Saturday, August 25, 2007

OK, Are You Ready ? Let's Go To Alaska !

Even with all the freeway construction in Seattle we managed to get to Bob's brother's place in West Seattle well before noon. We were actually on board and eating lunch by 1pm.  They asked people boarding about that time to go directly to the upper decks to relax or to the Windjammer Cafe for their buffet lunch as some of the cabins weren't quite ready yet.  I was so happy the weatherman cooperated and gave us a beautiful sunny day.  The Seattle skyline is so spectacular, especially against a blue sky and white fluffy clouds.  After some lunch we ventured down to our cabin on deck 3 and there was all our luggage waiting for us.  I immediately opened my suitcase and put everything away in the drawers provided, hung up my clothes in the closet and put my toothbrush, etc in the medicine cabinet in the bathroom.  I was all settled in to my floating home for the next 7 days.

A little after 4pm the captain came on the intercom and welcomed us aboard and told us about the mandatory life boat drill which was held about 4:45pm.  Each cabin is equipped with life vests and each life vest has your cabin number and the number of the Muster Station you are to report to.   Unfortunately, our muster station was on the water side of the ship and as we were "mustering" we were also sailing out of Seattle.  So I didn't get any "sail away" shots...but was happy I'd taken some Seattle pictures soon after we got on board. 

Shortly after we sailed away, I was down in the cabin and the phone rang.  it was my friends Dennis & Darlene.  They were on this same cruise last year as Dennis and I graduated from the same high school ( of course the same year.)  They came over for a short visit and then we all went up on deck to enjoy the beautiful scenery passing by. 

At 8:30 Friday night we entered the beautiful Aquarius Dining Room for our first dinner.  The table number is on your Sea Pass (your ID & credit card..and always on your person) so Bob and I had already sneaked into the dining room and found our table.  I was so excited because we were once again on the upper level of the dining room and right next to a big window overlooking the sea.  The table was for 8 people but the other 4 people assigned to that table never showed up, so it was a table for 8 with just us four sitting there the whole week.  

We were anxious to meet our servers and soon they came along, with our menus and introductions. Our waitress was Suzette from the Philippines and her assistant was Carol from Trinidad.  The head waiter was a great gal,  I've misplaced my piece of paper with her name, but she was from South Africa.  Her husband was also on board and was also a head waiter.  They have two young children, at home in South Africa with their grandparents.  She was really missing the kids and looking forward to being at home with them for three months over the Christmas holiday's. 

After dinner, which was usually over shortly before 10pm, we made our way to the Masquerade Theater for the entertainment for the evening.  

Well our first day was over...we were all tired, so we headed for our cabin with the ship gently rocking us to sleep.     Until next time........Linda

P.S. Thanks to Lanny for updating me on the name of the head waiter...her name is Marliza.  She was wonderful...always smiling, always cheerful.

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

Picture number 39...beautiful.
I didn't see Lanny.  Are you building up the suspense???  I wanna see!  I wanna see!  LOL!  J

Anonymous said...

Those were great, I can hardly wait to see the rest!  Never having been on a cruise ship I wanted to ask you...does it ever feel crowded?

Anonymous said...

The Space Needle, I've been there....
What a beautiful day!!!!!
Bob is so cute in his life jacket, lol.....
Waiting for day2...
Linda :)

Anonymous said...

Great pictures, you really got some good ones of Seattle waterfront.  It is so neat on a beautiful day and you got one.  I loved Bob in the Lifevest.  The ship looks beautiful and dessert doesn't look half bad either.  Can't wait to hear more.  Joni

Anonymous said...

Oh, it sounds lovely thus far.  I have enjoyed reading this and seeing the pictures.  Many thanks for the lovely post card which arrived yesterday morning!  It was so very thoughtful of you to send one and has gone on my board of special cards received from afar!  Todd is always amazed when one arrives!  We have cards from California and Arizona and now Alaska!  Thanks so much!
Marie
http://journals.aol.co.uk/mariealicejoan/MariesMuses/

Anonymous said...

Linda, I was right there with you and Bob!  So pleased to get your postcard yesterday and to see the photos and read about it this morning - can't wait for the next episode!  Love, Pat    http://journals.aol.co.uk/pm71blackfen/ramblings-from-pat/

Anonymous said...

Man Seattle is busy looking place!  I can't wait to see Alaska.

Greg

Anonymous said...

Love the pictures. Hope you have a wonderful time.
Take care, Chrissie

Anonymous said...

What wonderful pictures, I am travelling with you through your journal!

http://journals.aol.co.uk/jeanno43/JeannettesJottings/

Anonymous said...

Linda the pictures are lovely ~ each and everyone of them ~ I am enjoying your trip I am sure we have lots more to come ~ looking forward to hearing more ~ Ally x

Anonymous said...

Can't wait for more, I'm on board with you - in spirit :-)

Anonymous said...

Linda, the head waiters name was Marliza and yes, she was a wonderful lady and the best head waiter I've seen on any ship. Hugs Lanny

Anonymous said...

Linda, you do have a way about you of getting us all along with you on your trips. I am sure we will enjoy this one, Bill

Great pictures.

Anonymous said...

Oh Linda how lovely ,I am going to enjoy reading about this trip ..love Jan xx

Anonymous said...

what a beautiful day you had to set sail.  the sunset was beautiful.  looking forward to seeing the next set of pix.
gina

Anonymous said...

Loved them, loved them, loved them!  Thank you so much for sharing!

Anonymous said...

I loved your pictures, it brought back so many great memories of our last cruise - now I am ready to go again!  My husband did the rock wall - all the way to the top.  I didn't.  The ship looks gorgeous.  Very nice pictures...looking forward to more.
Lisa
http://journals.aol.com/wwfbison/life-on-a-bison-farm

Anonymous said...

Arrggg!!  I can't see the pictures....but you description makes me want to take a cruise so badly!    I think it speaks so well of you that you take the time to know your servers by name, and find out some personal stuff about them.    I like that.
Sounds like you had a great time!
~Meg

Anonymous said...

The photos of you leaving Seattle were beautiful, I'm gonna get there one day! It sounds liike you had a great time on board again this year. I'm trying to catch up here after being in London for a week! Jeannette xx