Our Alaska Cruise- Day 1

June 1st was the day we all had been waiting for. It was the day we left for our Alaska Cruise with the entire family and Nancy. We had invited others but they chose to do other things. This year was the time to go so we could take advantage of Maddie's one year discount having worked at the Princess lodge last year. The room for four which had Maddie, Nancy, Cindy and myself cost $1444. By comparison the other room of four people cost $2750. The week at home had been cool for this time of year which made a great preparation for the cruise. We loaded the back of Nic's truck with luggage for ten people and then everyone but Nic and Shannon's family got into the Durango and off we headed for Salt Lake.

We unloaded all the luggage at the curb along with all their occupants. We used the skycaps for the luggage so that everyone did not have to hassle with the luggage while Nic and I parked the cars. Even though we had plenty of time at the airport Cindy slipped and fell and hurt herself which then delayed her, Maddie and myself to be the last ones to board because we had to get information in case we needed to file a claim. She was limping and left a trail a blood from her finger on the airport floor. We did make it on board and headed to Seattle. We were at the back of the plane so we were able to get better attention from the steward who gave Cindy an icepack for her knee.


























Once we landed the plan was to get a minivan and load all the luggage into it so everyone could take the train into Seattle. I would unloaded the luggage at the ship so they did not have to worry about caring it with them. I would then meet them downtown and shuttle them to the ship which was two miles from downtown. It took forever to get the van. The group could not leave until I returned because they were watching the bags. Finally we were all on our way. I got the bags checked in at the boat then went downtown to find the nine others. It took a while but finally I made contact and all ten of us fit into the six passenger van. By the time we got to the ship it was 2 and the boat was scheduled to leave at 4. Some quick math and we realized I would not be able to take the van back to the airport, ride the train and then catch a bus and be on board before 4. So we revised plans and I drove the minivan to a LDS church and parked it in their parking lot for the week and walked the two miles back to the boat. It was a beautiful walk back through a nice suburb on the bluff overlooking Seattle. I came to the Magnolia Bridge and had a great view of the ship and downtown Seattle. I made it to the ship by a little after 3.

 Once on board the ship we all could relax. We took pictures of the skyline and then watched as we left the port.

 Once we were underway we had dinner and then several went into the heated, covered pool area. This would be a favorite area for Connor and Payton throughout the trip.