Six thirty am, is too early to get up for breakfast, but that it the normal time for both the Dining Room and the Pinnacle Grill on the day most disembark. We knew to arrive a bit before that time, because there was a line to enter the PG. We were lucky to get the last table at the window as the other were already promised. OK, from here on out, we asked for this table every morning, and the answer was yes, we will try our best. And we did have the nicest view of our arrival to Canada Place, where we began the Alaska runs three weeks ago. The time has flown by. Shortly after we docked, the Ruby Princess sailed into the opposite dock. It's incredible watching how easily these mega ships can be maneuvered into snug places, thanks to an experienced team.
On a side note, the satellite TV was shut off, and would stay that way all day until we left near 6pm. Except for the intransit guests, the shipboards accounts are erased from the system, then start up new, we understand. One of the requirements for the new guests is to watch the safety video on your stateroom TV. You MUST watch it to completion before the TV will advance to the main menu. If you do not do this, Ian will come on the speakers, more than once, begging the folks to do it. That has occurred with every sailing so far. Along with checking in at the muster station, the requirement is satisfied in place of a live muster drill. Do we miss those drills? Nope!
The skies were heavily overcast this morning, but it was far from cold with temps in the high 50's. We hung around until 9:30am before we exited the ship. Right before leaving, we heard Captain Friso give a nice pep talk to his entire team for doing a great job for the Alaskan season. It turned out to be a big success with so many loyal guests coming back to cruising, despite the lingering Covid scares. We are all learning how to live with it, more or less.
Taking umbrellas just in case, we breezed through the crew exit, showing our intransit cards. The officials asked if we had our passports with us, and we said yes. We did keep our masks on, which was required in the terminal, until we got outside and away from any crowds. This time of day, fewer people are out and about. Later on, it was a different story. Following the seawall, we ran into Chantel, the future cruise consultant, and Captain Friso. They were out for a long walk to get some exercise and fresh air, like us. Nice to see them dressed like everyday tourists enjoying the scenery. We chatted for a few minutes, then they were off to hike to the Lions Gate Bridge through Stanley Park.
There are no lack of nice benches along the way, donated by locals. While sitting watching the traffic crossing the famous bridge, a young sea gull landed quite close to us. It begged for a handout, but there was no way, since signs indicated that there was a $500 fine for feeding the wildlife. Guess the gull cannot read.
As we headed back, the sun even peeked out, but not for long. It would take us about an hour of slow deliberate walking to reach our destination of lunch. By now, the streets were full of people. Right near Canada Place, an elderly couple approached us and asked if we were on the ship. We said yes, and they offered us their Ho-Ho bus tickets, which were good for the entire day. Apparently, they thought the idea was a good one to make it to several stops, but soon found out they were exhausted. You really have to be in good shape to accomplish the hop on-hop off stops, which equates to being a little on the younger side. Thanking them, we said we had a short time before we had to board the ship, and that's when they said they were on the Ruby, and she was not leaving until 9:30pm. Our all aboard was 5pm.
There was a surprise waiting for us when we arrived to the Steamworks Brewing Company. At the entrance, we were stopped and advised that their internet was down, and they were not taking any new guests. They got to be kidding? One of the waitresses recommended something else up the street to other people in line, and they left. We stayed wondering what to do. Either wait the ½ hour to possibly be seated, or go back to the ship. Going back was not a good option, because the terminal would be more crowded. As we waited in the parking lot for 10 minutes, another waitress came and got us, and seated us where we always sit. Glad we stayed, the pizza and beers never tasted so good. We did linger until 2:45pm before heading back.
This would be our fourth time going through customs, and we did not know what to expect. Going through the x-ray check should have been simple, but leaving reading glasses in a back pocket is not an option. Oddly enough, my new knee did not set off their equipment, go figure? Showing the intransit cards, we were directed around the roped off customs kiosks, and went directly to officials at their stations. No other guests were in line there. They scanned our passports, asking for nothing more. No printed slips were given this time. Rounding the corner, all of the check points were gone. No checking ArriveCan, Verifly, Covid vaccine cards, and whatever else they needed. With no more stopping, we walked directly back to the gangway and boarded the ship. Guess that Canada has indeed dropped their requirements for now.
Relaxing on the veranda, we watched as the Zuiderdam left the port around 5:45pm in a light drizzle. Dinner was in the dining room, and our waiters have not been moved to other stations. As expected, the upper dining room was not full of customers, as there was an advertised steak dinner in the Lido tonight. And we are sailing with about 1000 guests now, not 1750. There will be a bit more elbow space. And by the way, masks are required in most public places on the ship.
Looking forward to two days at sea on our way to San Francisco, our original home town.
Bill & Mary Ann
