The Saga Continues...
Backing up for just a moment… once the State Department made an appointment at the Miami Passport Agency, we realized every document had to be gathered again as if this was the first application. This included a new passport photo! With papers printed up by the front desk, we walked to the nearest Walgreens. Praying the whole way that the photo area would still be open. It was! The girl working was rather inexperienced at doing passports so when the first attempt was entered, it had many boxes not checked off… one item was Roxanne was not allowed to smile. We ran out so fast, she had no make up, didn’t brush her hair… but there was no time for that!
Last you heard, I was sitting out front of the passport office, Roxanne was inside. So much shenanigans in this part of town… we aren’t in South Beach any more! For some reason, this guy decided to stretch out behind a parked car. This was actually a city bus stop!
Roxanne and I had set a “must leave” time of 2pm. We realized that due to an error checking in, my passport info had loaded under her name and could not be deleted. Knowing this would take a moment to sort out, we allowed a slight bit of extra time. If Roxanne didn’t have her passport in hand by two, I would have to go. Two o’clock rolled around and no passport. Both of us in different locations, both of us crying, I headed for the ship. Apparently, one of the workers saw her crying and said she would try to help. Unfortunately, the passport had not yet been approved. Our plan was, the moment Roxanne had passport in hand, I would order an Uber.
Backing up the story for a moment… as I waited, as hot and smelly it was in that area… at least I had entertainment.
After explaining the situation and getting my check-in straightened out, I headed up to my cabin… alone. So SAD!!! At this point, Chantel and I began to formulate a plan to get Roxanne to Cozumel and board the ship. When I asked about that possibility, I was told that she would have to contact Royal Caribbean on land and make the arrangements… there will probably be a fine. Back to the room, I said a prayer… “Lord, whatever happens is Your will… it wasn’t meant to be for Roxanne to board today and only you know why. So, I’m asking for traveling mercies. Let us find a safe and comfortable place for her to spend two nights, let us find a decently priced flight.” Two minutes later, the Captain came on the loud speaker in the room (rarely happens) and announced that there would be a delay… the baggage had not been loaded. Now mind you, this ship came from a deep cleaning before the upcoming World Cruise. They had no passengers to get off the ship, only to board. When I drove up to the port before boarding, the bellman that we way overtipped, waved me past… he said he already loaded our bags to the ship. I explained that Roxanne still did not have her passport… at the exact moment, I heard we had a delay, I jumped up (tripped and fell) and got to my cabin door. Chantel sent a txt saying she was going to order a room at that moment… completely stressed, I sent a txt back that read, “Wsitb” and then a quick, “WAIT”.
Running down from Floor 10 to Guest Services on Floor 4, I got back in touch with the front desk person (Erick) who I had spoken with prior. I asked him that since we had a delay, if Roxanne were to get her passport, would they let her in or do you pull up the gangplank at 3:30. He made calls, talked to supervisors and said they could wait a little longer.
Minutes later, Roxanne sent a txt “Order the Uber!!!”… so I got on immediately and ordered the Uber but It loaded the incorrectly. The address (which we had already used) wasn’t entered. An address blocks away did. Adding to the chaos, the passport agency shuts down so after 2pm, everyone leaving the building exits from the backside of the building. Trying desperately to change the address, I finally messaged the driver to let him know where she was. He said it would be awhile… so I ordered another one… again it defaulted to the wrong address. When I sent a message to that driver, he said it would be 9 minutes. We did not HAVE 9 extra minutes.
Finally, Roxanne saw an Uber slow down… thinking it was the one I ordered, she ran up to the car. I was on the phone with her hearing all of this! He said he didn’t speak English and asked if she was “Leigh”. She said, ‘please cancel your other ride, I will give you $100 to take me to the port!!!” Suddenly, he spoke English. The driver told Roxanne their were no ships in port. The ship had left…. with me on the phone, she knew that wasn’t the case…
He drove her straight to the port… raced up in front of the entry. A man and woman were there to greet her… “Roxanne! I’ve been praying for you!”. They ushed her into the check-in area. She sent me a txt, “I’m on!” Technically, she was inside the gates but not quite to the ship. But she’s here! She’s with me!
Roxanne told me to meet in the cabin… but no way could I do that! I had to see for myself that she made it on! As soon as she passed through, the gangplank was pulled and the ship secured. Somehow I feel like the baggage bellmen had something to do with this! And of course… this was a God thing! No way would the ship be delayed after a four day break. Our onboard fun tomorrow :-)
