January 20, 2020 – what a cool date – 20th of 2020, right. We arrived in Los Angeles before sunrise. I woke Bob up this morning by saying – “Welcome to ‘Merica’!” It’s chilly in sunny California. Well, chilly compared to the first 14 days of the trip (60F). We’ve arrived at the port (San Pedro) and docked at the famous Pier 93 (the original Pier for the Pacific Princess – “The Love Boat”). Today many people disembarked and we understand 400 joined us for the World Cruise. Total number of passengers is now 589.

We are just floored at how many people know each other because they do this ‘World Cruise’ every year. It’s like a class reunion. Lol. We exchanged email addresses and said our good-byes to friends we made along the way that were departing in LA (taking 1st leg – 15-day cruise from FL through Panama Canal to LA).

We disembarked the ship and went through customs/immigration in about 2 minutes. We took a long, pleasant walk around San Pedro. Stopped at a local coffee shop for a latte that was quite delicious. I loved the cute cottages sprinkled throughout the city. Walked back to the ship and sat on the top deck, mesmerized by the endless stacks of containers. Gigantic cranes lifting and stacking containers from ships and truck after truck lined up to haul them way. Containers in many colors, in every direction, as far as the eye could see.

Farewell California! We’re off to Hawaii with 5 days at sea. I love days at sea just as much as visiting a port. I’m getting into a routine on our days at sea. Bob and I go to the dining room for a lovely breakfast together and then I go to the gym for a workout. Thankfully, I’ve been going to the gym back home, so this felt normal, with the exception of having that gorgeous view of the ocean as I’m using the machines. The gym on-board is very nice with plenty of machines, free weights, treadmills and trainer with multiple kinds of classes available. Needless to say, the food is fabulous so having the gym is a necessity. We eat dinner at 7:30 pm and then go to a show at 9:30 pm.

Bob has been going to some great lectures, sitting outside reading, taking the tour of the galley and then we both do laps outside in the afternoon (several miles). The ship offers so many activities, from arts and crafts, cards, board games, ballroom dance lessons, hula dance lessons, music lessons, Zumba, line dancing, photography, book clubs, pool games, ping pong, ukulele lessons, spa treatments, trivia, casino, movies, sing-alongs and so much more. I’ve joined the Princess Harmony Choir that is lead by a very talented man from South Africa (David Crathorne). The choir will be performing on top deck as we enter Sydney Harbor in Australia. Apparently, this choir has been practicing and performing on the World Cruise for many years.

There have been some great shows with dancers, both Pacific Princess dancers and cultural dancers they bring aboard. I’m looking forward to a performance by Phillip Browne who starred in the Lion King as Mufasa (London). I’m certain it will be great!

As they say in Thailand – “Same Same Only Different”. Another lovely sunset!