The final morning of this 18-day special cruise was today, beginning at 6:40am as the Zaandam approached the Lion's Gate Bridge of Vancouver. There was a horizon of orange as the sun was starting to come up. Breakfast was early for us at 6:30am, although we did not have to be there that early. With the first set of luggage tags called at 7:30am, most folks did not show up at this venue. Both Captain Willems and the cruise director, Theresa, left for home with Captain Thomas van Benthem taking the helm and Dario taking the place of Theresa. We have never sailed with Captain Thomas, however, we suspect he was on several Amsterdam world cruises with Captain Mercer in the 1990's as the Staff Captain. At that time, he had his wife onboard with their then 18-month-old daughter who was the "grandchild" of every grandma onboard. Her mom brought her to the Ocean Bar where she danced on her little toes. So sweet.
The latest we could leave the ship was 9:30am, and when the cleaning crew came to hose down our veranda, we left. All we needed were our passports, room key, a photo ID, and the "in transit" card. We were asked to see all of that except for the passports. Other info with the personalized letter we had received included was that our account would roll over and we did not have to visit the muster station. In addition, if we had casino credits or charges, it would roll over for the next cruise. Not a problem as we do not gamble. The letter stated we needed to be back to the terminal by 1pm but others in charge told us by 2pm was OK.
Right off of the gangway, we ran into Kumar, our Mariner event planner from the grand voyage. We got to know him well on the world cruise since he had to help us with so many problems that cropped up in our room. He went the long mile to make everything right. He is currently on the Eurodam having left the Koningsdam in Seattle. He said he will not be on the world cruise in 2027 but wished us well. Nice guy, he will go far with the company.
Coming out of the cruise terminal, we instantly noticed the lack of people out and about. Sure, it was a Sunday, but the plaza in front of Canada Place was not a zoo like it normally has been. The Eurodam was docked in the Princess spot, so there were only two ships today. If the third ship had been a RCI or larger, then it would have been much more crowded. This was way better.
We headed towards the waterfront passing the Convention Center, ferry landing, and seaplane terminals. Then onto Coal Harbor along the Seaside Greenway Seawall. If we had more time, we might have made it to Stanley Park to see the gorgeous horses that pull the carriages. Still recovering from the recent fall, we wisely took our time and made several bench stops along the way. At least the ones that were dry. We happened to pause by the marina where some vessels were for sale. Talking between ourselves, the conversation was taken in by a friendly couple that were here on the Eurodam. We were shocked by the prices of the boats, which back in the old days, would have bought more than two homes in the San Francisco area. Of course, we had to keep in mind these were [priced in Canadian dollars. Picking up on that remark, the couple agreed and there started an interesting exchange about cruising. They had boarded the Eurodam in Seattle for a one-night sailing to Vancouver. Little did they know what a one day/night trip would encompass. They reported passengers gone wild along with several kids running amuck. Their words, not ours. They reported there were two weddings with parties all night, a full casino with gamblers, and noise all evening long. They chose to eat dinner and turn in early. Today their ship will fill up for a sailing down the coast to Mexico and eventually through the Panama Canal. We might see them in San Diego or Cabo San Lucas. Always fun meeting new folks with good info.
We went as far as the end of the harbor, taking photos of a lone blue heron preening by the water's edge. Seeing them close-up is neat because you have no idea how large they really are. This one was tame and might stay for the winter. Time to head back after a long, relaxing stop on a bench, we took a detour through Harbor Green Park which was in the shade with no bikes allowed. You really have to be careful to stay out of the designated bike lanes or you will risk being run over. No kidding. The younger crowd of locals take no prisoners, so to speak.
This walkway ended up at the public restrooms which are neat and clean with hot water. There was a set of three flights of stairs to go up to the street level. Despite protests by me, I managed it but still hate the stairs. This eliminated the ramp that goes up past the Convention Center. Taking a left turn at a main street, we passed by a series of apartments and hotels on the way to the Fairmont Waterfront where we visited the Rexall Pharmacy. We lucked out by finding some stronger Tylenol, some more shampoo, a roll-on lidocaine cream, and a bag of salted peanuts. It is a convenient store that has a little of everything.
Lunch was at the Steamworks Brewery and Pub across from the Harbor Center. If we had more time, we could have strolled into the Gaslamp District but decided against it. The doors were opened and we were seated at the same table we had for the last two visits here. Of course, we ordered two ice cold Lions Gate Lagers with a Hawaiian pizza, just right for sharing. Just for fun, we tried their Beeramisu dessert made with lady fingers soaked with beer, layers of cream, and served with chocolate shavings. By the time we left at 12:30pm, the place was full of customers.
Back at the terminal, we figured there might be a long line of folks checking in for the two ships. What a surprise to find the place almost empty. No lines and no waiting. Since both ships left around 3pm, all of the guests were already boarded. And once you board the ship here, you are not allowed to go off again. We also had 40 Coke Zeros and two bottles of sparkling wine for the following 4 day trip, compliments of President's Club.
The new Captain came on with the muster info first followed by the daily update. The first thing we did when getting back was run the muster drill on TV. We were ready to set sail shortly after 3pm, with a short stop for a compass check. We have done this on other ships and learned it is required perhaps twice a year. One of us stayed on the veranda watching as the Eurodam and a tanker went under the bridge with us in the tail end. Within minutes, the foghorns were blasting with the tulle-like fog hanging over the waters. First time we have seen these conditions, and it reminded us of home in SF. At times it can be so foggy, the Golden Gate Bridge is invisible.
One of us went to deck six forward to get all around views as we left the harbor. This time there were no whales to be seen. Then at 6pm, we were invited to a Mariner's cocktail party in the Lido Poolside. We decided to attend just to see how many Mariners were onboard. In this invite, there was no mention of Mariner levels. We were greeted by the hotel manager, Darren, who asked how we have been. More so, he inquired about my back problem with the mattresses we needed. Without mentioning my recent fall, we thanked him for their extended efforts to make our trip even better. Darren will be leaving in San Diego, replaced by Leonie who we met last year. Really nice lady, we look forward to seeing her in San Diego.
Anyway the party was a hoot when we were escorted to a table with a sign on it....reserved for President's Club members. Oh golly, wish they had not done that as we prefer to remain unknown. A table of new elderly guests next to us asked all about our days and how long it took us to get there. Then one of the men took a chair at our table and confessed that he had sat here and was asked to move along. Oh no....double horrors. We all had a laugh over that one. The more we thought about it, we doubt any of them were even 2 star members, but they joined the crowd for the free drinks which were mostly wine and maybe beer. The party ended at 6:30pm - time for one drink which was fine.
Dinner was casual where we ordered Caesar salad and tostada appetizers. These are always excellent, but the tostada was tough and chewy. One of us had the enchilada and the other went with something else that escapes my tired mind. Desserts were one scoop of ice cream and a slice of a torte. Showtime was at 8:30pm with a Zaandam preview of what's to come with the cast. We already know since all of the performances have been repeated.
As always, we are looking forward to rest and relaxation for the following three days at sea. The next stop - San Diego.
Bill & Mary Ann
