Embarkation July 25, 2015

Saturday July 25 – Embarkation Day

Upon awakening, I realized that I  was just beginning a cold. I picked up additional cold medication  before leaving for the cruiseport.

Arrived at the cruiseport at 11:10 and was checked in and sitting the 4-star waiting area within 5 minutes. There are many 4- and 5-star Mariners on this cruise.

We were allowed to board at 11:30 and I went to my cabin to drop off my backpack.  I quickly signed up for 2 Cellar Master dinners, 1 Cellar Master lunch, 2 wine tastings, and the Thermal spa. Quick note for anyone traveling alone – the Thermal spa for a  couple is only $100 more ($529) than the single price.  I posted on cruisecritic.com for another single to sign up with me.  They split the price between our cabins so it was easy and saved $$$.

Lunch was a quick hamburger at the Dive-In before heading to the library to sign up for Internet access. (No 1st day extra minutes offered)

My luggage arrived around 1pm so I spent a while getting everything stowed away.  I love being able to unpack once while going to multiple ports.

At 3pm, I headed off for a game of dutch shuffleboard.   I had met Jeremy,  the show host, on a prioir cruise so it was fun meeting him again.

The lifeboat drill went quickly.  Sailaway was delayed for 35 minutes while we waited for a delivery of fresh produce.   Sailaway was beautiful.   An airplane was landing at Logan as we sailed out and went right over the ship.

I went to the Singles and Solo meeting before dinner. I was surprised that we had an even mix of men and women.

Finally dinner at the Pinnacle Grill for a wonderful steak dinner.  I had dropped my bottle of wine off early so that they could open it to breath.   They decanted the bottle and it was delicious.  (Oberon cabaret sauvignon 2013).

After dinner I headed back to the room to sleep.

Sunday July 26 At Sea

It is very foggy today and the fog horns are being sounded.

On the schedule today are 3 lectures.  The first covers our first 3 ports, next is a geologist’s perspective of our itinerary, and,finally, early history of Vikings and shipbuilding.

Not sure if I will make to all. One conflicts with wine tasting and I have my priorities.

A few pictures including my cabin for the next 34 days and a view of luggage ready to be loaded