We wanted to avoid flying the day of the cruise, so booked our own flight for two days ahead and toured around Seattle for a few days.

Flight to Seattle was long, full, boring, but on time. And getting luggage didn't take more than 10 minutes. WTG - Seattle Airport! We made it to our hotel via cab in 30 minutes ($40). The W Seattle is interesting and hip. Lovely lobby (living room), loud music, candles, fireplace, bowl of apples at the front desk. Hallway from the elevator to the room was dim; artwork was lovely when you could see it. Room is gorgeous - dark woods, comfy beds, plush lounger stretching the length of the windows, elegant Bliss bath products, flat screen TV w/DVD. Only drawbacks so far are expensive room service and blinds that don't block out enough of the morning sunlight for those of us still on EDT.

Saturday - a leisurely breakfast w/DSIL in the lobby of the W. At about 11:30 we all headed to pier 66 (two taxis). We put our big bags into the baggage check, then headed to the check-in area. We proceeded to a station and after beginning the process the young woman said she would have to hand us off to someone else for VIP check-in. After a bit of discussion, it was decided that she would handle it and with a bit of effort (we had three different credit cards for expenses to be charged to), we had our cards and headed to a waiting area to wait to be called to board. We waited about 10 minutes, our number was called and on the ship we went. The entire check-in took at most 35 minutes. (We were so early lunch hadn't started in Versailles yet.) Surprisingly everyone seemed to want us to eat in the Market Cafe, but we persevered and had a lovely lunch in the Versailles (fruit appetizers and soup for DH and DSIL; pasta/sauce for DD, club sandwich for me). Read more