Day 81 Los Angeles

After a reasonable night sleep in our temporary room, we watched our Mother Ship sail into the port of San Pedro. The first hurdle was having a queue for over 1 hour for the waste of time face to face immigration debacle. This was followed by another 2 queues just to actually step foot outside of the terminal. I realise they are very security conscious in America but when we only have about 6 hours in L.A. it does annoy everyone.

We arrived at Universal Studio around 11.a.m.,(the drive there was very enjoyable and it felt surreal to see signs like Hollywood Bowl, Capitol Records and the real HOLLYWOOD sign in the distance), and our first impression was WOW. It cost us $72 each for the entrance fee but this covered everything. As we were limited for time we queued,(again) for the Studio Tour. It was certainly worth the wait, it was fantastic! We drove down Wisteria Lane, (Desperate Housewives), saw the set for War of the Worlds,(with a real 747) and then the trolley train took us into the King Kong meets the Dinosaurs experience. We wore our 3 D glasses, and it was the most amazing and hilarious experience. Very well done.

George ordered a beer at one of the stalls and he was asked for I.D., you may have noticed that he has shaved off his beard and he has been told by many people that he looks younger, but he was most flattered at this person asking for I.D. He was let down gently as he was told that everyone has to produce this as its their policy!!

Outside the actual park there is a street full of restaurants and shops. We had a delicious chinese meal at the Panda Inn, huge serving for only $10. We forgot how big the servings are in America.

Arriving back at the dock, we had 2 more security checks! We were going to have an early night but luckily we were talked into seeing the show as the vocalist was really good. He is from Scotland and really entertaining. Lots of new faces onboard, 362 to be precise.

Well its our final sector which brings feelings of mixed emotions. A bit sad that our holiday is coming to an end but huge excitement to see our family again. We have never been away from home for this length of time and I must admit that we are now feeling it. Nevertheless, we still have 23 days to go and we intend to keep enjoying ourselves.

Day 81 continued

 

Day 80 An extraordinary Sea Day.

As I type this blog, I can see a ship passing by my balcony! Yes MY BALCONY and NO you are not misreading it. Let me explain...we went to bed at midnight and around 1.45 a.m. I awoke to the sound of voices and a squelching sound from the corridor. I thought I had better have a look and as I put my foot on the carpet, squelch that feels wet. My first reaction was sh....t we are sinking and we are in trouble as its reached Deck 10. I woke George to say my last goodbye, and he assured me all as ok. Anyway the culprit was a burst water pipe. Our cabin and 20 others were flooded. So for 12 hours or so we walked around like zombies, not knowing where to get a kip and Princess not offering anything really. Finally we stood at the Front Desk and refused to move until they gave us a bed to sleep in or we threatened to bring our mattress and pillows down to the reception. Hence we were given this lovely balcony, (and as we now have new carpet with a lovely bostik glue smell which we refuse to sleep in,) for the night. We crashed out for 3 hours and feel slightly better but still grumpy. I think Dawn Princess needs a holiday, big time. George said it could be worse and be sewage. Yuck.

So today we have not done much apart from having 3 breakfasts between the hours of 6 a.m. till 11.30, and drinking coffee to help us stay awake.

Tomorrow we are going to Universal Studios, and hopefully we are not tired.

Last night was formal night so we got dressed up, see pics.

Day 79 Sea Day

Our original Captain, Todd McBain got back onboard at Acapulco and already he has made a BIG impression. We knew how lovely he was before he got off in Dubai but compared to his replacement, he is even more special. This morning, at breakfast, he entered the Horizon Buffet and spoke to almost everyone at the tables. We even got a photo with him, he is just lovely and a great communicator. I think he got the message as everyone almost kissed his feet to welcome him back. I actually feel safer with him at the helm. And we may have made Dublin with him!! Who knows. Pics of the extravaganza buffet lunch.
Yesterday during my laundry time, (its becoming very tense in there by the day), the gossip was that 4 people had been put off the ship due to laundry rage. 8 have passed away I open the door very slowly when I HAVE to go in anticipation. I also heard that The Beatles Tribute Band are getting back on for the last week, HURRAH.
So now 2 days at sea then we arrive in Los Angeles.