Day 1 - First Impressions of cruise ship life

We went out in the morning and picked up a couple of last minute things, then back to our room to get packed up. We had been told that they begin boarding at 11:00am, so we could arrive at the terminal anytime after that. Or before, if you want to wait in line!

We didn't see the point of waiting in line, and when we got there at about 11:10am, the terminal doors were open and we were directed upstairs... where we had to wait in line!

But, they are very efficient at getting people boarded. 

I wasn't very impressed when I saw the lineup.

Things moved along quickly though, and we were soon at the check in desk. They took our passports, and they actually keep them until we get our of Ireland. They did give us an information sheet regarding why they have to do this, but I didn't read it because it really doesn't matter.

They did give us receipts for the passports.

We were then issued our pendants. Princess Cruises has this Medallion system where they give you a little pendant to wear around your neck or keep in your pocket. It essentially keeps track of you, but it locks and unlocks your cabin door, even to the point where it simply anticipates your getting close to your cabin and unlocks the door as you approach... and locks it when you leave. It's actually very cool. 

They give you a boarding number and you are supposed to wait until your boarding number is called. But nobody checks the boarding numbers and you could just walk in with any group and nobody would care. 

Then we had to go through a security screening system similar to the ones in an airport. And then we boarded the ship.

The main lobby.

They have a room where you can drop your luggage, because they warn you that your room may not be ready until mid afternoon. So we dropped our bags off and headed to the main dining room for lunch. We had read that on embarkation day the main buffet can get really busy and most people don't even realize that the dining room is open. And sure enough, it wasn't very busy in there. We sat with a single lady who was originally from South Carolina but retired and moved to England.

The lunch menu.

Ruth's starter.

I had the chickpea soup.

And we both had the salmon.

I had trifle for dessert, and Ruth had ice cream.

Gluten free options are really good. They seem to bend over backwards to try to get you what you want or need.

After lunch, we went and checked to see if our cabin was ready, and it was. So we went back and got our bags, and got moved in.

Our cabin.

The room is smaller than the photo makes it appear, but it's still totally fine. Hey, when you are used to living in a motorhome, this is lots of room!

The facilities, also fine.

People's bags being delivered. 

So glad we travel light!

We had to watch a six minute mandatory safety video on the tv in the room. The electronics and the pendant that you wear are all interconnected and they can confirm that you have watched the video! Then we also had to do a mandatory muster station check in for more safety info.

Then, it was off to explore the ship!

There are some interesting viewpoints.

This angle was taken from the roof of the bridge.

Yikes, there are some dark looking clouds moving in.

Across the way is the car shipping terminal.

These are new Corvettes that have arrived from United States.

Rows upon rows of brand new vehicles.

I think there are four different swimming pools.

Ussie on board the Emerald Princess.

Pool at The Sanctuary.

You have to book to use this area, and I believe it costs $20 extra.

No, we won't be using it!

Overall view of the top deck.

They had a Rolling Stones concert playing on the big outdoor screen.

The pool at the back of the ship.

Look at that big dark cloud!

The "Sailaway Party" was supposed to take place outdoors, but they moved it inside.

Entertainment at The Sailaway Party.

We did a twenty minute tour of the spa in order to get entered into a draw. I can't believe the prices of the spa stuff. An hour long couples massage is $500 USD! Ridiculous to us, but if other people are willing to subsidize the cost of our trip, I say all the power to you! Between the spa and the casino, that's got to be a huge profit center for the cruise line. And no we didn't win anything in the draw!

And as we sailed away... it started to rain!

It really poured at one point.

And before we knew it, it was time for dinner. 

The dinner menu.

I had the baked potato soup.

Ruth had the goat cheese and grilled vegeatables.

Ruth had the pork for dinner.

I had the fish and chips.

I had the cheese cake for dessert.

Ruth had ice cream.

We finished dinner just in time to make it to the theater for the 7:30pm show.

Three singers and a live band doing hits from the Motown soul era. 

They were quite good!

Our first sunset on board the Emerald Princess.

So, first impressions? 

Very organized, with a lot going on. Doesn't seem overly crowded despite being an almost full ship. Food better than expected. All staff seem willing to do whatever it takes to make you happy. 

First stop this morning is Falmouth, England. We're going to try and get in an early breakfast and get onto a tender before the crowds start. Apparently the busy time is around 10:30am, so we will hopefully be off the ship by 9:00am.

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