From Toronto To The Golden Princess

If has been a bit of mad dash since yesterday. Before we left we managed a line dance class where we knew some things and plenty that we could not remember very well. Then it we a 4 hour drive to Toronto where we stayed before boarding the flight to Los Angeles early this morning. The drive was difficult. Darkness and a steady rain/snow mix made for a a tiring drive.

Waiting In Toronto

The Toronto airport experience was actually quite pleasant. Check in was quick- we were among the first there. The U.S. Customs was a breeze. They now have automated check in where you make your declarations on a touch screen. It checks your passport and then spits out your declaration. We took that to the agent and were finished within about 10 minutes.

The direct flight to LA. was 5 hr 38 minutes. The day was bright and sunny. The plane had a bit of leg room for a change. In typical Air Canada fashion it was classed as a domestic flight. That means that we had 1 drink of juice/coffee, etc. And that was it except for the occasional glass of water.

   We arrived around 10:30 and picked up our luggage. The plane was only half full so that was quick . Out the exit the Princess rep was waiting for us and directed us to our luggage. We were among the first to arrive and very soon after the bus to the port arrived. They had just started boarding as we arrived. We were on the Golden shortly. We had been upgraded to a lower deck and bigger balcony (deluxe?)cabin. This is the first time in many cruises that we are in the front part of the ship. It is a long walk to the buffet for a snack.

    The first thing we did was head for the food. After the long flight and early rising we needed to eat, something of a regular routine on the first day. We knew where it was. After a walk around the ship we waited for our luggage to arrive. That was stored quickly just in time for the safety demo followed by the going away party held in the rain and in the dark. The band was typically loud but we could do some of our line dance steps. They danced the electric slide but we managed Move Like Jagger, a cha and even Little Rumba.

Leaving In The Rain!

    They have the cocktails and Hors d'oeuvers on deck 17 (Skywalkers) for elite passengers and we did stop by there for some guacamole and tortilla chip. We meet a nice couple there and found out that they are booked for Machu Picho. Then more wandering until dinner at 8. The dinning room was “empty” which seems to be typical of first nights. Our table of 8 only had the 4 of us at it. The other couple is from LA. They travelled about 30 minutes to the port! Later we came across the couple that we met in the bar at Skywalkers. They still had not gone to dinner. We found them at another bar. Love those New Zealanders!

We did go to the welcome show but we both fell asleep. By the time we were back to our cabin, we had been up for about 21 hours straight. No wonder sleep came quickly!