan stopping now and again so we could take pictures and marvel at the scenery. We stopped for lunch at Gio’s Roatan. We were met outside like favoured returning guests and shown to our table on the deck overlooking the sea on 3 sides. Such a glorious setting. 

Matthew has octopus, me and Nikki had a fettuccine with chickpeas and our driver joined us too. Most pleasant hour and a half spent watching the boats sail by and getting the history of Roatan from the owner and our driver. 

After lunch we got taken to see West End and other beach front parts of the island before going up in the mountains. Amazing undisturbed forest and Roatan much hillier than I imagined. 

Dropped back right to the boat about an hour before departure. Excellent adventure. 

We then met in the Schooner Bar for a beverage and an exchange of pictures before a bit of downtime before dinner. 

Met in the restaurant at our usual table 271. Had soup to start with pasta for mains and a chocolate cake for desert. Nikki had eggplant and a pineapple cake to finish. 

We then sat in Central Park listening to some jazz before going to the theatre to see a mad juggler Pete Matthews. Daft and entertaining show. And so to bed - what an incredible day!

Friday 30th January 2025

Roatan, Honduras to Costa Maya, Mexico

Bit of a bouncy morning but didn’t stop me sleeping for sure. Woke up at 06:40 and we were just off Costa Maya. Went down for a Starbucks. Lots of people were getting ready for gangplank down at 07:00. Short day here with everyone told to be back by 13:30 for a 14:00 sail away. 

We docked a long way out - quite a walk to get to the actual port. Met for breakfast at 08:45 at Windjammer on 15. Very busy but we got a table in the wheelchair section. Had a cooked breakfast with 2 types of potato followed by a bagel and cream cheese. Back to the cabin for a tooth clean and met up with Stuart and Matthew on the dock side. 

SO humid and in the low 80s. We walked down to the port. Long trek - the port itself is very smart with a big swimming pool in the middle with loads and loads of shops. Like Bicester Village with sweat and a pool. Walked through the port area and found the Red Shirts who rented the buggy. We paid $100 for a 6 seater meaning we could pop the wheelchair on the folded down back seat. 

We set off out of the port with me as the designated driver. The roads are in an horrendous condition. Potholes everywhere! Made our way round to the lighthouse and stopped for some pictures then turned up the main drag. Sea on the left with restaurants, snack bars, bars, massage places etc etc. Got all the way to the end and turned around before stopping at a bar for some beverages. 

Nice to be able to park the golf buggy right outside. Enjoyed the view of the sea and the people walking up and down the strip. 

Headed back to the ship for 11:45. Dropped the golf buggy back and walked back onto the ship. 

Met in Schooner Bar for a refreshing Pepsi Max in air conditioned surroundings. Went to Park Cafe in Central Park for some lunch - salad and a sandwich before some downtime on the balcony. 

Had a lovely afternoon watching our departure from Costa Maya - no pier runners! Sea was a lot calmer so we stayed put in very humid conditions - but smug in the fact all we had to do was go back into the cabin to cool down. I went and got Nikki a coffee and biscotti from Starbucks as she was very thirsty and then we got down to more sitting on our balcony enjoying the balmy weather. 

Met to go on the Rising Tide Bar at 17:45. It goes between Deck 5 and Deck 8 like a very slow lift. Lots of fun. Had a very nice Mocktail with strawberries in. 

Then on to dinner and our usual table 271. Had a Ceasar salad to start with the Indian dish for mains and a strawberry shortbread cake for desert. 

We then retired to the Music Hall for an hour of The Great American Songbook with the orchestra. Very jazz improv so didn’t recognise much but it was gentle and enjoyable. 

Then we headed down to the main theatre for Effectors 2. What a show. Lasted about 50 mins but the special effects were incredible. Dozens of drones plus one huge prop drone over the audience. The lighting and lasers were jaw dropping - story was a bit nothing but the way it was done was excellent. I managed to knock one of the arm rests off a seat when I went to get Nikki’s wheelchair. 

Highlight of the night was the number of nice comments Nikki’s sparkly jacket received - including after the show from a couple of the theatre performers! And so to bed. 

Saturday 31st January 2025

Costa Maya, Mexico to At Sea

Our final full day - and a sea day. Despite the late night I woke up at 06:40 and went for a Starbucks while Nikki dozed. We sat on the balcony and watched the sun come up over Cuba. Beautiful still morning. 

Had showers etc and then went up to Windjammer on Deck 15 for our breakfast at 08:30. Quite busy but not rammed. Sat and made half-hearted plans for the day until about 09:15. 

We went down to the main theatre for the Captain’s Q&A session at 09:45. Very dry humour. Claimed he got the job while working as a cabbie in Miami and was taken on after driving a Royal Caribbean manager one day. Very interesting, relaxed and humorous session. Learned there were 2 spots in the brig and 3 in the mortuary. Oh and if you fall overboard make sure someone sees you otherwise you’ll never be rescued. 

Relocated to Central Park for coffee. Nothing open apart from the bar so had a couple of Mocktails. Sat chatting for a good while before thoughts turned to lunch. As we’d got a great spot we decided to stay out for salad and sandwiches from the Park Cafe. Most lovely. 

Back to the cabin around 13:30 for some downtime. Sat on the balcony in glorious sunshine with Cuba to the south and the sea flat calm. Very enjoyable afternoon. 

Met in the Schooner Bar for drinks at 18:15 and then went down to dinner. Very nice final meal. Gave our tips to Lindo and Ida and said our farewells. 

Back home to the cabin to put some of our cases outside the door for collection and then dropped in to see the first comedian in the main theatre. All a bit knackered by now so called it a day at 21:45 and turned in. 

Sunday 1st February 2025

Port Canaveral to Heathrow

Set the alarm for 06:00 but by 05:45 the clanking of the ship docking had woken me up. Got up for a look out the window at a cloudy Port Canaveral. Noticed that the Starbucks was opening at 06:00 for disembarkation day so left Nikki asleep and went down to Deck 5. The gangway wasn’t going down for another hour but there were people already queuing to get off. I guess some people go for the early flights back to wherever they’re from. 

Back at the room and Nikki had woken up and was grateful for the coffee. Sat on the balcony and watched all the goings on at the port. It’s like a well-oiled machine for their Sunday turnarounds. I was sat there at around 06:45 thinking that within about 4 hours a totally new group of people would be on the ship - and in my room! 

Went for a shower and finished up the packing before heading down for The Key breakfast at 07:30 with our remaining luggage. As suspected the lifts going down from our deck on 6 to the gangway on 5 were rammed so after waiting for about 10 minutes - we decided to go up and then down. That worked apart from stopping on every deck! 

Got to the breakfast on Deck 4 and had a very nice spread. Matthew and Stuart joined us and as we were in no rush, we lingered. After a brief comfort break we went to Deck 5 and just walked off the ship. Some hold ups as we walked down the ramp in the terminal but that was due to the amount of people. 

Went to pick up the stroller and our other case from The Key luggage area and by the time I got them both Stuart had found a porter. He took us through security, waited while we returned the electric wheelchair and stroller and then took us up to our car on level 2 of the parking garage. 

We got loaded up and headed off on the 528 to Orlando Airport. Few delays getting out of the port itself but considering the size of the ships disgorging their passengers - pretty impressive. Very straightforward 45 minutes to the airport. I’d booked a day room for us at the Hyatt Regency which is built into Terminal A/B. Found their valet parking without any trouble and the bell boy grabbed our bags for us. Went up to level 4 to check in and we were on our way to 8108 within minutes. Big double/double room so nice to have somewhere to leave the cases and get changed before our flights etc. 

Me and Stuart went to fill up the car and return it to Hertz. Couple of false starts around the airport perimeter but we eventually found a Shell garage with a 7-11 attached. Put in just under $20, got some crisps and then drove around to the Hertz drop off. Very simple and we were on our way back to the Hyatt within minutes. 

Went back up to the room to drop off things - Matthew and Nikki had relocated to the pool on floor 6. I needed no further invitation so I grabbed my swimbles and headed that way with Stuart. They were on a very nice set of couches next to the pool - with a couple of little lizards running around. Sat there for a while but unlike Nikki and Matthew - me and Stuart like some shade so we moved to some shaded seats next to a woman who was from Michigan and had travelled down with her husband who was on a business trip. We chatted with her for a while then I went to the fitness centre on the same floor where I found somewhere to change and also to grab some towels. Straight in the pool. 

Absolutely gorgeous. Nice to be in a swimming pool at an airport watching the planes take off! Stayed in for about 20 minutes before getting out and ordering drinks from the poolside phone connected to the bar! Result. Had another swim and by about 12:00 thoughts turned to food. 

Matthew and Stuart were on a BA flight that was going from Terminal C so they headed off to the  room to get ready while me and Nikki went to McCoy’s in the hotel for some lunch. Excellent veggie burger and chips. Couldn’t fault it. 

We went up to the room at 13:30 and rearranged things in the cases and the rucksacks for the flight and left at about 14:00 for our 17:25 flight. Found the Virgin desk easily enough and got checked in for Upper Class. We were then sent to a separate - but busy - wheelchair security line. Took a while to get through but it wasn’t too bad. 

We caught the train and walked down towards Gate 83 and found the Delta Lounge just before that. Up one floor - quite busy but with a decent food offering - not that we needed anything after our lunch. Found some seats and stayed there until 16:00. We then walked down to Gate 83 and the same helpful chap from check-in was there to help. We had about 15 minutes to kill so grabbed some Pepsi Max and had a loo break before boarding. 

Lots of wheelchairs - wonder how many people will be miraculously better when we land at Heathrow. We were in 5A and 6A on the old style Virgin Upper Class. Perfectly fine flight - watched a few movies and ate a few meals. Note to self - don’t pre-order Asian vegetarian - stick with what veggie options they offer on the main menu.

Monday 2nd February 2025

Heathrow to Home

The flight time was really quick because of a strong jet stream  - we were due to land at 06:50 but we were among the first in the stack at Heathrow by 05:45 - before the airport even opened. Landed at 06:05. 

Took a while to get the wheelchair but after that it was plain sailing. Got the bags and went to the Virgin Revivals Lounge for some coffee and nibbles. As it was very cold I changed out of shorts into my jeans and got my jacket out of the case. 

The Revivals Lounge is close to the Meet and Greet Parking so I took the cases up and then came back for Nikki. Quite busy coming home - M4 and M25 quite slow. 

Turned off the M40 for Thame to stop at the shop for some bits and got caught in some temporary roadworks which were really clogging up Thame. 

Back home by 09:20 - house freezing so sorted that and did the unpacking before collapsing on the couch. 

Travelling is lots of fun but it is TIRING!