Dec 15

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Dec 15 This is cruise day!!!!

The sky was still very blue but it was cold for Florida. The hotel staff was having a rough time keeping everything going. Their systems are just not set up for these temperatures. Ron had bought 3 magnums of wine and I was a bit concerned as we were told that we were only allowed to carry on one. We had ordered rum and vodka on line to have in our stateroom when we arrived (which is allowed) it costs double what a person would pay in a liquor store.

We met in the lobby and the shuttle came around 11AM. It was not very far to the pier and we could see the Coral Princess in the distance, glistening like a diamond in the sun. The ship seemed enormous. Boarding was easy, Ron carried the 3 bottles of wine and there was no problem at all. The system was very organized and we were in our stateroom by 1PM with both our carryons unpacked, if we would have taken the Airport shuttle we probably would have got on about 3.

Our stateroom is a good size with large sliding glass doors to a balcony that gave us a good view of the docks and Fort Lauderdale. I love the big windows; it was nice to be able to have this outdoor space. There was a Treasure Hunt in the afternoon that we took part in, it got you out to explore all the different floors and things available while you were cruising. For lunch the huge buffet was open which we enjoyed since we had not eaten since breakfast at the hotel.

When we returned to our room there was a lovely gift from Jim and Yvonne, a bottle of wine sitting waiting for us and our suitcase had arrived. Our steward came in and introduced himself and told us to be ready for an emergency drill. At 4:15 the whistles blew and we all grabbed our life jackets and proceeded to our Muster Stations. You were not able to use the elevators and since we were on the 12th floor and our Muster Station was on the 6th it was quite an event!!! After going through what to do in case of an emergency we practiced putting on our jacket and then were allowed to go back to our rooms.

We left port at 5:50 which was about an hour later than planned; apparently Immigration surprised them by coming on board and checked the whole ship which held everything up.

We hurried to the top of the ship to join the Sailaway Party by the pool and watch as our ship left port. The sun was just setting as we left so we were able to enjoy the lights of the city. Then just as we were leaving to the open ocean the ships horn blew (just like on the show Love Boat) it sent shivers of happiness through me. I actually had tears welling up.

That evening we took in the Casino, a comedy show and since we ate so late at lunch; we had dinner at the buffet again. We were all tired and retired to our rooms at 10.


Another apology. I have found that once you down load the pics I am unable to go back and edit them so I am adding a foot note:




Photo 13 Is the view from the top deck which is the one directly above our room.

Photo 14 As you all know Ron is a flirt and this poor girl became the subject of his charms. He calls this shot “New wife Old wife”.

Photo 15 and 16 First cocktails, these were yummy but at a $8.99 price tag reduced the amount consumed

Photo 17 The back of the ship. This huge screen is used for movies on deck to watch while lounging or just sitting in the hot tube or pool.

Photo 18 The front of the ship

Photo 19 Leaving Fort Lauderdale

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Comments

[Kathy and Arnie]

You are definitely living the Dream
Hey Fellow Campers, Tubers and now Cruisers We have just been home for a week on Tuesday...not really liking Reality. As for Arnie, he went back to work on Wednesday the 19th...worked his shift, and now has gone 'Sledding for the next 3 days, with a couple of Guys'. It is weird that we just missed you in Fort Lauderdale...we arrived in FT Lauderdale on the 5th and our Ship left on the 7th. We were also on a Princess Cruise...Emerald Princess. I loved it...and would do it again. Wishing you continued happiness, adventures and memories. Stay Healthy and Safe...Kathy and Arnie