Day 4 - The Embarkation from Hell!

Day 4 - The Embarkation From Hell!

Up until this point, save a small flight delay and a no-show Uber or two, our trip had more or less been going according to plan. Unfortunately, our luck was about to change. I had arranged for Seattle Shuttle to pick us up at 10:15 AM, and I estimated we'd be at the port by 10:30 to 10:45 AM. Perfect timing! A few minutes after 10 AM, Seattle Shuttle called to tell me they were running late and the new pick-up time was 10:45 AM. Melinda, our driver, arrived at the new time and within minutes we were headed to Smith Cove Pier. We arrived at the parking lot a few minutes after 11 AM, took our place in one of six lines of vehicles and sat...for an hour and a half...in a van without air conditioning. We didn't move at all for an hour and a half. I still have no idea why they weren't letting us through, but it was ridiculous. People were getting irate and eventually many started walking. Once we made it to the drop-off point, we gave our bags to a porter and joined another very long, slow-moving line to have our passports boarding passes checked. From there we went up the escalator and joined another long, slow-moving line for security. At one point, they stopped letting anyone in our line through for a good 20 minutes just to give the check-in area some time to clear. Finally through security, we joined yet another long, slow-moving line. I was irate and fuming by this point. An hour later, we made it to the check-in desk and ten minutes later we were boarding the ship...at 3 PM!
I did hear that it was the first day that the port had two large cruise ships boarding at the same time. Whatever the reason, the whole process was poorly managed and it certainly did not start the cruise off on the right foot.  I hope that Celebrity works with the port authority to resolve these issues, otherwise, I recommend arriving at the port before 10:30 AM and by taxi only as they apparently have priority.

Our mountain of bags, minus one of mom's and our carry-on's. 
We do not travel light (except for Rachel!)
Photo Credit: Stephanie H.

We'd missed lunch by the time we boarded and went straight to our rooms where are luggage was waiting for us. Loved the view from our Sunset Veranda!

Our muster drill was in Tuscan Grille. It was a little long and the video hokey, but not quite painful. As soon as it was over, the girls went on their way and we (adults) headed to the Martini/Ice Bar and ordered our first round of "free" drinks (we had the Premium Beverage package).

Photo credit: Stephanie H.

The ship was now moving, so we headed for the top deck and the famous Celebrity Lawn.

Another round of drinks was ordered from the Sunset Bar and hilarity ensued.

Photo Credit: Stephanie H.

Photo Credit: Stephanie H.

I could tell you what we were talking about, but then I'd have to kill you!

I am fairly certain this little spot behind the Sunset bar is the best place on the ship
for sail away for a couple!

Zette doing her best Neil Diamond impression.

More Neil Diamond

We were all starving by this time, so we went back to our staterooms to get cleaned up for dinner. Suzette gave us a scare from the veranda as Benjay, our stateroom attendant, converted the girls' beds. Benjay was positively terrified of us! He was a nice guy though and he certainly worked hard to keep our room clean and tidy.

Below you can see the girls' beds. Shelby said they weren't as comfortable as Disney's sofa beds, but not terrible either.

The girls had already ordered and received their dinner. The only time room service was quick.

 Nice views from our veranda...

Crazy hair don't care!

I have no idea what was going on here.

I had pre-ordered a dozen chocolate covered strawberries; we received six. I later spoke to Guest Services about this and they refunded my money for the full dozen and we later received another half dozen.  I carried on a bottle of inexpensive champagne as the ship's prices are steep!

Cheers!

Mom, Suzette, Stephanie and I went to The Grand Epernay (the main dining room) for dinner, although I can't seem to find any pictures. The room was lovely and the food and service were quite good.  I believe we toured the ship a bit after dinner, and possibly had another drink or two, but the details are already fuzzy. We must have gone to bed shortly thereafter as I have no other pictures. Despite the horrendous embarkation, we were happy to be on-board and eagerly anticipating what was to come!