It has been about a month since we returned from our nine day cruise to Mexico on board the Carnival Spirit. I admit I suffered withdrawal from the cruising experience. It is so pleasant to have no cares in the world and have all your needs fulfilled. I have returned to the normal everyday world and frankly would rather be back on The Spirit. I am writing this series of blogs to relive the trip and to give others a glimpse of the cruising experience.
We rode the Amtrak Coast Starlight from our home near Emeryville Ca. to Los Angeles amd then transferred to the Pacific Surfliner into San Diego. The train ride was wonderful with no problems and we arrived spot on time in San Diego just after one a.m on Friday. We crashed at the hotel and awoke to a overcast morning but our enthusiasm was not diminished. We could not board the ship until afternoon so we enjoyed breakfast and walked the San Diego Harbor/Marina area and shot some photos.
San Diego Harbor viewsWe arrived at the cruise terminal just after noon. Praise to Carnival for a great embarkation. In about forty five minutes we were on board taking pictures of the view from Lido deck.
Views from Lido deck Carnival Spirit San Diego March 15,2012
Above- Carnival Spirit water slide
Below- Carnival Spirit pool.We had lunch and proceeded to explore The Spirit. I highly recommend you take a walk around the ship. It allows you to get your bearings and scope out the facilities and check for deals. We headed up to the Nouveau Steakhouse to check out the menus. There is a extra fee for the steakhouse but the menus rocks. In the following photos of the steakhouse I must explain that the room is filled with red from the overhead fantail and glass.
Carnival Spirit Nouveau SteakhouseWe had a tropical drink and continued to explore. In the lobby they had a wine deal. You purchase the wine in advance and save a substantial amount of money. There are a number of bottles to choose from in a given price point. If I did the math correctly we saved seven dollars a bottle.
Tropical drink and wine package deal
Overhead views Carnival Spirit Lobby
We participated in the mandatory safety drill. At dinner we met the other two couples we would share dinner with the next nine days. I always am amazed at how Carnival picks dinner mates. Somehow they manage to put together tables with compatible people. After a great dinner we headed back to our cabin to find our first towel animal. The wife loves them!
Our first towel animal! A Walrus.
More fun to come.
