Joining the Caribbean Princess

   We made it to the ship today. Breakfast and another stroll in Central park was enough to get us to our 11 am pick up time. Our drive was waiting for us – boy is having a working cell phone the berries! There was a bit of panic (me) when we tried to open the safe to get our passports, etc. Apparently when I punch in the code to lock it, my fat fingers hit the wrong numbers. So of course it stayed locked! This was about 20 minutes before our pick up. A quick call and hotel security showed up immediately and we were back in business! Stressed gone, ready for a ride to the terminal.

    Driver was great, luxury SUV was nice and cool. 30 minutes later we were in Brooklyn. Funny thing, nobody was in the check in terminal! We were early and expected a huge crowd. Nobody was here. We were among the first to get on the ship. The usual paperwork was there but we were surprised with a small shipboard credit added to our account and a 2^nd specialty dinner. Who knows where that came from!

NY Skyline

About 2 hours later the announced that the cabins were now ready. We had moved in right after getting aboard. Daisy our steward did not say anything then as our room was ready. On this ship they have what is called Medallion service. No more cruise cards, nothing but a tablet device to unlock doors, etc. Everyone carries a tablet and you scan your small Medallion to order, buy, etc. That was our check in. Of course you can sign up for the full service but I don't want to gamble in the room, order drinks to exotic locations in the ship, etc. All we want is internet which is the elite perk. When I tried to log in, error occurs. It will work out but it took the edge off a neat new gadget that they flog for $20 a day! I would rather order a Manhattan! Finally the fast internet was working. The ship was in refit recently and they have upgraded many areas of the ship. The food court and the food choices are looking very modern.

From The Ship

   The rest of the day was spent as usual. Tea in the International Cafe, safety demonstration and more wandering. Our fixed dining is the late sitting at 7:15. That is the earliest late dinning time we have ever had. Menu tonight included the welcome aboard prime roast dinner. We always look forward to that! We did not even come close to seeing the comedian as our server was slow as is usual for the first night.

   We went right back to our cabin as there was little going on around the ship. Our luggage had finally arrived. We were among the first to get aboard and the last to receive our luggage! Go figure. Sea routine tomorrow!