The Day to Set Sail...or not????

In the morning off we went, back in the van to high tail it to Valparaiso, the port town where our ship, the Seabourn Pride sets sail. One of us genuises finally deduced that it would be apropos to have a little look see at what time our boat officially left the dock. There were several plans that had to be scrapped and a gargantuan lead foot applied to the gas pedal as we prayed our way to the coast to the tune of Barney's snoring. It was a miracle that we made it and only in the knick of time. I won't mention any names, but Bovell actually thought he could squeeze in another lunch at a vineyard and throw in a little meeting at 2:00 with Luis back in Santiago. You know, on the way.

In a serious flash of fortuituous luck mixed with major coincidence, we plowed right up to an unmarked loading dock which turned out to be the passenger terminal. We said goodbye to Barney and he went off to drive around Uruguay and Brazil as part of his yearlong worldwide driving tour in a custom fitted Land Rover. We were whisked off on a shuttle for our boat.

Luxurious. Intimate. Gorgeous. The words that came to mind upon reaching the 'Pride'. One big piece of white and gleaming heaven with a gangway!! Not as large as most ships, the boat stood at dock as a buzzing hive of action. A truly 'Kate Gets on the Titanic' moment!! Passengers were already standing on their personal balconies with glasses of champagne. We were greeted by tuxedo clad waiters bearing champagne and bodily removing any and all carry on items for delivery to the suites. We were met by our personal valet/stewardess Rita who showed us around the sumptuous rooms and told us of the many services she could provide from laundry to drawing special baths in our personal tubs at the end of the day. Room service is complementary and available wherever, whenever you want it for anything from a grilled cheese sandwich to caviar to a personal party in our room. Our room is a comfy vision in creams and blues and pale wood paneling. Quite large for a cruise ship, there is a sitting room as well as a walk in closet and marble bath. So now we're well spoiled and thinking up all sorts of things to try to get the kitchen to make for us and Rita to do for us. We're thinking of asking for truffle pasta and tableside crepes suzette (flaming of course) and having a superbowl party in our room with chili and nachos.