Beautiful day again. Sunshine and temperature in high 60s.
We went to "downtown Poulsbo" for lunch and then walked in/out of stores. Pleasant time with a few purchases.
Alison called to tell me they arrived back in NY, but not without a major mishap in Seattle. Somehow, she lost her wallet between the time she got out of the taxi (from the hospital)at the airport and when she went to check in for her flight. A report was made to the Seattle police, hoping that she might get it back. Annoying part is having to cancel credit cards, get new driver's license, new membership cards, new health cards, etc. There was a lot of money in the wallet, too. I told her most important is that everyone is ok. She said Ben is doing ok but she will take him to his doctor. What an end to a special vacation.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Cruise over -- Arrival in Seattle
We arrived at Pier 66 sometime during the very early morning. Steve and I decided to have an early breakfast at the Garden Cafe before disembarkation. We wanted to leave as early as possible, hoping to avoid the crowds and long lines. We went down to Deck 7 and joined the LONG line of passengers who had the same idea.
Had to hand our NCL room card to be swiped for the last time and then walked down to the building. Someone looked at our passports and I handed in the Declaration form. All done! Steve thought we'd catch a bus to take us to Pier 52 for our ride on the ferry to Bainbridge. Instead we walked the distance betweent the piers, dragging our suitcases and the bags of "stuff" that we purchased. (We're planning to ship a lot home since we're carrying on our suitcases.)
Once we boarded the ferry, I called Barb to let her know. Also called Evan during the ride. Barb and Ron picked us up at the ferry terminal. Went directly to their house and spent the rest of the day there.
Spoke to Alison and found out Ben had fallen on the ship and they were going to the hospital. After doing some tests (negative results), they said they wanted to keep him overnight for observation. Alison is going to stay there with him. They're scheduled to fly back to NY tomorrow.
Had to hand our NCL room card to be swiped for the last time and then walked down to the building. Someone looked at our passports and I handed in the Declaration form. All done! Steve thought we'd catch a bus to take us to Pier 52 for our ride on the ferry to Bainbridge. Instead we walked the distance betweent the piers, dragging our suitcases and the bags of "stuff" that we purchased. (We're planning to ship a lot home since we're carrying on our suitcases.)
Once we boarded the ferry, I called Barb to let her know. Also called Evan during the ride. Barb and Ron picked us up at the ferry terminal. Went directly to their house and spent the rest of the day there.
Spoke to Alison and found out Ben had fallen on the ship and they were going to the hospital. After doing some tests (negative results), they said they wanted to keep him overnight for observation. Alison is going to stay there with him. They're scheduled to fly back to NY tomorrow.
Saturday, May 23 -- Cruising and Evening Stop in Victoria
Changed our watches back to Pacific Time. Went to bed late so didn’t get up very early. David called and then he and Ben stopped by for the charged batteries and to drop off the walkie-talkies. (We didn’t use them on the trip but will get familiar with them for the future.)
Breakfast at 9:50 in Garden Café. No smoked salmon (Did they run out of it?) so I had a veggie omelet. I stopped at Reception to pick up form for NCL Port Shopping Buyer’s Guarantee (30-day protection for purchases made at merchants listed on Alaska shopping maps that NCL gave us) and looked in shops as we walked to Stardust Theater for Disembarkation Talk with Your Cruise Director Simon, arriving early so listened to/watched the end of Virtual Look at the Ship – Hosted by Your Captain. After listening to Simon, we decided to be off the ship at 8AM tomorrow (beat the rush and get to Bainbridge Ferry early). We thought about Room Service for breakfast but decided to go up to Garden Café at 7AM instead. (More choice than room service.)
Back to the room to fill out the Buyer’s Guarantee and Custom Declaration form. We have to include items purchased from ship’s Tax Free/Duty Free shops and anything purchased in Victoria. (Good that I didn’t have to include any jewelry we bought because I’d be way over the amount allowed.) I also filled out a form telling them what a great job Jenna did and how helpful she was to me.
Steve took a nap and I went back to Reception to hand in the forms. (I picked up a preliminary bill.) There was a large jewelry display in the Crystal Atrium where I purchased a few pendants. They gave me a raffle entry which I dropped off in the shop. (Was told the drawing would be at 2:15PM and that person must be present to win.)
Put them away in the room and went upstairs to check out the view. Called Alison, picked up a couple of apples (one for me and one for Ben) and went to her cabin to visit. Alison told me she WON in the Casino last night so did a little better than breaking even on her gambling time. They went to lunch and I went back to my cabin.
I had to pick up the Ulu knives from Security at 2PM, so I went early. They were very nice about letting me have them early so I was able to get them to the cabin and go to the shop for the drawing results. (Steve went to Stardust Theater to get us seats for the 2:45PM International Crew Show Featuring “Fountains,”) I DID NOT win. Oh, well. Show was very good with talented people. After the show, we went to the Bliss Ultra Lounge to check it out. Steve decided not to participate in the show. (In our opinion, the venue is not a good one for it.)
We went to Great Outdoors for some food (didn’t have lunch earlier). We went outside to enjoy the sunshine. Steve took a nap and I went to Deck 14 to watch our arrival into Victoria.
We docked next to the Star Princess. Watched Holland ship coming in after us.
I decided to go out onto the dock even though we weren’t planning to go downtown. (Been there…done that… last year with Barb and Ron.) Alison, David, Ben, and Edward were queuing up for a taxi to go downtown. Talked with them until they left. There was a gift shop on the dock so, of course, we had to go in to look. Yes, I did buy some things.
We went back on the ship and decided to go to the Garden Café for something to drink. Hmmm… Should have just had a drink. Instead we had dessert and a cappuccino. Followed that with food. I’ve often said that dinner should start with dessert. Not the healthiest eating but I know I’ll be back to my portion-sized meals soon enough.
We picked up our free postcards at the Photo Shop and decided it was time to go back to the cabin. I left a phone message for Alison to let her know we would be in our cabin for the rest of the evening. We’re packing while we watch Quantum of Solace on TV.
The weather on this trip has been much better than we expected. Sunny EVERY DAY. Only cold time was when we were in Glacier Bay.
Up early tomorrow… breakfast at 7AM… planning to disembark ship at 8AM. Taxi to Pier for Bainbridge Ferry. I’ll call Barb when I know which ferry we’ll be on. Looking forward to spending time with her and Ron.
Breakfast at 9:50 in Garden Café. No smoked salmon (Did they run out of it?) so I had a veggie omelet. I stopped at Reception to pick up form for NCL Port Shopping Buyer’s Guarantee (30-day protection for purchases made at merchants listed on Alaska shopping maps that NCL gave us) and looked in shops as we walked to Stardust Theater for Disembarkation Talk with Your Cruise Director Simon, arriving early so listened to/watched the end of Virtual Look at the Ship – Hosted by Your Captain. After listening to Simon, we decided to be off the ship at 8AM tomorrow (beat the rush and get to Bainbridge Ferry early). We thought about Room Service for breakfast but decided to go up to Garden Café at 7AM instead. (More choice than room service.)
Back to the room to fill out the Buyer’s Guarantee and Custom Declaration form. We have to include items purchased from ship’s Tax Free/Duty Free shops and anything purchased in Victoria. (Good that I didn’t have to include any jewelry we bought because I’d be way over the amount allowed.) I also filled out a form telling them what a great job Jenna did and how helpful she was to me.
Steve took a nap and I went back to Reception to hand in the forms. (I picked up a preliminary bill.) There was a large jewelry display in the Crystal Atrium where I purchased a few pendants. They gave me a raffle entry which I dropped off in the shop. (Was told the drawing would be at 2:15PM and that person must be present to win.)
Put them away in the room and went upstairs to check out the view. Called Alison, picked up a couple of apples (one for me and one for Ben) and went to her cabin to visit. Alison told me she WON in the Casino last night so did a little better than breaking even on her gambling time. They went to lunch and I went back to my cabin.
I had to pick up the Ulu knives from Security at 2PM, so I went early. They were very nice about letting me have them early so I was able to get them to the cabin and go to the shop for the drawing results. (Steve went to Stardust Theater to get us seats for the 2:45PM International Crew Show Featuring “Fountains,”) I DID NOT win. Oh, well. Show was very good with talented people. After the show, we went to the Bliss Ultra Lounge to check it out. Steve decided not to participate in the show. (In our opinion, the venue is not a good one for it.)
We went to Great Outdoors for some food (didn’t have lunch earlier). We went outside to enjoy the sunshine. Steve took a nap and I went to Deck 14 to watch our arrival into Victoria. We docked next to the Star Princess. Watched Holland ship coming in after us.
I decided to go out onto the dock even though we weren’t planning to go downtown. (Been there…done that… last year with Barb and Ron.) Alison, David, Ben, and Edward were queuing up for a taxi to go downtown. Talked with them until they left. There was a gift shop on the dock so, of course, we had to go in to look. Yes, I did buy some things. We went back on the ship and decided to go to the Garden Café for something to drink. Hmmm… Should have just had a drink. Instead we had dessert and a cappuccino. Followed that with food. I’ve often said that dinner should start with dessert. Not the healthiest eating but I know I’ll be back to my portion-sized meals soon enough.
We picked up our free postcards at the Photo Shop and decided it was time to go back to the cabin. I left a phone message for Alison to let her know we would be in our cabin for the rest of the evening. We’re packing while we watch Quantum of Solace on TV.
The weather on this trip has been much better than we expected. Sunny EVERY DAY. Only cold time was when we were in Glacier Bay.
Up early tomorrow… breakfast at 7AM… planning to disembark ship at 8AM. Taxi to Pier for Bainbridge Ferry. I’ll call Barb when I know which ferry we’ll be on. Looking forward to spending time with her and Ron.
Friday, May 22 -- Early Shopping and Duck Tour in Sunny Ketchikan
We were planning to go our shortly after 6AM but “overslept” until 5:30AM. (Funny to think of that time as sleeping in…) Jenna told us that stores would be open at 6AM, but, when we went out about 6:45, few were open yet. I did look at the Bernard K Passman black coral art items (many in jewelry designs) stopped into Diamonds International for my free charm (last one). Picked up a free pendant at Treasures of Alaska. At Royal Jewelers, I asked to see the Omega (14K gold on one side and silver on other) necklaces. Bought one (with a free topaz slide), a snake chain (for my charms), and a lovely Northern Lights (Brazilian topaz) bracelet. After I handed the paper for a free pendant at Effy Jewelers, I looked at the Diversa earrings. (Versatile with the ability to wear them either as posts or dangling.) I bought a pair with blue diamonds. The salesperson showed me a Diversa ring, “just for fun.” (I think there’s a special language for jewelers that includes the “just for fun” term to get someone to purchase more.) The ring can be white diamonds or blue with just a simple flipping over of the middle section. When I said it was more money than I wanted to spend, they started lowering the price. We said we’d think about it and maybe return to the store later. Another stop in Diamonds International to see (and price) an ammolite slider convinced me that it was too expensive for hanging on the Omega. Steve suggested we go back to Bernard Passman to buy a unique coral piece that could be worn with the Omega. (Purchased a pretty heart that is a signed piece… a work of art.) Back to Effy Jewelers for the ring. (Unique and something that can be worn often.) Quick visit to Del Sol for a pair of sunglasses and another free tote bag.
We rushed back to the ship to drop off the purchases, use the facilities, and back outside to get on the Duck Boat for our special land/water tour. (Alison, Ben, and Edward went, too.) Purchased a duck whistle so blew it each time the guide made an outlandish remark.
Enjoyed the ride.
When we returned to the dock, Steve returned to the ship for a rehearsal for the Guest Talent Show, but it seemed the show was cancelled because the band manager in charge was “let go” by NCL this morning for unspecified reasons, and he had all the relevant information. (Instead, the few participants who didn’t need the band would be part of a Karaoke program tomorrow night.) Went for a walk with Alison, Ben, and Edward. (They went on the Duck Boat, too.) We went to Julie’s Fine Jewelry and Gifts where I purchased a totem (for my travel memories curio cabinet) and an Ulu (knife) that came with a DVD (and free sharpener). Time to return to the ship for departure. I had to leave the Ulu with the ship’s personnel (safety reasons?), but will get it tomorrow afternoon.
Steve was in the cabin when I returned so we went to the Garden Café for lunch. (We didn’t have breakfast this morning… no time…left too early.)
In the afternoon, we enjoyed You Just Have to Laugh with David Naster in the Stardust Theater. A stop into the shop for small purchases (stuffed monkey, keychain, and magnetic bracelet). While we were in the Blue Lagoon for snack (tomato soup, shared tuna melt sandwich, and cheese cake), David stopped by and joined us.
Back in the cabin, I called Alison to find out about the portrait pictures we all wanted to have taken. She said to meet them in the Crystal Atrium (Deck 7) at 6PM. We arrived before them so got in line. (Timing worked out well.) Small amount to eat at the Garden Café before going to the Stardust Theater for the 7:15PM Garden of the Geisha show (Jean Ann Ryan Company featuring flying acrobatics), followed by a farewell performance of NCL Pearl officers, staff, and crew.
With time before the 10PM Chocoholic Buffet, we went back to the cabin. I organized many of my purchases (won’t have to do that tomorrow night) and changed my clothes to more comfy, casual. I thought there would be an opportunity to take pictures of the Buffet, so went up 20 minutes early. They had the doors closed so we joined the line waiting. Ate more than I should have (hard to resist). Walked to the Spinnaker Lounge to watch The Liar’s Club (starring Cruise Director Simon, Comedian David Naster, and Snakebait team of Sean and Max), a very entertaining show of adult humor. It was well-attended but I managed to get a stool to sit on.
Tomorrow – forecast for partly cloudy 70F – Victoria arrival at 6PM
Nothing special planned for Victoria. Will probably take a walk. We were there last year with Barb and Ron so familiar to us.
We rushed back to the ship to drop off the purchases, use the facilities, and back outside to get on the Duck Boat for our special land/water tour. (Alison, Ben, and Edward went, too.) Purchased a duck whistle so blew it each time the guide made an outlandish remark.
Enjoyed the ride.When we returned to the dock, Steve returned to the ship for a rehearsal for the Guest Talent Show, but it seemed the show was cancelled because the band manager in charge was “let go” by NCL this morning for unspecified reasons, and he had all the relevant information. (Instead, the few participants who didn’t need the band would be part of a Karaoke program tomorrow night.) Went for a walk with Alison, Ben, and Edward. (They went on the Duck Boat, too.) We went to Julie’s Fine Jewelry and Gifts where I purchased a totem (for my travel memories curio cabinet) and an Ulu (knife) that came with a DVD (and free sharpener). Time to return to the ship for departure. I had to leave the Ulu with the ship’s personnel (safety reasons?), but will get it tomorrow afternoon.
Steve was in the cabin when I returned so we went to the Garden Café for lunch. (We didn’t have breakfast this morning… no time…left too early.)
In the afternoon, we enjoyed You Just Have to Laugh with David Naster in the Stardust Theater. A stop into the shop for small purchases (stuffed monkey, keychain, and magnetic bracelet). While we were in the Blue Lagoon for snack (tomato soup, shared tuna melt sandwich, and cheese cake), David stopped by and joined us.
Back in the cabin, I called Alison to find out about the portrait pictures we all wanted to have taken. She said to meet them in the Crystal Atrium (Deck 7) at 6PM. We arrived before them so got in line. (Timing worked out well.) Small amount to eat at the Garden Café before going to the Stardust Theater for the 7:15PM Garden of the Geisha show (Jean Ann Ryan Company featuring flying acrobatics), followed by a farewell performance of NCL Pearl officers, staff, and crew.
With time before the 10PM Chocoholic Buffet, we went back to the cabin. I organized many of my purchases (won’t have to do that tomorrow night) and changed my clothes to more comfy, casual. I thought there would be an opportunity to take pictures of the Buffet, so went up 20 minutes early. They had the doors closed so we joined the line waiting. Ate more than I should have (hard to resist). Walked to the Spinnaker Lounge to watch The Liar’s Club (starring Cruise Director Simon, Comedian David Naster, and Snakebait team of Sean and Max), a very entertaining show of adult humor. It was well-attended but I managed to get a stool to sit on.
Tomorrow – forecast for partly cloudy 70F – Victoria arrival at 6PM
Nothing special planned for Victoria. Will probably take a walk. We were there last year with Barb and Ron so familiar to us.
Thursday, May 21 -- Glacier Bay --- A Picture Postcard Place
Alarm went off at 6AM and I got up to take a shower so I’d be dressed before room service delivery. It arrived early just as I got out of the shower. They won’t leave it outside the room so I threw on t-shirt and shorts and opened the door to take the tray. Simple, but filling, breakfast of fresh fruit, yogurt, ½ a muffin, and ½ a roll was good enough for me. David called about getting his batteries and then stopped by. I went up to the Spinnaker Lounge about 7:10 AM and joined the early-risers at the “Ranger Chat” with introductory info about Glacier Bay. I joined Alaska Geographic so received a nice tote bag, pin, and some info. (Will receive their magazine and have discounts at some National Parks. One discount is at the Vanderbilt/Roosevelt Museums in Hyde Park.) They gave me a map so I could see our route through Glacier Bay National Park.
As we entered the Park, I took some pics from Spinnaker, but knew I’d get better ones if I went outside. It was about 46 degrees so I returned to the cabin to bundle up.
Steve and I went to the 13th deck and had a great view as we sailed into the beautiful areas to see the glaciers. The captain stopped the ship so we were able to watch some calving of the glacier. The weather was clear (later sunny), something that was unexpected.
About 10AM, we decided to get something to eat at the Garden Café (lox/bagel/cream cheese, yogurt, and fruit for me). We sat with two women from Monroe (NY). Had a nice conversation with them. After breakfast, we were back outside to look at the second glacier of the morning. Lots of video and photos taken today!
Lunch at Garden Café. (We eat there often. No waiting and plenty of food choices for us.) Afterwards, Steve went back to the cabin to shower and I decided to listen to one of the Rangers who was speaking in the Stardust Theater about glaciers. I went back outside and spent some time with Alison, Ben, David, and Edward. Much warmer than earlier so I didn’t have to wear my fleece. About 3:10PM, I went back to the Stardust Theater to attend Ketchikan Port & Shopping Talk (with Jenna). At the end of her talk, we received another charm (cruise ship). She gave out some more coupons for shopping tomorrow. A visit to the Trade Routes Boutique for Rum & Vodka Tasting for Steve and me. (Tasty, especially the rum that had a coconut flavoring added.)
Ate a light snack about 5PM at the Great Outdoors. (Not my best moment with soft-serve ice-cream, ½ tuna sandwich, tea, and then sharing sherbet.
Too much food!)
Dinner 6PM at the Indigo Restaurant with Alison, etc. (Salmon for my main course.) Knowing we have to be up early tomorrow, we decided to check out the early show (began at 7:15PM but we went there at 7:35PM) in the Stardust Theater. The Comedy Jugglers Sharkbait were entertaining. It was definitely a good idea to go then since the second show doesn’t begin until 9:15PM.
Tomorrow … Ketchikan …Temperatures in high 50s
We’re going on the Duck Tour shortly after 10AM, so will have to do our shopping earlier. We’ll probably leave the ship shortly after 6AM to have time to browse and shop. Stores open at 5:30AM. (Stores open as soon as the cruise ships dock and close after the ships leave.)
As we entered the Park, I took some pics from Spinnaker, but knew I’d get better ones if I went outside. It was about 46 degrees so I returned to the cabin to bundle up.
Steve and I went to the 13th deck and had a great view as we sailed into the beautiful areas to see the glaciers. The captain stopped the ship so we were able to watch some calving of the glacier. The weather was clear (later sunny), something that was unexpected.
About 10AM, we decided to get something to eat at the Garden Café (lox/bagel/cream cheese, yogurt, and fruit for me). We sat with two women from Monroe (NY). Had a nice conversation with them. After breakfast, we were back outside to look at the second glacier of the morning. Lots of video and photos taken today!
Lunch at Garden Café. (We eat there often. No waiting and plenty of food choices for us.) Afterwards, Steve went back to the cabin to shower and I decided to listen to one of the Rangers who was speaking in the Stardust Theater about glaciers. I went back outside and spent some time with Alison, Ben, David, and Edward. Much warmer than earlier so I didn’t have to wear my fleece. About 3:10PM, I went back to the Stardust Theater to attend Ketchikan Port & Shopping Talk (with Jenna). At the end of her talk, we received another charm (cruise ship). She gave out some more coupons for shopping tomorrow. A visit to the Trade Routes Boutique for Rum & Vodka Tasting for Steve and me. (Tasty, especially the rum that had a coconut flavoring added.)
Ate a light snack about 5PM at the Great Outdoors. (Not my best moment with soft-serve ice-cream, ½ tuna sandwich, tea, and then sharing sherbet.
Too much food!)
Dinner 6PM at the Indigo Restaurant with Alison, etc. (Salmon for my main course.) Knowing we have to be up early tomorrow, we decided to check out the early show (began at 7:15PM but we went there at 7:35PM) in the Stardust Theater. The Comedy Jugglers Sharkbait were entertaining. It was definitely a good idea to go then since the second show doesn’t begin until 9:15PM.
Tomorrow … Ketchikan …Temperatures in high 50s
We’re going on the Duck Tour shortly after 10AM, so will have to do our shopping earlier. We’ll probably leave the ship shortly after 6AM to have time to browse and shop. Stores open at 5:30AM. (Stores open as soon as the cruise ships dock and close after the ships leave.)
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