1 March 2015
We're off!
We boarded our cruise ship around midday today, and at about 4.30pm, we set sail, our ship, the Celebrity Eclipse, drifting slowly down a narrow channel, past other ships like the Norwegian Pearl and the Disney Wonder, past vast tracts of reclaimed land to our left, and out into the open Atlantic. Jean and I sat drinking rum mules at the ship's bow on Deck 14, 11 decks above our Stateroom, and watched Miami slowly recede behind us. Our departure was slow and peaceful, and as we glided into open sea, we realised another cruise ship floated in the distance ahead of us, appearing to creep through the waters as if wanting us to catch up.
Earlier, when we'd boarded, we were greeted with a glass of champagne, and, shortly afterwards, a brief, free massage. In a restaurant, I grabbed a soup bowl, and started serving myself soup, only to be very politely told that the staff are here to do everything for us. The staff are treating us so nicely. I really feel first class.
We've already met lots of people, English, Canadians and Americans, all very friendly, all veteran cruisers, all profusely enthusiastic for cruising, and all older than us. Most passengers are retired, it seems. One gent, Glen, is a professional golf caddy, which occupies his time when he's not living it up on Celebrity cruise ships. Celebrity is the best, he said.
Prior to sailing, we had our mandatory safety drill. Afterwards, the Captain addressed the ship by video. He told us that tomorrow we will see the coast of Cuba on the starboard side.
Had a drink here.
The Disney Wonder was docked in front of our ship.
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