Embarking Caribbean Princess

After very little sleep the night prior, and waking at 3 am to catch our 6 am flight we are groggy. 

My brother in law picked us up right at 4:15 and we were at the airport by 4:50.  Sydney airport is small with only two gates.  But it has proven to be a difficult airport to fly out of, or in.  So we may have to look at other options - like driving to Halifax to fly out of there.  The local airport is just runs into so many issues.  With so few flights out of here, that if there is one small issue we are stuck.

But our flight to Montreal was right on schedule and we board the small plane and squished into our seats for the 2.20 hour flight to Montreal.  We had a short wait for our next flight, and in fact we board the exact same plane to get to Quebec City.  This flight was pretty much nothing.  30 minutes top, and most of that was taking off and landing.  The drive would take normally 3 hours tops.

Once we arrived we gathered our bags and called for an Uber.  Yes both Montreal and Quebec have Uber.  It is rush hour right now so it did take a bit longer but in total maybe 30 minutes.  The cost was $33 Canadian, which is  less than one person for the Princess Shuttle.

We dropped off our bags at the pier and then went off to explore a bit.  The sites are right beside the pier so you don't require transportation if you are able bodied. 

Both of us were hungry and asked one of the port staff for a recommendation.  He sent us to a great restaurant called Buffet deL'antiquaire.  Great breakfast, but a cool place to go to for a meal in the evening too.

We wander around doing some window shopping but we are both bagged!  We need some rest.  It is just before noon so we figure we should be able to board now.

It is a lovely terminal here in Quebec.  A lot of walking to get on the ship, so be prepared and if necessary ask for assistance. 

We had to pick up our medallions at the pier as they do not send them out to Canadian addresses.  But there was not a single person in the priority line (and few in the regular line).   In fact the line for persons with Medallions was longer, but it moved fast.

Once on board we dropped our bags in the cabin as they technically were not ready for us although ours was, we did not want to occupy the cabin until we were allowed to. 

But by noon there was an announcement that we could occupy the cabins.  We went back to lay down.  And we tried to sleep but it was impossible.  Embarkation day noises (banging doors, talking in the hallway, cabin steward introducing themselves and passengers chatting in the hallway).  There was no way I could sleep.  I gave up and got up. 

Since we are over nighting here in Quebec we don't have Muster drill until tomorrow.  I take advantage of this time to wander the ship and explore.  I love all the new changes and can see some new changes since we were on last summer. 

Officers on board are:  Captain - Marco Fortezze, Staff Captain - Sebastiano Azzarelli, Chief Engineer Officer - Neil Graham, Hotel General Manager - Ralph Dsouza, Senior Doctor - Jacobus Rupping, Staff Engineer Officer - Emilio Ginevra, Food and Beverage Director - Peter Priestley, Associate Hotel General Manager - Simone Smith, Guest Services Director - Sofia Faria, Business and Brand Director - Gerhan Joubert, Entertainment Director - Bernie Fuentes, Cruise Director - DuVaul Gamble, Executive Housekeeper - Rafael Ocana Perez, Executive Chef - Jerry Briones, Maitre d'Hotel - Oscar Perego.

Production shows are going to be Fantastic Journey; Born to Be Wild; Broadway Ballroom; Bravo.
Comedian - Scott Wyler
Instrumentalists:  Branden & James
Comedy Magic: Naathan Phan
Juggler:  Dan Bennett
Vocal Impressionist:  Greg London

Now remember we are surprising our friends on board.  When we arrive at their cabin we cover the peep hole and knock loudly.  

They were surprised to see us, but they thought for a while that we were just on for the day.  They thought we had driven down to come on for the day.  It is a two day drive to Quebec City so there is no way we were on for just the day.  When I explained that we were on for the whole cruise they were surprised and excited.  We got them!

We all head down to Explorer's bar for some drinks.  They have a brand new menu here (I posted it on my Facebook page click here for the link).  Lots of great options on that menu and I try the Aviator.

After a few drinks and being so darn tired I know we have to go get something to eat. 

The Horizon Court here is called the World Fresh Marketplace.  It is one of our favorite spots and lots of great options.

Right after dinner we both agree we need to go to bed.  Yup we were in bed by 9 pm.  I think I was asleep before my head hit the pillow.  And I don't remember even waking up!

Bon Voyage.