Day 0 – Depart!

5700 Miles to go...

This is perhaps the LONGEST wait for a particular vacation for us.  Not that long ago, we might scour cruise deals or non-rev options and commit to a big trip merely a few weeks out.  Once, we bought a 10-day cruise 24 hours before it set sail.  But this trip we planned back in 2018 for May of 2020.  Four years later, we’re packed and ready!  It is also sort of our first river cruise (not counting a short one in China in 2014).  We will see if we like these versus the open sea.

Step 1 (well, after getting to the airport, checking in and checking bags, etc) is to hit the lounge!  We have gotten a bit spoiled with our lounge access, but we hope the next 24 hours will top the “norm”.  If it doesn’t, well, maybe we need to look at ourselves and see if we’re too spoiled?  Hmmm…

Let me in!!!!

Inside security, we headed to the “Flagship Lounge”, exclusively for Business (or First) Class (playfully guffawing at the other lounges).  First thing inside, we noticed they had a station set up for champagne, so we kicked off with one and half, and looked for a place to sit.  There was a nice seat over by our gate, where I might ensure they properly fuel our B777.  So we sat at a table in the dining area.

Roughing it...round 1!

There was a nice selection, so we started with some appetizers, some main courses, and soup, trying to keep portions small (so when we get dinner on the plane we can eat!).  Theresa found a set up for some “interesting” drink, and tried it.  After Bill’s half Champagne, and a beer, it was time to try a rye, and then see where it leads.

Ooh!!  It gets better!

They have a nice line up of liquors to choose from.  Each place is labeled, so one knows what belongs where.  Alas!!!  One also knows what is missing!!  Oh the tragedy!!  OH THE HORROR??!!!

The torment of knowing what we're missing!!

Our Chariot awaits!!!  (7LB, for those who know what that means!)