We had no problems dropping off our luggage at the pier, then returning our car to NCR, we even had time to stop and enjoy breakfast at our favorite diner called “ Lester’s”. First impressions of the ship were very good. The crew was very friendly and helpful. The crew is from all over the world, which is different than Holland America, where the crew is mostly Indonesian. This ship is approximately the same size as the Holland Prinsendam but not as ‘tired’. The ship sailed around 4:45. We went up to the 9th deck for the sail-off party, hopefully someone saw it on the website I emailed. Of course there was free Champagne, but I spotted one of my favorite beers at the pool bar so I had a Boddington instead. At. $6.50, I won’t be drinking many of them.
That reminds me I would like to thank everyone that bought us Bon Voyage gifts from Princess. A very nice surprise and not expected.
Our luggage came around dinner time, didn’t think we brought this much stuff. Half we unpacked after dinner and the rest we left for day two, a much need sea day already. Dinner was very good and the service was great. Our tablemates Woody and Barb are from Florida via Illinois and New York, a very nice couple.
Day 2—After a good nights sleep we were up at 5am. Arrived at the breakfast buffet at 6:15, hardly anybody there, just like we like it. We sit and enjoy our breakfast, read or do Sudoku and look for whales. (Bill and Shirley, we miss your company!)
Upon returning from breakfast we finished unpacking and organized everything where Betty wanted it. Thankfully she is good at it, I would be lost. Today we are celebrating our 47th anniversary and received a door card greeting, balloons and a nice card from the Captain. This anniversary is the date we use for our cruises as we never sail in the month of June. This morning we attended a meeting for first time Princess cruisers or as I call us Princess Virgins. Not many of us, around 20. Then we had a Cruise Critic Group Meet and Greet. We just joined prior to sailing, this is a great group of travelers that share ideas. I would say there are 50-60 of us. We meet before each port to exchange ideas and information. We had a light lunch and then Betty had to go join the Book Club. I sat on the balcony and watched the ocean go by. We sailed along the northern coast of Cuba through the old Bahama Channel.
We had a nice surprise at dinner – a beautiful little cake (and singing) from the staff for our so-called anniversary. Princess insisted we pick a day to celebrate since we have no birthdays, etc., while we are gone. We then went to one of the many bars and watched the end of the San Fran/ Saints game. Wow what a ending. Then we returned to our cabin and watched the New England game.
January 15, Today is another sea day and we will maintain steady south-easterly course across the Caribbean Sea, which is named after the Carib Indians. This is one of the largest salt water seas in the world. The area is 1,063,00 square miles, 12 continental borders and 22 island territories lay against the clear blue waters of the Caribbean and there are over 20,000 square miles of coral reefs below it.
Today is our first formal night so I guess I will be getting dressed up for dinner. Most of the day will be spent on the balcony since it is only 77 degrees and no snow. LOL!
Tomorrow we arrive in Aruba and another post should follow in a couple days.
Also please note that they have canceled our stop in Santa Marta, Columbia due to gang drug violence in the city. Drug violence in Columbia, go figure! Instead we will be stopping in Cartagena, Columbia on the 18th.
