My next cruises aren't until the fall when I will once again head east to enjoy three weeks on the Norwegian Dawn - first spending seven days and make my first ever visit to Bermuda and then stay on the ship and spent 14 days cruising through the Caribbean from Boston to New Orleans.
While I have done this repo before the ports of call interested me enough to do it once again.
San Juan, Puerto Rico in place of St. Thomas was a big factor - haven't been there and there is a lot of history to see in that port.
While I have been to both Ocho Rios, Jamaica and Grand Cayman once before - it has been a few years and a chance to see them again was another deciding factor.
The remaining port, Aruba, Curacao and Cozumel I have been to several times but they are ports that I do enjoy.
Taking advantage of some NCL incentives I was able to book an obstructed ocean view on deck 8 for only a few extra bucks. Have the same cabin 8088 for both segments.
I will be joined by cruising and Facebook friends Dave and Kathy Smith from the Boston area - first met them on this repo a number of years ago and they do it each year.
Like me they have also booked the 2015 fall repo in the Dawn.
Don't know if there friends Jim and Judy will also be joining us - I don't think Jim's health is all that good so perhaps there cruising days are behind them.
While the prices of the repo have only gone UP since I booked the prices for Bermuda they have dropped on a couple of occasions so I have saved about $100.00. As this is the last cruise of the year to Bermuda by the Dawn I think there could be some more price reductions yet.
Because I want the same cabin for both legs I have taken the price cuts rather than an upgrade.
This trip as usual will see be taking Amtrak to get to the east coast and back from the Gulf coast.
However rather than take the shorter northern tier train ride - the Empire Builder to Chicago I decided to cross off one of my bucket list Amtrak rides and are taking the Coast Starlighter to Sacramento and then boarding the California Zephyr to Chicago - this is very scenic as you get both the Sierras and Rockies in daylight and Salt Lake and Denver as well.
While I visited those cities by car many years ago it will be a different perspective going my train.
For the return trip it will be NOLA to Chicago and then the Empire Builder to Seattle and home.
I had toyed with the idea of taking the longer Sunset Limited from NOLA to LA but I want to get back in time to do some volunteering for the 102nd Grey Cup game being played in Vancouver on the last Sunday in November.
More on this later - just might start a separate blog for this cruise.
Cheers!
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Star Princess vs the Grand Princess - two similiar yet different ships
The Star Princess along with the Grand and the Golden are considered to be part of Princess' Grand Class of ships.
As is often the case with build alikes - refinements are made as each one is built and then after a few years dry docked and upgraded.
Having spent 49 days on the Grand Princess last year I was quite aware of the ship - it's most glaring fault to me is the lack of a mid-ship stairwell - this meant either a long trot down the hall or using the elevators to get either up to the buffet or down to the rest of the passenger services.
On the Star Princess there is a mid-ship stairwell and I used it most of time I was on the ship.
While the Grand no longer has the Skywalkers lounge - it is now the 0ne Five Lounge - one five referring to it being on the 15th deck - the Star still has the Skywalkers - both were used as the place where the platinum and elite could enjoy there happy hour and treats each evening. The trek to Skywalkers turned me off - did go to the One Five one night on the northbound cruise.
The other difference is down on the 5th deck - while the Grand now has the Alfredo's Pizzeria down on the Piazza and a much smaller Vines - the Star still has the larger Vines and an area where they sell Vines memorabilia which seemed to get little usage.
Those are the only noticeable differences that I can report on from my short time on the Star.
Enjoy and as usual Cheers!
As is often the case with build alikes - refinements are made as each one is built and then after a few years dry docked and upgraded.
Having spent 49 days on the Grand Princess last year I was quite aware of the ship - it's most glaring fault to me is the lack of a mid-ship stairwell - this meant either a long trot down the hall or using the elevators to get either up to the buffet or down to the rest of the passenger services.
On the Star Princess there is a mid-ship stairwell and I used it most of time I was on the ship.
While the Grand no longer has the Skywalkers lounge - it is now the 0ne Five Lounge - one five referring to it being on the 15th deck - the Star still has the Skywalkers - both were used as the place where the platinum and elite could enjoy there happy hour and treats each evening. The trek to Skywalkers turned me off - did go to the One Five one night on the northbound cruise.
The other difference is down on the 5th deck - while the Grand now has the Alfredo's Pizzeria down on the Piazza and a much smaller Vines - the Star still has the larger Vines and an area where they sell Vines memorabilia which seemed to get little usage.
Those are the only noticeable differences that I can report on from my short time on the Star.
Enjoy and as usual Cheers!
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Cruise is over - Vancouver arrival Saturday May 17, 2014
After a good sleep I awoke around 5:30AM and switched on the TV to see where we were - we were out in English Bay approaching the Lions Gate Bridge - so I quickly got dressed, grabbed the camera and headed up to flights to get a good position to watch us sail under the Bridge.
We cleared it and then in procession behind us were three more ships, in order they were Coral Princess, HAL Zuiderdam, HAL Amsterdam all of which docked a Canada Place while we tied up at Ballantyne Pier.
The weather was good - the temperature was pleasant and I enjoyed being up on deck and talking to many of those who were visiting Vancouver for the first and pointed out some of the sites to them.
Then it was back to the cabin - some final packing - as I am doing self-embarkation it was more of a matter to ensuring I wasn't leaving anything behind.
A breakfast and then to the Vista Lounge to await my disembarkation.
Rick and Anne who I am sharing a taxi with left me a note last night that there disembarkation time was 9:05 AM which co-incidentally was also my time - they are in the Crown Grill for there meeting place - I get Vista Lounge because I am Platinum but moved over to their location so we could leave together.
Unlike the mess in San Francisco this embarkation went well - in our favor there was no customs requirement as that had been met the previous day in Nanaimo.
I also noticed that things were moving faster than scheduled. We are both Walk off 09 and at 8:45 AM our group was called. Collected by luggage and walked with Rick and Anne off the ship and out to wait for a taxi.
This is where I thought there might be a challenge - with 4 ships in town and only so many taxis I expected a bit of a wait. Well it didn't happen - there were perhaps a half dozen people in front of us and each one was quickly pointed to a waiting taxi.
Fifteen minutes later we are at the Best Western Downtown - the original plan was to share the cost but Rick and Anne were so impressed with my tourist commentary on the short drive to the hotel that they wouldn't accept anything for the taxi ride - but I did insist on giving them a twoonie to show the grand kids what Canadian funny money looks like.
Actually the taxi fare was only $11.00 - might you we made just about every light on Powell, Richards and Drake so that sped up the trip.
Say my final goodbyes to them and walked the two short blocks to my condo.
The Coral Princess is behind is and here it is just starting under the Lions Gate Bridge.
Brockton Point from the ship.
Canada Place and downtown skyline.
Our disembarkation point - Ballantyne Pier.
In a following post I will review these two mini cruises - add a few more images and compare the two ships.
Cheers!
We cleared it and then in procession behind us were three more ships, in order they were Coral Princess, HAL Zuiderdam, HAL Amsterdam all of which docked a Canada Place while we tied up at Ballantyne Pier.
The weather was good - the temperature was pleasant and I enjoyed being up on deck and talking to many of those who were visiting Vancouver for the first and pointed out some of the sites to them.
Then it was back to the cabin - some final packing - as I am doing self-embarkation it was more of a matter to ensuring I wasn't leaving anything behind.
A breakfast and then to the Vista Lounge to await my disembarkation.
Rick and Anne who I am sharing a taxi with left me a note last night that there disembarkation time was 9:05 AM which co-incidentally was also my time - they are in the Crown Grill for there meeting place - I get Vista Lounge because I am Platinum but moved over to their location so we could leave together.
Unlike the mess in San Francisco this embarkation went well - in our favor there was no customs requirement as that had been met the previous day in Nanaimo.
I also noticed that things were moving faster than scheduled. We are both Walk off 09 and at 8:45 AM our group was called. Collected by luggage and walked with Rick and Anne off the ship and out to wait for a taxi.
This is where I thought there might be a challenge - with 4 ships in town and only so many taxis I expected a bit of a wait. Well it didn't happen - there were perhaps a half dozen people in front of us and each one was quickly pointed to a waiting taxi.
Fifteen minutes later we are at the Best Western Downtown - the original plan was to share the cost but Rick and Anne were so impressed with my tourist commentary on the short drive to the hotel that they wouldn't accept anything for the taxi ride - but I did insist on giving them a twoonie to show the grand kids what Canadian funny money looks like.
Actually the taxi fare was only $11.00 - might you we made just about every light on Powell, Richards and Drake so that sped up the trip.
Say my final goodbyes to them and walked the two short blocks to my condo.
The Coral Princess is behind is and here it is just starting under the Lions Gate Bridge.
Brockton Point from the ship.
Canada Place and downtown skyline.
Our disembarkation point - Ballantyne Pier.
In a following post I will review these two mini cruises - add a few more images and compare the two ships.
Cheers!
Friday, May 16, 2014
Nanaimo Friday May 16, 2014
We sailed into Nanaimo arriving about 9:30 AM - were given customs clearance and if you wanted to you could go ashore - either walking the short distance from the industrial part of the port into town or waiting and taking the free shuttle.
As I have a ship's tour to the Horne Lake Caves that doesn't leave until noon I am in no hurry to get off ship but when i report to my meeting place at the Theater we are told once we have our tour sticker we can go ashore and meet our tour there and that is what I did.
There are twelve of us on this tour and we are in a small rental van for the approx one hour trip to the caves.
Our driver/tour guide is a native of Nanaimo and as we head out of town she is full of history - we take the slower Oceanside route to Qualicum where we head inland to the caves - we do make a pit stop at the McDonald's in Parksville.
Arriving at the Caves around two we are given some instructions, get our helmet and light and meet our cave guide Miles.
Horne Lake has a number of caves - some are self-guided, others are tour guided only.
We climb up the trail for about a mile - we are stopping a number of times to get information from Miles about the complex system of caves believed to be underground.
We finally reach the entrance and it is quite the entrance - we go down a steep metal stairwell into the cave - we will only follow it about 1/4 of its way but it is not an easy walk - unlike some previous caves that I have visited this one is quite rustic - there is no lighted path - it is slippery and rocky and you are crouched low for the most of the tour.
When we reach the end of the tour my camera battery dies on me - it was fully charged when we left the ship but the cool temps in the cave - a constant 8 C or 47 F and having to use the flash drained it - I did bring a spare but it is in my day pack back on the tour bus.
After we return to the bus we drive a short distance to Horne Lake Regional Park - next door to the provincial Park and have a picnic lunch - we are given water to re-hydrate and have smoked salmon on crackers and a Nanaimo bar for dessert.
Then it is back on the bus and the hour drive back to town - we have the option to get off in town and that is what I do.
The weather has for the most part been fine - there were a few raindrops as we left the cave area but that was all.
I got off the bus at the Bastion and started to walk along the seawall promenade - originally I toyed with the idea of going over to Newcastle Island but I wanted to have supper and with the last ferry back at 8:45PM it wasn't worth the $8.00 round trip cost for only and hour or so of hiking the island.
Looking for a place to eat I came across the Troller - a fish and chip place on the waterfront - reflecting back I ate there the last time I was in Nanaimo on a cruise ship.
The meal did not disappoint. After dinner I walked through the redeveloped Port Place mall and then back to the ship - opting to walk rather than take the shuttle.
Back on board I enjoyed the free beer that the captain gave us Platinum cruisers.
If I have one recommendation about this tour it would be nice to have more time at the caves and perhaps a little less time seeing the favorite hideaway beach of the tour guide who lives close by in the community of French Creek.
I go to the Passenger's service desk and pay most to my bill with my remaining $US dollars.
Tomorrow the cruise will be over - if a stroke of luck my cruise critic friends who will share a taxi with me are also disembarking at the same time.
More tomorrow and some final thoughts.
As I have a ship's tour to the Horne Lake Caves that doesn't leave until noon I am in no hurry to get off ship but when i report to my meeting place at the Theater we are told once we have our tour sticker we can go ashore and meet our tour there and that is what I did.
There are twelve of us on this tour and we are in a small rental van for the approx one hour trip to the caves.
Our driver/tour guide is a native of Nanaimo and as we head out of town she is full of history - we take the slower Oceanside route to Qualicum where we head inland to the caves - we do make a pit stop at the McDonald's in Parksville.
Arriving at the Caves around two we are given some instructions, get our helmet and light and meet our cave guide Miles.
Horne Lake has a number of caves - some are self-guided, others are tour guided only.
We climb up the trail for about a mile - we are stopping a number of times to get information from Miles about the complex system of caves believed to be underground.
We finally reach the entrance and it is quite the entrance - we go down a steep metal stairwell into the cave - we will only follow it about 1/4 of its way but it is not an easy walk - unlike some previous caves that I have visited this one is quite rustic - there is no lighted path - it is slippery and rocky and you are crouched low for the most of the tour.
When we reach the end of the tour my camera battery dies on me - it was fully charged when we left the ship but the cool temps in the cave - a constant 8 C or 47 F and having to use the flash drained it - I did bring a spare but it is in my day pack back on the tour bus.
After we return to the bus we drive a short distance to Horne Lake Regional Park - next door to the provincial Park and have a picnic lunch - we are given water to re-hydrate and have smoked salmon on crackers and a Nanaimo bar for dessert.
Then it is back on the bus and the hour drive back to town - we have the option to get off in town and that is what I do.
The weather has for the most part been fine - there were a few raindrops as we left the cave area but that was all.
I got off the bus at the Bastion and started to walk along the seawall promenade - originally I toyed with the idea of going over to Newcastle Island but I wanted to have supper and with the last ferry back at 8:45PM it wasn't worth the $8.00 round trip cost for only and hour or so of hiking the island.
Looking for a place to eat I came across the Troller - a fish and chip place on the waterfront - reflecting back I ate there the last time I was in Nanaimo on a cruise ship.
The meal did not disappoint. After dinner I walked through the redeveloped Port Place mall and then back to the ship - opting to walk rather than take the shuttle.
Back on board I enjoyed the free beer that the captain gave us Platinum cruisers.
If I have one recommendation about this tour it would be nice to have more time at the caves and perhaps a little less time seeing the favorite hideaway beach of the tour guide who lives close by in the community of French Creek.
I go to the Passenger's service desk and pay most to my bill with my remaining $US dollars.
Tomorrow the cruise will be over - if a stroke of luck my cruise critic friends who will share a taxi with me are also disembarking at the same time.
More tomorrow and some final thoughts.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
A missed port - Astoria, Oregon
While I was awake and reading in my cabin the Captain came on just before 7 AM to announce that due to tide, current conditions we would not be docking in Astoria and instead would spend the day at sea slowly working our way up the Washington coast and into the Strait of Juan De Fuca and then the final turn into the Straight of Georgia and arrive in Nanaimo as couple of hours early at 8AM tomorrow.
While I would have like to see Astoria again it isn't the end of the world for me.
As is the case where ports are missed extra events are added to the daily schedule - none appeal to me so I continued reading and finish off one novel and started on the second.
Tomorrow is Nanaimo and for me a visit to the Horne Lake Caves.
Cheers!
While I would have like to see Astoria again it isn't the end of the world for me.
As is the case where ports are missed extra events are added to the daily schedule - none appeal to me so I continued reading and finish off one novel and started on the second.
Tomorrow is Nanaimo and for me a visit to the Horne Lake Caves.
Cheers!
A day at sea Wednesday May 14, 2014
After the hectic pace I set upon myself in San Francisco it was nice to enjoy a sunny and warm sea day.
I continued to read a novel that I had brought from home and at 11AM attended a cruise critic meet and greet in the One Five lounge - there were about 20 us there and we spent the next 30 or so minutes getting to know each other.
I was able to help some of them who haven't been to Vancouver by answering there questions and about docking at Ballantyne Pier and not Canada Place.
Then it was onto a pub lunch in then Crown Grille - had my usual fish and chips.
Then up to deck 14 and the ice carving demonstration.
After supper took in the welcome party in the Piazza where the Captain formally welcomed us on board and a bevy of balloons were released to the throng of people on the dance floor. The band playing at this event had us rocking with lots of 50 and 60's music and that would continue later in the Explorer's lounge.
Also got our instruction about customs in Nanaimo - form filled out in advance so not a long process there.
Off to bed and tomorrow Astoria.
Cheers!
I continued to read a novel that I had brought from home and at 11AM attended a cruise critic meet and greet in the One Five lounge - there were about 20 us there and we spent the next 30 or so minutes getting to know each other.
I was able to help some of them who haven't been to Vancouver by answering there questions and about docking at Ballantyne Pier and not Canada Place.
Then it was onto a pub lunch in then Crown Grille - had my usual fish and chips.
Then up to deck 14 and the ice carving demonstration.
After supper took in the welcome party in the Piazza where the Captain formally welcomed us on board and a bevy of balloons were released to the throng of people on the dance floor. The band playing at this event had us rocking with lots of 50 and 60's music and that would continue later in the Explorer's lounge.
Also got our instruction about customs in Nanaimo - form filled out in advance so not a long process there.
Off to bed and tomorrow Astoria.
Cheers!
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
San Francisco May 12 and 13. 2014
Unlike the problems getting off the ship my time spent in San Francisco went smoothly.
Shortly after getting checked in my friends Adele and Cliff arrived -
I first met them on a repo cruise some 9 years ago and everytime we are in each other cities we get together.
With a slow internet I will post the general highlites of the day.
1. After there arrival we took the F line Streetcar to the Ferry Building where we caught the ferry over to Lakspur - it is easier for them to park there and take the ferry than fight traffic and in this case made sense as my plans were located in the area.
2. But first there was the matter of lunch and they know I love the In and Out Burger so we stopped at the one in Tiburon.
3. Then it was onto our destination for the day - I have wanted to get to the top of Mt Tamalpais - so we made our way up the winding, twisty road to the parking area at the top with one stop at a viewpoint - there we took a short 1.5 mile loop walk that gave us lots of views - the weather is very warm and they have an off-shore flow so it was hazy.
4. After we finished that walk I wanted to walk up to the ranger station and lookout - they opted not to go. Only took me about 15 round trip but there was some climbing.
5. Then it was across the Golden Gate and back to the hotel for the second part of the day - a Giants baseball game - Adele had found a parking garage close to the ball park - so we parked there then visited the souvenir store where I brought a ball cap - at $30.00 it was one of the cheapest they had.
6. With still some time before the gates opened I walked the area by the stadium and saw the statutes for Willy Mays, Juan Marichal and Willie McCovey.
7. Then it was into the stadium and a bite to eat - chicken fingers, fries and a beer was $20.00. A T & T stadium is a gem - great feeling - we walked around the stadium and could see where the Norwegian Jewel is in dry-dock.
8. The game was a great one - a good pitching duel - SF prevailed 4 - 2.
9. Dropped off at the hotel - spent some time sipping on a 24oz can of PBR and getting caught up on email.
10. Up early - took the street cars up to Civic Center and then onto the end of the line in the Castro district.
11. Returned to the hotel at noon just in time to check out - then slowly walked the five blocks to the ship stopping for a hot dog and pop.
12. Dropped luggage off and started the boarding process - was on ship about 20 minutes later - this surprised me a bit because there was another ship in port but as it was overnighting it wasn't as congestion as I thought.
13. Proceeded to my cabin B420 - the same one I spent 49 days on the South America cruise.
14. Toured the ship - had lunch and settled in for the trip up to Vancouver.
That in capsule form is my San Francisco experience.
Cheers!
Shortly after getting checked in my friends Adele and Cliff arrived -
I first met them on a repo cruise some 9 years ago and everytime we are in each other cities we get together.
With a slow internet I will post the general highlites of the day.
1. After there arrival we took the F line Streetcar to the Ferry Building where we caught the ferry over to Lakspur - it is easier for them to park there and take the ferry than fight traffic and in this case made sense as my plans were located in the area.
2. But first there was the matter of lunch and they know I love the In and Out Burger so we stopped at the one in Tiburon.
3. Then it was onto our destination for the day - I have wanted to get to the top of Mt Tamalpais - so we made our way up the winding, twisty road to the parking area at the top with one stop at a viewpoint - there we took a short 1.5 mile loop walk that gave us lots of views - the weather is very warm and they have an off-shore flow so it was hazy.
4. After we finished that walk I wanted to walk up to the ranger station and lookout - they opted not to go. Only took me about 15 round trip but there was some climbing.
5. Then it was across the Golden Gate and back to the hotel for the second part of the day - a Giants baseball game - Adele had found a parking garage close to the ball park - so we parked there then visited the souvenir store where I brought a ball cap - at $30.00 it was one of the cheapest they had.
6. With still some time before the gates opened I walked the area by the stadium and saw the statutes for Willy Mays, Juan Marichal and Willie McCovey.
7. Then it was into the stadium and a bite to eat - chicken fingers, fries and a beer was $20.00. A T & T stadium is a gem - great feeling - we walked around the stadium and could see where the Norwegian Jewel is in dry-dock.
8. The game was a great one - a good pitching duel - SF prevailed 4 - 2.
9. Dropped off at the hotel - spent some time sipping on a 24oz can of PBR and getting caught up on email.
10. Up early - took the street cars up to Civic Center and then onto the end of the line in the Castro district.
11. Returned to the hotel at noon just in time to check out - then slowly walked the five blocks to the ship stopping for a hot dog and pop.
12. Dropped luggage off and started the boarding process - was on ship about 20 minutes later - this surprised me a bit because there was another ship in port but as it was overnighting it wasn't as congestion as I thought.
13. Proceeded to my cabin B420 - the same one I spent 49 days on the South America cruise.
14. Toured the ship - had lunch and settled in for the trip up to Vancouver.
That in capsule form is my San Francisco experience.
Cheers!
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Disembarkation mess San Francisco May 12, 2014
Despite the best efforts of Princess telling everyone what time they should show up to clear customs and immigration - It turned out to be a mess.
Who's to blame I don't know.
Here's my story.
My documents stated that I was to appear at the Vista lounge at 8:05 AM to be processed.
Well at 7:50 I headed up only to find a line that stretched the length of the ship and no staff in sight.
It doesn't appear to be a DHS issue that they had plenty of officers on duty.
Finally after about 25 minutes I approached the Explorer's lounge where lo and behold there was a Princess staffer directing traffic.
She had us form two lines - one for US and another for non-US citizens. As I was the latter we actually moved a fair distance and after another 10 or 15 minutes I was processed.
There were at least 7 agents for the non-US and 2 or 3 for the US.
I was finished at 8:30 AM - then it was onto to the Portofino restaurant where us Platinum members could await departure from the ship.
This went fine - 9:30 was my appointed time and our color was called and I departed - picked up my bag and walked to my hotel - the Best Western Tuscan Inn about a 5 block walk from the ship.
There I waited for Cliff and Adele to arrive and start my exploration of the City by the Bay.
For some reason San Francisco doesn't like me - this was not the first time that customs was a nighmare at the port.
More later on my day exploring Mt Tamalpais and attending a San Francisco Giants game.
Cheers!
Who's to blame I don't know.
Here's my story.
My documents stated that I was to appear at the Vista lounge at 8:05 AM to be processed.
Well at 7:50 I headed up only to find a line that stretched the length of the ship and no staff in sight.
It doesn't appear to be a DHS issue that they had plenty of officers on duty.
Finally after about 25 minutes I approached the Explorer's lounge where lo and behold there was a Princess staffer directing traffic.
She had us form two lines - one for US and another for non-US citizens. As I was the latter we actually moved a fair distance and after another 10 or 15 minutes I was processed.
There were at least 7 agents for the non-US and 2 or 3 for the US.
I was finished at 8:30 AM - then it was onto to the Portofino restaurant where us Platinum members could await departure from the ship.
This went fine - 9:30 was my appointed time and our color was called and I departed - picked up my bag and walked to my hotel - the Best Western Tuscan Inn about a 5 block walk from the ship.
There I waited for Cliff and Adele to arrive and start my exploration of the City by the Bay.
For some reason San Francisco doesn't like me - this was not the first time that customs was a nighmare at the port.
More later on my day exploring Mt Tamalpais and attending a San Francisco Giants game.
Cheers!
Sunday, May 11, 2014
A sea day Sunday May 11, 2014
Well this short cruise is almost over - sometime around 5:45AM tomorrow we will sailed under the Golden Gate bridge, pass the south side of Alcatraz and tie up at Pier 35 in San Francisco.
I did very little today - still tired and beat from the long walking day in Victoria.
The weather has cleared off and warmed up - I am now in shorts and the forecast is for warmer temps tomorrow so will stay in shorts for the next day or two.
Spent some time in the sun up on Deck 14 - enjoyed a couple of cold ones - one is courtesy of the Captain for platinum members.
The captain of this ship is Canadian and resides when not on the ship in BC.
My room steward is good - I don't see him but the bed gets made and turned down when I am not there. That's the way it should be.
My cold is still bothering me - taken the meds seems to help.
Tomorrow I will need to be up fairly early as my customs time is 8:05 AM and my disembarking time is 9:35 AM. I will head to my hotel and await my friends there as we explore the town and then take in the baseball game between the SF Giants and the Atlanta Braves.
The internet this evening is the best it has been all cruise.
More later.
Cheers!
I did very little today - still tired and beat from the long walking day in Victoria.
The weather has cleared off and warmed up - I am now in shorts and the forecast is for warmer temps tomorrow so will stay in shorts for the next day or two.
Spent some time in the sun up on Deck 14 - enjoyed a couple of cold ones - one is courtesy of the Captain for platinum members.
The captain of this ship is Canadian and resides when not on the ship in BC.
My room steward is good - I don't see him but the bed gets made and turned down when I am not there. That's the way it should be.
My cold is still bothering me - taken the meds seems to help.
Tomorrow I will need to be up fairly early as my customs time is 8:05 AM and my disembarking time is 9:35 AM. I will head to my hotel and await my friends there as we explore the town and then take in the baseball game between the SF Giants and the Atlanta Braves.
The internet this evening is the best it has been all cruise.
More later.
Cheers!
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Walking tour of Victoria May 10, 2014
After a good night sleep and a leisurely breakfast I went ashore under cloudy skies - the sun played hide and seek most of the day which is why I am feeling cold as I type this report - the jacket would be on and then off etc, etc, etc.
I had a basic plan for today - walk along Dallas road and the seashore to Beacon Hill Park and then into town and back along the seaside walk to the ship.
The views were great and the Olympic mountains were visible and quiet clear at the start of the walk.
Well that is what I did but with one major detour - I decided that since the weather was okay to make a side trip up to the Craiggorogh Castle - it's just up the road - ya right - it was a longer walk that I anticipated but I made it there before 11AM.
Then headed down Rockland Ave and make it to the waterfront before noon.
Then it was onto Barb's and an order of fish and chips before the last fifteen walk back to the ship - just as I approached the entrance to the port it decided to start a light shower.
I ended up walking more than 10 kilometers or 6 + miles.
My feet are tired and my body is aching but tomorrow is a sea day so that will give me a chance to recharge the batteries.
So far I have eaten my meals in the buffet - I am on deck 11 so it is only 2 decks up to the buffet vs down 5 to the main dining rooms.
Haven't taken in any on board activities yet but might find something of interest tomorrow.
I have two novels with me to read to keep my busy.
Still haven't solved how to get my photos to upload to my tablet. Might be missing an upload app - gonna ask the photo and computer techies on board if they have any suggestions - at least I brought all my media cards with me or if worse comes to worse will just full them up and sort when I get home.
Cheers!
I had a basic plan for today - walk along Dallas road and the seashore to Beacon Hill Park and then into town and back along the seaside walk to the ship.
The views were great and the Olympic mountains were visible and quiet clear at the start of the walk.
Well that is what I did but with one major detour - I decided that since the weather was okay to make a side trip up to the Craiggorogh Castle - it's just up the road - ya right - it was a longer walk that I anticipated but I made it there before 11AM.
Then headed down Rockland Ave and make it to the waterfront before noon.
Then it was onto Barb's and an order of fish and chips before the last fifteen walk back to the ship - just as I approached the entrance to the port it decided to start a light shower.
I ended up walking more than 10 kilometers or 6 + miles.
My feet are tired and my body is aching but tomorrow is a sea day so that will give me a chance to recharge the batteries.
So far I have eaten my meals in the buffet - I am on deck 11 so it is only 2 decks up to the buffet vs down 5 to the main dining rooms.
Haven't taken in any on board activities yet but might find something of interest tomorrow.
I have two novels with me to read to keep my busy.
Still haven't solved how to get my photos to upload to my tablet. Might be missing an upload app - gonna ask the photo and computer techies on board if they have any suggestions - at least I brought all my media cards with me or if worse comes to worse will just full them up and sort when I get home.
Cheers!
Friday, May 9, 2014
Well I am on board the Star Princess and we are sailing out in the Salish sea and will dock in Victoria at 0700 hrs tomorrow.
it was an eventful day - spent the morning looking for a proper device to upload my photos to the tablet as the one i had brought didn't work on my device.
After several attempts I finally got one at the Samsung store at Metrotown - now to figure out how it works for upload.
Then it was home for a quick change and off to Canada Place - as the weather was dry i walked down - took about 20 minutes - in line before noon and having lunch on board by 1 PM - that is pretty good timing given that 2500 people all want to get on board at the same time. Some were griping - you are on holiday folks relax.
After lunch toured the ship and took lots of photos - then the manditory muster drill and shortly after 4:30PM we lifted anchor and shortly after sailed under the Lions Gate Bridge waving to some of the people who stopped to watch this big ship sail under the bridge and out in the Salish sea.
Then supper in the buffet - not busy - longer lines for the sit down eateries.
Real mix of ages and ethnics types on board.
Internet is slow but have 125 free minutes to use for the three days.
Unless I can figure out how to use the internet on tablet won't be posting any photos.
More tomorrow from Victoria.
Cheers!.
it was an eventful day - spent the morning looking for a proper device to upload my photos to the tablet as the one i had brought didn't work on my device.
After several attempts I finally got one at the Samsung store at Metrotown - now to figure out how it works for upload.
Then it was home for a quick change and off to Canada Place - as the weather was dry i walked down - took about 20 minutes - in line before noon and having lunch on board by 1 PM - that is pretty good timing given that 2500 people all want to get on board at the same time. Some were griping - you are on holiday folks relax.
After lunch toured the ship and took lots of photos - then the manditory muster drill and shortly after 4:30PM we lifted anchor and shortly after sailed under the Lions Gate Bridge waving to some of the people who stopped to watch this big ship sail under the bridge and out in the Salish sea.
Then supper in the buffet - not busy - longer lines for the sit down eateries.
Real mix of ages and ethnics types on board.
Internet is slow but have 125 free minutes to use for the three days.
Unless I can figure out how to use the internet on tablet won't be posting any photos.
More tomorrow from Victoria.
Cheers!.
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Eve before the cruise May 8, 2014
Well all the clothes are packed and the toys are getting there final charge before the cruise tomorrow.
My big suitcase is just too big for such a short cruise and my larger overnight bag has seen its better days so while out for a walk I went into a discount store on Seymour street and spotted this one - it was only $34.95 so I brought it and it seems to work out just right.
I have attached my luggage tag - you now print them out yourself - then fold and staple to your luggage handle.
My big suitcase is just too big for such a short cruise and my larger overnight bag has seen its better days so while out for a walk I went into a discount store on Seymour street and spotted this one - it was only $34.95 so I brought it and it seems to work out just right.
I have attached my luggage tag - you now print them out yourself - then fold and staple to your luggage handle.
Here's my clothes for the two cruises - a real assortment of items - rain gear - summer gear and a hoodie if it is cold at the ball park.
Tomorrow I will pack my toys in my day pack - camera, tablets, extra batteries and media cards and will leave the condo about 11:30 AM.
If it stops raining I will walk down to Canada Place - if it is still raining I will grab a taxi for the short ride to the ship.
While these two cruises are nothing spectacular they will give me a welcome respite from the daily grind here in Vancouver.
With my platinum status on Princess I should have some free Internet minutes on both legs of the cruise so should be able to post to this blog each day.
I had hoped to be able to upload some photos to my tablet from my camera but the 4 - in 1 gadget I brought today to help with that and designed for a Samsung Galaxie Tablet doesn't appear to fit my tablet - my model doesn't have a smaller mini-usb port but a much larger one.
If the weather is dry I may stop in at Staples which I purchased it and see if there is a solution to that problem.
Otherwise it will be mostly text reports until I get back.
Cheers!
Monday, May 5, 2014
A volunteer story in the rain May 4, 2014
As I mentioned in my last post I was to volunteer for the Vancouver Marathon held yesterday May 4, 2014.
My job was a member of the bike patrol team - a position I have done for the past 8 years.
I was to patrol Zone 1 - the start of the race then over the Cambie Bridge through Yaletown and False Creek - riding back and forth to check on the runners - then later in the race to act as the sweep - ensure that the last person (s) make it to the finish.
That was the plan - it didn't work out quite as expected.
I also rain all day.
Here is the story of my day.
I worked the half-marathon course.
I awoke at 5 AM and took one look outside to see that my fears about the weather had materialized - it wasn't a light rain but a hard, pounding one and some wind as well.
I had put out a number of clothes the night before and opted to wear the following - one cotton long sleeve t-shirt, my Polyester bike jersey and my heavy Gore-tex jacket - long cotton pants and my Helly Hansen rain pants - two pairs of socks and my better light weight walking shoes.
I threw in some extra t-shirts etc into my pannier.
After a quick breakfast I cycle down to the Yaletown Canada Line station and join a good number of the runners taking the train to 25th Ave station and then bike the short distance to our meeting point near the start line at Hillcrest Park near Queen Elizabeth Park.
I pick up my radio and find my team mates and we then start to ride through our zone looking for any problems before the race starts.
I wasn't long before I noticed that at the corner of 23rd and Cambie the side street wasn't close off like the other streets - all the other streets in the area had large pylons and tape across the roadway - here only a road closed sign at the lane.
I radioed this in and was told to await the Marshall for that corner - well they never showed up - it was a problem throughout the day that some people just won't show up if it is raining.
So I was told to stay there and it was a good thing I was because a couple of cars wanted to cross Cambie with the race in session.
If there was one good thing about this for me it was that because I was standing at the corner I could stand there with my umbrella and keep somewhat dry.
The race finally start at 7AM and by 7:30AM the last of the waves had hit the street and shortly I saw the end SAG and maintenance trucks so it was time to get back on the bike and start riding and keeping track of the stragglers and it wasn't long before myself and another patroller were escorted an older gentlemen along the course but we had another problem - he didn't speak any English - only Spanish and wanted to talk to someone - well it turns out the person in the SAG vehicle spoke Spanish - all he wanted was to be sure he was running the half-marathon.
While a few other were near the end this gentlemen was the last person to cross the half-marathon finish line around 11:45AM.
I then turned in my radio and went to the volunteer food truck and picked up a lunch.
It had started to rain hard again - it never really stopped all day - so rather than eat out in the rain I rode the short distance up Hornby to my condo.
While my clothes were wet I was fairly dry - more sweat than water on my body . Quickly changed into dry clothes - ate lunch and then sat down and took the remainder of the afternoon to DE-compress.
Remarkably my cold of last week doesn't appear to be any worse.
All was not well with the team however - one long term member took a spill before the full marathon started and ended up breaking her wrist and will be in a cast for 6 weeks - GET WELL SOON, MAUREEN. and in a follow up email from our team coordinator three other members had minor spills - the roads were slick and many of the team members ride road bikes with skinny tires making for tougher riding conditions. That plus either trying to keep ahead of the lead runners or coming down the long UBC hill likely contributed to those mishaps.
I was a tiring yet satisfying day and HELL YES I WILL DO IT AGAIN NEXT YEAR.
In closing thanks to Vicki and Kerry for your dedication and commitment to ensuring that us bike patrollers got the job done.
We were all rewarded with a $10.00 White Spot gift card and those who picked up a lunch a $2.00 off Triple O's coupon.
Until next year cheers!
My job was a member of the bike patrol team - a position I have done for the past 8 years.
I was to patrol Zone 1 - the start of the race then over the Cambie Bridge through Yaletown and False Creek - riding back and forth to check on the runners - then later in the race to act as the sweep - ensure that the last person (s) make it to the finish.
That was the plan - it didn't work out quite as expected.
I also rain all day.
Here is the story of my day.
I worked the half-marathon course.
I awoke at 5 AM and took one look outside to see that my fears about the weather had materialized - it wasn't a light rain but a hard, pounding one and some wind as well.
I had put out a number of clothes the night before and opted to wear the following - one cotton long sleeve t-shirt, my Polyester bike jersey and my heavy Gore-tex jacket - long cotton pants and my Helly Hansen rain pants - two pairs of socks and my better light weight walking shoes.
I threw in some extra t-shirts etc into my pannier.
After a quick breakfast I cycle down to the Yaletown Canada Line station and join a good number of the runners taking the train to 25th Ave station and then bike the short distance to our meeting point near the start line at Hillcrest Park near Queen Elizabeth Park.
I pick up my radio and find my team mates and we then start to ride through our zone looking for any problems before the race starts.
I wasn't long before I noticed that at the corner of 23rd and Cambie the side street wasn't close off like the other streets - all the other streets in the area had large pylons and tape across the roadway - here only a road closed sign at the lane.
I radioed this in and was told to await the Marshall for that corner - well they never showed up - it was a problem throughout the day that some people just won't show up if it is raining.
So I was told to stay there and it was a good thing I was because a couple of cars wanted to cross Cambie with the race in session.
If there was one good thing about this for me it was that because I was standing at the corner I could stand there with my umbrella and keep somewhat dry.
The race finally start at 7AM and by 7:30AM the last of the waves had hit the street and shortly I saw the end SAG and maintenance trucks so it was time to get back on the bike and start riding and keeping track of the stragglers and it wasn't long before myself and another patroller were escorted an older gentlemen along the course but we had another problem - he didn't speak any English - only Spanish and wanted to talk to someone - well it turns out the person in the SAG vehicle spoke Spanish - all he wanted was to be sure he was running the half-marathon.
While a few other were near the end this gentlemen was the last person to cross the half-marathon finish line around 11:45AM.
I then turned in my radio and went to the volunteer food truck and picked up a lunch.
It had started to rain hard again - it never really stopped all day - so rather than eat out in the rain I rode the short distance up Hornby to my condo.
While my clothes were wet I was fairly dry - more sweat than water on my body . Quickly changed into dry clothes - ate lunch and then sat down and took the remainder of the afternoon to DE-compress.
Remarkably my cold of last week doesn't appear to be any worse.
All was not well with the team however - one long term member took a spill before the full marathon started and ended up breaking her wrist and will be in a cast for 6 weeks - GET WELL SOON, MAUREEN. and in a follow up email from our team coordinator three other members had minor spills - the roads were slick and many of the team members ride road bikes with skinny tires making for tougher riding conditions. That plus either trying to keep ahead of the lead runners or coming down the long UBC hill likely contributed to those mishaps.
I was a tiring yet satisfying day and HELL YES I WILL DO IT AGAIN NEXT YEAR.
In closing thanks to Vicki and Kerry for your dedication and commitment to ensuring that us bike patrollers got the job done.
We were all rewarded with a $10.00 White Spot gift card and those who picked up a lunch a $2.00 off Triple O's coupon.
Until next year cheers!
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Next volunteer assignment - BMO Vancouver Marathon Sunday May 4, 2014
Well my next volunteer assignment goes tomorrow - the BMO Vancouver Marathon and guess what - it's forecast to rain most of the day - I will be out on the bike from 6AM to around noon - getting soaked - while the rain gear helps you still get wet and chilled - just what I need coming off of a cold but I made a commitment to do it and I will.
Best of luck to the some 17,500 runners doing the various events.
My job will be a zone patroller - riding back and forth along the route keeping an eye out for the runners and any impediments that might crop up and then assist in getting the last of the half marathoners to the finish line.
All the needed info is here on the official website of the Marathon.
bmovancouvermarathon.com
Cheers!
Friday, May 2, 2014
One week countdown is on May 2, 2014
Next Friday around this time I will pick up the suitcase, lock the condo door and start the 20 minute walk down Hornby St to the Canada Place cruise terminal and start the process of embarking on the Star Princess for a three day cruise down to San Francisco with a 6 hour stop in Victoria and I will then meet up with my friends Cliff and Adele and do some touring of the area and take in the SF Giants/Altanta Braves baseball game.
I will stay over at the Best Western Tuscan Inn which I got by redeeming some Air Miles points.
Then the next morning I will head back to Pier 35 and embark on the Grand Princess for the four day trip back to Vancouver. There will be stops in Astoria, Oregon and Nanaimo, BC before sailing under the Lions Gate Bridge and docking at Ballantyne Pier - while not my favorite Pier it is necessitated by the fact three other ships are docked at Canada Place.
Of note on the Grand Princess I have the same cabin as I had for my 49 day South American cruise last year.
Here's the Grand Princess docked at Puntarenas, Costa Rica.
With my platinum status on Princess I will have some free Internet minutes so will try and post along the way but first there are some details to take care of.
1. Laundry - need to do one before I start to pack.
2. Packing - hope to just take a large overnight bag and my day pack.
3. US money - need to stop at an ATM and get some US $$$$.
4. Need to shore up plans with my friends in San Francisco.
5. Need to shore up plans to meet my niece and great nieces in Nanaimo.
6. Need to relax and take it easy.
Cheers!
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Vancouver Volunteer Corp assignement to the Vancouver Sun Fun run April 25, 2014
This past Sunday I did my first volunteer assignment as a member of the City of Vancouver Volunteer corps - we act as ambassador's for some of the major events held in the city. This assignment was the Vancouver Sun Fun Run and this is me with me waterproof vest at the south on ramp to the Cambie Bridge - we are in small teams of 4 or 5 - we stay together as a group and one person has a radio who liaisons with our group captain who is a member of the Vancouver Fire Department.
The day went reasonably well and the rain held off for the most part - we have one medical situation that we spotted and alerted the medics to and we got a report of a lost child who was found before we had completed getting all the details.
At the end we do a debriefing. Next assignment is expected to be Canada Day but I am already volunteering for that so will pass it up. They want us to do 2 assignments per year minimum - we likely do either Celebration of Light or Pride Parade next.
Cheers!
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
The first cruise ship of the 2014 season arrives in Vancouver
This ship will be homeporting in Seattle this season but needed to make a stop in a "foreign port" to satisfy US law.
While down at Canada Place I ventured over to the Convention Center and Jack Poole Plaza and much to my delight and many others visiting the Olympic cauldron was lit.
Yesterday was a day of remembrance to those workers killed or injured on the job and there was a special memorial ceremony at the Plaza and the good folks at Fortis - our main gas supplier - picked up the tab for it to be on.
and finally the area around Canada Place is always picuresque but right now the tulips are out making for some great photo shots - here are two of my favorites.
Cheers!
Monday, April 21, 2014
Cruising thoughts April 21, 2014
Despite all the other issues that I am dealing with I still have a number of cruises planned throughout the year.
In a little over three weeks time I will board the Star Princess and spend three days cruising down the coast with a stop in Victoria before disembarking in San Francisco.
In San Francisco I will meet up with my cruising friends Adele and Cliff and spend the day with them and take in the SF Giants vs Atlanta Braves baseball game, then overnight in SF and the next morning board the Grand Princess for a 4 day cruise back to Vancouver with stops in Astoria and Nanaimo.
Then in October I board Amtrak and head for the east coast and Boston for another two combined cruises - the first one is seven days to Bermuda and then a return to Boston and then staying on the same ship the Norwegian dawn and the same cabin and do a 14 day Caribbean repo ending up in NOLA before boarding Amtrak for the trip home.
In April 2015 I have booked a 10 day Pacific Coastal cruise with an overnight stop in SF and visits to Santa Barbara, Catalina Island and Long Beach before heading up the coast to Vancouver - this is another cruise that doesn't involve any additional travel as the start and end are both Vancouver.
It will cause me to miss the Vancouver Marathon - at least the bike team part as I arrive back on Marathon day - may still be able to help at the finish line.
Finally while I haven't yet booked it will likely do the 2015 Norwegian Dawn repo from Boston to NOL0. While the price is okay there is no break on the deposit right now so I will wait to see if one is offered.
Cheers!
In a little over three weeks time I will board the Star Princess and spend three days cruising down the coast with a stop in Victoria before disembarking in San Francisco.
In San Francisco I will meet up with my cruising friends Adele and Cliff and spend the day with them and take in the SF Giants vs Atlanta Braves baseball game, then overnight in SF and the next morning board the Grand Princess for a 4 day cruise back to Vancouver with stops in Astoria and Nanaimo.
Then in October I board Amtrak and head for the east coast and Boston for another two combined cruises - the first one is seven days to Bermuda and then a return to Boston and then staying on the same ship the Norwegian dawn and the same cabin and do a 14 day Caribbean repo ending up in NOLA before boarding Amtrak for the trip home.
In April 2015 I have booked a 10 day Pacific Coastal cruise with an overnight stop in SF and visits to Santa Barbara, Catalina Island and Long Beach before heading up the coast to Vancouver - this is another cruise that doesn't involve any additional travel as the start and end are both Vancouver.
It will cause me to miss the Vancouver Marathon - at least the bike team part as I arrive back on Marathon day - may still be able to help at the finish line.
Finally while I haven't yet booked it will likely do the 2015 Norwegian Dawn repo from Boston to NOL0. While the price is okay there is no break on the deposit right now so I will wait to see if one is offered.
Cheers!
He's home but challenges remain - April 21, 2014
Finally got Jim home on Thursday but the challenges remain - while he is set up with a wheelchair, walker etc the fact remains he is far from mobile and yesterday served as a reminder.
He needed to go the bathroom - for urine he is still using a bottle so that isn't a big deal but the other one is.
He got on the toilet with the raised seat fine but had trouble getting off as it is still 6 inches lower than he is used too - it took myself and one other person two attempts to get him up.
He will have to work with the OT's when they visit him throughout the week to solve that problem - likely will need a komode.
Did wheel him across the street in his chair for coffee and a bite to eat with some other friends whose wife is now using a wheelchair as she fights a battle against cancer.
Cheers!
He needed to go the bathroom - for urine he is still using a bottle so that isn't a big deal but the other one is.
He got on the toilet with the raised seat fine but had trouble getting off as it is still 6 inches lower than he is used too - it took myself and one other person two attempts to get him up.
He will have to work with the OT's when they visit him throughout the week to solve that problem - likely will need a komode.
Did wheel him across the street in his chair for coffee and a bite to eat with some other friends whose wife is now using a wheelchair as she fights a battle against cancer.
Cheers!
Monday, April 14, 2014
The end is in site April 14, 2014
As some of you know from my posts my best friend Jim has been hospitalized since late October - mostly the result of double pneumonia and to a lesser extent heart issues - well the ordeal is just about over - he has been rehabing - getting his strength back out at the UBC hospital and is finally only a day or two away from coming home - yes he will need wheelchair and walker support for a while but once he gets more active he should strenghten his lower limbs and start to walk unimpeded.
Right now I am trying to help him plan his trip home - seeing that his apartment is able to handle his wheelchair - he will need help with his food and shopping etc. While many of these services are available in a large city like Vancouver you still want to have some say in the implementation of them.
Cheers!
Right now I am trying to help him plan his trip home - seeing that his apartment is able to handle his wheelchair - he will need help with his food and shopping etc. While many of these services are available in a large city like Vancouver you still want to have some say in the implementation of them.
Cheers!
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