The Copelands

Had breakfast at the hotel buffet. Packed our chaps back up and caught the hotel shuttle to Pier B. Pleasantly surprised we were able to check all of our luggage right curb side after getting off the shuttle. It was only a five minute ride from the hotel to the pier. Once at the pier we went security just like at the airport (only difference – we didn’t have to take our shoes off). Then proceeded directly to checkin where we were given our card keys for our room and a card for group nine for boarding. Less than 10minutes later they announced they were commencing boarding for those in Groups A, B, and C. About 5 minutes later they called group 1 and added group 2 minutes later. This continued with Groups 3, 4, on up to 9 at which point we were able to walk the gangway on-board and went directly to our room. Unpacked and put our luggage away and went and had some lunch. I don’t think Fry’s have as big an assortment of food as what they had on the lunch buffet. Took a walk to get familiar with the ship and went back to our room/stateroom to await the mandatory muster drill. Shortly after that it was time for the float away party beside the Sea Pool. Then on to supper in the dining room (5:30). Had supper with a lovely couple (Tom and Ginger) from North Dakota. They freely professed their love of Trump was about the same as ours. Then went to a presentation on the history of Holland America. Very interesting. But, about an hour into the presentation there was a Stage 1 General Alert that put an end to the presentation. A short time later the Captain announced that the problem was an electrical short in the women’s spa that was easily contained and gave the all clear.

Having never cruised before, I was under the misconception that everything was paid for when you bought your ticket. Not on this cruise. $2.50 for a bottle of water or a can of Coke (no Pepsi Derrick). $9.00 for a martini or rum punch. And $169.00 for the cheapest wine package.

The Rotterdam is an older ship by today’s standards and in need of some upgrades. There is no wall plug at the head of the bed to plug our cpaps into so we have an extension cord running across the floor. No electrical outlet in the bathroom to plug your razor into. Please don’t get me wrong. I’m not complaining just stating the facts.

What an honour to have such great kids. Eleanor’s daughter (Jim’s stepdaughter) Patricia and her husband Derrick gave us a Panama Cruise for our tenth anniversary. We have now been married for 11+ years. Time to get on with it.

Our friend Linda Zakowski picked us up at 5:50 this morning and took us to Sky Harbour for our flight to San Diego. Much higher security in force at the airport this morning. Eleanor even had to remove her cloth belt going thru security.

Sure wish parents would teach their children some manners. We had a 4 or 5 year boy sitting right behind us coughing his guts out and never even covered his mouth. Then when it came time to depart he stood with his butt up against our seats rocking back and forth. It was hard to resist smacking his parents. But I did.

The hotel shuttle picked us up just minutes after we got our luggage. Then a pleasant surprise, our room was ready when we checked in at 10:30 am. Went to our room, unpacked (setup our c-pap machines and rested for a few minutes. Then we purchased passes for the jump-on-jump-off tour. Walked about 3 blocks from our hotel and caught the tour in little Italy. Our first stop was in old town San Diego. By now the temperature was 24 C. We had lunch at McP’s right next to the bus stop. Shared a beef dip and Jim had a cider while Eleanor had a light beer.

Got back on the Jojo. After a very informative tour of San Diego, our next stop was Coronado Island. Got off and toured the Coronado hotel. Even saw where they had an outdoor ice rink for the Xmas holidays. Skating by the beach. Stopped and had a small cup of rum and raisin ice cream ($7.50).

By now both of these old out of shape bodies were wore out. So, we got back on the Jojo and rode it back to where we started. Time for happy hour. Not sure what we are going to do for supper. To tired to go very far, but the hotel restaurant closed January 14, 2019 for supper.

Decided to walk over to Petrini’s, kitty corner from the hotel, and bringsome seafood linguini back to our room. Enjoyed a lot more than we would’ve sitting in a restaurant.

Some pictures from today’s travels.