September 11, 2011 – Bon Voyage!!

We said good-bye to Les and Chaz and met our girls at Pier 66 at 11 a.m. to board our ship.  With the upgrade offer that we took advantage of, we knew we were on priority status but didn’t really know what it entailed . . . it sure has been fun finding out!!! First, we stood in line with the other passengers to board the ship – when it was our turn to board, the cruise member checking us in apologized profusely that we stood in line – he said that should have never happened and whisked us into the VIP lounge where we were treated to a variety of coffees and, the first of many, gourmet treats.  We were then guided to our priority stateroom.  The elevator only goes to the 12^th floor, UNLESS you are priority status like us, ha – then you insert your room key to travel to floor 14.  There, eight staterooms share a private courtyard with a pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, workout room, sun deck, and poolside dining.  We have our own butler, Maurice, and concierge, Monica.  Our stateroom consists of TWO bedrooms, TWO bathrooms (with a shower stall with ceiling to floor window overlooking the ocean and a separate bathtub with a picture window and a TV), a living room, a sun deck with room for 2 chairs and a table, and a dining room, complete with an espresso/cappuccino machine and bar!!!  We have access to some restaurants that other passengers don’t and have priority seating at the shows.

We spent our first day exploring the ship and getting familiar with all of the entertainment options.  We participated in the mandatory safety drill and were moved by the tribute to the 911 victims and the moment of silence that followed.

We enjoyed our first evening meal together; Joe & I indulging in lobster while Angie selected a Moroccan dish and Allison, seafood cannelloni.  We were all pretty tired from our weekend activities before cruising so made it an early evening.