December 22, 2021 San Pedro

We decided to try cruising again to see what it's like in the Covid Times.  We selected the Majestic Princess 7 day cruise to Mexico out of San Pedro, since we were going to visit with Andrew, Lindsay, and Henry (his 1st birthday is December 20) anyway.  So after a lovely visit with Andrew, Lindsay, and Henry, we spent the night before the cruise at the Westin Long Beach.  Nice enough hotel.  Dinner was a bunch of their appetizers and breakfast was a lovely Chia Pudding with coconut and craisins.  Have to try that at home.

We had taken an at-home Covid test at Andrew's so that there wouldn't be any surprises when we had to test again at the pier.  We needed a negative witnessed test within 2 days of sailing.

Caught an Uber to the pier and got there about 10:30 for our 11:00 am covid test appointment.   We did the preliminary security check-in and were then directed to the testing area. They didn't seem terribly organized and seemed surprised when I mentioned that we had appointments. Ah well, our results were negative, so we completed check-in and went to the Elite Lounge where we were told we could go right on board.  Michael wanted to ask about upgrading our cabin so we headed to the Customer Service counter. For $105 each, we upgraded from a guaranteed obstructed balcony ($719 pp) (which was assigned as a regular balcony, cabin R537) to a mini-suite (C410).  The cabin is nice enough, although the bathroom is a bit smaller than older ships. And there are lights that are motion detectors. Two small ones under the bedside tables which are still pretty bright at night, and the main light for the closet area which is way too bright in the middle of the night.  We plan to ask that that one be turned off. Eduardo, our cabin steward, said passengers have maintenance put up some foil to block it. Not the best design feature, although it probably looked good on paper.

Had lunch at the buffet and explored the ship in the afternoon. Spent some time figuring out the new app that gives you info on board. We decided we like to have a paper copy of the Patter, so we'll request that.

Dinner in Concerto with 4 others was pleasant.   Then off to watch a mediocre comedian (Andrew Grose from Canada) before returning to the cabin.