We were up early to watch the Volendam glide under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge this fine Saturday morning. And we lucked out as there was no low fog blocking our view. There were overcast skies, but not extremely cold with temps in the low 60's. The Oceana's Regatta had beat us into the bay and took Pier 27, the newest cruise terminal in the city. We had the oldest one at Pier 35, however, that put us closer to Pier 39 and all of the stores and restaurants. With the assistance of a tugboat, the ship was safely alongside before 8am. Without the use of the more modern azipods, the ship needs more help with local tugs.
There were a few tours offered here today and the most comprehensive of them, in our opinion, was the Ho-Ho bus or the Big Bus 2½ hour ride. The ship's price was $63, but if you bought tickets on the Embarcadero, they were $49. A tour of SF with Alcatraz for 4 hours was $100, while SF with a drive to Sausalito for 6 ½ hours was $110. There were no wine country tours but there was a ride to Muir Woods and Sausalito for 4 hours for $110. Any one of these excursions would be a fine way to see the city, where both of us happened to be born and raised.
For a Saturday morning, the area was not too crowded yet, but that would change. We learned that there were several events happening and one of them a 45 year celebration of the building of Pier 39. The other event was a swim race called Swim Across America held at Aquatic Park.
After breakfast, we left the ship just as the crew drill was ending around 10 am. Walking The Embarcadero, we passed Pier 39 and the Jeremiah O'Brien ship which was docked near us. There was another celebration taking place here later. We have heard and seen so much negative things about the city we have known so well, that we were happy to see that this part of town has been kept clean of trash and a rough element of society. We did hear a very vocal religious speech-giver and a group of fellows performing street entertainment. That has been part of the city since we were little. We believe there is a large number of homeless folks, but that is in the Justin Herman Plaza near the Ferry Building.
Passing through Fisherman's Wharf brought back years of memories with all of the famous fish restaurants our parents brought us to. The names are still there, but we are not sure the original families still run them. At Hyde Street, we saw the historic sailing ships and the Aquatic Park where the swim event had just taken place. Many of the contestants had on wet suits, but those who did not were wrapped in thick beach towels. Right up the slope from the beach area is Ghirardelli Square and a shop where you can buy the best chocolate ever. And that is just what we did…..buy some chocolate squares by the pound. Or we should say by the half pound. These days it is worth it's weight in gold. This time of year, they offer a most delicious seasonal special of caramel pumpkin spice chocolates that are to "die for". We will savor these one day at a time, as we will the sea salt dark chocolate squares we purchased.
Back-tracking, we passed Del Monte Square where the factory used to be. Several street vendors were selling things from Mexico and even Guatemala. Much of the merchandise was targeting the children. And there were many of them out with their parents today. We were in search of some peanut brittle, which we did find at a candy shop near Madame Trussand's Wax Museum. Our last stop was at CVS for a few necessities, like popcorn. It still shocks us to see so much of their normal merchandise under lock and key due to shop-lifting. Then it was off to lunch at the Hard Rock Café.
It was noontime by now, and the place was rapidly filling up with large groups. We were lucky to get a hightop table near the bar. Our meal was a shared plate of cheese nachos with grilled chicken and guacamole. Our choice of draft beers were a Lagunitas IPA and one Stella Artois. We couldn't resist the hot fudge brownie sundae, which we split of course. The owner of the café helped us how to re-join their club which has changed in recent months. We'll have to do it online back on the ship. He also advised us that we can obtain a real HRC card by visiting one of their casinos which we did not know. On our way out, we purchased a city T, the priciest one this year. Guess inflation continues to shock everyone nationwide.
We could not leave Pier 39 without seeing the sea lions. The crowd had increased and we can say we have not seen this many tourists here in a long time. Even the sea lion area was totally crowded. We made our way past the onlookers and then back to the ship. By now, it was after 2pm, and some of our crew members were on the run since their all aboard time was closer to 2:30pm. They know not to be late.
Back in our room, we ran into both room stewards, the nicest fellows, and asked if we got get a chair pad for the lounge on the veranda. Jito, the assistant, said he would be happy to "steal" one for us, which we said that would be great. No rush though as we know they were busy. Well, within 5 minutes there was a knock on the door and there was our clean chair pad. It is really nicer to have the cushion since the lounge is quite low to the floor and the pad helps us get up easier.
Sail away at the aft pool was around 5pm, so we grabbed the camera, and off we went. Friends were boarding today and we knew they would show up for the sailing out of the harbor. And that they did. It was so nice seeing them and hearing they had arrived on time and were already settled. They have done this tropical cruise several times like us, and we all look forward to nicer weather as soon as possible. The sun had come out in the afternoon and it felt so nice. But once the ship sailed under the Golden Gate, the winds were bone-chilling. Never saw a deck clear out so fast. The four of us left by 6pm going inside in hopes of warming up. Looking forward to catching up on news with them now that we have 54 more days to do it.
It was a casual dinner in the dining room, but hardly anyone was there at 7:30pm. Bet they spent a busy day in the city, and went early to dinner. The menu was the culinary one, which we think we had just a few days ago. It was Caesar salads for starters and a chicken meal with sour corn?...now that was odd. Tasted odd too. The other choice was rigatoni with a sausage sauce which was OK. Only one craquelin dessert was needed, then it was off the bed for us. There was an impressionist, Tyler Bryce, on the stage tonight at 9pm, a ½ hour earlier now. There are a few adjustments on this legendary cruse compared to the repeated Alaskan runs.
One more day at sea, and we will be in San Diego.
Bill & Mary Ann
