Day 2 Travis' Make-A-Wish

We woke up Saturday morning and headed downstairs to breakfast before catching the shuttle to the port. We opted for one of the first (or the first) shuttle available. The logistical operation of all this is incredible. T's Wish cruise occurred on Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas, link here.

T checking out breakfast options

All ready to go

On the shuttle to the port

We arrived at the port and found the correct area for us and for our luggage. Thankfully we only waited a few minutes in line to check-in and then headed to the "holding area" to wait for our assigned boarding area to be called. Luckily for us, we didn't receive a paper telling us our assigned boarding area and we were able to board quickly since we could get on the elevator before they collected the papers. ;)

Waiting to check in

Barrett checking out our ship

Scott read up on recommendations and tips for boarding this ship and maximizing the benefits while waiting for the cabins to be ready. We went to the Shore Excursions desk and signed up for trips in Belize and Cozumel. Thankfully we signed up when we did as they filled up quickly. We had a few questions for the staff to help us determine if these were good for Travis, and they were. We found seating in the Promenade and watched the ship come to life as others boarded while we ate our lunch. (Go to Sorrento's for the pizza for lunch.)

T waiting to board the Independence of the Seas

The Promenade

Mmm...pizza

We decided to explore the ship while waiting for the cabins to be ready. So many fun things to do and see on this ship for all of us...including mini-golf, rock wall, flowrider, arcade, pools, giant outdoor screen, etc.

Nolan and Barrett wanted to try the Flowrider

Mini-golf...day and night

We noticed a sign by the desk for the outdoor activities that stated the partnership between Make-A-Wish and Royal Caribbean along with some cool shirts. Cool stuff with more to come!

We took a few putts on the mini-golf course and definitely knew we would be back several times. We also checked out a few other parts of the ship before we were able to get into our rooms and change into swimsuits and head to the pools.

T at the kid pool

T and Scott at the family pool

Hanging out at the pool

We met up with the staff for the meeting places for the kids and they received their wristbands. This allowed the staff to bring them to the correct Muster Station if anything were to happen to the ship if the kids were away from us. We participated in the Muster Drill and headed back to the family pool for the send-off party. T loved the lively music, dancing, and party atmosphere.

T enjoying the send-off part in the family pool

Away we go

Bon Voyage

We made our way back to the room for a meeting with Lori from the Kids' Program before dinner. Little did we know the amazing things Royal Caribbean planned for Travis and our family. We later learned T was the only Wish kid on this cruise.

Enjoying some of the free ice cream from the pool deck

T showing "Winter" the ocean as he videos

Lori handed us the listing of surprises for our family on T's Wish. So many surprises including $100 arcade credit for T, soda packages for all 5 of us, bingo passes, photo passes, the Bridge Tour and meeting the Captain, the galley tour, special seating for the Ice Show and meeting the cast, and a WiFi code to use. This added a special touch to an already memorable Wish. They also explained the Kid's Program and Teen Program a little further as options for all the kids.

Amazing surprises from Royal Caribbean and Make-A-Wish

We made our way to dinner and enjoyed a great meal. The arcade hosted a free hour, so we all tried out games without using T's arcade card. Of course the NASCAR game was a huge hit for our family.

T and his awesome Oreo shake

Photo from Day 1 dinner

T and Scott racing

Nolan playing in the arcade before heading to the Teen Program

B racing the first of many laps on the NASCAR arcade game

Night mini-golf

B's night mini-golfing

The family pool area is great with the big screen and fun atmosphere. They would show movies in the evenings as we cruised to our next destination. That night you could see other cruise ships nearby and even a few distant thunderstorms. I think we hit rough seas during the night for a little while, as it woke up Travis. He quickly went back to sleep and that was the only notion of storms on our trip.

B all smiles

We met a few individuals with their Make-A-Wish/Royal Caribbean shirts on and struck up conversations. Funny how life brings people together. We all enjoyed a great Saturday.