Sunday, Sept., 17, 2006

We drove to Long Beach from Porterville. Uneventful drive, about 3 hours. I am such a kid at heart when I first saw the Pride come into view I got so excited I was jumping up and down in my seat and crying. And I should mention I was driving at the time! We did the early check-in at the Queen Mary. It was about 10:30. Went VERY quickly. On the way out from early check-in I spotted Cruisinchick! I was so excited! We talked a few minutes and introduced our respective families. They were going to do the Queen Mary tour so we said goodbyes. We then found the Zone 1 sign. No one was in line! So we stood there a few minutes so as to be first. But quickly figured out that it would be nicer to sit and wait. I was trying to find Fred in the crowds but never spotted him. Then when the line started forming it formed FAST! So we were back aways. From the time the line started forming until the time we boarded was about an hour. But the line for people who hadn't done early check-in was way long! So do the early check-in if you can. After we made our way through security (note to liquor smugglers - do NOT try and carry it on with you-gentleman in front of us had a LARGE bottle of Crown Royal confiscated and taken away. They DO go through everything you carry on!) and all the picture people we were on board!!! We went right to the purser's desk, no line! Put our cash on our Sail & Sign. Then we went to the Lido deck for lunch. We opted for the grill. I had the cheeseburger, Chris a steak sandwich. Very good. 2 Fun Ship Specials (Sunday's Drink of the Day, very yummy and STRONG!), we went up to our room. I was impressed with the size of it. Not huge, but very comfortable to move around in. Then I stepped out onto our balcony..ahhhhhh. It's true what they say guys&once you go balcony, you'll never go back! We were waving at the officers in the bridge from our balcony&.they were RIGHT there! As were people on the observation deck. Not a lot of "privacy", but we still loved our balcony! Then we went to muster. Got there early and thought it was good because we could lean back on the railing. But then they started filing in row after row in front of us. We were packed in like sardines! Next time we'll saunter down at the last minute! After muster we went back to our cabin for sail away. Our luggage was there! After doing the sail away from our balcony we went in and unpacked everything. Plenty of room for all of our stuff! 3 closets, drawers, and lots of shelves in the bathroom. Was very pleased with the shower also! Plenty of room and a removable shower head with adjustable flow! Excellent water pressure and water temp! We freshened up and went to dinner. We had a nice booth for 4. Our tablemates were fun and talkative. Hi Tony and May! I had the lamb&.excellent choice! Hubby had the sweet & sour shrimp, very good also. Finished with champagne truffle cake. To die for! And cappuccino. Our wait staff was friendly and very efficient. After dinner we walked around the ship exploring. Then off to the Taj Majal for the Welcome Aboard show and bingo. The show was good. Kind of a teaser for what the week would bring. I loved Wee Jimmy. I talked with him for a while after the show. I told him about Cruise Critic. He sometimes reads it! I told him about Fred doing the Live From The Pride thread, and that I would be doing Tape Delay From The Pride. He thought that was a hoot! Then he told me that we was only acting CD. But that he's hoping to become full CD in the near future. After the show we went to Butterflies Lounge-very pretty but kinda dead. So we headed over to karaoke at Starry Night lounge. Lots of fun! Some very good singers and a crew of rowdy students from UCLA who were dancing and entertaining us. Rowdy, but in a fun kind of way. Hubby was enjoying his Fosters and I a rum & coke. Karaoke closed at midnite. We headed to our room. I walked, hubby weaved! *LOL* I was surprised at how warm it was on the balcony. Beautiful night!

Monday, Sept. 18  First Fun Day At Sea Read more