So after having to spend all night packing, I got up at the crack of dawn and checked in at the Grand Californian cruise desk, so I could get a good boarding number without having to wait around at the port forever. It was important to get onboard in a timely fashion, given that I was unable to get Palo brunch reservations online, and now the only way was to reserve it in person. I asked what time they started boarding, and the CM said, "oh, 1pm. You should get there by 12:30, since your number's so low."
Of course, after we took her advice and got there at 12:30, we were greeted by another CM who said "oh we called that group a long time ago. We're on 15 now." Feh.
Anyway, wait, wait, wait through security.
Wait, wait, wait, through the line for Palo's reservations. Surprise, no more brunches. We're put on the waiting list and assured that they will have space eventually. Well, it's not likely that we'll go hungry in any case.
Having already filled our waiting quota for the day, we opt to skip the 1/2 hour wait to get into Parrot Cay, and head up to Topsiders for the lunch buffet. Let the eating commence!
After the mandatory safety drill, they had the sail away party entitled "Adventures Away!" and much rejoicing was known in the land, as the horn tooted out "When You Wish Upon A Star" and we began sailing away down San Pedro, past a number of old nautical-type ships out for the "Festival of the Sail" that was occurring then.
The next traditional event, known as "call everyone you know before your cell signal gives out and you have to pay $3/minute" then occurred, as we said good by to Long Beach.
A quick visit back to the cabin for a brief analysis of the day's Navigator showed that we were scheduled to see the night's show "All Aboard! Let the Magic Begin!" next. It was a series of short production numbers, broken up by the cruise director and captain's welcome, and two comedians who were, frankly, underwhelming.
Dinner tonight was at Parrot Cay--the "Let the Magic Begin" dinner.
It was a little uneven. I had the scallop and caviar appetizer in which the scallop was excellent, the caviar and salmon were little more than accents, and the base seemed to be potato salad with that frozen vegetable mix you get at the store.
The seafood curry was actually very good, although probably not spicy enough for people who are really into authentic curry. Fortunately, I'm a spice wimp.
The desserts were really a little odd. I had a Kahlua creme brulee which was fine, although it came with something called "cinnamon apple" which appeared to be some sort of preserves on some crumbly cake. Mom's dessert was described as a coffee and pistachio pyramid, but which had no pistachio or pyramid aspects that we could discern.
The other amusing aspect was that Mom ordered a ginger ale (which we have previously ordered,) for which she received a bill at the end of dinner. It was explained that hers came out of a can, and they charge for anything that comes out of a can. I asked if they had ginger ale on tap, and they said "yes..." After we established that she hadn't actually asked for a canned drink, they took the charge off, but I told Mom she is no longer allowed to order drinks for the duration of the trip. "What, exactly did you say? 'Yes, I realize that there are free soft drinks available outside 24 hours a day, but none of that for me! I want the soda you have to pay for!'" Later, we notice our assistant server getting called aside. "And that is why M--- spat in their food for the next two weeks." I tell Mom I cannot believe she screwed us over on the very first day. Hee.
Anyway, we get back and our cheerful room steward, Felindo had left us some chocolates and a towel swan.
Ox seems enthused.
Our day ends as each day on the Disney Cruise must. I mean, of course, the one thing that represents all that is good and wholesome and magical on board.
More as it commences...
No comments:
Post a Comment