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Sailing Away on the Dawn Princess

by Mary Jo Manzanares on May 9th, 2006

I’ve been on a number of cruises over the years, and have learned that there are things that can be done to enhance the experience, or that will negatively impact it.  As with other things in life, attitude determines much of what will occur.

Embarkation is a relatively complicated process, by which passengers are checked in, passports and security information verified, onboard financial arrangements made, and luggage delivered to staterooms.  The cruise line attempts to make it as painless as possible for passengers, but remain patient as you go through the process. 

Also going on at this time is the unloading of the ship from its previous sailing, and the re-stocking of goods and supplies for the upcoming sailing.  There is also cleaning going on in various parts of the ship.  All this, and welcoming you, and all the other new passengers aboard, too.

I’ve sailed on Princess Cruise Lines before, and so was familiarity with much of their routine and protocol.  Once I was checked in, left my credit card imprint for onboard charges, and was given my stateroom key, I was pointed off to the security screen.  This is just like at an airport ““ only you don’t have to remove your shoes, coats, belts, etc.  (OK, so maybe it isn’t like an airport at all.)

Once onboard, I headed directly to my stateroom to get settled in.  My cabin is the Aloha deck, the upper most deck of cabins, and has a nice little enclosed balcony with chairs and a table.  Depending on the weather, I can see myself sitting there for morning coffee or a nightcap.

Although my cabin is considered “deluxe,” it’s important to remember that the rooms are still small.  I took a moment to get my clothes and personal items put away, and my luggage stowed.  This is an important step, because stuff left all over the room will take over the cabin quickly.  In every cabin is the ship’s newsletter, a daily listing of what’s going on onboard, special events, the cocktail of the day, and a variety of other useful (and some not so useful) information.

After glancing through the newsletter, I headed off to forage for food.

Lunch is served onboard the ship starting at embarkation time.  To avoid feeling rushed, or the panic of being late and missing the ship, I always plan to arrive early, get settled in, and have lunch onboard.

I went to the buffet for lunch.  I normally detest buffets because the food is sub-standard, and shipboard cuisine is usually not any different, however a nice salad option was available and this was exactly what I wanted. 

Time for a quick tour around the ship, noting a few of the important locations, and I have my bearings.  Then it’s back to the cabin to pick up my life vest and off to my muster station for the emergency briefing and demonstration.

Following the emergency briefing, the ship gets ready to sail.  I drop the life jacket off in my cabin, and then proceed outside to watch the ship sail out of the San Francisco bay.  Despite the sun shining, the weather is still chilly, and there’s a strong breeze. 

I remain on the deck as the ship passes under the Golden Gate Bridge, and the city fades into the distance.

I begin my first day of vacation.

(NOTE:  Internet access onboard is sporadic, and slow, so I’m not able to upload photos.  I’ll post some upon my return.)

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POSTED IN: Cruises, Uncategorized