December 10, 2015
Oh my goodness!
It started so good. Sort of. They did not have a manifest at baggage drop off, so they put our names on the tags, and assured us they would be scanned inside the terminal and brought to us. Fortunately I found a manifest, got our room number, added it to our luggage, and headed for the Pier Coordinator. There was already a long line of the great unwashed waiting to go through security, and we went to the front of the line, explained who we were and what we needed, and were sent directly to security and to the pier coordinator. Would you believe it – unlike the last time on Princess they did have both of us on the list, and keys ready for us, and were admitted to the ship? Not bad so far.
Then it started downhill. We knew from our cabin number, and from previous sailings on Princess, that we were in crew quarters, and asked two different crew members how to get there. Go all the way forward to Princess Theater (Deck 7). Walk down to Deck 4. Go all the way forward (more forward than forward – see above) into the crew quarters. Climb metal stairs up to Deck 7.
That is not as simple as it seems because Deck 4 is like a West Virginia highway, snaking around and back and forth. Then we climb to Deck 7. 4. 5. 6. 7. Right? Nope. 4. 5. 6. 6-1. 7. Now which hall way. Doesn’t matter because it is a horseshoe and if we choose wrong we’ll circle right around. And there we were.
I do not remember how many trips we made, but if I was tired – and I was – Bonnie, with her bionic parts was worn out!
After lifeboat drill, I met with Holly from the Cruise Director’s staff to go over my assignment. Then she asked me if there was anything else she could help me with. I asked, “Is there a short cut to our cabin?” She said, “As a matter of fact!” And she showed me two ways, almost direct to our cabin, cutting out Decks 4, 5, 6, and 6.1. Easily found. Easily repeated. I told her if we had any more grand kids, she, or he, would be named Holly (you have to work on the masculine spelling).
Since that time, things have been much smoother, and the cruise more enjoyable.
My talks are in a venue called “Princess Live!” They have two television cameras (there are a variety of screens and monitors around the room for the audience) and each talk is recorded for broadcast on the ship’s closed circuit TV. I’ve had some folks tell me they saw me on TV. Pretty cool. The room seats 300 and there has been standing room only for each of the talks so far.
So far Bonnie has seen the “Minions” movie, and the second half of “The Man From Uncle” (which she pronounced as strange). I bought a coffee card and it entitles her to free hot chocolate which she has pronounced very good. She has not found the ice cream station yet, but she continues to look.
Most of the dining on this ship is “Any Time” dining and we just walk up and ask for a table. The first night we asked for a table for two, but they are set close to other tables for two, so you can visit with your neighbors if you want, or just stay at your own table. The next two nights we asked for sharing and had enjoyable table mates. And great food at each occasion.
Tonight was the first Best Bib and Tucker night, and we donned our glad rags, and joined the festivities. A lot more folks were dressed up on this ship than on our last two cruises.
Well, tomorrow is Antigua and we are doing “Island Experience without Beach.”
I’m going to buy Internet for 79 cents a minute and see if I can get this up. You’ll know if I did.
TTFN
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