Circumnavigate The Globe in 123 days with Bill & Mary Ann - 2011 World Cruise

[WCB]

Report # 125 May 07, 2011 Saturday Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

 

Sometime, long ago, back in the early 1980's, we visited Cabo San Lucas on a cruise ship. We can honestly say that there was very little here for tourists, except perhaps deep sea fishing and a very isolated place to vacation. We recall tendering to a boat landing, where tables had been set with souveniers made from iron wood. And there may have been a little bit of silver jewelry. Even though several tenderboat loads of passengers had arrived to shore by 10am, none of the vendors on the hillsides were opened. There were no stores, just canvas huts. Well, that has changed, and changed big time.

 

Today, this pretty port has a harbor that is surrounded with local craft markets all the way to high-end shopping malls. Cantinas, bars, nightclubs, and seaside restaurants entice people to part with their money by offering excellent food and 2 for 1 drinks. So many boats are docked in this small harbor, you can hardly see the water. Many of the boat owners offer 2 or 3 hour fishing expeditions, or the chance to go on their glass-bottom boats to see the fish here in these bountiful waters. There are over 857 varieties of fish that make the anglers happy campers.

 

We wisely waited for the tour groups to tender over first. Leaving the ship by 10:30am, we had no line to delay our departure. It was also nice not to have to get the tender tickets in the Wajang Theater. Our four star status allowed us to show our card and get priority disembarking. Actually, we have only done this a few times on the entire world voyage. The ride over was rather interesting, because we were going slowly to avoid running over the many large sea lions that kept peeking above the water to watch us go by. The narrow harbor entrance had lots of traffic, because the Sea Princess was also in port today. Local tenderboats were helping to transport Princess people too.

 

It should be a great day for walking...the weather was co-operating with mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the high 80's. The last time we were here, a few years ago, the largest building when we walked out of the tenderboat area, was the local mercado. Many stalls of vendors filled this building selling arts and crafts as well as clothing. New construction has filled this part of the harborfront with Senor Frogs, Hooters, and many smaller souvenier shops. There were few street hawkers, maybe around a half dozen of them were standing behind a stretch of cyclone fencing, selling their wares through holes in the fencing. The rest of the sellers were now under a long canopy that housed their stuff. That was where we found an exit into the old part of the town.

 

Our first stop of the day was at Cabo Wabo, made famous by the musician Sammy Haggar many years ago. They have neat t-shirts, and they used to have the best hamburgers in town. However, a few years back, they stopped offering the hamburgers. Some people had gotten sick from tainted meat, so now only Mexican food is offered.

 

We continued our walk around the harbor, but never made it to the beach where the spring breakers usually hang out. We love to walk on the sand and in the surf, but at this point, we did not want to risk injuring the knees or ankles again. It has taken so long for those joints to heal, it just wasn't worth the risk. In fact, more construction at the point where we entered the beach blocked the way. We are not sure what was being built, but they sure do not need any more stores or shopping malls. If another highend resort is being added, then this beach will house one continuous string of resorts. They line the beach for two or three miles already.

 

It was about 1pm by the time we decided to stop for a light lunch at Senor Greenbergs. Doesn't sound Mexican, but they did serve delicious chicken and cheese quesadillas with refried beans, guacamole, rice, and salsa and chips. The food and the service was excellent and the view wasn't bad either. We sat outside along the harbor, watching the activities in this busy place. It doesn't get much better than this.

 

Since the Amsterdam was leaving earlier today at 4pm, we needed to start our walk back to the tenderboat area. Checking out all of the shops along the way, we picked up the last of the gifts we will bring home.

 

Once back on the ship, we went to the pool once again to cool off. Much to our surprise, the pool water had been changed, and the water was almost cold. Clean, but cold. We watched the sailaway from the comfort of the lounges. However, once out in open water, away from the shelter of the harbor, the temperature dropped by 20 degrees, and the crisp wind drove most folks inside. It is always like that when we start sailing in the Pacific Ocean. We expect much cooler temperatures as we sail northwest towards San Diego.

 

Dinner was great tonight. We ordered the veal chop along with one serving of cheese and spinach lasagna to split. We could not decide which entree was the best. They were both equally delicious. Ice cream finished the meal. Since our tablemates, Janet and Larry, will be going to the Pinnacle Grill for Mother's Day dinner, there will be only the three of us at our table tomorrow evening....our last one on the ship.

 

More good news this evening, the clocks went back for the final hour. At least we do not have to deal with jetlag once we get home. It was much better doing the time changes while sailing instead of flying.

 

Just in case we don't have the opportunity to email the last two reports, we promise to do them once we are home. Most of tomorrow has been scheduled for us. Starting at 9:30am, we have been invited to a disembarkation talk in the Queens Lounge with the other 195 passengers going home from San Diego on Monday. At 10:30am, we have been invited to attend a Mariners cocktail party in the Explorers Lounge. Following that, we will be escorted to the upper dining room for a special Mariners brunch at 11am. After that, we will be free to resume the last of the packing. We did get some good news regarding our 4 rather large and heavy duffel bags that are to be shipped via Fed Ex. Now we are being told that we will not have to claim them, and take them through the customs line in San Diego. If that is true, then we should be able to make our plane on time, which leaves at 1:16pm. At this point, we will be at the mercy of the port authorities, who have announced that the Amsterdam may not be cleared until 11am. We are keeping our fingers crossed for a smooth and speedy disembarkation. Please wish us luck!

 

And many thanks for your wonderful comments. We are happy that we may have made some people happy reading the reports. It has been fun for us too.

 

Bill & Mary Ann

[King Neptune]

Bill and Mary Ann - I have so enjoyed your posts and living vicariously thru your travels. Safe travels home and thanks for sharing it all with us.

[BSinPNS]

Appreciate your daily posts.

[Crusing Bob]

Have thoroughly enjoyed your reports during this more than 4 month span. We dream of a Grand World Voyage but will probably not take that much time away with having our Snauzer.

 

Bob

[CairnsGuyCruiser]

Dear Bill and Mary Ann

It was a pleasure and an honour to share your table for the first 46 days of the grand voyage on the Amsterdam with you.

Many thanks for your posts since I left the Amsterdam in Cairns, because of your great reports I have felt I was seeing and experiencing the remainder of the cruise through your eyes.( I must confess they did not help with the Cruise withdrawals I experienced.)

 

I am in Las Vegas on my way from Cairns to Ft Lauderdale for the Prinsendam 45 day cruise departing May 13.

 

Once again my thanks and appreciation for your friendship and company whilst I was on the Amsterdam.

 

Every best wish

 

Pat

[superoma]

Thanks for your daily briefing of the world voyage. if all goes well, we may join you in 2013. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

[kazu]

Thank you so much for taking us along with you. I can't believe it is nearly over (again).

 

Hoping all things work out well for your luggage and your flight and wishing you safe travels home.

[WCB]

Report # 126 May 08, 2011 Sunday Day at Sea (Mother's Day)

 

Happy Mother's Day! We were reminded of this special day with banners draped in both entrances to the dining room. It was far less artistic than the decorations we had on the world cruise, but then, we have to remember that this is a repositioning voyage, which has been fun, but not "Grand".

 

Our day was charted out for us with invites to a debarkation talk at 9:30am in the Queens Lounge. We usually do not go to these talks, but always watch it on the room TV. That was a mistake on the 14 day Alaskan cruise we took last summer. It turned out that the numbers for debarking were "silent". Go figure? While we waited in our room to be called, we missed our group, but luckily, not our bus to the Seattle airport. Better to be over-informed than clueless!

 

Jimmy, the cruise director, gave the usual talk with the usual jokes. His most significant remark was that HAL does not control the immigrations officials that plan to board the ship late, since we are not arriving to the port until 8am. The staff onboard promise to do their best to expedite the face-to-face immigrations check, which will free up the 280 passengers due to go home tomorrow. By the way, 400 new people will be boarding the ship in San Diego for a 4 day cruise to Seattle, many of them children.

 

During the talk, we were served champagne or mimosas and tempting canapies. They are treating us quite well, right up to the bitter end.

 

At 10:30am, we attended a cocktail party in the Explorers Lounge, hosted by Captain Eversen and Bart, our hotel manager. Again, more champagne, wine, and sodas flowed freely. More treats were passed around the small group, while we were greeted by the Captain. A few 300 and 500 day medals were awarded, with photos taken of each group. There were a total of seven of us that had reached the 700 plus platinum level, which also entitiled us to a photo, which we received later in our room, complimentary.

 

At 11am, nine of us were singled out to be escorted to our table (303) to dine with the Captain. The upper dining room was already filled with guests who had under 200 days sailed with HAL and were also leaving the ship tomorrow. The brunch was delicious with starters of caesar salads, entrees of swiss steak, carrots, and mashed potatoes. The dessert was their famous bread pudding with vanilla sauce and berries. The meal was served with more champagne, not that we needed more. Captain Eversen opted for a diet Coke, stating that he has been on a diet. He did make an exception with the dessert, however, since he could not resist the treat. The Captain also mentioned that 1000 passengers will be boarding the ship in Vancouver for a one night cruise to Seattle. That should be exciting, or not. Anyway, brunch ended around 12:30pm.

 

Finally, the day was ours to do what we loved the most. Not really. The final packing needed to be done, keeping out what we needed for dinner and going home tomorrow. It did keep us busy for an hour, which was just as well, because it was too cold to do anything else but take a walk. Once we rounded that corner going out of Cabo San Lucas yesterday, it never warmed up above 60 degrees. And the wind was freezing. Hard to believe we are sailing not far from the coast of Baja California, which we associate with deserts and heat. Not out at sea, in the rolling waters of the Pacific Ocean. We can only guess that it will become cooler the further north we sail.

 

There were only three of us at our large table for dinner tonight. Since Larry and Janet had gone to the Pinnacle Grill for Mother's Day dinner, it gave Judi and us the chance to recall many happy memories of the world cruise. Judi told us several stories that we had never heard before. But then, everyone can move in different directions every day, and not do the same activities. For as many people that sailed on the 110 day voyage, there can be 1100 stories to be shared. We think that is what makes dinnertime so enjoyable....it's not always about the food. Although, the food was been wonderful, high quality and cooked to perfection. Speaking of meals, it is going to be difficult going home and cutting the rations to half.

 

After dinner, we hauled the luggage outside the room and filled the hallway. If all goes according to their plan, we should not see the Fed Ex duffels until they arrive at our doorstep, probably within a week. We will have to find our two pieces of luggage that we will be taking on the plane in the pier building, then off we will go to the airport. Sounds easy, and it usually is. We shall let you know how it turns out. This is not one of our favorite days on the trip, since it is hard to say goodbye to our excellent room stewards and waiters that have taken such good care of us for 123 days.

 

To be continued............

 

Mary Ann & Bill

[caltnl]

Bill and Mary Ann,

 

Hope that you made your flight with out any problems.

 

Just looked at the channel 7 web cam and could see the Amsterdam docked at the spruce goose dome.

 

Welcome back to California.

[doncarlos]

Bill and Mary Ann, I am one of those who prefers to hold the applause until all the names have been called [ days have been posted ] rather than responding each time . So now hear my thundering hand clapping and loud "bravos " for a great job over 4 plus months . Thanks !!!!

 

I suspect on a few days the urge to " lets forget it and skip a few days " came to mind . Yet what also came to mind was " no, we gotta get it done ....Doncarlos [ and many others ] are counting on us ". Right you were !

 

We have not done a "grand " , but have it on the very short list so particulary enjoyed hearing the " specials " as well as noting your observations once the flag[ manner of speeking], ambiance , staff [ we enjoyed your WC CD one week in Alaska on Amsterdam a few years ago while he was on for a few weeks to "work on some WC details " for the next winter ] and guest mix changed after FLL in late April .

 

Again : BRAVO

[caltnl]

Can not believe that I did not get called on my brain freeze above saying the Amsterdam docked in Long Beach.

 

Just looked at the picture from the San Diego Cam.

 

What a beautiful ship.

[DAllenTCY]

As promised a few weeks ago, I made sure that your duffles made it through customs and to FedEx. I'm wondering if any of the stateroom people are missing, as one of the bags seemed to weigh about 110 pounds. It reminded me of the Lucille Ball and Ricky Ricardo movie "The Long Trailer", where she collected rocks. I had to lift those duffles 3 times each (onto a cart, through the x-ray, off the belt and onto the cart again), and I'll tell you, everyone on your Christmas list must be getting something this year.

David

[Harley57]

Oh how I will miss your daily posts. Thank you for sharing your awesome journey with us. Looking forward to 'traveling' along with you on the 2012 WC.

[CruiseRev]

Just caught up with the last few days of your adventure. Thank you for sharing so much of it with us. Thoroughly enjoyed every report and vicariously traveling with you.

 

When you described the port area in Puerto Vallarta, it sounds like the ship no longer docks across the street from Wal Mart. Is that true?

 

Thanks again for your great reports.

[WCB]

Report # 127 May 11, 2011 Wednesday Finally home!

 

Well, we survived our last day that we left the ship on Monday. Leaving is hard enough, without having to worry about missing your flight. That was where we were at after enjoying the last delicious dining room breakfast on the Amsterdam.

 

The ship had arrived to the port of San Diego and was docked by 8am, just like Captain Fred has promised. There was a mandatory face-to-face check with the immigrations officials starting at 8:30am. On Sunday, we had been given a letter stating that our group B would be called first or second for the US citizens to see the officials in the Queens Lounge. All other foreigners had to proceed to the upper dining room for their passport procedures.

 

The letter stated that we had to have our keyroom card and our passports. However, when we lined up, we were asked if we had the customs declaration form with us, and of course, we did not, since it had not been required for this check. So instead of running back to the room to get it, we just filled out a new one. Wish they would get these things straight in the beginning. Anyway, we breezed through the check, then were ready for the next step.....getting off.

 

Nothing is ever that simple. Since the entire ship's population had to go through immigrations, the process lasted about 1 1/2 hours. That is normal. What held it up more, was the fact that about 200 people chose to ignore their scheduled time, and now needed to get their behinds up and do it. It took about 30 more minutes with the cruise director, Jimmy, pleading for people to hurry up, or no one would be allowed off of the ship. Bet if they attached a fine for not going on time, they'd move a lot quicker. And they have names and room numbers, because our room keycards were swiped when we entered the lounge.

 

Hoping to be called off earlier than the estimated time of 11:40am, we took our hand carrys, and waited on the promenade deck to be called off. Our yellow 1 tag was called at 10:30am, right after the expedited passengers (those who could carry all their luggage off) were let go. The nice thing was that there were only 280 of us going off today, instead of 1200. That made it very easy for us to find our 2 pieces of luggage in the pier building. Thank goodness, the Fed Ex luggage did not have to be claimed or pulled to the Fed Ex truck by us. Our duffel bags were pretty heavy by the time we got them fully loaded, and we would have had some difficulty lifting them.

 

Since we had cleared customs already, we just pulled our suitcases out to a waiting bus that was headed to the airport, three miles away. We had to purchase this transfer from the shore excursion staff, but in hind sight, we could have easily taken a cab. We had forgotten that these buses do not leave until they are full. So, as a result, we had another half hour wait for the bus to leave. Although, we were among the lucky ones that did not miss our flights. Our flight was on time, leaving at 1:16pm, so we made the required time to check in at the United desk by the skin of our teeth.

 

Because we had used our nifty luggage weight device, the bags were just shy of 50 pounds. With our tickets in hand, we went through the security check, which is much smaller than what we have in San Francisco. There were two lines open, and not paying attention to the procedures being done, we took the shorter line which happened to be the new xray check. We did not have a problem with this type of new technology. First, each of us went through the regular xray portal, then stood facing the screen, which resembled a huge TV. The officer asked us to put our hands over our heads, then he counted down from 8 to 0, and we were done. Next was the "pat down" check, but just for me, Mary Ann. I had a long sleeve shirt with the cuffs rolled up, like I always do. That was the first place the security gal checked. Then she patted down my hair, a first for me, probably looking for hidden items. Obviously they find things there, but not today, at least not on me.

 

By the time we found the gate, we had 45 minutes to spare. As we said, the flight was on time, we boarded, and were landing in San Francisco one hour and 15 minutes later, also on time. We did notice that even flying economy on United was roomy, compared to other airlines we have used in the past. The only thing we were offered were drinks of juice, coffee, tea, water, or sodas. No more pretzels or peanuts, not that we need them, but it was nice. Of course, we are sure first class customers had something more than a drink, but they paid lots more too.

 

The plane came in to the new terminal which was really spacious. It was a long walk to the baggage pickup area, but this tme we used the horizontal escalators along the way. We had only 20 minutes to get our luggage and be outside for our ride from son Ken. That worked out very well, since he was just driving by when we walked outside. How perfect was that? Ken is very familiar with this new extension, since he is one of the ones responsible for the construction that has taken a few years.

 

We got caught up with all the latest news on the way home. Speaking of home, it was good to pull in the driveway, even if it was covered with leaves and fallen tree debris. We guess it had been very windy here the last week. We could see that our work was cut out for us when we saw the height of some of the weeds that had sprouted up since we left four months ago. With the extra rain that we had gotten over the winter and spring, everything was still green and growing.

 

When we went back to check on the birds, the new peacock followed us, probably looking for food. He has made himself right at home, and is probably thinking he will be able to score with one of our hens. Of course, they are all caged with their mates, but he doesn't know that. His instincts will keep him here until he gets tired, or we cage him up. In the meantime, he will have to remain love-sick.

 

As soon as we gather our final thoughts on this world cruise, we shall be back with one more report. In a few days, we expect the duffels to be delivered, then the task of undoing them will keep us occupied for a few days. Hope they arrive in one piece! Thank goodness, we did.........

 

Mary Ann & Bill

[Gail and Ken]

Welcome back home and look forward to your final update after the un-packing and finding a place for all your newly acquired treasures. Your mention of your peacocks is funny. We have 4 of them at our local gas station that are parading around every day. Regular customers give them "bird" treats so they have been around for a very long time. It's fun to watch the expressions on surprised customers when they pull in for the first time and find a peacock standing next to them watching them pump gas. Again thanks for taking us along on a virtual world cruise and look forward to your next one..

[smokesmom]

My DH and I have enjoyed your posts from January when we were snowed in for 3 days to the hot and humid days of May. Thank you for sharing. We hope to do the same one day.

[DAllenTCY]

Every time there is as possibility of "in transit" guests....such as you repositioning cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to Vancouver, the same thing happens. Guests do not report to US Customs as required. In their minds they think that as long as they are not debarking, that they do not need to show up. Didn't the same confusion happen to you in Florida? You were "told" that you didn't need to go through customs, but in the end you did. It needs to be clarified, because this is an over and over event, and the ones who suffer are those who have flights to catch. Many times those few who do not pay attention, cost others hundreds of dollars.....and it isn't covered by any type of insurance or by the cruise line. Those of us who deal with such instances often, wish that the ship would charge a fine for anyone who does not report to US Customs within 60 minutes of the time on their notice.

David

[DizzyDallasDi]

Bravo Mary Ann and Bill !!

 

Welcome home and thank you for another fabulous day-by-day recounting of your glorious adventure.

[erewhon]

Welcome Home, Mary Ann & Bill.

Thank you for the marvellous reports of your cruises.

Jimmy was the Cruise Director on the Volendam Vancouver to Auckland September/October last year. His wife and children were with him.

[seafun]

I just heard that the Amsterdam collided with some ice in Alaska today. Glad you (and the duffels full of love) got off just in time! :eek:

And Thank You once again for the lovely travelogue you shared with us all. Glad you are home safe and sound!! :D

Tom

[earl_m]

Welcome Home!!!!

[rafinmd]

I just heard that the Amsterdam collided with some ice in Alaska today. Glad you (and the duffels full of love) got off just in time! :eek:

And Thank You once again for the lovely travelogue you shared with us all. Glad you are home safe and sound!! :D

Tom

 

I believe you are mistaken about that. According to luvtwotrvl, Amsterdam is in Seattle, not known for ice in May. I believe you are thinking of the Westerdam.

 

WELCOME HOME AND THANKS, BILL AND MARY ANN

[kazu]

So glad the two of you made your plane and got home safely. Welcome Home and thank you for your sharing your amazing journey with us. It has been great fun:):)

[alsas]

Glad to here you got home safe,it ws fun following you from Ft lauderdale. See you 2012. Allan and Sandra