We are on the road by 8 am, fueled with a latte and a full tank of gas. We are off.
Traffic was busy but not crazy, like yesterday. Sure there was some delays in areas but not for long. It flowed. Until we got into New York! Then it was bumper to bumper, but hey we are going on a cruise!
We arrived at the port at 1130 and had to ask where the parking was! No signage at all but people directed us. Cost is $30 a day and you have to pay when you arrive.
Now I will say I was really prepared for long queues, especially with needing the Arrive Can App, and also needing a booster vaccine. Yes, about 2 weeks ago we received notification that because this cruise was 16 days a booster vaccine was required. So not only did you need to have your initial 2 dose vaccine, but also a booster.
But when we walked in the terminal at 1145 there was no queue for security, no queue to show our negative test, arrive can app QR code, or our vaccine info. We just walked up to each station and were dealt with immediately. Note if someone had not done the Arrive Can app there was an area they were directed and someone assisted them. We then collected our medallion (they don't mail them out to Canadians).
Note we later heard from passengers who waited a very very long time for transfers from airport to ship with Princess. I mean they waited hours! Some waited, many just gave up and took a ride service or taxi.
Then we had to sit and wait for about 10 minutes as they had to adjust the gangway due to tides. But we chatted with a lovely couple from Connecticut.
Once on board we sat in the International Cafe, had a coffee and a sandwich. At 1 pm the cabins were available and we dropped off our carry on bag that carries my lecturing stuff. Met our wonderful cabin steward Rohit.
We then went to explore around the ship. We have sailed on the Caribbean numerous times. But it has been 3 years since we were on her. Still love this class of ship!
And I have to say that she looks really good! I noticed fresh carpet throughout, including our cabin. Oh and I am so happy to be able to head out onto the promenade!
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| This is a picture of Dominique and Bernie in Sydney together |
We are out on the Sun deck when we see a familiar face waving frantically at us! Dominique! Yes Dominique from Peru. I didn't even know she was here! We had just missed her on the Enchanted when she got off the day we got on. She has been to our house before, and we have been to her house in Peru. She has been promoted to Bar Supervisor now and she looks great. We catch up for a bit and make tentative plans together to see her in the Elite Lounge as she is the supervisor there.
All suitcases arrive quickly to the cabin and we unpack. Bernie takes a nap while I do a run through of my presentation for tomorrow. Practice is key to making sure the lecture flows.
Now it is time to shower and get ready. The shower water is warm, not hot. We will wait till tomorrow to see if it improves once we are away from the pier. Sometimes not everything is running full force while still tied up. Follow up it seems to be an issue ship wide after we chat with others. But it is not horrible and periodic and they are aware of it and working on it.
The evening was great. Started with drinks where we met some lovely people.
Dinner was in the dining room where I started with a roast prawn appetizer. Then a goat cheese with roasted vegetables. For my entrée I had the roast pea risotto. Service was very good but you can see the staff are crazy busy.
Note Steamers and Planks specialty dining are not being offered due to staffing issues.
In bed now. It is 11 pm and the clocks go forward to Atlantic time tonight. Sea day tomorrow and my first lecture.
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