Embarkation Day

Embarkation Day went very smoothly, thank goodness!  We had our luggage packed and ready for the bellman to collect at 7:30.  It was delivered directly to the ship, so we didn't have to schlep big suitcases at all!  AND, it was waiting for us when the cabins were ready for us. Highly recommend!

We enjoyed a last breakfast in the club lounge, then returned to our room until about 10:00. We took the elevator down to the terminal level and started the check-in process. We were among the earliest to arrive, so there were no lines for the initial check-in, passport control, or Security. Since we're in a junior suite this trip, we were ushered to the suites waiting area.  After ten minutes or so, a woman approached us to ask if we'd be their guinea pigs, as the technology for boarding the ship wasn't behaving. We of course agreed, hopped up, and followed the woman to the final check-in area. The tech worked perfectly, so we got to be the first passengers to board! 

We headed up one level to Chops Grille, which is our muster station and also where we were scheduled to have lunch.  I noticed that the Schooner Bar (just outside Chops) was open, so we decided to sit there to await lunchtime.  

We always enjoy the lunch menu in Chops, because they offer a Caesar salad topped with a filet. We started with shrimp cocktail, another favorite. The steak was delicious and tender, if a tad beyond our usual medium-rare. We failed to photograph the salad, but did capture the shrimp cocktail and Charlie's key lime pie for dessert.

Our cabin feels very spacious after our last cruise in a regular balcony room. There's a comfy chair with ottoman in addition to a large couch, and the balcony has room for two chairs, a table, and a lounger. The bathroom has a tub/shower combo.  We unpacked and stowed suitcases, then spent time on the balcony, awaiting sailaway. The other two cruise ships left before we did, and I expect they'll be at many of the same ports when we arrive.  This was the view of the port area from our balcony before sailaway. The Canadian flags were fluttering, and it was chilly enough that we needed a second layer on the balcony.

After the ship left, we went up to the Diamond Lounge, where there were only two other couples.  Charlie got this photo of our ship approaching Lion's Gate Bridge. You can see one of the other ships ahead of us.

Dinner was at Giovanni's Table, where we scored a table by the window.  There were very few other diners, so perhaps others opted to try the Main Dining room the first night.  Both of us left our phones in the cabin, so I have no photos of our meal.  I had the burrata and heirloom tomato salad, while Charlie had the arugula salad and added burrata to it. Then I had a half-order of the wild mushroom risotto, which is reliably rich and delicious. Charlie chose the chicken piccata and enjoyed it. I finished with two mini cannoli, both yummy!

Charlie tried the casino after dinner, but didn't find "his" machine, so wasn't there long.  

Today is a Sea Day, as we head to our first port, Sitka. This morning we have the Top Tier event, and dinner will be at Izumi (which mercifully does NOT have the hibachi option!).  The temperature is in the mid-50s.  That's it for now!