Boarding day and first night

Didn't do a lot today, as is usual for a first night on a cruise. It's the first time I have been on this ship (Independence ots) for about 5 years. Still a good ship but, the atmosphere is not as good as it used to be. This imho is due to the changes in the loyalty program, where now it's hit and miss if you are allowed in the consierge/suites lounge. Where we used to meet everyone and it was like a family, even with the usual family arguments, it was still a great place to meet up with old friends.
Luckily on this trip we are allowed in the lounge and again by luck we met up with friends that we hadn't seen for ages. First of all I saw Jackie and Terry Jewel, who were sitting with two other friends Wendy and Diana whose surnames I can't remember. Then Sheila Hazlehurst and her husband turned up, so it was almost like old times, and a nice evening was had by all.Read more