Third Post 9/18/18 to 9/22/18

Day 1 to Day 6

Sorry, I am unable to add any pictures to this page, but the ones I have on my phone are not coming up as available, and the ones I have in my camera can only be transfers by a USB cable and these computers do not have a USB port.  So, until I can get someone to help me in this computer Cafe, I will have to use only words.

Back to Day One of the cruise - September 19, 2018, We had the best flights on United from Fort Myers to Houston to Los Angeles.  They left on time, the flight crews were friendly and helpful, the airport personnel could not have been nicer and the wheelchair people were the best.  On the second flight from Houston to LAX, the flight attendant in our cabin was so nice, she came to our seats right after we landed to tell us how much she enjoyed our talking to her and wishing us a fabulous and safe voyage,

When we arrived in baggage, there were only 5 suitcases still going around, and 3 were ours!  The baggage handler took all 3, plus all our carry on bags and showed us where to go to get Uber.  Yes, it is true, we took the plunge and took Uber from LAX to the hotel in San Pedro.  After a few false starts, we finally ordered a car which came within 3 minutes. loaded up and had a very pleasant an uneventful ride to San Pedro.  Room was not ready yet, so we walked a couple of blocks and went to a Pollo Lubo for delicious chicken.  The big problem was the heat in LA - it was so hot walking.  From lunch, we went back to the hotel, got to the room, got our clothes for the next day unpacked and headed out for Rite Aid to pick up soda, and some last minute toiletries.

I was miserable on the walk back to the hotel, because it was even hotter than earlier!

Dan went out to get us McDonald's later in the evening and we both collapsed in sleep.


Sept. 19 - Still hot!  Started early with a great breakfast in the hotel.  then packing up and taking everything down to lobby to wait for the shuttle to the ship.  There were 4 couples and a single lady all waiting to go the same ship as we were and they were so much fun.  We have been spending time with some of them ever since boarding.

The shuttle was very reliable and got us to the ship very quickly.  As we were checking our luggage on the pier, I saw other luggage with tags from the shipping company we used.  I asked the couple with them if they were the agents for Luggage Forward and they said they were.  They knew our name and had delivered our bags to ship earlier in the day.  They gave their card and told us where to meet them on the return trip. What a great stroke of luck to run into them!!

We boarded the ship, without any problems, went to our cabin, great location, and before we could look around all our luggage arrived, as well as a beautiful flower arrangement from Courtney.  I have a great kid!

We went to the Horizon Buffet for lunch, then barely made it to the muster drill, which is now done without life jackets and by listening to a recording of how to wear them if needed.  Back to cabin to unpack carry on items, put up our door decorations.

Sailing was set for 4pm, but captain announced that it was delayed until 5 pm.  At 4:45 pm we went to the Lido deck for the sail away party only to find out that they had it at 4 pm, the original sail time.  WTH???  Oh well.

Watched the sailing from our balcony

Went to dinner at our second seating assigned table and met one couple, Danette and Lloyd from Canada,   We were at a table for 6, but there are only 4 of us.  Waitstaff explained that first seating is very crowded and there are many empty seats at our sitting.  OK with us.  Food was great.  I had shrimp cocktail, beef broth with tortellini and spinach, prime rib and cheesecake.  Good way to start the cruise.  Head waitress is Lily and assistant is Michael.  They are both leaving the ship in October.

The show that night was a male comedian who gets better as he went along.  Get the idea????


Sept. 20 to 22   - Weather was in the 60's and got progressively cooler as we headed north.

Each morning we had breakfast in the Horizon Court - the buffet.  There is never a problem with seating - even though it is a sold-out sailing.  There are plenty of crew members to get us beverages, or clear empty plates, or help in any way they can.

After breakfast, we either attend a meeting, play a game or attend a lecture. - Veteran's group was one day.  A man from Jersey City stole the show as a WWII vet.  Interesting group of men and women.  We have gone to Sudoku contests and done badly.  We go to trivia contests but stopped working with a team after the first one,  This is serious stuff to most of the attendees, and we don't take it that seriously.  However, we do pretty well with just the two of us playing for fun.

Dan has played Shuffleboard a few times and did win a Princess Cruise Water Bottle!  My Champion!  We have both played Bean Bag Toss and come in 2nd place each time.  boo hoo.

Our first formal night was on the 21st and I was surprised at the large number of people in evening clothes.  I had been led to believe that most people don't like form nights and don't dress up.  Very happy to see that was wrong.  Beautiful outfits on the women and handsome men make for a very festive evening.

The evening shows have been entertaining and fun to attend,  Most passengers are happy and friendly and a lot very funny.  Food has been very good, beautifully presented and varied.  60 days is a long time, I hope it stays that way!

Other activities at sea have included, fruit carving demonstrations,  basketball shooting contests, and pickleball teams.  We also spotted Whales at sea - We watched the water spouts and then the heads coming up about 40-50 feet away from the ship.

Our first Port is Ketchikan, Alaska on Sept. 23 - will post Port News soon.  Love you!