Figuring Out How Things Work In Your Cabin

My biggest challenge on the cruise was getting up to speed on technology. Once I found my cabin, I  couldn't figure out how to unlock the door. It's been thirty years since I have sailed on a ship. Back when I was touring with shows, you slid your plastic card into the hotel door, and pulled it out. Once the green light flashed, the door unlocked. On The Bliss, you just tap your card on the door lock, and it unlocks for you. It was very simple, but I had to ask someone from housekeeping how to do it.

Once I got inside, I couldn't figure out how to turn on the lights. None of the switches were doing anything. It felt like we had no electricity. It turns out there's a little card holder near the door. You have to slide you card into it and leave it there.

My friends asked me to message them on Facebook so that we could get together. I opened an account, but I had trouble with the server. I was told that I would probably have better luck in the Internet Cafe. Fortunately, we had phones in our room with a flashing red light if you had a voice message. That afternoon I noticed that I had a message from my friend. We made arrangements to meet for a drink, see the show, and have dinner. It was great to hear his voice.  It's so much simpler to just talk on the phone. I much prefer it to texting, which I still don't have. I forgot to pack my phone charger, so my cell phone went dead. Fortunately, I didn't need it.

When I got home the first night, I couldn't figure out how to turn off the lights. I spent forty minutes playing with the switches. All it seemed to do was turn on more lights. I was getting very frustrated. It was late, and I was tired. I thought I would just remove the card from the holder, and figure it all out in the morning. That way I could see.  Once I removed the card, it was pitch black. I felt very disoriented, and I couldn't see a thing. I had the card holder around my neck. I felt like an old lady.

I started to panic, imagining that if there was a fire on board, I would be groping around and unable to flee. My mind started to play tricks on me. I put the card back in the holder, and finally found the little black button on the lamp that turned out the night light. Next time I'll pack my travel clock. Once again, it was really easy, but I guess I'm just not very mechanically minded. I live in an older home with antiques and vintage appliances. Things have really changed.


We  received a beautiful journal with a pen, and a shopping tote with the NCL logo on it. I thought that was so sweet. I never did figure out how to work the t.v. I haven't had television in years. It seemed very similar to working a computer, but I struggled with the basics. I'll have to learn. By the end of the trip, I felt right at home, and had gotten into a groove.  

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