The muster drill was scheduled for 3:15. If you have done one, or more, you know the routine. If you haven't, I don't want to spoil the fun by explaining them. They are mandatory, take about 15 or 20 minutes, and are harmless. By the way, do not.....I repeat.....do not, blow the whistle.
There is one thing I have always questioned about the muster drill instructions. When the crew member (this time it was a Vanna White Wannabe) does the, 'I'm going to jump in the water' demonstration, they put one hand over the mouth and pinch the nose. The other hand they fold over the chest and hold the top of the life jacket, to prevent it from 'riding up.'
If I ever need to jump in the water, one hand over the nose is fine but my other hand is going over my testicles, vest riding up be damned.
On to Alaska, or, get a drink we're leaving Seattle. Sail-a-way is always very, very exciting. People gather around the pools and top decks to watch the departure city slip away and celebrate the start of what is sure to be a wonderful cruise vacation.
For us, the first evening out is usually quiet. Tonight is going to be different. One of the suite perks is dinner on embarkation evening at one of the specialty restaurants, there are two on Golden Princess. There will be eight of us going to The Crown Grill at 6:15. After the sail-a-way party we have just enough time to go back to the cabin and get ready for dinner.
The food on the ship is really good. The food at the specialty restaurants is excellent. The Crown Grill cover charge is $25 dollars per person. It was a perk but the next time we sail, perk or no perk, we'll go at least once. Spending money for food when you can eat damn near 24/7 for free, well not free but you know what I mean, is an individual thing. For us, It's a very special treat.
If you are interested in more information about the Crown Grill click the link.
Wanda ordered the New Zealand Lamb Rack and I had the Filet Mignon. Between the other six friends at the table we pretty much covered the menu.
The gang very engrossed in the menu choices. From left to right, Wanda, Andi, Wil, Ben, Lisa, Jeff and Debbie. I'm the invisible man.
All of the folks at the table we met while cruising. Jeff and Debbie helped us celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary while on Sapphire Princess in 2004. We met Andi and Wil on a cruise a few years later. Ben and Lisa are friends with Deb and Jeff, they met on a cruise and are now our friends as well.
Dinner was wonderful.
Each evening the room steward delivers a copy of the Princess Patter. This is the daily guide to life at sea according to your cruise hosts. One of the many nice things about cruising is you can do as much, or as little, as you like. After dinner several of us decided to change and head up to the pool deck for the nine o'clock movie.
Movies Under The Stars. Ever go to a drive-in movie as a kid? Since a picture is worth a thousand words:
This was taken while we were in Glacier Bay and more on that later. I wanted you to see what the three hundred square foot movie screen looks like. When Princess first announced this concept many of the 'old time' cruisers thought it was a horrible idea. "It will ruin the quiet and contemplative nature of the cruise experience" yadda. yadda, yadda. We LOVE it.
This first night at sea was sweatshirt weather and we bundled up for the showing of, "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel." Some of the other activities that evening were:
In the Vista Lounge at 8:00 and 10:15 the movie, "Friends With Kids."
Several dance bands and in one lounge, Karaoke. A Texas Hold 'Em demo followed by a no limit cash game. Slots and table games in the casino and a production show, "One Night Only" in the Princess Theater.
After the movie we went straight back to the cabin, I think. We may have stopped at The International Cafe for some fresh cookies? It had been a long day. We were more than ready to let the slight rocking motion of the ship lull us to sleep.
Tomorrow, the first day at sea.
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