Day one and TWO

So Friday we got to Rochester airport with no problems. We got through security very fast, just to get to the gate to find there was a delay without flight. The wait was not too bad we boarded and then taxied to a holding area and sat for another 40 min. They were able to make up time in the air and we only arrived Newark about 10 min late.
While I waited for the luggage Chris went to use the restroom. Of course it was not experience free. He ran into Betty Buckley of 8 is enough and grizabella fame. He shook her hand but I had the camera.
We then hopped on our bus to Manhattan. It took a while due to an accident in the tunnel. On there we walked to our Hotel the Milford Plaza. It was clean and the room was pretty nice. After checking in we walked around Time Square (see 2 pics in flicker bottom of web page left). We then ate at this restaurant called Vigils. It was a bbq/ Cajun place. We both had the fish fry plate that consisted of rock shrimp, monk fish, cod fish, catfish and large sea scallops.
Saturday AM…….
We strolled around NYC to find a liquor store to buy some wine. Then we went to Chevys for some lunch and traditional blue agave margaritas.
Then we headed off to the Port. The boarding process was the easiest of any cruise we have taken. On very quickly. Our suite was not ready so we signed up for the spa package. Then we returned to the room. The mini suite is a lot larger than the regular balcony room. The room was steel at what we paid for it. We are the last balcony on the 11th floor at the back of the ship. The end of the balcony has a slight curve to it. It is large enough to have 2 regular chairs, a lounge chair and small table. Unfortunately our neighbors smoke. So I just had to close the door. BAN SMOKING ON ALL SHIPS!
For diner we went to the Sushi restaurant and had our fill of a nice assortment of items. So far Sunday AM (900) we have had smooth seas. Like glass. We are just now getting into a light 4ft chop. The ship is barley rocking at all. There is more of a vibration on the ship this year. I wonder if they added new stabilizers or something like that. Very smooth.
Sailing out of NYC was even more special this year. The weather was great. Sunny warm… I think knowing what adventures really lie ahead made it more fun. Last year we were entering the unknown. Also this year we could see ground zero more clearly because of the construction there. It actually was very moving to see the hole and vacancy left behind. Lady liberty then bid us a found adieu and we sailed under the Verrazano narrows bridge, leaving the North American continent behind.