As I wrote in an earlier post, we got to the docks at Tampa an hour before we were due to board. Our Uber driver left before we knew of the delay.

That morning there was fog, and 5 cruise ships were unable to travel under the Skyway bridge. We were told that at 9 a.m. the people at the docks were informed. We didn’t hear anything until 2.30 in the afternoon, although we should have had an email during the morning. If this had happened, we would have changed the time of our Uber driver.

We were told not to go near the area until 7.30 p.m. So, we hung out in Channelside, which is a tourist trap, and spent around $100. At 7.30 p.m. no one was boarding so we found a Greenwise/Publix where you could buy food, and drink, and eat it in the cafe area. Lots of people were doing this.

We finally got onboard after 11p.m., and were told that our cabins weren’t ready, and to go to the nearest dining room. I really wasn’t interested in eating, and because of the delay the food was barely okay. I couldn’t even cut the filet mignon, because it hadn’t had time to marinate. The only good things were dessert, and the wine. As I was finishing up the announcement came through that cabins were ready. Of course, the elevators were in constant use so walked down to the cabin. The bags didn’t arrive until the following morning.

Not a good start to the cruise, but they did the best they could under the circumstances. Day 2 shortly.