Hello Friends,
Merry Christmas first of all.
The convoluted, but pleasant journey to our port of embarcation, Los Angeles, went as per plan: car, bus, ferry, crash at a friend's house overnight, more car, plane, another bus to the ship - and BINGO we are off. Waved Gooodbye to LA and the old Quenn Mary docked right beside the Amsterdam, and sailed of into the night.
Now, I am cruising along the Coast of Baja Califorrnia toward our official first Port of Call: Puerto Vallarta.
But, things never go as planned. We will be anchoring in Cabo San Lucas as an intermediate stop, as one of the crew has to be taken off the ship to receive shore side medical treatment.
The ship is decorated for the season: garlands, green and red balloons, flower arrangements, toy trains, ginger bread houses, Christmas trees everywhere and even a REAL nativity scene. Last night we held a Christmas tree light celebration with carrols in the Atrium of the ship. Santa Claus will be boarding tomorrow one hears...
The ship is also under the very strictest health watch: H1N1, Norwalk viruses are kept at bay with the most stringent etiquette. Hand sanitizer dispenser EVERYWHERE, even computers and books are wiped clean. No Salt and Peppers on the table, no trays in use, all is served by the ever so accommodating crew, and army of cleaners are keeping the ship absolutely pristine. It went so far that even the inside of wine ice buckets were sprayed - just in case someone wants to sip the dregs right from the bucket. No one shakes hands...
So far, all is quiet and serene. It turns warmer by the minute, Cabo San Lucas will be a warm Christmas surprise, but I doubt that we will have shore time. No great loss, as Cabo is best seen from the water.
