Today is the last day at sea on our way back to Vancouver for most. We woke up to overcast skies with temperatures in the mid-50's and humidity at 90%. The winds were a mere 12.3 mph, and the ship's speed was 15 knots. The skies seemed to change all day with some sun, blue skies, and fog on the horizon. No rain. As we entered the inside islands, the sailing was very smooth.
We had forgotten there was a brunch in the dining room at 9:30am, so that's why there were few of us in the Pinnacle Grill. Of course, the clocks went ahead one hour last night, and many guests would sleep in later. Especially those who took advantage of the Have-It-All package last night for this cruise.
We also got our letter with instructions for tomorrow's stop in Vancouver. It appears that the all aboard time will be 1:30pm, so that will limit the time we have ashore. Taking our passports and in-transit cards with us, we should be back to the ship by 1pm or so. There probably will be at least two other ships in port, so we need to have time to go through customs. Since we did the full muster drill last week, we do not have to do the muster tomorrow.....only watch the video in our room.
While we worked on the computer, we had a visit from a small sparrow-like bird that was hopping from balcony- to- balcony in search of crumbs. The little bird must have jumped ship yesterday while in Ketchikan. He or she will have a long flight back home.
The Captain came on with his noon talk to say farewell and safe travels to the departing guests. This week has sure gone by quickly. He said we were on the watch for some Pacific white-sided dolphins or possibly cougars on the islands. Yes, we have seen the dolphins, but never a cougar, which would be exciting. "Last chance" sales were in progress throughout the ship, so the guests were quite busy buying things. That included buying tickets for a $1300 jackpot bingo where the prize had to go today.
One of us needed to use the complimentary beverage vouchers we had been given at the beginning of the cruises. Forgetting to do this, two of the vouchers had expired and could not be honored. The other two gave us two Coke Zeros.
We ordered a light room service lunch where one of us had the best chicken noodle soup ever. The bowl was loaded with veggies and noodles for a change. Not like the soups where they add some tiny things at the bottom of the bowl, then pour the broth over it.
We noticed that we were following the Island Princess while starting into the narrow passages between the islands. Then later, there was a third ship following up in the rear. We assume it was another Princess ship. We searched the shorelines for possible orca sightings but never saw any. Around 7pm, there were a few porpoises and some birds. No matter what, it was still scenic sailing.
Dinnertime arrived and we both ordered the wedge salad, which is a small version of the one in the Pinnacle Grill. We have to make a better effort to make reservations there since we each get 10 free dinners on every back-to-back cruise we do. One of us ordered the beef Wellington and the pork tenderloin. Both meals were excellent with very tender meat cooked just right. Around 8:30pm, the Maitre'd announced the farewell song was about to start. This time there were only three chefs leading the line of waiters. The song was short and sweet, and the crew did not parade through the dining room. Only a couple of folks waved the napkins. Desserts were baked Alaska, the small version.
Entertainment was a group called The Shredderz with a rock symphony including a cello and a fiery electric guitar. Iconic sounds of Queen, Led Zeppelin and Guns and Roses would be the music.
It will be an early breakfast tomorrow and a short day in Vancouver.
Back in our room, we had two more tiles and an invitation for an exclusive cocktail party from 6 to 6:30pm in the Lido poolside. No specific groups were listed, but we were included as one of their top Mariners.
Bill & Mary Ann
