Embarkation Day - Day 3

 Monday, June 14




After our meal at the hotel, we spent the morning taking a walk down to show the boys the cruise ship. They were suitably impressed at the size of the Diamond Princess. 







As we walked along we were amused to find a little amusement park called “Cosmo World” (as this is the name of our dog).  Also, I thought the sign showing people that there dog needed to be in a bag if they wanted it to ride in the elevator was pretty funny.



Later, we breezed through the check in process, and before we knew it we were eating lunch at the buffet on the ship. 




Next it was time to explore every inch of the ship. We found where the kids club is for Desmond if he wants to hang out there. He was impressed that they had some video game options. 





I was amused that we can tap a screen on the wall to see where things/shipmates are - or even get directions on the app. We watched our safety video and visited our muster stations. Then we enjoyed sail away from the promenade. There was a marching band with flag twirlers to play us off. And hundreds of people there waving us goodbye. Then someone passed out blue towels for them all to wave around at us (some with two hands at once which makes my heart happy and reminds me of our last trip to Japan), and that looked really cool. What fun to be going on a cruise! 




When we found our rooms we were surprised to find that we had been put in an ADA accessible room that is much bigger than the regular interior room we expected. Such an unexpected blessing!


During our first dinner in the dining room - Desmond got dumplings!! They are on the kids menu, and he can have them every night if he wants to (which he assures us he wants to).  We all enjoyed our food and Dylan seemed impressed by the offerings. I was excited to find out that the cruise line has upped their game and was able to serve me vegan vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce on top for dessert.  This is the first time they have had any lactose-free ice cream to offer, so I am very appreciative!


Desmond went to kid’s club after dinner. When we picked him up he looked super tired, but happy. 


We went to bed fairly early. The back and forth shaking of the wind against the side of the ship made the wooden hangers clang in the closets like wind chimes. I finally took them down and stowed them where they wouldn’t crash against each other. There is definitely more movement on this ship than we are used to when cruising. Fortunately, no one in our party gets seasick (that we know of.) We will be keeping and eye on the boys since it is there first cruise, but so far, so good. 



Good night! 

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