We left Astoria around 7:30 AM for a 3.5 hour drive to Seattle. By the time we returned the car and took a cab to the Port of Seattle terminal 91, we were just a little past our boarding time which was 11:30. Everyone else was on the ship already. It was a little chaotic, but we were able to navigate it. The good news is no one took our wine, our cheese, or other items we weren’t supposed to bring onboard.

The day felt very busy. We met up with Ryan, and Johnny first, they helped us find our muster station so we could get briefed on how to wear a life jacket. Then we went to find our room, and went about it the long way. Our luggage had not arrived yet, but we were able to get into our room.

The next people we saw were Bowman and John who are just two doors down from us. Then we met up with the rest of the crew at the Oceanview Café for lunch. It’s a big giant buffet with anything you can think of. We went back to the room to unpack. John and Cathy stopped by with gift bags for everyone, which was very nice, and a fun surprise. Our scarves say Alaska 2023.

We’re still trying to find our way around the ship, what’s the where, what side of the boat or room is on, where the dining rooms are. Which restaurants are included and which are not. The typical getting to know your new home things.

After putting our stuff away, we went to the Sunset bar at the aft of the ship, so we could depart from Seattle and start our way to Alaska. When the sun was out and we were not moving, it was lovely. Once we got moving, it became a little chilly. We decided to move to a new location inside, the sky lounge. But unfortunately, it was a private party going on so not an option.

Instead, we chilled and drank on deck 3 lounge, mom had a frozen drink. Then we went to view the art exhibit because later in the trip, they will be auctioning off the art later on the cruise. Mom and I decided to head out for dinner at the main dining room. dinner was fine, not exceptional, but good. When we got back today, we are pretty beat, mom fell asleep on the couch. Tomorrow we have John and Cathy’s vow renewal, while we’re at sea.

If the photos aren’t coming through, we might need to wait until we change our Wi-Fi package.