--- CRUISE 2005 ---
Cruise Los Angeles To Hawaii To Los Angeles - September 21 to October 9, 2005
Ocean Miles Traveled - 5888 Miles
This cruise was arranged by Linda way last March. It was intended to be our 20th Anniversary Cruise, but this was the earliest we could reserve the cabin that we wanted. We left a day early to spend a night at an AmeriSuites near the Orlando airport. Our flight was very early and AmeriSuites would let us leave the van there while we are gone. That's how it all began.
Jackie and Neil, our neighbors and friends, agreed that it sounded like a wonderful trip and also made reservations. They left home several days before us, headed off to St. Louis and Chicago to visit friends and family before heading for Los Angeles.
Wednesday September 21, 2004 - Departure Day
The day started off "normal. "I even went to softball practice. But - then preparations went into full swing. We even prepared the outside like we would if there were a hurricane coming. Soon the house was ready and the bags were in the van. We left about 2 PM - dropped Duncan of at Bonnie and Franks for his vacation and off we went.
We arrived at the AmeriSuites about 3:30. It's a bargain hotel chain I guess because they have no bellhops but they have baggage carts to use. So - we got all the bags to room 106 and R&R'd for a while. Soon it was dinner time so we went across the street to a TGIFriday's and had a nice dinner. Back to room 106 for an evening of TV and to bed.
Thursday September 22, 2005 - To Los Angeles
I woke at 3:53 AM, before the 4 AM alarm. Up and at'em and ready to go by 4:30. We waited patiently for the shuttle driver who appeared on time at 5. Off we went to MCO and we worked our way through all the wickets to arrive at gate 44, ready to go, at 5:25. Hurry up and wait.
The aircraft boarded and left right on schedule - a full American Airlines A320. The first 1/2 of the flight was choppy with intermittent light turbulence - thanks to hurricane Rita over the Gulf of Mexico. Only marginal food was served and it was $5. The entertainment system was inoperative. It was a long 5 hour flight.
We arrived right on time. United had some construction going on so we had to walk from terminal 6 to 7 - good exercise after sitting so long. We got our bags and found the Princess Representative and she guided us to the hotel shuttle pick-up area. Soon the Marriott shuttle appeared and we were in the hotel in minutes. We checked in and they had room 1432 ready for us. We were in the room by 9:45 AM PDT. We wandered around the hotel and then had "brunch" at 10:30.
We took a walk on Century Blvd, watched some TV and soon Jackie and Neil arrived from Chicago - 3:30 PM. Their flight from Chicago had every possible type of delay and was several hours late. We met for dinner at 5. The Princess Rep was in the lobby and she answered all our questions.
Back to our room - TV, reading and to bed.
Friday September 23, 2005 - Boarding/Departure Day
I was awake at 4:30, up at 5. To the lobby - very busy already. I got my first ever Starbucks cup of coffee. Wow - that will certainly wake you up! I sat in the lobby and read "The Broker" until Linda, Jackie and Neil arrived at 7. Off we went to breakfast and then just got our luggage in the hall in front of our room for Princess to pick-up. Then we wait in the lobby.
Well - they got us on the bus and down to the San Pedro docks in fine shape. Next we wound our way through the several lines and finally over the gangway and onto the ship. We entered on Deck 4 so up we went to Aloha Deck 12, room 332. Jackie and Neil are right next door. We dropped our carry-on bags and headed off to The Horizon Court (forward deck 14) to enjoy our 1st buffet.
We wandered around the ship for a while, finding the spots that will be of most interest to us. To do that, you have to learn how to use the terrible little map that everyone is seen carrying around. Back to A332 and one of our bags had already arrived.
The ship prepared to leave with several Coast Guard boats around us, the fuel barge still fueling us and the whole ship performing the mandatory "muster. " That all went smoothly and we left San Pedro at 5:10.
Down to the Provence Dining Room (amidships, deck 6) for our 1st dinner, main seating at 5:45 PM. We are at a table for 10. There was us, Jackie & Neil, Sue & Richard (San Antonio), Fran & Arnold (Los Angeles) and two empty seats. Our waiter is Valentin (Romania) and Junior waiter is Kasia (Poland). The meal was 5 courses and very good - as expected.
We wandered through the shops until it was time to go to the Princess Theater (forward, deck 6) for the "Welcome Show. " It was OK, not outstanding. The theater is relatively small (relative to the last few ships we've been on). That may be the plan since there is another show area in the aft end, The Universe Lounge (aft deck 6 and 7) that has entertainment at about the same time.
We were all pretty pooped by now - our internal clocks were still on EDT - so off to A332 and to bed.
Saturday September 24, 2005 - At Sea
I was up at 4:30 AM. During the night, the ship started to noticeably rock and roll. I headed one deck up to the Lido Deck. They have 24 hour buffets up there in The Horizon Court so the coffee was pretty good. Coffee and reading until 6:30 when I brought a couple of cups back to our room. Linda was just waking and the sun was just starting to show. We ordered some room service coffee.
7AM data, position 32º 30.21', 122º37.68', sea condition rough (7.5' to 12'), temp 62º, speed 24.2 MPH, heading 242º, 2236 miles to Kona.
Headed down for breakfast at 8 AM with Neil, Jackie is sleeping in. Breakfast in the "any time" dining room - The Bordeaux (amidships, deck 5). It looks similar to the Provence which is directly above it. The Provence is not open for breakfast or lunch.
Next we were off to explore some more. We went out on the top deck but it is very windy and cool - so outside exploration is uncomfortable. Linda headed off to line dancing and bingo in The Universe Lounge. I settled in the room to read more "Grisham."
Lunch in The Bordeaux, I checked e-mail (the ships system is very slow) and then we met Jackie & Neil for some bridge. We went to the card room, but it was full - so we found a table in one of the lounge areas and Jackie & Neil cleaned our clock again.
Back to the room to get ready for the first formal night. It is "Captain's Night" and we went to the party in The Atrium. Free drinks and hors d'oeuvres and then off to dinner. The formal nights men's dress has changed over the years - that is, there were only a few tuxedos and mostly suits and even sports coats. The meal tonight was very good.
Next - to the photo area where we found our entrance photo. It's $20 - but pretty good so we got it. Off to The Princess Theater for a production number they call "Curtain Up." They have a large production group, 4 singers and about 12 dancers. It was Broadway tunes and pretty good.
Back to our room - turn the clocks back 1 hour and to bed.
Sunday September 25, 2005 - At Sea
The time change struck again - I was wide awake at 3 AM local time. Ugh. Up to The Horizon for coffee and started reading James A. Michener's "Space. " About 6, I went up to the sun deck and fired up the GPS. We are at 30º 09.316', 132º 01.773', heading 238º at a speed of 25.2 MPH. We are 1707 miles from Kona. There are still some white caps but the ground swells are much reduced. I got more coffee and headed down to A332, Linda was awake.
Linda headed off to the Spa for some relaxation and I stayed put and read. We met with Jackie & Neil outside the Bordeaux and went in for a nice lunch and then we all split up to do various things. My thing was reading, some TV and a nap.
Off to The Provence for dinner at 5:45. Two new people joined us to complete our 10. Mary and Jean from Calgary, Canada.
Next - to The Princess Theater to see tonight's show. Duncan Tuck, a good singer, great guitarist and fair - sometimes obtuse - comedian.
Back to A332 for some TV, and then to bed. Turn the clocks another hour tonight.
Monday September 26, 2005 - At Sea
Up at 4 AM today. To The Horizon - coffee and reading. Jackie and Neil wandered by about 5:45. I headed topside about 6 to watch the sun come up and fired up the GPS. This morning's data - 26º 54.741', 141º 36.815', heading 235º at 24.7 MPH. Kona 1085 miles. Cloudy with some rain showers in sight - 70º OAT. Sea conditions - slight.
Brought coffee down to Linda at 7. She was busy doing laundry and so I went to breakfast with Jackie & Neil. After breakfast, I roamed around taking pictures of the ship. It stayed cloudy, but warm.
We all went to the Bordeaux for lunch and then split up. Linda changed up and went topside to catch some rays (the sun came out) and I sat out on our balcony and continued "Space. " Saw some flying fish today - water is warming up.
Dinner at 5:45 and all our tablemates were there. We wandered back to The Universe Lounge and chatted for a while and then forward to The Princess Theater for the show. Tonight was an English fellow who sang "Broadway" tunes. Very good, but repetitive after a while.
Back to A332, TV, reading and to bed. Turn the clocks back one more time.
Tuesday September 27, 2005 - At Sea
Up at 4:15 AM and up to The Horizon for coffee and more Michener. Sun came up about 5:30. I headed up to the Sun Deck and got out the GPS. Position 23º 38.026, 149º 22.707, Speed 21.2 MPH, 503 miles to Kona, heading 232º, sea slight.
I brought coffee down to Linda about 6:30. Breakfast with Jackie & Neil in The Bordeaux at 7:30. We went to the Internet area and they are still down - they have been for the last couple of days. Took a stroll several times around the promenade deck (2.8 times around = 1 mile). The weather is perfect.
Back to A322 and Linda changed into her bathing suit and headed up to catch some rays - I retired to the balcony to read.
We all met in front of The Bordeaux for lunch and then split up. Linda headed topside for some of the activities up there (Princess Survivor) and then to Bingo. I headed to the Princess Theater for a presentation about what to expect in Kona and Hilo.
Dinner at 5:45 and we (the 4 of us) left before dessert (at 7) to catch "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" in the Universe Lounge. After the movie we headed up to The Horizon to get our dessert.
Back to A332 and to bed.
Wednesday September 28, 2005 - Kona, Hawaii
Awake at 4 AM and up and at'em. We're sailing around the big island on the west side headed to an anchorage off the Kona shore. The sun rose at 6:10 AM over the island. I brought coffee down to A332 and then headed we down to The Bordeaux with Jackie & Neil for breakfast.
We then went topside and chatted for a while letting the early excursion folks clear the waiting area (we thought). We headed down to The Explorer's Lounge to get in the que for the tender ashore. Gads - the whole area was mobbed with people waiting. We got our numbers and then joined the mob (there was another ship tendering in people also). After about an hour we were called and joined 146 others in a tender for a hot, bumpy ride over to .
There were cruise ship tourists everywhere. We wandered around for a while but soon Jackie & Neil and I voted to head back to the ship - Linda decided to stay ashore and shop. She was headed for a shuttle to a WalMart as we left. Back to the ship and Aloha Deck 322 about 1 PM, Jackie & Neil headed for the dining room.
Linda arrived back about 3. She got to WalMart and browsed through the special "Hawaii" section. She shuttled to the pier and tendered to the ship.
Dinner at 5:45 - tonight was Island Night. Lots of ladies dressed in Island style, most men wore Island shirts and many had a lei. Everyone looked nice. Lobster tails tonight - very good. Off to the Explorer's Lounge to chat - but the music was a little too loud - to the Wheelhouse Bar. Much better. To The Universe Lounge at 8:30 to watch the beginning of a production presentation called "That Extravaganza." At 9:10, we headed topside for "Island Night" around the pool. It was already crowded but we found seats around the edge of the pool. Hawaiian music, dancing and Lei's. We gave up about 10:30 and headed down to the Aloha Deck and bed.
Today's my 64th birthday. I got cards from Linda, Jackie & Neil, telcons from Dawn and Dianna, and a Champagne Breakfast delivered to our balcony from Debby and Dave (we chose to have this delivered on 10/3). I don't feel any older.
Thursday September 29, 2005 - Hilo, Hawaii
Up at 4:30 AM and to The Horizon for coffee and reading. Up to deck 15 at 6 AM to watch our approach to Hilo. It was nice and warm and clear. Jackie and Neil were up also.
Down to A332 with coffee about 6:45. Linda and I watched the sunrise and our approach to Hilo from our balcony. To The Bordeaux for breakfast at 7:30. I contacted Hertz and they told me how to find the shuttle. We left the ship and soon found the Hertz shuttle. Neil and I went and got the car (a Lincoln Town Car). The paperwork and car were all ready so we just got in and headed back to the ship to pick-up the ladies. Off we went to the Kilauea Volcano. It's a nice drive up to the top and a well planned road around the crater. We stopped at Thomas A. Jagger Museum for some great views of the caldera and the surrounding area. We also stopped and walked through a lava tube - quite an experience. We finished the 11 mile drive around the crater rim about 12:30 so we stopped at the Volcano Hotel for lunch.
Off to Rainbow Falls. That was back to Hilo and then to the north side of town. It was worth the drive.
Next - to "Hilo Hattie's." Quite a store. Full of Hawaiian memorabilia and clothing - plus a lei as you enter and plenty of seating for the husbands. We all looked around in detail.
Back to the ship and dropped off the ladies - Neil and I returned the car to the airport and back in A332 about 3:30.
OAT - 82º.
Jackie called just before dinner - Neil has come down with a chest cold and is not feeling very well. They had been to the ship's Doctor and he prescribed some Ciprol and cough medicine. They were not going down to dinner but would utilize room service.
We headed down to The Provence for dinner. Everyone had a good time in Hilo and we all had a good dinner (minus Jackie and Neil).
Linda and I headed for the Internet Cafe and some of the computers were up and running - but very slow. It took me 20 minutes to get to my mail. The charge for internet use is $.35/minute. Next to the Princess Theater for tonight's show. It was a juggler who interacted with the audience a lot and it was very funny. Good show.
Back to A332 for some TV, reading and to bed.
Friday September 30, 2005 - Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii
Up at 4:30 AM and to The Horizon for coffee. It started to get light at about 6. To deck 15. Some storms were visible floating around - some strong winds hit us as we approached Lahaina - but were gone in a short time. Brought coffee down to Linda about 6:45. Neil is feeling a little better but not great. They are staying in this morning.
We went up to The Lotus Pool (the indoor pool primarily meant for adults). We swam a little, hot tubbed a little, and R&R'd for a while. Then we prepared to go to town.
A surprise today was that we anchored out here and tendered in. Somehow we were under the impression that we would tender only at Kona. Oh well - it went much quicker this time and we were able to go directly to the tender at 9:45. We roamed around Lahaina for a while and reminisced about our previous visits - especially how much it had grown and changed. We had lunch at Bubba's Shrimp's and then I headed back - leaving Linda to explore the town. There were some sprinkles around - but really very nice weather.
Linda arrived back to the stateroom about 2:45 having had a successful shopping trip. We watched the Red Sox beat the Yankees in the first of the final three games of the season. They are now tied for 1st place.
Down to dinner at 5:45 (Jackie and Neil are staying in one more evening). Everyone had a good time on Maui and we had another great dinner.
Duncan Tuck performed again in The Princess Theater. This show was better than the first. He's a very good performer. Back to A332.
Saturday October 1, 2005 - Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
Up and at'em at 4:30 AM. Headed up to The Horizon for coffee and more "Space." I went topside about 6 to watch the sunrise at 6:10. Coffee down to Linda at 6:30 and we watched as we docked in Honolulu.
Neil is feeling better and we all went down to The Bordeaux at 7:30. Next - off to get our rental car. It went smoothly - except the car was an older Cadillac (2004 with 24000 miles) and the office on Ala Moana was understaffed. Off we all went to tour Oahu. We went counter-clockwise starting at Waikiki Beach. We drove around Diamond Head and headed for the North Shore, stopping at several spots along the way. The views and beaches are beautiful. All went pretty well until we got to the northeast quadrant where we ran into rain and a definite lack of road signs. Lots of traffic (it's Saturday) around the North Shore beaches.
We stopped at Turtle Bay for a nice lunch and back on the road. About the time we turned south, some showers started. By the time we arrived at Dole Pineapples, it was pouring. We visited the Dole Store for quite a while and waited for the downpour
to become a shower and then continued our journey. In Honolulu the sun was shining but everyone was all toured out and ready to call it a day.
We dropped the ladies at a shopping mall right near the ship and returned the car to Hertz on Ala Moana. That was no easy task - there was a huge traffic jam due to a water main break somewhere. But - we made it and got back to the ship about 4:15.
Linda and Jackie didn't get back until about 6 so we deferred dinner until later. Down to The Princess Theater for a hula show. They brought in a local Hawaiian Hula School with young ladies from 6 to 16 performed to several different songs. The show was very nice - but more like a recital than a professional performance.
Linda and Jackie headed up to the Horizon to get some dinner while Neil and I headed to our respective rooms for some R&R.
Sunday October 2, 2005 - Nawiliwili, Kaua'i, Hawaii
Up and at'em at 4:30 AM (again). Headed up to The Horizon for coffee and I finished "Space." I watched the sunrise and our approach to Kaua'i from deck 14. Jackie and Neil on deck also.
Coffee down to Linda at 6:30 and we watched our docking from our balcony. Breakfast at 7:30 with Jackie and Neil in the Bordeaux. The water in the harbor was brown. This was from sediment running down from the mountains. They have been experiencing heavy rains the last few days.
The weather does not look great right now, but we decided to rent the car I've reserved and try for Waimea Canyon. We did that - getting the car (a new Cadillac) was much easier than the other stops. We drove through a downpour on the way to the turn-off to the canyon but the trip up to the top and back was rain-free and beautiful.
Next we descended back to sea level and took the turn to Poipu Beach. It too has changed since Linda and I were last here. A hurricane that destroyed the area in 1992 helped that along. We had lunch there and then headed back. We dropped the ladies at a small mall near the ship and returned the car.
Linda and Jackie got back to the ship about 3:30. They had a good time shopping. The ship left the dock at 4:50. This harbor is quite small and requires some intricate maneuvering of this large vessel to avoid mishaps. Everything was flawlessly executed and we were on our way to Ensenada, Mexico.
To dinner - everyone was there except Jean. She and Mary had a little accident at The Fern Grotto and Jean hurt her back. She was in the ships "Hospital" resting.
Off to see all the photos taken by the ships photographers of us here and there. We found them all, but nothing more that we wanted to buy. Then to The Princess Theater where the show was a lively production number with all the Princess singers and dancers. But - it wasn't lively enough to keep 1/2 the audience (including yours truly and my 3 companions) from nodding off. Seems 5 days ashore has worn us out.
Tonight we start giving back the hours we gained sailing East to West. We turned our clocks ahead 1 hour. To bed.
Monday October 3, 2005 - At Sea
Up at 5 AM and headed up one deck for coffee and starting a new book - "A Purpose Driven Life." Back to the room, with coffee, about 6:50. Linda was just waking. At 7:30, our champagne breakfast (from Debby and Dave) was delivered. There was enough food for several people, but Linda and I did the best we could to enjoy it all. It was an outstanding breakfast. The champagne went next door (Jackie and Neil) and they had mimosas a couple of days later. It was a great birthday breakfast.
Linda decided it was time to do laundry. Off we went with a huge bag - all the way to the aft end. We filled a couple of washers and then headed to the top deck to enjoy the open ocean. It was a little windy, but we strolled around for a while. Back to the room and I proceeded to catch up on my sleep while Linda finished the laundry (nice guy). Then - to lunch with Jackie and Neil.
Linda headed up to the sun deck to watch the finish of the Princess Survivor and then the Seahorse Races. I caught another little nap.
Soon it was time for dinner again. This is our 2nd formal night. It was outstanding tonight featuring a "Surf and Turf" and then Cherries Jubilee. Most everyone went for that combination. Jackie and Neil headed for The Princess Theater to see Michelle Murlin, a Broadway singer. We went to the Universe Lounge to see Jay Moore, a comedian. He was very funny without any offensive material.
Back to A332 - TV and to bed. Turn the clocks ahead 1 hour again.
Tuesday October 4, 2005 - At Sea
Up at 5:45 AM and up one deck for coffee and reading. I brought coffee to our cabin at 6:45. Linda was up and at'em. Sunrise is 7:14 this morning. GPS data at 6:30. Position 26º 06.300, 147º 44.929, 2373 miles to Ensenada, 24.1 MPH, heading 060.
We all went down to breakfast at 7:30 and then took our morning stroll of the ship. Linda and I went up to The Lotus Pool for a swim and hot tub but soon it was time to head to an Arts and Crafts Demo. We made little boxes out of old dining room menus. Neat. I went to lunch with Jackie and Neil, Linda stayed in A332 to rest a bit.
After lunch, Linda was rested so we went poolside to watch the "Junkyard Boat Race." Boats had to be built of scrap materials found on the ship, carry a cargo of a case of beer and navigate the pool down and back. They were judged on creativity, stability, and overall design. There were 5 entries and all very good. Surprisingly, they all made it down and back. Lots of fun.
Back to the cabin and watched the White Sox beat the Red Sox in the 1st American League wildcard playoff game.
Dinner was excellent again - though the 4 of us left before dessert again in order to make the 7PM early show in The Princess Theater. It was Willie Tyler (a ventriloquist) and Lester (a dummy). Very clever and funny.
Up to The Horizon for the dessert we didn't get earlier in The Provence. Sat and chatted for a while and then back to A332, TV and to bed.
Wednesday October 5, 2005 - At Sea
I slept until 6 AM this morning (the beginning of jet lag no doubt) and upstairs to start a new book, "The Rebels, Book II." by John Jakes. Brought coffee back to A332 - Linda was still asleep so I slipped out onto the balcony to read. It was chilly (70º). Linda woke about 7:20 and we decided to skip a big breakfast.
After a bit, we headed up to The Horizon and had a "light" breakfast from the buffet. Next - to the Lotus Pool for a swim, hot tub and some reading. Then off to Arts and Crafts again. We made a key holder (snake) with beads and gimp (cub scouts again).
Off to lunch with Jackie and Neil and then back to A322 to watch the Red Sox lose the 2nd game to the White Sox. Jackie and Neil (from Chicago) are very pleased.....
To dinner at 5:45. Jean is missing again, still hurting from her fall. Off to The Princess Theater to see another comedian - Keith Monteith. He was very good - again without any offensive material.
Back to A332 - TV and reading. Turn the clocks ahead another hour.
Thursday October 6, 2005 - At Sea
I was up at 5 AM and off to The Horizon for coffee and reading until the 7 o'clock coffee delivery to A332. Off to breakfast with Jackie and Neil at 7:30. Next - up to the topmost deck to fire up the GPS. 8:20 AM. Position 30º 26.770, 128º 59.670', 24.7 MPH, 1258 to Ensenada, heading 066º. Another beautiful ocean sunrise this morning.
Back to A332 and Linda was off to line dancing and such. For me, a quiet morning - read and relaxed.
We all met at The Provence at 11:55 for lunch and then headed to The Universe Lounge for the "Passengers Amateur Show." There were thirteen acts and all were very good. Back to A332 - another formal night tonight.
This is the last of the 3 formal nights. Great dinner again - lots of pictures taken. Linda and I have posed for formal photos about 6 times. None we've liked so far.
We headed for the Universe Lounge where tonight's show was a routine by both comics that we've seen so far. They both used new material and were very funny. Good show.
Back to A332 - TV, reading and bed.
Friday October 7, 2005 - At Sea/Ensenada, Mexico
Up at 6 AM and upstairs to The Horizon for coffee and more reading. No sunrise this morning - cloudy and cool. The wind and sea condition have calmed a bit. Linda was up when I arrived with coffee at 7. Down to The Bordeaux with Jackie and Neil at 7:30.
Back to A332 - We pulled the suitcases out from under the bed and Linda started the packing - I started the paperwork.
I went to the "Disembarkation" presentation in The Universe Lounge at 10:30 - standing room only. Everything was the same as previous cruises except our luggage has to be in the hall before we go to dinner. In the past it been 10 PM.
Off to The Lotus Pool for more "Boat Races" at 11:30. But - nothing happened. There were no boats or spectators and the net was over the pool. There were 2 cruise personnel trying to figure out where everyone went - but they seemed confused - so we left and went to the "Pizza Shop" for lunch. They make a very good, thin crust pizza.
GPS data at 11:30 - position 31º 39.171', 117º 56.600', speed 24.5 MPH, to Ensenada 79.6 miles, heading 73º.
We went to the Princess Theater at 1:30 to see Duncan Tuck again. He only played for 1/2 hour but it was worth seeing. Linda headed back to The Universe Lounge for final Bingo and I went back to A332 to read. Linda came back - we didn't win.
At 3:30, we were arriving at Ensenada. It's very foggy but the docking was smooth. We're only here for a few hours to satisfy "The Jones Act." Linda went ashore to the little shopping area on the dock. She bought some vanilla extract and came right back.
Red Sox lost the final play-off game.
Linda had our luggage ready, so we put it out in the hall and headed down for our last supper. Everyone was there and we had a nice dinner. We said all our good-byes, handed out our tip envelopes and went off to play a little bridge with Jackie and Neil. Quit about 9 and headed back to our cabins. TV, read and to bed.
Saturday, October 8, 2005 - Arrive in San Pedro, Disembark
I was up at 5:30 AM. I got us coffee as we entered San Pedro harbor. The disembarkation process went downhill from there. Tying up was a problem. The Norwegian Star came in just before us and apparently tied up in the wrong spot by a little. We had to wait while she moved before we could secure to the dock. That cost an hour - but more importantly messed up the ship's schedule for clearing 2600 people through immigration. There was a schedule to clear immigration starting at 6:15, going systematically by color. Of course people started showing up - but the immigration people were still on the dock. The line got longer and longer as people reported "on
schedule. Deck 7 soon became utter chaos. The ship personnel did nothing to alleviate the situation. The "line" snaked all around Deck 7 and led to lots of frazzled nerves. Linda and I went to The Wheelhouse bar and watched (we were scheduled in the last group through immigration and off the ship). The line finally disappeared and we walked through immigration - but then waited a long time for our "color" to be called. Of the ship we went - and into the baggage area.
We found our baggage easily since we were among the last passengers off the ship - but there were no porters available. I stood in line for 40 minutes to get a porter. Out we went into a mob waiting for a bus - only to find more chaos. The bus "coordinator" seemed to have no clue. Linda and the porter found that Super Shuttle would honor our vouchers and take us to the Marriott. We finally arrived at the hotel at 1 PM.
Another bad experience getting off the ship. Why can't they get that right???
We got into our room - 1104, down to Latitude 33 for lunch, back to 1104 for a nap. Next, we took the complimentary trolley to Manhattan Beach. We walked out on the pier, and wandered around town for a while. There are several nice looking restaurants and we talked about having dinner, but, we weren't hungry. Back on the trolley to The Marriott.
A quiet evening in our room and to bed.
Sunday, October 9, 2005 - Travel Home
I woke at 4 AM. Downstairs to read and have some more Starbucks coffee. Back to 1104 at 6 - Linda already up and at'em. She packed us up again and we headed to the lobby at 7:30. A full shuttle to the airport, a long line at curbside check-in and a very fussy security lady - but we were at Gate 70A for UA 272, LAX to MCO, at 8:20. The aircraft started to board at 9:20. The flight was uneventful - even the entertainment system worked. We even arrived a little early.
Got our luggage and caught the AmeriSuites shuttle to our van. It was still there and started right up. We arrived home about 7 PM EDT. Phhhew.... Bonnie called about 7:20 - she just got home and we rushed over to get Duncan. He was excited to see us and showed it by running around the house over and over. It's good to be home.
--The end of another great cruise--
