Shortly after we went down to the lobby with the suitcases, the van driver arrived. Smooth ride to Pier 66 and helpful luggage person. As we entered the building, we were handed papers to fill out concerning our health. Not a big surprise that there is an increased concern about flu symptoms considering the recent Mexico swine flu situation. I wonder how many people answer truthfully, knowing that if you indicate you have any symptoms that they might not let them board the ship.
Why didn’t they include the question “Did you kiss a pig recently?” My answers could have been “I don’t know any pigs to kiss” or “It’s my business who I decide to kiss.”
Since Alison is a Latitudes member (more than once on NCL), we went in a special line. Boarded the ship very quickly. We were handed a glass of champagne (non-drinkers can have OJ) and then went to the elevators to go to our cabin on Deck 10. Steve and I took our suitcases so didn’t have to wait. (At 6 PM David’s suitcase hadn’t yet arrived at his cabin. I don’t know when it arrived. I’m sure we’ll hear more about it tomorrow.) When we entered the cabin, I took pictures (of course) before anything disturbed the initial look. The beds were pushed together but I didn’t want it that way. Much too crowded in the small space. I asked one of the cabin attendants if he could separate them later. (What a difference that made.) Not too bad with space for hanging clothing (more hangers than I’ve ever seen even in a hotel!) and drawer/shelf space. Bathroom is larger than I expected.)
Lunch --- at the Garden Café on Deck 12. Good choice for us. It was crowded since many people couldn’t get into their rooms until 2PM. With all the food available at the buffet, it would be very easy to overeat. I’m going to do my best to not do that. (Wonder I long I’ll maintain my resolve…)
Boat Drill (MANDATORY) – Donning our lifejackets, we joined most passengers at the Stardust Theater for info about emergency procedures. They checked us in and said that anyone who wasn’t there would have to attend another drill tomorrow morning.
During the afternoon, we checked out many of the public areas on Decks 12-14 and Deck 7. Browsed in the shops (bought a hat in one shop) and purchased the picture they took of us when we arrived on the ship. I decided to buy the one of David, Ben, Alison, and Edward, as a gift for Alison. She said she wasn’t thrilled with how she looked in the pic (Sounded like something I often say about my pic), but was appreciative. I told her it’s a special momento of the cruise.) We had some cappuccino and a frozen yogurt (Not at the same time!) Dinner --- Summer Palace Deck 7 --- Beautifully decorated, inspired by Catherine the Great’s Summer Palace (We visited there last year when we were in St. Petersburg). Wait Staff was friendly but food took a very long time to arrive. The restaurant wasn’t crowded so it shouldn’t have taken so long. A lot of choice for dinner. I had 2 appetizers (smoked salmon and shrimp cocktail) and mahi-mahi. For dessert, I ate a coconut cheesecake (low calorie) and drank a cappuccino. Food tasted good, but not exceptional. The menu is different each day so I’ll try something different tomorrow.
Evening Entertainment -- “Welcome Aboard Show” in the Stardust Theater. Arrived there about 8:20 and found 2 seats in the center, a distance up from the stage, with an excellent view. Good intro of performers and entertaining dancers. Tomorrow night we’ll go to see the comedian’s show.
Back to room about 9:40 and decided to end our day of activities. I’ve looked at tomorrow’s FULL SCHEDULE and highlighted what I’d like to do. (Can’t change my organized nature even when I’m on vacation.) Steve gave me a good laugh when he pointed out that “they say we shouldn’t be concerned about watching the clock while on vacation. How can we not do that when so much is scheduled at a particular time?”
More tomorrow…
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