Here we are in Los Angeles. It is beginning.

We are at the Montage Beverly Hills Hotel for two nights; the cruise line's choice - and not too shabby either... Tonight we had planned to have dinner at Spago, Wolfgang Puck's flagship restaurant; however, after a late takeoff from MIA, a loooong wait for luggage at LAX, and a rather pleasant drive in a private car to the hotel, we were just wiped! Oh well, maybe there will be a next time...

Fortunately, the hotel is lovely, the room is lovely, the meet 'n greet was lovely. Everything so far has been lovely. And so to bed...

Sunday we went to the LA Farmers' Market and just sniff, sample, and people-watch. After that we hopped on a short (45 minute)  trolley tour of Beverly Hills. Interesting history and much opulence as to be expected. Sort of makes Port Royal look rather ordinary.

Sunday evening we had the first cruise get-together for all of the full world cruise passengers. That's a terrific way to find out who will be on the cruise for all eight legs. It is also an opportunity to observe the other long-term passengers to ferret out who might be good travel companions for sharing private cars, private tours, special restaurants, etc. It is also a sneaky way to figure out who one might want to avoid later on...

We really lucked out at the welcome dinner. During cocktails we met another couple who introduced us to a third couple and the six of us sat together for the dinner. What a hoot! If the rest of the trip is anything like this first dinner, then fasten your seat belts, we're in for a great ride!

Dinner was cocktails with butler-passed hors d'oeurvres followed by a four-course dinner. Should have had all my clothes let out...Finally poured ourselves into bed and ready for sail-away tomorrow evening.

Here is a map of the first leg's itinerary:
 

First Leg: Los Angeles to Papeete, French Polynesia

The first seven days are sea days. Some folks might wonder: "What on earth will you do for an entire week with no ports to visit or shop or tour, etc.?" We view sea days as an opportunity to relax, refresh, and recharge. We read, play bridge, attend ship's lectures and other activities. When we get to the later parts of the trip, a sea day will be a welcome "day off" from touring. We speak from experience. We once did eight ports in eight days and were so wrung out that it took two days just to stabilize.

Once we get underway, there will be more to follow as we learn about the ship, the daily routine, and get ready for the first few ports.

Once we get to sea, the Internet will be via satellite and tends to be flaky depending upon the atmospheric conditions and the ship's position. Therefore, it may be several days before you hear from us again.

Stay tuned...