The ship was supposed to be ready for boarding at 5:30 and depart at 11 PM. But there was a delay. We arrived at the dock at about 6 PM and had to wait until almost 10:00 before boarding. They did give us free pizza and water! When we arrived at our room the luggage wasn't there yet so we went to the dining room for something to eat. The dining room is beautiful with very elite service. We were dead tired when we got back to our room. The luggage was there and we went right to bed at about midnight.
.28 April 2009
After being so late the night before we slept in a little. We went to the buffet for a fast breakfast before a mandatory emergency drill and muster at 9:30. Then we walked around the ship trying to orient ourselves and learn where things are. The ship is quite impressive. Leah and Hedy checked out the gym, various eating places, etc. Late morning they enjoyed a latte at a coffee bar. We had a good lunch, walked around some more. The wind was too cold to enjoy being outdoors, but the ocean is big and peaceful. At about 4:00 we had tea with finger sandwiches and sweets. A formal dress, 5 course dinner was at 8:30. We were too tired for the dancing and shows available after that! We got back to our room close to 11 PM.
29 April 2009
After a hardy breakfast we attended a seminar on Chinese medicine and acupuncture. We learned about the principles behind their systems. Then Leah walked around the 11th and 12th decks, taking pictures of the ship and ocean. It was beautiful and clear with a cold breeze. Then she spent a little time on an exercise machine in the gym. That was followed by a light lunch. In the afternoon we attended a flower arranging presentation and an origami workshop where we made a folded frog. We took a little nap, then Leah had a sushi snack and Joe had a hamburger. We attended a comedy show before another 5 course dinner.
The swimming pool on Deck 11
30 April 2009
The ship docked at Astoria, OR at 9 AM. As soon as everything was cleared we disembarked. Immediately awaiting us were vendors selling crafts, souvenirs, wine, etc. We bought a hand carved alder wood vase. The bus into Astoria was $5 for an all day pass. We had toured the historic town before, but we did the Maritime Museum again. After heavy cold fog in the morning it turned into a beautiful clear day. The white clouds made a beautiful backdrop for the Columbia River in photographs! We hope We captured some good ones! We took the trolley up to the Astoria Column where the view of the Columbia River and countryside was spectacular. The column is covered with murals depicting Northwestern history from 1792 to the 1880's.
We arrived back on the ship after 2:00 and ate lunch. Leah took some more pictures from the 12th level of the ship of the river and the port. Then followed a little rest. We attended a very good show with the singer, Jack Walker. That was followed by the usual 5 course dinner.
Astoria pictures are on a separate page on this web site.
1 May 2009
This was a restful, lazy day at sea on the way to Ketchikan. It was sunny with a cool breeze. A perfect day for Leah's birthday! We attended lectures on the "Essence of Alaska" and on how to shop in Alaska. Leah spent time walking around the upper decks, getting fresh air and taking pictures. She even did a little workout in the gym! After dinner Joe gave Leah a pair of purple jade earrings and a teddy bear for her birthday. The staff sang "Happy Birthday!
