Underway

  After a relaxing morning at the hotel, we had an easy transfer to the ship. Our stateroom was ready and our bags arrived quickly so we wasted no time settling in.
  We discovered some changes to the ship since our 2003 South America trip, but nothing that will impact us. Having seen the real thing last year in Xi'an, China, we were amused to find a display of Terracotta Warriors.

  The lifeboat drill was longer than usual (thank you COSTA CONCORDIA).  Once done, the bon voyage cookout began. Having had a late lunch and planning an early dinner, we limited ourselves to admiring the food sculptures.

  As the sun set we pulled away from the pier. Escorted by a police boat and two USCG boats each having a machine gun mounted on the bow, we steamed down the channel.  Once past Point Loma we were in open sea. The ship increased speed and set a SW course for the Hawaiian Islands.

  Preferring open seating in the dining room, we were put at a table with three other couples. The company was cordial and the food good.  After dinner, we prowled the shops for a few minutes, then admitting we were tired we called it a night and headed to our stateroom.

Location:southwest of Point Loma, CA