Part of an outstanding vacation is going to and from the location of your vacation or at least that is what I believe.  This cruise started at 0500 am, Sunday morning in Port Gibson, NY.  My brother, Scott and his wife, Fanny left Port Gibson, NY with over 2 foot of snow on the ground and the temperature was in the teens.  They headed south to Virginia Beach and our home.  They arrived a little before six and the temperature was in the forties...  Better, but not much!!!  Monday and Tuesday, we continued to get things ready for the cruise.  After getting several things ready, I forgot to put them in the suitcases.

Any way, on Wednesday, 14 of February, we all headed south to Jacksonville, FL.. to the home of Merchi and Charlie Richardson.   The drive to Jacksonville was normal, we stopped a few times, but nothing special to write about, arriving at the Richardson's home around 6 PM.  We enjoyed each others company and went shopping on Thursday.  I had left the batteries and chargers for all the camera at my house in Virginia Beach.  I was able to get some 2AA batteries for my camera, but could not find a charger or batteries for the movie camera.  Enclosed are some pictures of Merchi & Charlie's home in Jacksonville, FL.

We all got up around 6:00 am on Friday to head for the ship.  The Richardson were taking their car and the Beckett's would continue in Scott's van.  We had hardly got started and Charlie found a Cracker Barrel for breakfast.  Charlie was leading the way after breakfast and we headed for the parking garage, Quality Car and Van Rental in Fort Lauderdale.  We left the cars parked here, it was cheaper and a little safer than at the port.  They provide transportation to the Pier to get onto the MSC Opera.  We loaded up their van and went to the port.  The ship was already being boarded so all we had to do was waite in a couple of locations for ship processing.  We were on the ship by 1:00 PM and I think eating by 1:05 PM.  A good start........

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