That magic moment…

I can’t be the only one that gets a little teary eyed the moment I first lay eyes on my next cruise ship. Not sad teary eyed, just “I can’t believe this is my life” teary eyed. Pure uninterrupted, stop me in my tracks, gratitude…. that just so happens to fill my eyeballs.

It’s an overwhelming feeling. Doesn’t matter how many cruises I’ve been on (over 50-blah blah blah), there is just something magical about the first time the ship appears before me in real life- and there she is….. gracefully sneaking into San Diego Harbor before the city wakes…

I took those shots from my city view room. The best western yacht harbor doesn’t have the same amazing morning view as the Wyndham or intercontinental downtown (I have stayed at both), but this place is $120 a night, comes with breakfast, port transfers, and they are VERY gracious hosting our pre-cruise meet and greets.

Speaking of which, I would call our second night  pre-cruise meeting another success. Unlike last year, we didn’t double day one in numbers, but we had somewhere between 40-50 people. I suspect Valentine’s Day and late flights may have affected the count, but those that turned out- turned up!  Check this out…

Jeff (who asked me not to make a big deal and post his screen name so I will respect that against my better judgment) brought a giant lot of these Koningsdam customized itinerary coozies! So stinking cute and perfect for orange night. I was tickled pink. Those who followed my Antartica cruise last week know how much I love my free souvenirs and I’m going to use this coozie to cuddle the free brewery mugs we were given on the impromptu back yard brewery tour we did in Patagonia. What a thoughtful gesture. On behalf of each of us at last nights event, THANK YOU JEFF!!

And Jeff wasn’t the only one in the giving mood. I still haven’t figured out who brought the fifth of makers mark, a bottle of nice gin, and wine, and Champaign, and snacks!! I wasn’t there 5 minutes before my friend Tom filled my brand new coozie with my favorite beer (how he knew that is a mystery).

Good people really do outnumber the jerks.

Nothing much to report from yesterday other than I walked to my facial. 5 miles round trip. I felt safe so those of you staying in this area next year have no worries. Sadly, I still have a double chin and want my money back.

I’m shuttling over at 1:00 (earlier than I typically go). I am never in a hurry to board. Last on, last off is my motto. I’ll probably walk to see the sea lions across the street this morning. We have a 4:00 cruise critic sail away party planned at seaview and I’m excited to meet even more new faces.

Before I sign off this morning, I’d like to take this moment to thank those current on the ship for taking good care of the girl and her crew.  I know debarkation day can be sad and I want you to know I wish you safe travels and a lifetime filled with memories of your Hawaiian adventure.

A Special thanks to all of you who did  live blogs - they have been very informative and I have enjoyed reading. I know they take a lot of work. Your efforts are not lost on me.