Embarkation

Embarkation 

I am behind in my posts... Ive had challenges with internet connections except on the ship or in the hotel, and I haven't spent much time in either. My tech support (AKA DH) ensured me I'd have internet access off the ship. I might need to find new teach support! Hopefully I can get caught up today!

Because of the delayed embarkation notice, I was expecting a zoo at the port. People arriving from Rome to the port mostlikely had transportation booked that would unlikely be able to be changed. People staying at a port hotel, would most likely have an 1100 checkout, so what were they to do? 

Our shared shuttle arrived at the port about 1030. It was mass people and luggage. Port staff informed us, these were people disembarking and lined for shuttles to the port and the train, and that as soon as they cleared, the doors to the terminal would be opened for us. They told us where we would kine up and where to stand to access the pending line. We were standing in a shaded area and in about 15 minutes we were checked in and waiting in the VIP lounge area. This was just a roped off area of the terminal that had some comfy seating, washrooms, pastries, coffee, tea, and water. By 115 we were on board. Easy-peasy, no drama. 

 Once on board, we dropped our bags in our suite, met Billy, our steward, and quickly checked out the suite lounge. DH or Pat went to the cabin to lie down and then Q and I did a quick tour of the ship from top to bottom. 

I have to tell you, I LOVE the smart elevators. No more waiting and guessing what elevator will arrive or waiting for an elevator only to have people who just arrived get on before you and you have to wait again or no more elevators stopping so full of people you couldn't get another small child in there.

The ship layout is very different from other Princess ships. It is broken up, so you don't have long corridors of shops and restaurants. They are almost in little nooks and crannies, giving a big ship a smaller ship feel. The center area of the ship, the piazza, is open with various bars surrounding it on each floor and continuous entertainment. I'll see how I feel about this layout in a few days. I didn't visit the dome as Q was with me and it is adults only. I did pop into the Sanctuary Club (16 and up). It looks like it will be a great relaxing spot.

Meet and Mingle (M&M)

Our Cruise Critics (CC) M&M was at 4:30 in Bellini's lounge. For our M&M we had some prizes from CC in celebration of their 30th Anniversary. Our CC Master had the prizes and stickers, and I had sharpies for name tags. Unfortunately our CC Masters luggage had not arrived by the time of our M&M at 4:30. There were about 40 people there - I didn't get a count from Amitava Mukerjee AKA CC Master. I also did not get any pictures at this meeting. We agreed to meet in the Wheelhouse bar at 8:30 too do the prize draw. Unfortunately we had a smaller group for this. It's hard to pick a time in the evening, people have dinner reservations and plans. I've posted several pictures of the M&M on CC.

KLM Houses

House 11
Proeflokaal Wynand Fockink
Pijlsteeg 31 Amsterdam, Built 1689
Released 1960

House 23

Proeflokaal Wynand Fockink

Pijlsteeg 31 Amsterdam, Built 1689

Released 1964

House 29 Stadstimmerwerf Kort Galgewater 21 Leiden  Built 1612

Released 1966