Day 1-on our way to Sydney for our cruise
A pretty uneventful day for my sister and I. We flew Southwest Airlines to Los Angeles. Attempted to use the Alaska Airlines Lounge with our Priority Pass Program. We were warned ahead of time, that this lounge is filled with Alaska Airlines passengers and we are considered overflow.
Instead we went to the Point The Way Cafe, which is open to Priority Pass people and had a nice lunch and drink. We should have gone back to the KAL lounge, which was on the other side of the airport, but probably would have been worth the effort.
After taking our flight to San Francisco, we had another flight to Sydney-14 hours on United Airlines.
Princess was there waiting for us and we were on our way to the ship. The boarding was fairly quick. Our room was a mini-suite, but really should be referred to as a deluxe balcony-very deceiving. The only thing special offered to us was a welcome glass of champagne in our cabin, which is no longer being offered as you come onboard. The
concept of mini-suite was a much grander thing in my mind.
We met with the other members of our group at 5pm at the bar by the pool and buffet. Everybody was very tired. We had our welcome drink and met for dinner at the beautiful Symphony Restaurant at 630pm.
Early night for everyone. Hopefully, I will have more to report tomorrow.
First Impressions: The ship states that the crew count is 2 crew members for every 1 passenger. What I see are under staffed bars, dining room staff with too many tables and our room steward with too many cabins to take care of. Maybe things will smooth out as the cruise goes on.
Anyway, I hope I have inspired you to travel. On a cruise, on a tour or just a weekend away.
Valerie Brown