Quasi-Live Westerdam Oct 1st Japan

[Ferry_Watcher]

21 hours ago, Ferry_Watcher said:

The face to face immigration check went fairly well. It was held in the World Stage Theater.  We waited in a line on deck 2 where crew checked to make sure we had our passports, and had filled out a immigration form that we received days earlier.  

Sorry for the abrupt end of the post, our excursion group was called so I had to run.

 

The Customs & Border officers were set up on the main floor of the World Stage Theater.  Each station had a laptop, passport reader. and a finger print / facial photo scanner.  Once at the immigration station, it took just a couple of minutes.  The  C&B officer attached a sticker in our passport, and we were done. We also received a small card indicating that we have completed the immigration clearance check.  We were told to keep this card with our passport.

 

We were in group B, and  groups A & C  were called before us.  It appeared that either Group A or  C may have been passengers in the ADA staterooms, as they were entering the World Stage Theater from deck 1 (ADA compliant), and the rest of us from Deck 2 which included stairs.  I saw one older woman with a cane  really struggling trying to navigate all the stairs and walking along the aisles the width of the theater to get to the immigration check.  After completing our immigration check, those of us who had HAL excursions were directed to the upper floor of the dining room to wait to be called.

 

When they said keep your passport and immigration clearance card with you, they really meant it.  Those two documents were checked multiple times after leaving the World Stage Theater and again when we disembarked the ship.  The final check was by Japanese officials who scanned our passports AFTER getting off the ship, just before we could disperse for our buses.  Very through.

[Ferry_Watcher]

The excursion we signed up for was Natural Hokkaido (the name of the northern most island).  It was a 5 hour tour visiting 4 spots.  There were three buses doing the same tour about 10 apart from each other.

 

The first stop was the Kushiro City Museum.  It had 3 floors of exhibits, highlighting a little bit of everything: prehistoric Kushiro; Fauna & Flora in the Kushiro Area;  Development of the Ainu (indigenous people) Culture; Kushiro in Modern Times; the Japanese Crane.  There was something for everyone here.  Highlights for me was the lower jaw bone of a Blue Whale, a small Japanese fishing boat tied together with rope ( and didn't take on water - and the craftsmanship was in itself a work of art), a exhibit of civil defense items from WWII. 

 

There were other exhibits that were interesting as well.  If doing it again (not on a tour), using the English language audio tour, especially to learn more about the Ainu people would have been enjoyable.  Our tour group was there for about an hour.

[Ferry_Watcher]

The 2nd stop was the Kushiro Washou Fish Market.  There we were encouraged to create our own katte-don - a meal of rice and Sashimi style fish.  With a quick demonstration from our guide, you find a vendor that sells bowls of rice (you select the size of bowl which corresponds to the amount of rice), then you wander around, find a fish vendor with sliced of sashimi grade fish, they take your bowl of rice,  you point out what you want, how many slices/pieces, then they add the fish you selected, then you pay for it.  They hand your bowl back to you on a tray along with a tiny container of soy sauce and if you want, wasabi.  You then find a table and enjoy your meal.  

 

We were there just after 11 am, so it wasn't crowded, and when we left around noon, just as the locals were arriving for their lunchtime.

 

In addition to the katte-don, there was sit down ramen places ( some folks on the bus couldn't wrap their heads around eating uncooked fish).  After we had put katte-don, we stopped at a gelato place.  I had mango, and DH had black sesame.  So other folks grabbed a coffee that they raved about.

 

As for selecting the fish, living in the Seattle area, we are kind of familiar with fish used in sushi restaurants, so we did a lot of guessing.  We over heard the couple in front of us on the bus say that they tried whale.  I want to ask if they found a fish vendor who spoke English, or if the fish was signed.  I'm any case, they they were lucky to have found that.

 

This fish market stop was the favorite of our 4 stop excursion tour.

Edited October 13, 2023 by Ferry_Watcher

[LAFFNVEGAS]

26 minutes ago, Ferry_Watcher said:

The 2nd stop was the Kushiro Washou Fish Market.  There we were encouraged to create our own katte-don - a meal of rice and Sashimi style fish.  With a quick demonstration from our guide, you find a vendor that sells bowls of rice (you select the size of bowl which corresponds to the amount of rice), then you wander around, find a fish vendor with sliced of sashimi grade fish, they take your bowl of rice,  you point out what you want, how many slices/pieces, then they add the fish you selected, then you pay for it.  They hand your bowl back to you on a tray along with a tiny container of soy sauce and if you want, wasabi.  You then find a table and enjoy your meal.  

 

We were there just after 11 am, so it wasn't crowded, and when we left around noon, just as the locals were arriving for their lunchtime.

 

In addition to the katte-don, there was sit down ramen places ( some folks on the bus couldn't wrap their heads around eating uncooked fish).  After we had put katte-don, we stopped at a gelato place.  I had mango, and DH had black sesame.  So other folks grabbed a coffee that they raved about.

 

As for selecting the fish, living in the Seattle area, we are kind of familiar with fish used in sushi restaurants, so we did a lot of guessing.  We over heard the couple in front of us on the bus say that they tried whale.  I want to ask if they found a fish vendor who spoke English, or if the fish was signed.  I'm any case, they they were lucky to have found that.

 

This fish market stop was the favorite of our 4 stop excursion tour.

This sounds like my kind of tour.. yumm. For the gelato I would take a scoop of both the black sesame and the Mango or maybe even a macha.

[Kristal Blade]

We were offered whale at a Japanese fish market, but declined. The meat was really dark red, like a matured beef steak but with no streaks of fat.

Loving the tour description, thank you. It’s making me wish the time away till my cruise on Westerdam in March.

[Ferry_Watcher]

Sorry, but my day yesterday (my Friday, your Thursday) keeps getting interrupted by activities, and pauses my posting.

 

The final two destinations on our excursion was a stop at the  Tancho Crane Reserve, and the Kushiro Marsh Observatory.

 

The Crane Reserve was located on quite a bit of acreage, but our visit just included the five or so fenced enclosures closest to the entrance.  These enclosures are open to the sky, and those of us who walked along with one of the keepers, found out that one of the widower male cranes would sometimes leave for the day, but return to the Reserve in the evening.

 

Luckily, we had spent time at the Kushiro City Museum's great exhibit about the Japanese Crane earlier the day watching a video about the cranes.  Between that and what the guide and crane keeper shared gave us a decent understanding of this beautiful bird.

 

There were about 5 enclosures each housing a different family unit of cranes -  just like a neighborhood -  a pair of cranes, a single widow/widower crane, and the last enclosure housed a crane family -  parents and a juvenile crane just born in May '23.  The juvenile crane was about the same size as the parents, but he/she didn't have the same plumage.

 

I do need to mention that the weather was spectacular.  No coats were needed (light sweater maybe), the sun was out and it helped if you had brought along a hat or sunglasses.  Even the tour guide remarked about how much enjoyable all this was with this weather.

 

Just before leaving for the final stop, the Kushiro Marsh Observatory, I asked the tour guide if there was an option/possibility that we could be dropped off at the shopping area called the MOO and adjacent EGG which is an enclosed garden, similar to Amazon's Sphere in Seattle ( but not as elaborate). This shopping area was also where the Westerdam shuttle bus was located.  She said 'no', that the excursion bus would be returning to the pier.  That made us really consider if we really wanted to come back into town after a long day in a bus.

 

The final stop was the Kushiro Marsh Observatory.  The options were to walk a loop trail, which we informed was closed at the half way point due to maintenance or erosion.  The tour guide was very upfront about the trail conditions (can be rough), and the limited time to get to the trail closure area, then turn around and return to the bus.  I would say that less than half of our group opted to take the walk.  I have to say that from listening to those who did take the walk, I am glad that I did not.  It sounded like quite the workout, and more than one person put a foot thru a board on the boardwalk.

 

Those of us that stay at the Observatory, got to look out on the vista (we could see the Westerdam way off on the distance).  Ty ou could only look at the view for so long, so most of us ended up at the gift shop buying something to drink, and sitting outside at picnic tables.  

This stop was the least enjoyable for me.  I am just grateful that we had such great weather or I am not sure what we would have done as we waited for our fellow passengers to return from their boardwalk hike.

 

The good news was once we were back on the bus, the tour guide announced that the bus could drop us off at the MOO and EGG.  I was really happy to hear that as I am guessing that I was the only one asking about that option.

 

We got to MOO and EGG. Shopped at MOO but late afternoon so stores were closing. We got a beer and took the shuttle back to the ship

 Lots of crew off the ship since we'd been at sea for 7 days. Japanese buses have a seat on each row that folds down into the aisle so more people can fit without standing, there were so many people waiting for the shuttle bus, that some very intrepid folks opted to use these 'jump seats' just do they didn't have to wait for the next shuttle bus.  😲

 

[Ferry_Watcher]

We arrived at the shopping center, MOO close to 4pm.  There are at least 3 floors, but we had spent most of our time on the main floor.  Stairs or an escalator to the upper floors were not easy to find, but finally we did, but when we went up to the 2nd and 3rd floors, most of what was up there either were closing for the day, or not opened.  Also, unlike the stores/shops on the main floor that were plentiful and close together, and had lots of foot traffic, the stores upstairs were spread out.  The stores on the main floor had something for everyone - f

 

The MOO and the adjacent EGG (Ever Green Garden) are right next to a river.  We saw some fishing ships moored there, and while we were grabbing a beer at a little restaurant at MOO, a fellow passenger told us that the fishing boat was used for squid fishing.

 

There was a Lawson's across the street, and while I held out place on the shuttle line for the bus back to the ship, DH ran across the street to grab some needed toiletries.  We didn't make on to the first bus, but luckily the next bus arrived shortly thereafter. 

 

The stores on the main floor of MOO had something for everyone - from fish, to cookies and sweets, to outdoor gear, to souvenir items,  little food shops, as well as a post office where you could get YEN.

[Ferry_Watcher]

Yesterday (my Friday, your Thursday) was a sea day.  Dr Kam spoke about Ama shellfish divers, and how that profession has changed over the decades.  These women divers traditionally drove just wearing a loincloth to enhance their range of movement.  That changed in the 1950's when western tourist expressed dismay about the lack of clothing. The Ama divers wore while shrouds until wetsuits became available.  Now, very few young women go into the profession, and today's Ama diver has an average age of 64.

 

After talking about the Ama divers, Dr Kam discussed the Etiquette of sushi.  Always dip the fish part of your sushi into the soy sauce, don't dip the rice part.  Don't mix in your wasabi with your soy sauce.  The fresh ginger is a palate cleanser between sushi pieces.  Try to eat the sushi pieces in one bite (this should be easy in Japan, but sushi in North America could be made too big to do this),  sake should not be drank with sushi, but instead a green tea.  Also, sake is usually served cold (especially if it is a good quality sake - only lower quality sake is served warm).

[Ferry_Watcher]

Before Dr Kam's talk, Cruise Director Nick gave a talk about Yokohama and for those leaving the cruise, some information about Tokyo.  Nick covered some nearby spots to visit while in Yokohama, and for those heading to Tokyo, public transportation suggestions.  He also let folks know about the distance between the two airports Narita is quite a distance away, and you could hear the surprise from folks in the audience then they heard that it could be upwards of $300 US to get to Narita Airport.  

Having been to Japan last year, we knew the advantage of having as little luggage as possible.  I heard one man day he had 3 suitcases and a carry-on.  Nick had also mentioned that the taxis came in 3 different sizes, and the larger the taxi, the more it would cost you.  Anyway, I am sure folks will figure out their transportation, and at worst it will just cost a bit more than they expect.

 

After the talk by Nick and the following one by Dr Kam, it was off to the Thermal Suite and the heated tile loungers and therapy pool.  After turning my Thermal Suite card key in, I saw that they were offering a spa special of one hour/3 mini services $159.  I chose a mini facial, foot reflexology and back only hot stone massage. The appointment is for tomorrow, so I will let you know how it went.

 

The weather continues to be amazing, and after leaving the Thermal Suite, we saw that the pool roof was partially opened and we decided to hang out to enjoy the sun.  And with sun, you need the correct warm weather drink, so it was a mai tai for me, and a beer for DH.  We tried the taco bar for the first time, and it was fine.  It was fun just to sit in the sun and enjoy the pool deck.  We finish the afternoon with a ice cream cone and a stroll out to the stern and into more sunshine.

[Ferry_Watcher]

Our Friday ( your Thursday) evening was filled with lots of options.  First, it was Dressy Night.  The evening show was a presentation of a new dance show called MOVE,  at 9 pm the Westerdam Ball ( at the Rolling Stone Lounge) where apparently officers were available to dance with, and at 9:45 pm the Chocolate Surprise.

[USN59-79]

I wonder if the cruise director was trying to encourage people to use HAL transportation when he mentioned $300. to get to Narita from Yokohama.  We have always used the Limousine Bus from YCAT to Narita.  Cost is $35. per person.  YCAT is Yokohama City Air Terminal, located about 2 miles from the pier.  If I remember correctly, they also offer a senior discount making the cost closer to $20.  Look it up on the internet.

Ray

[oakridger]

Narita Airport| YCAT Yokohama City Air Terminal - Yokohama City Air terminal -

 

Thanks for this information @USN59-79.  Yokahama to Narita Airport is currently 3700 yen = $24.74

 

 

Huge difference from $300!!!

 

~Nancy

[USN59-79]

11 hours ago, oakridger said:

Narita Airport| YCAT Yokohama City Air Terminal - Yokohama City Air terminal -

 

Thanks for this information @USN59-79.  Yokahama to Narita Airport is currently 3700 yen = $24.74

 

 

Huge difference from $300!!!

 

~Nancy

If you think about it, this is the purpose of Cruise Critic.

Ray

[Ottawa traveller]

Flights From Haneda Airport

Last spring, I flew in to Narita and took the bus. It was easy and comfortable.  Going home, I left from Haneda airport. Here are the directions but search Google maps to find the starting metro station. It is a  deal at 600Yen or about $5.00 for a 50 minute trip. I used sideways seating on both sections and had no trouble with my suitcase.  You have to be aware of which terminal you are using but Terminal 3 seems to be the International one. The change of train lines requires the purchase of a new ticket. at Yokohama Station.

Yokohama cruise ship terminal

Yokohama Intl, Passenger Terminal, 1 Chome-1-4 Kaigandori, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0002, Japan

Walk  About 11 min, 650 m

Nihon-Odori Station   Minatomirai Linen Minomatori Linee

 7 min (4 stops) · Platform 2 · Stop ID: MM05

Yokohama Station

Walk  About 7 min

Yokohama Station  Buy a new ticket to  change train lines from Minatomirai  Line to 

Keikyū Main Line  Airport-KyukoHaneda Airport Terminal 1:2

 15 min (5 stops) · Platform 2 · Stop ID: KK37

Continue on the same vehicle

Keikyū Airport LineHaneda Airport Terminal 1:2

 8 min (5 stops)

Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station

Haneda Airport

Hanedakuko, Ota City, Tokyo 144-0041, Japan

Cost: ¥600

[Ferry_Watcher]

Our Saturday (your Friday) was our last sea day of the transpacific cruise.  Some passengers will be disembarking tomorrow, but I think a fair number of passengers (like us) will remain on board thru Oct 26.  We have met some folks staying on thru early/mid Nov.  Luck them!

 

So our final sea day was another beautiful weather day.  It was my spa day.  You may recall that the day before I had seen an unadvertised spa special of your choice of three 20 minute devices for $159.  I chose the hot stone back massage; the mini facial; and the foot reflexology.  Having the Thermal Suite pass (and sadly my last day of my pass), I enjoyed relaxing on the heated tile loungers. When I arrived for my appointment, I was taken pass the treatment rooms to the spa's relaxation lounge.  It had cushioned loungers, cucumber water, a nice view and a door that led out to the small deck in front of the fitness center.  I was given some paperwork to sign, relaxed a few minutes more, then my masseuse came and escorted to the treatment room.

 

She began with the hot stone back massage.  First she massaged my back, asking about my comfort level with the pressure, which I asked for a bit less.  Next was the oil, which was surprisingly quite hot, and a some point she put a very hot stone in each of my hands.  While laying on the table I remembered that I had had a hot stone massage years ago, and I found that the stones were too hot for my comfort.  I don't think she place any stones on my back, but she possibly used the hot stones as part of her massage technique.

 

Next came the foot reflexology, and who doesn't love a foot massage?  Along with the foot massage, she manipulated my foot to and fro, etc.  At this point I was totally relaxed.

 

Finally it was time for my mini facial.  Between the mood music, the low lights, and just the total relaxation feeling, I was in heaven.  The facial was good, and I think it ended with a scalp massage.  Total pampering.

 

I think from beginning to end she spent a bit more than an hour with me.  I was really expecting that begining to end that it would be slightly less that an hour, but she/spa really gave the full time.  I did tell her how much I enjoyed the experience.  I did ask her about the temperature of the stones, and she became a little defensive saying I I haven't said anything at the time. I assured her, it wasn't a complaint, but I was try to learn about options of future services.  Once she realized that I was happy with her services (and that I was staying on the ship for another 2 weeks), she suggested that I return for a full body massage (75 minutes).  She offered to discount it herself.  It sounded good to me (honestly even without the discount),  so my next spa appointment is this Monday, our next sea day.  🤗

 

 

[Ferry_Watcher]

I returned to our stateroom at 1:45 pm after my spa appointment to find a note from DH saying that he headed down to the World Stage Theater to get us seats for Dr Kam's 2pm lecture.  I dropped of my things and hurried down there to join him.

 

Dr Kam's Japanese Etiquette, Custom and Culture part III, covered, Geishas, Sumo wrestling and etiquette at Japanese bath houses and hot spring Onsen.  Expect to bathe nude, wash yourself completely before entering the soaking pools, keep your small towel out of the pool, ask if tattoos are allowed.

He talked about the history of the Geishas, and modern day Geishas.  Now, young girls can begin their training at age 15/16 in Kyoto, or at 18 in Tokyo.  Young apprentices are called Maiko, and they wear less makeup, they use their own hair ( Geisha's use wigs), red lipstick is just on the bottom lip, and they wear elaborate hair accessories, their kimonos are more colorful, with longer sleeves, and their obi's are loose.

Geishas' kimono are understated, their obi is folded up in the back,  the back of their collar is white, they wear wigs, full white facial makeup, full red lips, and their sandals are not was high as the younger Maiko's. 

[cruiseaholic78]

Following your post with great interest, I hope you are actually on board until 28th October not 26th! This is when we will be boarding and I do have a small question, as I am slowly getting into packing mode as we leave here earlier to spend some days in Tokyo with family.

Did you get a tote bag on board? I have many here and it seems when I take one they are provided and when I don’t they are not. It is of course no big deal but just one less or more thing to pack.

 

Enjoy the second half of your cruise and we will continue enjoying your posts.

Rosalyn

[TheMichael]

On 10/13/2023 at 9:50 PM, USN59-79 said:

I wonder if the cruise director was trying to encourage people to use HAL transportation when he mentioned $300. to get to Narita from Yokohama.  We have always used the Limousine Bus from YCAT to Narita.  Cost is $35. per person.  YCAT is Yokohama City Air Terminal, located about 2 miles from the pier.  If I remember correctly, they also offer a senior discount making the cost closer to $20.  Look it up on the internet.

Ray

 

I'm taxing my brain to think of any way it would be possible to spend $300 to get from Yokohama to Narita. Certainly not trains nor limousine bus. Perhaps he was thinking of taxi fare - cabs aren't cheap - but I can't think of why he'd recommend a taxi when there are multiple cheaper alternatives. The Narita Express from Yokohama will only cost you around $40 for the basic fare and $60 for first class.

[Ferry_Watcher]

After Dr Kam's lecture, we stopped off at the Rolling Stone Lounge where Cruise Nick was interviewing the members of the cruise Jazz band, Third Place West.  It was revealed that the band members had just met just over a month ago to study and practice together in NYC, before flying to Seattle for our transpacific cruise.  The oldest band member (Dylan, bass PA, USA) has had years of experience playing on cruise ships.  The Guitar player, a young guy, Guillermo (sp?) from Sao Paolo, has been preforming on cruise ships for a couple of years.  The piano player, Connor, is from London, and this cruise is his very first time preforming on a cruise ship.  They shared that they are on the Westerdam until March 2024.  They also said that NY decides the playlist, but they can take requests, and improvise.

 

Last night we used the first of our two Pinnacle dinners.  We had a Pinnacle dinner on the Zaandam last month (September), and left that dinner too full.  Last night, instead of ordering the Filet mignon, we both went with seafood (scallops and shared a $, lobster tail). We both went with the roasted beets  w/blue cheese rather than the asparagus w/ hollandaise sauce.  We both got the baked potato.  Dessert was a 'not so Baked Alaska which was supposed to have Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia ice cream, but it was a massive soft meringue, over mashed up cake and some sort of ice cream, and not much of that.  I'm really not complaining, it's more of a FYI.  It was the last day of the transpacific part of the cruise, and the ship would be restocking in Yokohama the following day. DH ordered the creme brulee, and he was quite happy with it 

 

After dinner (after 9 pm) we headed back to our stateroom so very grateful that we were remaining on the ship for another 2 weeks  🤗

[Ferry_Watcher]

Finally catching up !  Today is my Sunday, your Saturday.  The ship docked in Yokohama early this morning.  We woke up to pouring rain.  You know how there is a gutter type space between your deck and the railing?  Well there was a river flowing from balcony to balcony along this rainstorm.  We also had water pooling just outside our deck door.  In addition to the rain, there was fairly strong wind as well.  We decided to wait out the rain, which finally subsided around noon.  We grabbed a coffee drink from the Crow's Nest, returned to our stateroom, then later grabbed some lunch from the Lido before all the new arrivals showed up.

 

We left the ship about 12:30 and went to the nearest train station to reload our Pasmo train cards that we used and kept from of Japan visit in 10/2022.  DH ran off to. 7/11 to use the ATM and get us more YEN.  Meanwhile, I walked over to a Indian street fair/festival where there was Indian music, dancing, food and vendors 

 

After checking out the Indian festival, we headed over to the famous red brick warehouse that had 3 floors of shops, all lovely things, with prices to match.  I found interesting things, but didn't buy anything.

 

But the big draw for us was the Yokohama Octoberfest that was happening there.  It started on September 29, and today (Sunday October 15) was the last day.  It was housed in a huge tent, there were multiple beer vendors, serving beer in real glass mugs ( in all kinds of shapes and sizes), as well as ceramic beer steins.  You were charged a deposit for the glass/steins which was returned to you in cash when you returned it.  Being in Japan, everyone returned their glasses/steins.  There was an entrance fee of Y500.  The beer (both German and Japanese) was expensive, about $10 for about a pint size.

 

By the time we grabbed our beer, seating was at a premium inside the giant tent.  We did find seating outside, and we could still hear the Oomph band.  DH who has lots of German DNA, got to experience the band up close when he went back inside to get us a second round of beer.

 

At about 3 pm, the sky grew darker and we decided to head back to the ship.  We both went to the mobile restroom, and went we came out there was a downpour.  DH was waiting for me with an umbrella, and we both quickly got our jackets and hats on, and started the mile walk back to the ship.  The downpour ended about halfway back to the ship, so that was lucky.  We got by to the ship, hung up all the wet clothes, and now about 5:30) it's time to get a pre dinner cocktail, and wait for dinner!

 

 

[Riversedge]

I am really enjoying your posts.  We will be on the Westerdam for the month of February.  Would you mind posting the list of ports you will be visiting during the next two weeks?  I’m hoping it’s some of the same that we will be doing.  You are a wealth of information.  Thank you!

[paiagirl]

Thank you Ferry_Watcher for being very faithful of what you are doing.  It brings a lot of fond memories even tho’ we were on Diamond Princess.  Wish we could be there with you.

[Ferry_Watcher]

Just to finish up our day in Yokohama yesterday, back on the ship and taking in the view of the Yokohama skyline from the Pinnacle Bar.  It is so lovely, with buildings lit up, the giant ferris wheel's lighted spokes constantly changing colors/patterns, and a parade of lighted tourist boats, dinner boats sailing by.  Just beautiful.

 

We got a late start for dinner, but that gave us an opportunity to be outside when the Westerdam sailed under the Yokohama suspension bridge.  The ship blew it's horn as we passed underneath, and a tourist boat along side of us was filled with passengers waving their cellphone flashlights at us.  It was a fun way to sail out of Yokohama.

[Ferry_Watcher]

My Monday, your Sunday:  it is a sea day, and the weather is glorious.  Not a cloud in the sky, and warm enough to walk out on the deck without a jacket.

 

I slept in this morning, maybe due to the walk to the Octoberfest yesterday, but I didn't have time to have breakfast in the Dining Room before my massage at 9:30 am.  We don't usually do breakfast in the Lido, and I wanted something light, but I was unable to find oatmeal, so  settled for Special K.  The best part was eating at one of the tables at the stern - it was that comfortable being outside.

 

The massage (75 minutes), was great.  They also gave me the key to the Thermal Suite,  

 

Just got called for dinner, will finish later.

[Ferry_Watcher]

Sorry, about the pause.  It was Dressy Night and we had a pager as it was quite busy, so had to run when the restaurant paged us.

 

So when I checked in for my massage, the front desk for my locker, the front desk person may have seen my Thermal Suite pass which I believe was just for the first couple of weeks of the cruise.  I didn't say anything, as I wanted / would have enjoyed one last time it there.  Also, I also thought perhaps spa clients may be allowed to use the Thermal Suite as part of the cost/experience.  In any case, I was able to enjoy the heated tile loungers, and the Therapy pool.

 

One little observation that I will share is that the spa doesn't offer larger size robes.  If you want to make sure that you are completely covered, you can request a larger size robe from your stateroom attendant.  It might be a good idea as the ladies/gents locker room is across the spa lobby, past an elevator bank, and you get to walk Infront of the stairs that lead up to Deck 10.  So, if you want to feel really secure with a robe that completely covers you, consider asking for the larger size from your room steward.

 

Using the regular size robes are not problematic when using the tile loungers, or Therapy pool, or regular pool because you are wearing a bathing suit.  But when you are having a spa service like a massage, you generally are not wearing very much at all.  😲

Edited October 16, 2023 by Ferry_Watcher