It is just a week back from the best vacation ever. I was swelled up with fun on our return, bursting with photos and words. Then reality hit, and it was more than a case of cruise ship withdrawal syndrome. I coughed and sneezed and beat a fever. I slept, recuperated and feel human enough now to tell you about our wonderful cruise.
The night before our cruise we decided to stay in San Francisco at the Club Quarters Hotel. It is comforting to me to stay within walking distance of the cruise terminal. I paid more than I wanted because there was two cruise ships in town, a Giants game and assorted events that jacked the hotel prices. It seemed a small price to pay for getting our vacation started a day early. We checked in and then headed out to find dinner. As we passed Le Meridian Hotel we spotted a hand written board touting happy hour with $5 wine. That drew us in and led to a wonderful happy hour that included a charcuterie plate and moules frites. This was a fine way to start a journey.
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| Happy hour Le Meridian Hotel San Francisco |
We began our cruise on Friday May 10. We were asked to arrive at San Francisco Pier 35 at 2:30 p.m. because they were staggering the departure times of embarkation to make for less waiting in line. Traffic was good, we arrived at 2:09 and joined the end of a huge line. Somewhat disheartened we excitedly awaited our cruise. The line moved so fast that we were on board in our cabin unpacking 63 minutes later. This was the shortest time ever for us boarding a ship. We headed to the upper deck to take photos. We had some wine, a slice of pizza and attended a mandatory safety drill.
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| The view of San Francisco from the Grand Princess |
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| Sail Away Party Grand Princess - San Fran to Alaska My 10, 2013 |
On this cruise we elected a traditional "early" dining time because it was similar to our normal home schedule, Princess offers late dining and "anytime" dining as well. At 5:30 pm we found our table for two in the DaVinci dining room. We ordered the prime rib and savored it as the Grand Princess headed under the Golden Gate Bridge then north towards Alaska.
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| Grand Princess DaVinci Dining Room Prime Rib |
We finished dinner and had brandy while we mulled over taking in a show. We decided to head back to the cabin to energize for tomorrow. I know some people are bothered by the motion of the ship. I on the other hand I am relaxed by the roll of the ship. By 9:30 I am sound asleep, a happy cruiser.
6 comments:
Now that is what I call a hunk of beef. Looking forward to the rest of the story.
Oh, sigh...
I love your photos, every one. I especially love the one looking back at The City, but I'm enormously distracted by the meat.
Chilebrown- There was definitely no shortage of meat on this cruise!
cookiecrumb- Thanks! Meat can be very distracting. Next time a PG filter.There was no shortage of veg either. ;)
I love how you and April make the most of any getaway, be it on ship or on land. Great pictures and what an adventure! Did you see orcas? or other whales? Can't wait to hear it all.
Zoomie- We love vacation! All kinds of fun things coming up.
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