Embarkation Day

Today we had a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, and watched the massive waves of fellow cruise ship passengers cycle through the lobby getting ready for the day’s embarkation process. The other cruisers vary widely in age, but I’d say there is relatively few families on this early June departure, and the bulk are middle aged to 60’s (I wish 60’s was actually middle aged🫤).

Very early Sunday morning, I had faint hopes of seeing the aurora what with the recent corona mass ejection episode. But alas, I just got a nighttime view with no sky color. Still sunrise was not far off in this northern latitude (or is it longitude?).
Our 11:30 boarding time, very big crowds as the ship carries 4,000 passengers. But the procedure was extremely smooth, moved steadily, and only took about 45 minutes.
After boarding we had a very leisurely lunch in Taste, a smaller sit down restaurant with an extensive menu. Steph had wedge salad, corn hush puppies and quiche, I had a Cobb salad and risotto.
Dessert was Steph’s crème brûlée, I had an orange chocolate mousses, and we shared raspberry sherbet. We took our sweet time, as our rooms were not yet easy, and this was a mellow comfortable location to hang out.
After our lunch we explored some of the general areas, Steph signed up for the thermal spa weeklong package where she can enjoy quiet relaxation in the many indoor pools and saunas. Then we walked through the crowded and hectic buffet, where this ice sculpture graced the ice cream station. We’ve heard the Indian food section is divine, it sure smelled wonderful, and we’ll have to try it this week.
Mid afternoon we’re relaxing in the observation lounge, where they have drinks and light bites—and most importantly no crowds. We set sail in about 90 minutes, on our first ever trip to Alaska