We flew into LAX on Friday and took the Supper Shuttle (booked online) to the Crowne Plaza, San Pedro. Had a nice Mexican dinner at the Green Onion; the only restaurant close to the hotel (besides the hotel restaurant). Our room had a view of the terminal. There was a Silver Seas ship in Berth 93 that apparently departed in the middle of the night???

Day 1 - I awoke to find the NCL Star docked, but no Sapphire. She finally sailed in just before 9:00 a.m. I heard 3 different stories. I took a walk down to the terminal while DW readied herself. Upon returning to the hotel about 10:45 we loaded into one of the hotel shuttles and headed for the ship. Embarkation was painless and we were on the ship before noon. Went to our room to drop the carry-on bags and were greeted by a couple seals (sea lions?) under our balcony. Had a nice lunch at the International Dining Room and set out to explore our home for the next seven days. Later we went to Churchill's lounge to watch the Spartans go down to the Bulldogs... only one other Michigander in the room. Oh, well, it was a good run considering we were without our best player. The room was a bit stinky from ceegars, but there were lots of TVs and they had a nice spread of chips, taquitos, pico de gallo and guacamole. DW felt a cold coming on, so went to bed early. I went to the Savoy Room and enjoyed what was described as a Cajun Seafood Crockpot for dinner. It was a basically a giant pot pie with a latticed top; unique and delicious. I then went to the welcome aboard show and left a bit underwhelmed.

Day 2 - Hit the gym; played on the weight machines and an elypitcal machine for an hour or so. A bit cool outside, but the aft balcony provided protection from the wind. Late in the day we spotted several whale spouts. We wandered around with no particular direction/destination, just relaxed and enjoyed the ship. The Conservatory (indoor pool) area was packed. The comedian tonight had us in stitches. Read more