"Treasures of Cruising the World" with Bill & Mary Ann: Report #7 San Diego, California September 30, 2016 Friday Sunny & 81 degrees Part #1 OF 2 80 Pictures

Today was a turn-around day, with some folks leaving, and new ones joining. By the end of the day, our guest population would increase to 1250. Darned near full house.

Since we were not in a hurry to get off, we hung around until 11am, doing some internet work. The Amsterdam was not alone in the port, since the NCL's Sun was parked across from us. They appeared to be debarking their passengers like us. It was a good opportunity to complete some internet work.

It was going to be a perfect day for a walk. It was very warm, but there was a nice sea breeze. For a Friday, we thought the waterfront was very busy. Right across from the Amsterdam, was the USS Midway, which is a museum now. The top deck was full of aircraft from the war days, and it was already full of visitors.

We stopped at a very well-stocked information center where we picked up some useful information and local maps. Our day was limited in San Diego today, since all aboard time was 4pm.

We strolled the waterfront to Seaport Village, which is full of small shops and many cafes. You can pick up the Seal Tour here, which would go for a half hour city ride, then an hour water tour. We have done this many years ago, and really enjoyed it.

You can also catch a ferry to nearby Coronado Island from the small harbor. We continued past the Grand Hyatt, Marriot, Convention Center, and finally the Hilton Bayfront.

Walking through the Hilton, we navigated our way to the bridge that crosses over the highway. That took us into the Gaslamp Quarter where Petco Park sits, home to the San Diego Padres.

It was past noon already, so we headed towards the Hard Rock Café, where we ordered chicken tenders and split a burger. By the time our food arrived, we had consumed three sodas each. It was really warm today. Lunch was excellent. So was relaxing in the air-conditioning.

Heading past Horton's Plaza, we made a stop at CVS to pick up a few essentials. They had everything we needed. Usually we walk through the mall stores, but there was no time today. Good thing the walk back was downhill, because we were fully loaded.

Being that we were intransit, we by-passed the long check-in line. All of the xray checking went on in the terminal before we were allowed to board the ship. It was easier than re-boarding in Vancouver, because customs and immigrations was not involved this time.

The nice thing was that we were not required to participate in the muster drill at 4:15pm. Close to 5pm, we went to the aft pool deck to secure our spot at the railing. Sail away was shortly after 5pm, and we found it interesting that the lines were dropped by two young ladies for a change. And they handle the heavy ropes quite easily. While we waited to leave, we watched the guests on the NCL's Sun going through their muster drill.

One of our favorite bar waiters appeared…..Manny. He boarded the ship today after being home for a few months. Always nice to see familiar and smiling faces. Henk M, the hotel director, joined us for a while, as he made the rounds among the new guests.

Emily, the former librarian-now-tech geek, and Rene from the spa came back for a visit as well. Like more family onboard. Captain Eversen came on the speaker and announced that we may have some rough seas when we sail southwest later on this evening. His best advice, especially to the ladies, was to wear practical shoes. No problem, we will.

At one point on the way out of the bay, we witnessed a small boat, obviously out of control, going in a tight circle, and unmanned. Many coast guard vessels surrounded the spinning boat to check it out, but we sailed by too quickly to see if they were able to stop it.

We had three new diners join us this evening. Bill and Sylvia were from England, and Sharon was from outside Chicago. We were still missing our Alabama guests, although they are still onboard and assigned to the same table. That remains a mystery, since our waiters have not seen them either.

We kept our meal fairly light tonight having one shrimp cocktail and a bowl of very hot French onion soup. Entrees we both ordered were the sesame steak salad, followed by jello and a few cookies for dessert. All was good, although Sharon had to send her grilled salmon back twice….it was cold. The third time was a charm, so she hopes they get it right tomorrow night.

The dining room had emptied out by 10pm, including all of us. The good news is that we get an extra hour back on the clocks tonight, the first time change of this cruise.

We have several days at sea now as we head for Hawaii. Hope the weather will be good.

Bill & Mary Ann

PS To answer the question about the President's Club, you need 1400 pure sea days to be inducted.

San Diego Bay