The Zaandam sailed under the famous Golden Gate Bridge around 6:15am this morning. However, it was still dark out, and the bridge was shrouded with fog. A handful of hardy souls braved the cold and went out on the bow and also deck six forward. We were able to see a little bit of the bridge as we sailed under it from our veranda. Having come into the SF bay several times on past cruises, one of us stayed in the comfort of our bed. The fog was so thick on the water that we could not see the San Francisco Bay Bridge, which is well-lit.
We docked starboard side to the old pier 35, which was better for all of us since it's closer to Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf. A Princess ship was already docked at the new facility, and we suspected it to be the Grand. It turned out it was the Sapphire Princess.
The shore excursions today were the Ho-Ho bus, a city tour, and a combo of Alcatraz with other venues. There was a visit to a winery in Sonoma for a wine tasting. Our cellar master, Tihana, was hoping to join a crew tour there today. Hope it worked since she was quite excited to go there. There was also a drive to Sausalito and Muir Woods in the north bay. None of these tours exceeded $200 per person. And if you were energetic, you could rent an electric bike for $78 per person for the day.
We stayed onboard until the crew drill was about over and left the ship by 10am. Our walk took us past the crowds going into Pier 39. Some one walking behind us yelled our names. We remembered this same thing happened in 2022, and it turned out to be the same couple that follows our blog. They instantly recognized us , adding that they have been followers of our blog for a long time. That's always nice to hear. They are only on this ship for 5 days and will leave in San Diego. The Jeremiah O'Brien , a WWII Liberty ship had been moved to a pier opposite us. Back in 2020, a homeless person caught this historic vessel on fire, but luckily it was saved.
Passing up pier 39, we decided to come back here later. Continuing on to Fisherman's Wharf, we noticed that there were not many restaurants open yet. They are mostly dinner venues. However, one outdoor eatery was getting ready to serve customers with their famous lobster and bay shrimp sandwiches with Boudin bread. They make the best sourdough bread, and also use small loaves to serve clam chowder in a dugout hollow in the center. You can eat the whole thing – bread bowl and all. Except for one of us, who has a shellfish allergy. I can only eat the French bread.
Being that today was a Saturday, the streets here were crowded with locals and cruise ship passengers. A flywheel as has been added here, giving the folks a chance to see the city from up high . Further up the road, we went to Ghirardelli Square where we picked up a bag of pumpkin spice chocolates. They are SO good, and expensive. But worth it. This area has a lot of convenient benches where we took the time to relax for a while. We watched crazy locals swimming in the icy waters of Aquatic Park. Most wore wet suits.
Muni Pier halfway circles this water park, a place where one of us fished as a kid years ago. Back then, both of us remembered days past when we could jump on a bus, and make our way around town with friends for a day. Bet we were not over 14 years old then. The city we knew and loved has changed over the years unfortunately. That became more apparent when we entered a local CVS store and found that everything was locked up behind glass cabinets with locks. The only items not behind the glass were chips, snacks, and souvenirs. Another cruise passenger was waiting for someone to help her, saying she could not believe what we were seeing. It wasn't long ago that a new law came out that people (mostly homeless and drug addicts) could steal up to $900 worth of items and not be prosecuted. And that's what being dubbed a sanctuary city gets you. But that is another whole story……We left the store with nothing.
The shops and eateries were loading up with guests now, so we decided to head back to Pier 39. We always go to the Hard Rock Café where we were advised there was a 20 minute wait. Asking for a high- top table, we were seated right away. Lunch consisted of two Stella draft beers, with a Legendary burger to share. It came with lots of fries. The music was loud and the place was jumping – typical HRC. The HRC shop was out of city t's too.
Leaving lunch, we made our way to through the dense crowd at Pier 39 to see the sea lions. We could hear them before seeing them as they like to bark a lot. There were fewer here than we saw last year. By reading the railing signs, we learned that most of them travel to the Channel Islands this time of year to breed. They are always fun to watch as they maneuver for the perfect spot on the pontoons.
The high fog never really lifted for very long. When it did let the sun shine through, it was nice. We were back to the ship by 3:30pm with no waiting to board. The xray was done in the terminal building as well as the facial recognition check. We passed both. All aboard was 4:30pm and about that same time, the Sapphire Princess fired up her engines and left he bay.
We relaxed in our room - one of us worked on the computer while the other bundled up and sat outside watching the gulls and sea lions pass by. We left the pier after 5pm, and we were able to see all of the famous sights on the way out. Being on the portside, was plus for us today. The birds such as herring gulls, smaller gulls, pelicans, and cormorants were out in huge numbers today as we left. The ship must stir up the food they like to eat in the bay waters. There were a few kite riders, sailboats….one of which the Captain blew his horn at as the vessel crossed right in front of us. What were they thinking??? We stayed outside with our heavy jackets on, and it was still cold. However, we stayed out until we spotted the Cliff House, and Ocean Beach and the famous Dutch Windmill.
Dinner was Dutch this evening. So one of us had the hot pea soup and the other a Westland salad with honey mustard dressing. And what showed up on our table? A brand new bottle of Lea & Perrins sauce, compliments of Pulung, who took credit for ordering it and finding it in the deliveries. Entrees were one Hodge Podge Klapstuk, or a type of Dutch stew. The other plate was the pork cordon bleu. Really good with L&P of course. We shared one Lindt tulip dessert, which is the first time we have seen the new chocolatier offered. This dessert was like a firm chocolate mousse in the shape of a tulip. The bottom had flourless chocolate cake. And it was not overly sweet.
The comedy of Jim Flannigan was the entertainment this evening. Come to think of it, we have not seen a show from the singers and dancers. Bet a new group joins the ship in San Diego. Looking forward to a day at sea.
Bill & Mary Ann
