Settling In

January 21, 2023

Yesterday was our first full day on board Island Princess. We were able to find places for everything we brought and decorated our door to remind us of home.

Our wall of hats made possible by the use of magnetic hooks.

The first night and some of the next day, we got to enjoy the motion of the ocean. Sleeping that night was like trying to nap on a roller coaster! It took some care to walk around the ship. Luckily, neither Brian nor I suffer from seasickness (although I did pack some medication just in case—you never know!).

The weather was cool and the pools were closed, so the outside decks were basically deserted. We sat outside for a bit while Brian used a hot tub that was more of a warm tub. I wrapped myself in towels and read. We did some more exploring and I joined the Pop Choir directed by David Crathorne who is one of the ship’s entertainers. There was a turnout of 108 people, so not a small group. We will do a concert each segment of the world cruise and out first concert will be before our first port in New Zealand. Evidently, there is a crack of dawn concert as we pull into Sydney, Australia and sail by the Opera House. You can do that performance in your bathrobe!

During our first dinner onboard, we were seated randomly at a table with 3 other couples and, we enjoyed each other’s company so much, we decided to eat together each night. We will eat at the same table and, hopefully, have the same wait staff.

There is a mask mandate on the ship. Everyone must wear a mask indoors except when you’re eating or drinking or in your cabin or in a large crowd outdoors. Most people are complying. Today everyone is taking a self administered Covid test between 8 and 11 am. Depending on the results, the mask mandate may go away. One can hope!

When I woke up this morning and looked out the balcony door, I saw a whale spout. The ocean is so smooth, there is no doubt that was what it was. Life is good!