Well here we are on the final day of our adventure. It would begin early at 5am, like it or not. Around 5:30am, the Nieuw Amsterdam was nearing Seattle, and we were docked by 7am. Provision loading began immediately, as well as luggage being offloaded. Turning a ship around is a massive piece of work for the crew, and they seem do it with ease.
We had been assigned to group BBBB that got off at 7:45am. So we needed to be in the dining room as soon as they opened at 6:30am. Expecting it to be crowded, we were among the four customers Gan and Widana had this early. Knowing we had a short time, our food was delivered quickly. So our order was the usual Greek yogurt, a bowl of fresh berries (the best we have ever seen), and granola. Then we had eggs, bacon, ham, and English muffins. Gan served us sausages just in case we did not have enough to eat. Heaven forbid, who knows when we will have our next meal???
We could tell that our room stewards were using any opportunity to service the room, even if it was a little at a time. Fresh linens and toweling were already in the drawers under the bed, and the mini bar set up was in a bag behind the window drapes. Spending a small amount of time catching up on reports and photos, our group BBBB was announced for debarking. Time to say goodbye.
There was no waiting at the gangway on deck two, and all we needed were our room key cards to exit. An agent checked our passports as we left the building. Since we had no luggage to pick up, we headed directly towards the waiting buses. This time we had been given a voucher with the prepaid transfer group BBBB number on it to pass off to a staff member. Then we boarded our bus, and were off for the airport by 8am. Although our flight was scheduled for 12:59pm, we would have plenty of time for unexpected delays.
Probably because today was Saturday, the traffic was light, and we arrived at the airport by 8:30am. Instead of being dropped off at the original bus loading area, we were taken to the main entrance. It was a short walk to the security line, and since we already had our boarding passes, we could bypass that line.
However, at the security check, there was a zigzag line that went on forever. We had gotten more than halfway there, when the security folks shut off the line, and directed us to another area. Guess what? That line was just as crowded, and we did the drill all over again. When we went through security at SFO, we did not have to take our shoes off. But here, there was a sign stating that only applied if you were 75 or older. It also said we did not have to take our light jackets off. Wrong, or partially wrong. One of us is not 75 yet, so I reluctantly pulled off the shoes, when the agent said, oh you could "fudge it" and leave your shoes on. Too late, they were off, as was the jacket. Wish we had gotten the TSA free sign on our boarding passes, but it did not happen on this trip. So I knew I would be stopped with the knee setting off the buzzer. That prompted an agent to do a pat down, but around my ankle. Saying nothing that it was my new knee, she said I was fine to go. Oh well, who said flying was fun?
Locating our terminal, we settled down to a small table, plugged in the computer, and caught up on photos and reports. Sure passed the time quickly. The flight was on time, and the actual air time was 1 hour 40 minutes. We landed before 3pm, and located the baggage carousel shortly after.
Our driver was waiting at the carousel, but there were no bags coming out. We told him that on our flight up to Seattle, the two pieces of luggage had been pulled off and were sitting at the wall. Lo and behold, we went to look, and there they were with two other suitcases. Guess these days, folks fly with only carryon luggage to avoid the charges. Instead of following him to the parking garage, he offered to retrieve the SUV, and pick up us outside. Totally fine with us, we waited about 15 minutes.
The ride home was quick, since there was little traffic…..even in downtown SF. Saturday afternoon was a good day to come home. Chatting with the driver about the world affairs made the hour plus ride go by ever faster. We were home before 5pm.
First thing that was asked? What's for dinner? Have not had to think about that for seven days, and boy, it was nice. Anyway, something simple was the answer. Bet we sleep like babies tonight!
Will do a follow-up tomorrow with our impressions of this trip. Thanks for tagging along……….
Bill & Mary Ann
Monday, October 4, 2021
Report # 10 Debarkation Day Seattle, Washington October 2, 2021 Saturday Overcast & foggy & 48 degrees
