Saturday Dec. 15, 2007
Jennifer and I arrived at the port around 12:30. We found the layout works nicely. There were plenty of temporary signs put out directing cruise passenger traffic. Workers were waiting to take your check or cash for parking. The cost $110 for the full week. After paying, we proceeded to a tent where there are 4 or 5 traffic lines. There, they took our luggage from the vehicle. After dropping the luggage, signs directed us to the parking garage. The parking garage is inside an old warehouse, and is large and easy to navigate. After parking, a shuttle will picked us up and take us to the passenger terminal that was only a block or two away.
We found the passenger nice with good flow. Security screening moved very quickly with 3 lines. Once we past security, the lines were long but moved very fast. I believe we went through the whole process in about 30 minutes. The gentleman that checked us in was extremely friendly. Of course before boarding is the traditional picture taking!
Once on board, we were able to go straight to our cabin to drop off our carryon luggage. Much to our surprise, our luggage was already waiting by our door! The cabin is extremely small, only 108 sq. feet. (We knew this before purchasing though). We purchased an obstructed view room, however we found the view wasn’t to obstructed. Just a support beam for the life boats, and looking up you were looking at the life boats. We could still see the ocean and land as we passed by.
We walked around the ship exploring. Though it is a big ship, it was noticeably smaller than the ships we have been on in past. There isn’t a lot of glamour on the NCL Magesty ship, but we knew it was one of the older ships in their fleet.
During our exploration of the ship, we looked at the spa. They had a special the first day for a back-shoulder-neck massage. It was half price the first day only, so we signed up. I have not ever had a massage and it seemed like a good price to try it out. We had appointments for each of us at 5:30, however I didn’t get in until about 5:45. It was nice and I enjoyed it, however I doubt I will buy them very often. Jennifer enjoyed hers as well, but agrees it was worth the half price and not the full price unless you really enjoy massages.
We decided to eat at the Italian restaurant for the first night figuring everybody would be going to the traditional dining rooms and the wait might be long. The Italian restaurant, as well as the Le Bistro, requires reservations, so we made them for 6:30. We found the food was good, but not extraordinary. The atmosphere was nice with plenty of tables for two or 4 to 6. The biggest down side was it was very cold in the dining area.
After diner we went to the theater to watch their general intro show. It was nice, they performed to some of broadway’s music to start. Then they had the piano player / comedian perform some jokes. Then the cruise director introduced herself and talked for a short while and after her spill, a couple comedians call “The Black Street boys” performed. I thought they were just okay, but Jennifer really liked them and bought their DVD. I think I was just too tired to really enjoy them, so I look forward to seeing their full show later in the week when I am rested.
Seas were a little rough and the boat was rocking. Seems a lot of people were hibernating, probably because of the movement. We decided to go to bed early the first night as all the driving and all had left us tired. We went to our room around 10:00 and the beds were turned down for us with a mint on each pillow. I fell right a sleep; however Jennifer took a little longer. That is unusual as she is normally the one to fall asleep immediately.