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.