And We're Off

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.  Explore. Dream. Discover." -Generally attributed to Mark Twain

And so the adventure begins.

Boarding the ship was an easy, efficient, and friendly affair.  They let us on at noon, even though our rooms wouldn’t be ready until 3:00.  But there’s plenty of ship to occupy us, particularly as they made provision to check our carry-ons.  So a leisurely lunch was in order, where we began to meet shipmates, some of whom, like us, would be staying on for the full “world cruise” (the cruiseline calls it a world cruise, but it is actually a Pacific cruise).  

By the time we reached our room, our luggage was there. Two women on a 4-month cruise.  Which translates to 3 suitcases and one carry-on each, plus an extra bag filled with the toiletries we’d purchased at a nearby CVS before boarding the ship, for a tally of 9 bags in a fairly small area. Our first challenge was to find enough space to unpack, as well as a pathway to walk to put things away.  That evening was daunting, and by bedtime I was sure we were going to have to tape things to the ceiling.

By morning (thankfully, a day at sea so we’d have more time to settle in), we awoke refreshed enough to get things organized.  By the time we finished, and with the help of our room stewardess who took away anything in the room we thought we wouldn’t need (really, two bathrobes apiece?) as well as most of our suitcases, everything was stowed, with space to spare.  Yep, we’re pretty proud of ourselves. 

In between, there were classes, lectures, exploring the ship, chatting with people, and a touch of relaxing.  I took the knitting class, knitting being one of those things on my “want to try once I’m retired” list. Let’s just say it’s good that I never tried to make a living with my hands.

With another 120 days on the ship ahead of us, we’re scoping out favorite venues.  A lovely shaded area near the pool. The Bistro (where I am sitting to write this), a nice place for a good coffee.  The Crystal Cove, a bar off the lobby (as a 30-year AILA member, I do gravitate to lobby bars).  The Avenue Saloon, with its great pianist (who, alas will not be on for the world cruise). 

Each morning the cruise director does a show on the on-ship television channel called “Good Morning, Crystal.” I feel so honored to have a show aimed just at me. 

Dinner is at a set time and with an assigned group—something that I’m not accustomed to in cruising, but am adapting. Fortunately, we have a pleasant group. There is a show almost every evening after dinner. Last night’s was the resident troupe performing British singers’ songs from the 1960s and 70s.  Good in parts, not so much in others.

And that’s what the first day at sea looked like.  Next up: Grand Turk.