DH and I just got back yesterday from our Alaskan cruise and some time in Anchorage - and I wanted to thank all of you for answering all of my questions - no matter how silly! We planned to take your advice and board early - just after noon, but first we walked around Stanley Park in the morning - as we were walking the path that circles the park I started to get excited - I could see the Mariner docked across the bay!!! I started taking pictures like a madwoman and jumping with excitement! We went to board a bit after noon, there was a small line at security, and a bit more of a line for passport control, but then that was the last of the lines! (well, almost - one day there was a line to get off b/c they were moving the gangplank from one deck to the other but it wasn't too bad!).
The most exciting thing started after we got back to our cabin after dinner the first night - we had an invitation to dine with the cruise director the next night! I must've checked the envelope a dozen times to make sure it was the right room and names. Why us? I have no idea. We don't know anyone, and no one knows us! We called to rsvp and said yes of course! I was so excited. The next afternoon (as we were enjoying the sea day on our balcony and reading - ahhhh....) we got a phone call. Uh, hello? I mean, who calls us on a cruise (this was the one and only phone call we got)? Anyway, it was the dining room manager saying the cruise director couldn't make it, but would we like to dine with the staff captain instead? Uh, YES! (i had to read up on that - turns out he's second in command!) So, we had a great dinner with Magnus - a great guy from Sweden, talking about his life on the ship, life in Sweden vs the US, all sorts of wonderful things. (I was so happy we had been in his country last year at that time so we had something to contribute!) The other couple at our table was celebrating their 50th anniversary the next night (the same night as our 5th). They were also a great couple to hang out with. So, we have no idea why we were chosen (random?) but we had a great time.
Anyway- a million thanks for all your help. The caffeine free diet coke wasn't in our room when we got there -but one request to our stewardess and we had 5 cans in 5 minutes - and never ran low after that. I was so glad I brought my own toiletries - I couldn't stand the scent of the shampoo and stuff DH was using that they provided - and I usually don't care about scents! I can't remember all the other little questions I asked and you all helped with, but whatever they were - you guys gave answers that helped us have a great cruise! Nothing beats sitting in a hot tub on a ship watching the Alaskan shoreline go by with a fruity drink in your hand! We had a great time in Anchorage, and could have spent a couple more days - lots to do (midnight baseball with no lights anyone?) and we found a couple great locals restaurants.
Now, what's this my DH keeps talking about? Something called work we're supposed to do tomorrow? That confuses me. Doesn't seem right.... Must see what my passages newsletter says about that - can't let it interfere with the chocaholic tea at 4!
:)
Liz
