Embarkation Day

Hello from the Ruby Princess!

I see my ship from the bus!

Just like we've experienced so many times before at the cruise port in San Francisco, embarkation took forever. But I made it onboard and that's all that matters.

Finally onboard for a 1:08 lunchtime view. Can’t beat it!

After lunch from the buffet (a taco and triangle of quesadilla) I spent some time soaking up the sun before heading to my cabin. I’m on the Lido deck (yay) in a standard inside cabin. An inside cabin isn't exactly a yay, but I’m on a cruise to Hawaii so yeah, let’s make that a yay.

I then hit a treadmill with a view of Alcatraz. Just 10 minutes worth, but I'll get there! By the look on his face, I’m certain the fitness instructor at the door was confused why a lady on a Scooter zipped by him in the gym. 

Can you spot Alcatraz?

I finished just in time to go to the "Welcome to Princess" presentation. The description stated:

“Don't miss this engaging 20-minute presentation with your Activity Team, aimed at maximizing your Princess vacation!” 

Uh, no. The Activities Manager was late and the presentation lasted maybe 8-10 minutes, definitely wasn’t engaging, and didn’t tell me how to maximize my vacation. It was a waste of time but I was mostly there for the thing coming up next, the “It Pays to Plus” AKA the drink package giveaway. While I didn’t win, it was much more engaging. There was also free champagne and appetizers. I didn’t partake but the server insisted serving me anyway. 

From there I went up to deck 16 for sailaway, scoring one of the few remaining loungers there. The weather was wonderful. Be sure to turn up your volume for this video so you can see what makes sailing from San Francisco unique.

I ran into several people working on this ship who I know from other ships. One of them is going above and beyond to make sure I'm well taken care of, so much so I've switched my plan of eating in the buffet to now going to the dining room.

Appetizer of seared garlic prawns

Main of Hawaiian Luau Pork

Dessert of Sugar Free Lemon Cream Pie

A trip back to my room after dinner has made me decide to hang out here the rest of the evening. Write the blog, unpack the luggage, and come up with a plan of how I want to spend the next four days at sea. As the ship is gently rocking I think my eyes may be closing sooner than anticipated.

See you tomorrow.