Fort Lauderdale and the Island Princess

 First off, while the air travel was frustrating and worrisome at times, I will say that the cruise itself was one of the best I've been on. The full transit Panama Canal has been on my list of must-dos for some time now and I was not disappointed.

Even after the late arrival in Fort Lauderdale, I was awake by 8 a.m. - excited to be there and looking forward to boarding the ship. I wandered down to the breakfast room and enjoyed a toasted bagel with cream cheese along with a very strong (and much needed) cup of coffee. Back in my room I did some stretching exercises and did a rapid antigen test. Since I was only on the ship for 14 days, it wasn't necessary as it was for the world cruisers (on for 111 days), but the way things change I had decided I would do it, just in case. It was, as I expected, negative.

I'd arranged for the shuttle pick-up to the ship for 11:30. There was a couple from Washington State waiting there as well - she stayed indoors while I chatted with the husband outside. I did run into them a couple of times on the ship, but neither were particularly friendly. The shuttle arrived around 11:45 after picking up two other couples at another hotel. 

At the port, I dropped my suitcase with the porters and headed inside the terminal with my carry-on (it holds my camera, chargers, e-reader, toiletries and a change of clothes. Once through security - basically just a scan of the carry-on and walk through the metal detector, I picked up my Medallion and was on board the ship about 15 minutes later . The Medallion is an electronic device that acts as a key card - it also has a locator which permits your travel companions (if any) and the ship crew to locate you. That might sound a bit creepy, but it has real benefits. There is a corresponding app, that allows passengers to order food and drinks, and the wait staff brings the order using that locator. It also came in handy later in the trip in another way that I'll share later.

Since I had my carry-on and knew that my cabin wouldn't be ready until for for another 15-30 minutes I decided to do what so many others were doing and hit the buffet line! I found a table outside on the pool deck and enjoyed a quick bite to eat, while people watching. 

Then it was off to my cabin, to unpack the carry-on. I knew my suitcase wouldn't be delivered for another hour or two so off I went with the camera. I started on the top deck (Deck 15) and worked my way down to Deck 5 (there is no deck 13) making note of the various venues; dining rooms, specialty restaurants, bars, Internet Cafe, and library, etc. When I first started cruising, one received a paper map of the ship - these days there is a permanent map affixed to the wall next the elevator bank on each deck. I like my way of learning about the ship, though I will admit I didn't learn it all on the first day.

Now, I mentioned that I started my exploration on Deck 15 - which was the last floor available in the mid-ship elevator. In fact, there was a Deck 16, both aft and forward, but both areas were accessible only up a flight of stairs. At the aft of the ship was this splash pool (not open on that first day)- something I've not seen on other ships. This area was very quiet, and the pool was a lovely spot to sit with one's feet in the water and read as I did a couple of afternoons. 

Forward were the pickleball courts, and a massive chess set. (this photo was taken early one morning later in the cruise). This area also overlooked the "Sanctuary" - an exclusive area for those willing to pay the price of admission. It provides plush loungers or cabanas, a bar and snack venue on site. I heard, though did not confirm, that the cost of a lounger for the day we went through the Panama Canal was $1500 USD. I've never bothered trying to book the Sanctuary and likely never will, though the price is much lower most of the time. 

I didn't take a lot of photos around the ship, as there wasn't a lot different from other Princess ships I've sailed on. The Island is smaller than the others - holding about 2200 passengers, through I think we were closer to 1700 leaving Fort Lauderdale. A ship is much like a small town, with shops, restaurants, bars, a library, as well as a gym, pools, a casino and a spa.

Mid-ship on Princess ships is an area referred to as the Piazza. In this case it comprised four stories (from Deck 5-8). At the top is this mirrored ceiling - I'm the goof ball lying on the stairs in the top right quadrant to get this shot. The left and right sides of the space ship looking piece are two glass elevators that allow passengers to view the open areas of the floors as they ride. There is entertainment in the Piazza every day - and on the last day at sea, about 30-40 passengers took part in the Princess Pop choir. They practiced together every sea day, and put on a lovely show. 

I dropped by the cabin about 3 p.m. to check on my luggage - it was there so I took the time to unpack before heading up to Deck 15 for sail-away. I found a place under the Island Princess sign as D and Eli were going to watch the port webcam. I thought they might spot me there. They didn't, but I tried. :)

The rest of the photos were taken before and during sail-away.

Further in land this bridge was opened to allow a larger/taller ship through. I was fascinated by the raising and lowering of the portions of the bridge and took a series of photos. I won't bore you with them.

Across the channel from the ship are a number of large homes. Two of them were undergoing renovations on this trip and it looks like both were gutted. 

This is one of the largest ones, not under renovation - and very pretty with the lush vegetation. Look at all the balconies and areas to sit and watch the traffic on the water go by. I would be in heaven.

If one of those properties aren't for you, perhaps this private yacht would suit. I wasn't able to locate a name on it, but she's a beauty!

I never tire of this view from the ship, with its tantalizing glimpse of the Atlantic ocean.

The Holland America ship sailed ahead of us, out the channel and into the open ocean. While they were doing the full-transit of the Panama Canal, we didn't see them again over the two weeks. They obviously had a different itinerary.

Our turn to head out to sea! In March 2019, I stayed an extra day after a cruise to watch the cruise ships sail-away. I recall it was a cool and windy day, but I still made my way down the beach to watch with the sand swirling and battering me as I walked.  

Farewell to Fort Lauderdale! 

After sail-away I headed back to my cabin to clean up and change for the evening activities. First up, I went to an event that is held every evening for the Platinum and Elite guests - it's basically a cocktail party with some appetizers. I only went the first two nights and found that people weren't mingling. As a solo traveller, I'm not really interested in sitting on my own, and as it turned out found a really wonderful group to spend time with. 

The next event was the singles and solos get together at the Wheelhouse Bar. There were between 15 and 20 people at this event, which is a good number. We introduced ourselves and after some conversation, a group of six of us, headed for the main dining room for dinner. I had a reservation for 6:20 p.m., the others had not reserved, but in any event there were no sharing tables available so we headed to the another bar for a quick drink before returning just after 7 and we were seated within 10 minutes of arrival.

At the table, much hilarity ensued as we shared stories of cruising and got to know one another. No politics were discussed though we had an interesting discussion about the state of healthcare both in Canada and the USA. We all agree, no matter where one lives, improvement is needed. One of our party is a doctor and was able to provide some interesting insight. 

We didn't finish dinner until 9 p.m. and by then I was feeling the lack of sleep from the previous two nights. I decided to head to the cabin to read or watch television before crawling into my bed while the others went to see a comedian perform in the theater. 

It was a wonderful afternoon and evening - a lovely way to start the cruise.

Next up - Cartagena, Columbia

At sea it begins

I was up early on Saturday May 7, excited and anxious to get to the cruise port. While there was a restaurant next to the hotel I had read it was pretty pricey and luckily there was a McDonalds just across the parking lot. I knew I'd be eating better on the ship (most of the time) so treated myself to a breakfast sandwich and an iced coffee, while catching up on news and touching base with family.

I had decided to take the Sky train down to the port, rather than a cab. When I spoke to the shuttle driver the night prior, he mentioned it would be less expensive to catch the Sky train at the Bridgeport station rather than transferring back to the airport (about a $5 difference). So I had the hotel shuttle drop me at their sister hotel and walked the three or four city blocks to the station. The price to travel downtown the Waterview station was a mere $3.05! I certainly wasn't the only one with luggage on the train. From Waterview to Canada Place is just a couple of blocks. I missed the sign for the luggage drop-off and spent a few minutes wandering before I asked for directions.

Once my luggage was dropped off it was a hurry up and wait situation. We had to go through customs, then out of the building and back into the building, into a long line up to reach the check-in for the cruise. Here we had to provide our proof of vaccination, proof of negative Covid test, and passport, before receiving our medallions. (More on that later). From there it was another long walk before reaching the gangplank. 

All told it was about a 30-45 minute process but felt much longer because I was so excited and just wanted to get on board. I didn't expect my cabin to be ready so took my carry-on and camera and did a wander on the ship. As I mentioned in a previous post the ship is similar to other Princess ships of the same class, so once I had forward and aft in my mind, I felt pretty comfortable. The large sails are part of the Canada Place building, and the cruise ship to the right is Holland America's Koningsdam. We saw this ship a few times during our travels.

After a walk about the upper decks, I headed to the noodle bar on Deck 16 for lunch. I knew the buffet would be busy. I had a large bowl of Thai noodle soup - it was delicious, spicy and hot.  Then it was off to check out my bat cave (inside cabin).

I usually have the bed set up as a queen but decided for this cruise to try to the singles. It worked out very well for me, as I used one for my bed, and the other more like a couch and drop off spot for bags and clothing and such. There is a small desk in the room, a bar fridge, and a television on the wall above and to the left of the desk.

I should note there are light strips under the two night stands that are motion activated. These were nice to have when I used the facilities at night.

On the other hand the motion activated light between the closet and bathroom was a nuisance - it was far to bright and a shock to the system in the middle of the night. The closet has ample storage, and the door you can see on the right side holds the safe and has shelves for more storage. I won't bother showing photos of the bathroom - it's standard fare. :)

I did some unpacking, mostly hanging items that had gotten creased in my luggage. There is a laundry area on each of the cabin floors, with irons and ironing boards for those who need it. I tend to take items that don't need much more than a good shaking out, and the humidity on the ship is enough to take care of most wrinkles. I do, however, do laundry on the ship. It costs $3 to wash and $3 to dry a load. I take my own detergent pods and dryer sheets and save $3 a load.

Then it was back outdoors, with another walk-about before I headed to the Wakeview Bar, aft deck 16 for the afternoon and sail-away. (The pictures will get more interesting, I promise.) There was lots of activity on and over the water to keep me entertained. 

Harbour Air operates throughout the Vancouver and Vancouver Island area, providing commuter services to various communities. A commute from Vancouver to Victoria (on Vancouver Island) is a mere 35 minute flight - I've flown a commuter jet from the airport and there isn't much difference in time.

At one point there were a series of sirens - and I'm not capable of saying which were which - but I presume police and ambulance or fire truck. I heard a bird screeching at the top of it's lungs at the sound. Looking up and to the port side of the ship I spotted this eagle. I think it was telling them to pipe down.

I did catch a photo of another eagle later in the trip, and saw a few more, but I really, really need a better zoom lens for my camera. I didn't need a zoom for the next bird, it landed right on the railing nearby. I'm certain it was looking for a handout...it didn't get one from me.

The area got busier as sail-away time drew nearer. I was reading a book, when Karen and Dave joined me. I had mentioned on Cruise Critic that I would be there for sail-away and they made the point of finding me. We had a nice chat and a drink in the sun. Sail-away was around 5:30 p.m. and we were off and sailing around that time. This photo shows the people watching us leave port.

This was our first look at Lion's Gate Bridge. "Lion's Gate" refers to two mountain peaks situated north of Vancouver. The suspension bridge was opened in 1939. It has a height of 111 meters (364 feet) and a ship's clearance of 61 meters (200 feet). 

We passed the homeless camp set up on the shore, just as a commuter plane was landing. I'd say they have a pretty nice spot on the water, though I suspect it wouldn't be as nice on a rainy day.

Looking back towards the city as we begin our travel into the open ocean waters.

After sail-away, I left the Wakeview bar, made my way to the cabin and got dressed for dinner in the Allegro dining room. I recall I had fish that evening and it was a good, if not great meal. 

After dinner, I changed back into my jeans and headed back outdoors. This would a theme of the cruise - unless I was sleeping, it was raining, or if we were in port and I was off ship, I was out on the decks. I missed out on a lot of the entertainment they offer onboard, but after this long and seemingly never ending winter, it felt so good to be out in the fresh air. With a book and my camera, I was never bored. If I hadn't been outdoors I'd have missed the sunset that first night.

So ends the first day of the cruise. I should mention, I had taken notes each day, but somehow managed to forget to pack them or perhaps lost them, so my photos will be necessary to jog my memory. Since we visited all but one of the ports twice, I'll share the photos from both visits in one post. Unfortunately when it comes to the glaciers, there are only two or possibly three that I am certain of the names. I'll share some info from a book I purchased in Whittier, about the communities and the glaciers as well. 

Welcome aboard!

My Epic Experience - Vacation day 3 & 4

Day 3 started early; I was up before the alarm went off as I was excited to get going.  I showered and dressed and had a cup of coffee in the room while I finished packing.  I have a bit of a routine, open and clear the safe, pack the carryon with a bathing suit and flip flops, sun tan lotion and camera.  Generally, our suitcases don't reach the cabins until later in the day, so I have everything I need for the day with me.

By 7:45 a.m. I was checked out of the hotel and was enjoying my breakfast (along with my luggage) in the breakfast room.  My shuttle was due at 9:30 a.m. so I was in no hurry.  I headed out to the corner of the building where we were to meet, and found there was a shuttle ready and waiting.  The driver said he had room so I was off to the port shortly after 8:45 arriving just around 9:15.  This seemed a bit early and I knew there would be quite a wait as embarkation usually starts no early than 11 a.m. However, I soon discovered I wasn't the first to arrive...there must have been 20-25 people in line ahead of me.  One of the things I appreciated about Port Canaveral is the waiting area outside the terminal is covered, so even if it had been hot (which it really wasn't) we were in the shade.

The terminal doors opened about 10:30 or so, I was checked in (mostly) and waiting for my group #1 to be called.  That's the first time I've been in the first group.  I had spotted Sandra and Amy in line behind me, they managed group #2; we sat and visited waiting for access to the ship.  When my group was called, I headed to the guest services desk on deck 5 to deal with an issue with my credit card.  At check-in the terminal agent didn't want to accept my credit card, as the name on it is my second name - the one I use regularly, while my passport has both first and second name.  Of course, there were no problems once I got to guest services. I didn't expect there would be as they accepted the card for payment of the cruise)  As I was about to leave the desk, I saw Amy and Sandra at the next station, they excitedly told me they were purchasing "Posh" passes so I decided to do so as well.  (More on that later).

By this time, it was near noon and we decided to do a bit of a walk-about to get to know the ship.  While we've all been on Norwegian ships before, the Epic is unique, she has no sister ship.  There is no central atrium as there are on other ships, but there is a beautiful chandelier, pictured here, that is the most photographed item on the ship.

Deck 5 comprises the atrium cafe, guest services, photo gallery/shop, internet cafe, library, and at one end, one of the main dining rooms (Manhattan).  Deck 6 comprises several bars including O'Sheehan's Irish pub, (includes a single lane bowling alley), the casino, and the other main dining room (Taste).  Deck 7 is the other lower public area, with shops - all pretty much high-end.  I didn't do any shopping though we went there occassionally for various raffles.

Our next stop was Deck 15, which included the Garden Cafe (buffet), two bars, and a pool deck.  We stopped at the buffet for pizza - I only had one slice as we were planning to eat at Taste at 1 p.m.  

We stopped on our way downstairs, as there was an announcement that our cabins were opened.  I dropped off my carryon, made a pit stop, and then met the Sandra and Amy in the solo lounge to head for lunch.  

I really enjoy the food on Norwegian; in fact I've only had a few poor meals on any cruise ship.  Today's lunch was an opened faced tuna sandwich with chips on the side.  Very yummy, and having table service is marvelous.  I always ask for lemon for my water glass - every time they brought a small plate so everyone at the table could have some if they wanted.

After lunch we headed up to the Posh area (picture below).  It is an adults only area with loungers and beds for relaxing.  We spent as much time as possible there, enjoying the sun, reading/visiting, and have a few drinks.  I was so impressed with Nestor, the bartended, after one drink was ordered he remembered and called us by our names for the rest of the week.

There was no pool or hot tub in the area, but for the most part, I didn't miss having the immediate access.  Posh was located on Deck 18 overlooking the pool deck, so we could hear the music somewhat but it was much quieter than it would have been below. We had one sea day when we weren't able to access Posh because it was just too windy.  Safety first!

 These are of the pool deck from the viewpoint of Posh.  There weren't many people out at this point, but by sail-away every chair would be full.  (Another reason why I liked Posh, not only were the loungers more comfortable but they weren't packed as closely together).  

The area under the overhang, right forward was the bandstand.  For at least a few hours a day, we had live music.  There would be people dancing, and lots more sitting at the bar to the right (not pictured).

Muster drill was held at 3 p.m.  Amy and Sandra had a different muster station than I did so we went our different directions.  I was sitting, reading and waiting for the drill to start when I heard a familiar voice at the next group of chairs.  It was Helene, who we sailed with two years ago.  She had told Sandra she'd booked, but hadn't been contact for some time so we weren't sure.  We sat and visited with a couple from Michigan.  Muster drill is a requirement of marine law - we watch the crew members don life jackets and listen to a standard message, 6 short, one long blast that will indicate an emergency.  On some ships (Princess) we have to put on our own life jackets as well, but Norwegian doesn't require this.  Good thing, as I usually end up with the one that some skinny Minnie had on and by the time I figure out how to loosen the belt to put it on, muster drill is already over.  

After muster drill, it was time to head back to the cabin to unpack my suitcase.

A solo cabin is small, at only 100 square feet but it has everything one person would need.  On the Escape (my previous experience with solo cabins), the bed was a double, on the Epic I had a queen though it was really two smaller beds pushed together.  As a result, I slept more often on the side closest to the telephone as there was a bit of a difference in height between the two.

Across from the bed was one of two closets, with a safe, the television and vanity area.  I'm a bit of a news junkie, my choices were Fox and CNN so it made for rather interesting watching.  No Canadian news at all, and of course, the immediate focus was on the Parkland school shooting.

You'll note that I haven't closed the closet door where my clothing was hung.  That was because there were no doors.  I believe they used to have doors on both, as Sandra had one removed in her cabin as it was broken.  I don't know when it is next due for dry-dock but I would anticipate these issues will be fixed then.

To the left of the closet was the sink and storage areas. Most of it was open, though there were two closed cupboards on the bottom far left.  As a returning guest I was given a bottle of sparkling wine.  It was still in the same place when I left at the end of the week.  Not my favorite beverage!

The shower and toilet rooms are separate, the shower is to the left of the sink, and the toilet room next to the cabin door across from the shower.  That concludes the tour. Once the suitcase is unpacked and stored under the bed, I'm ready for the rest of the week.

It's amazing to me how quickly that first day speeds by.  By the time I was unpacked and headed back upstairs to the deck above the pool area, it was nearly time for sail-away.  

We were in port with two other ships, Carnival Magic, (not pictured) and this Disney ship, the Disney Fantasy.  You can clearly see the Mickey outline on the smoke stack.

I did look into the cost of a Disney cruise....for someday when Eli is old enough to enjoy it.  Ha, the kid better get a job of his own before then!

We always have some interested spectators, in this case a pelican, gull and several people.

There are obviously a number of bars and restaurants on the harbour front and all were packed watching the ships go out.  I have no idea what message the individuals below were  trying to convey.  If you have any guesses, let me know. 

Once we cleared the harbour, it was time to get dressed for dinner and meet the crew in the solo lounge.  As a result, I wasn't on the deck for sail-away past Cocoa Beach.  Another reason to do another cruise!  There's always a positive. :)

We were a large group, 27 that first evening.  Our solo cruise director Lester arranged for us all to go to Taste for our first dinner.  We took up three tables - I made certain to join a different group so I could meet new people.  One of the group, a woman by the name of Diane is an artist.  She told us she did mostly landscapes and Amish art, though I see that is only part of her work.

Dinner ended shortly before 8 p.m.  I was exhausted from the day and headed back to my cabin to watch the news (and the Olympics) before turning in around 10 p.m.  This was to be the routine for most of the cruise.  I'm not a night owl by any imagination though I did try to stay up a couple of evenings to go for a drink with the rest of the crew. 

That end Day 3 of my vacation.  Day 4 was a sea day and I have no photos from that day.  It was very windy so we weren't able to access Posh for most of the day (late afternoon) it opened.  I spent the day wandering about the ship, attending various activities, finding a quiet spot to read, and enjoying the warm sea air.

Next up, Great Stirrup Cay.

Day 1 - Newport RI

This was my first visit to the New England states and I certainly wasn't disappointed.  I don't recall when we arrived in port, but Conna, Valerie, Lori and met for breakfast at 8 a.m on the aft deck of the ship.  

It was a bit of a gloomy day, but the temperatures were lovely.  I can only imagine what it would look like with the fall colors.

Conna had found a two hour sailing on the Aquidneck on-line.  For approximately $30 p/p we boarded the schooner at about 10:30 in the morning along with the other Canadian in our group, Maureen.  Our crew were three young men in their 20-30's.  They were definitely characters, and whenever we asked a question, they had a story ready for us.  

Conna is on the left, Lori on the right as they help raise the sails after we motored out of the bay.

This was one of the ships (or is it a boat?) at anchor.  We were told it was 281 feet long and had arrived from Europe sometime earlier this summer.

Our schooner was only about 80 feet in length, had two masts and four sails.  I was quite happy with the size!

This is the aptly named Clingstone House.  It was built in 1905 by Wharton (of the Wharton School of Business).  After a hurricane blew through it (almost literally) it was sold for less the $4000 in the 60's.  The current owner passed away last year, but it continues to be used as a rental property.  For a mere $10,000 a week, you can rent this self-sustaining house on a rock.  With 10 bedrooms, it's a steal if you take 9 of your closest friends with you. :)  Of course the only way to get there is by boat, so there would be some added costs as well.

We were told this house was the former summer home of the family of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis.  Can you imagine?  If this was their summer home, I can only guess how large their 'rest of the year' home would have been.  

It puts into perspective this building, which was apparently Jackie's playhouse!  What a lucky girl, though I suspect she wasn't the one who cleaned it.

I have no idea who currently owns the property but it has definitely been well kept up.  Below and to the right of the playhouse was their boathouse.  It appeared to quite large (like everything else).

After being deposited back on shore Maureen left us as we wandered over to the Crab Shack, which had been highly recommended by the crew.  I'm sure it would have been good but both Lori and I were ready for a sit-down meal, and the Crab Shack was exactly that...a small building on a pier with picnic tables full of customers.  We made our way back up to shopping district and found the Brick Alley.  We had a bit of wait, but it was worth it.  Several of our party had lobster while I had fish and chips with a local beer.  

I had thought I'd take the trolley up to the Cliff Walk but by the time we finished lunch it was mid-afternoon.  I'm sure I would have had time, but I have a fear of missing the ship.  The rest were ready to go back too, so we all took the tender back to the ship.  I changed into my bathing suit and made my way to one of the hot tubs to relax before showering and changing for dinner. 

There were 14 of us that evening, which we split into two tables, one of eight, one of six.  We waited a very long time for tables as we arrived at 6:30 but weren't until nearly 8.  I left around 9 with Maureen as we wanted to see the Marriage game.  It was hilarious - particularly because the oldest couple (who had been married for 70 years) were at odds as Ada wasn't aware John had entered them.  She kept shooting him dirty looks and her responses were curt (but always correct). The two of them easily won, missing only one question.  He was asked what the last words were said in the bedroom at night, he answered "Give me a kiss" which she answered "Move over".  

Another great day at sea.  We sailed that evening for Bar Harbor, Maine but the captain's announcement that evening wasn't promising.  The ship was in motion all night, though not horrible and I certain didn't feel ill.  

On my way

This post is nearly a week behind but I hope you won't mind if I recount the trip over a series of posts.  I have photos but writing keeps the memories alive as well.

I flew out of Regina last Saturday morning; it started early with a 3:15 a.m. wake-up.  I washed up, got dressed and called a cab.  He was earlier than I anticipated but this turned out to be a good thing, as I got held up in a line up at check-in.  For some reason, the machine could not read my passport, and even the agent couldn't get it to work.  It was never a problem at any other airport on the trip, so have to assume it was this particular machine.  The two people in front of me seemed to be worse off, not sure what paperwork they required but it certainly was a lot.

Flight to Toronto and to New York were smooth.  I was fortunate in having a seat between myself and another guest on both legs.  I arrived in New York (LaGuardia) just slightly ahead of schedule and that's when things took a turn.

Misdirections from the welcome staff had me miss the first shuttle to the hotel, but with a second call and ignoring the instructions from the welcome crew I made my way to the proper area.  I can't explain why the shuttle picked me up where people were being dropped for their flights, rather than the pick-up area except there was lots of construction going on.  It made no sense.

When I got to the hotel, things went from a little annoying to my worst nightmare.  I had booked my hotel using Airmiles, but the hotel had no record of my reservation.  After nearly an hour of attempting to contact Airmiles in Canada (it was after hours and everything was shut down), the head office of Marriott in the States, we simply gave up and I paid for a night's stay.  $299USD plus taxes resulted in a charge to my credit card of $434.93!!!  I have since gotten it straightened out but at the time it was a frustration I could have lived without.

At this point, I wanted nothing more than something to eat, a shower and bed.  The following morning, I took the hotel shuttle back to the airport where I picked up the shuttle to the cruise port terminal.  Our embarkation was delayed as the ship had arrived from Europe that morning, and had to be fully cleared by the US Coast Guard.  We heard later too, that the ship had lost power so it was a bit of wait.  However, as I have platinum status, I was in VIP group 8 and on board by 1:45 p.m.  

I dropped off my carry-one at my stateroom, then went up to the buffet for a bite to eat.  I hadn't bothered to eat at the hotel, as dinner the menu was small and the prices were high.

I headed back to the stateroom to grab my camera and found that my luggage had already arrived!
While I was unpacking, my steward Richard dropped by to introduce himself and check if I needed anything.  
I told him, no I was unpacking, then was heading to muster drill at 4:15, the sail-away at 5 or 5:30 and had dinner plans for 6:30. 

He laughed and said, you have this figured out.  

I had an interior state room for this trip, so there was no sea view or windows.  Yes, it was dark at night but with all the lights nd mirrors it never felt small or crowded.  I might have felt differently if I were travelling with someone but for one person it was perfect.

The bathroom and closet are just inside the door.  There is a small bar fridge in the cabinet below the television, a hair dryer is affixed to the wall next to the mirror and there is lots and lots storage - both bedside table, drawers in the desk, and cubbies in the closet that holds the safe.  

I did a walk-about while waiting for muster drill.  It's held before sailing at the start of every cruise to ensure passengers know how to put on a life jacket and safely leave the ship in case of an emergency.  All guests are expected to attend and those who don't get a special visit from an officer.  I've never missed but I expect they must a remedial class! 

At sail-away I met many of the solo cruisers and a few Cruise Critic members.  Our solo group comprised 13 women and 2 men, two of us were Canadian, the rest were from the United States, and those primarily from New York or Baltimore. Conna was from California and Matt currently lives in Arizona.  The average age was probably 60'ish  (Facebook photos don't always tell the truth).  

It was a hot and hazy day in New York city, with clear skies.  My favorite photo of sail-away is that of Lady Liberty.

Later that evening, eleven of us met for dinner.  The host was shocked when we asked for a table that large, but they managed by squeezing in another chair at a table for ten.  We spent the dinner getting to know each other a little better, and while we sat down shortly after 6:30, we didn't finish dessert and coffee until nearly 9 p.m.  I can't recall what I had for dinner, but the chatter and laughter are with me still.

Tomorrow - Newport, Rhode Island