Monday, Aug 25  We arrived about 11:35am to make the Whittier Tunnel (the schedule is online, easy to find it when googling). Our friend drove us around Whittier and we arrived about 1215 at the ship. We dropped off our luggage (luckily the baggage handlers there had staples to staple the baggage tags you print off and also had some to provide). Lines were pretty short (I’ve been in much longer) – and we were able to board fairly quickly.

Was disappointed to find out none of the complimentary sit down restaurants were open for lunch that day. Was looking forward to having a nice relaxing sit down lunch, so we went up to the buffet on the 11th deck. Was expecting the buffet to be larger but it was never crowded.

Mini Suite Cabin on Deck 11: Didn’t have to wait long for all the cabins to be ready. Great location – not many cabins located at that end and not much traffic either. Large closet, with about 6 drawers of storage, including a shelf for the safe and another shelf for the life vests. Separate room for the sink with cabinets and storage and across a chair with another counter. Additional room with door to room with tub/shower and toilet. Cabin itself was nice size – another storage unit with about 4 drawers, tv, desk, refrigerator; and full size couch. We had the mini bar emptied. Read more