Disembarkation in San Francisco

We wake just before 7 to the feeling of the ship docking.  

We quickly shower and head to the dining room for some cereal and fruit.  

We are asked for a table of two and we were told it would be a while.  

Now we can see that the dining room is not busy and we know they want to discourage people from asking for deuces.  But today we just don't have time for a big table.

We say we will wait and about five minutes later we are taken to a table for two.  Hmm, we know the game but if you want a table for two then hold your ground.  But again have to say dining on the Island in the Dining room is a game of patience and understanding.

The service was great and we were in and out within 20 minutes.

We are in the first walk off group.  We meet at our assigned time of 745 in Wheelhouse - note there was no Platinum Elite disembarkation lounge.

Things are running a bit late.  At around 8:15 we are called that we can get off.  

The issue really is not with Princess it is more with the Customs agents, and to tell you the truth San Francisco seems to be an issue often.  Of all the US ports we have entered and had to clear customs San Francisco continues to be the worst, even with the new port and only one ship in port.

Today the issue is there is only one agent for the first half hour that is assigned to Non US citizens.  Considering the ship left Vancouver there are a lot of Canadians on board.  

We are in the first group to get off but we waited about a half hour in the Customs line.  Note they did assign another agent to the Non US group as we made it to the front and that helped.

Note the US Citizens line seem to be processed rather quickly.  But this is not always the case.

We walked down to the Embarcadero Station at Market Street and went to catch the BART.  However they were announcing issues with the BART and that there was also a bus bridge due to work and could be up to an hour delay.  

So we went back up to the street level and hailed a taxi and took it to the airport.

We arrive in plenty of time for our noon flight - have Nexus which gives us TSA pre clearance sure helped.

Flight home was rather uneventful and we were back home around 3:30 pm.  

The trip was just what we needed after dealing with so many issues at home and at work lately.  A short getaway that fell perfectly during our weekend and great friends on board.

Overall this three day was one of our best ones.  The only negative was the ship and it's changes since dry dock, which of course we managed with but was truly our only negative.

Tuesday – Second Day in San Francisco

We wake around 8 am and Bernie heads upstairs for some oatmeal, but I am still full from dinner.  We are being picked up this morning at 9:30 by Simon and Angelique.

We head to the gangway at 9:15 but right as we get there they closed it.  Apparently the port needs to adjust the gangway.  We wait and wait and the line gets longer and longer and people’s patience is wearing thin.  We take it in stride.  

Although I was disappointed in the way one couple acted who approached the line and insisted because they were Elite they should get priority for getting off!  They stood right near the roped area and as soon as it was cleared they budded in…. obviously they did not read my etiquette blog.  
Part of me wanted to say hey we are elite too and probably a lot more sea days than you and we all have been waiting… but I didn’t… it would of served no purpose with these two.

Angelique and Simon are there waiting for us where we are whisked off to the Golden Gate Park to the De Young Museum for the Botticelli to Braque:  Masterpieces from the National Galleries of Scotland.  

We toured the exhibit and then checked out a few other exhibits.  We stopped in the coffee shop for a coffee.  We are surprised how busy it is for a Tuesday.

a goffer peaks out

We are heading back downtown to Yank Sim Dim Sum Restaurant which they both love and we are anxious too cause it has been a very long time since we had Dim Sum. 

The food is very very good and it keeps coming!  Another great meal with great friends.

Back in the car we ask just to be let off at the BevMo as Bernie wants to look for a champagne.  But sadly we don’t find it and it is okay.  

We then walk back to the ship enjoying the sights of the city on foot.  A stop in for a coffee along the way, a peak in a few shops, some picture taking along the way and all of a sudden we are back at the waterfront.

It is busy down here.  Even though the sun is shining the wind is strong so a sweater and light jacket are necessary, but then a short while later it is too hot for the jacket.  So I spend a lot of time taking and putting on the jacket.  The weather is very similar to Vancouver.

When we arrive back at pier 27 and the ship at 5 pm – all aboard is 7:30, there is a queue just to get in the building.  

The security is checking our id with our cruise card.  That is odd cause they did not do that last night when we came back.  We show him and then they are holding people back from going up the escalator and there is a line for that.  

Finally we are allowed to go upstairs where there is a queue for the x ray scanners.  There are three machines but they have only one up and running and I would guess the line up has about 200 people in it.  

We patiently wait chatting with people around us.  Once we get thru that line we walk up to the gangway and a quick scan of our card by ship’s security and we are back on at around 5:35.

35 minutes to get on the ship.  And with the issues this morning with the port adjusting the gangway for  over a half hour.  And with the port only having one gangway for this big ship.  My personal thought is San Francisco Port is still not on the ball when it comes to servicing Cruise Passengers.  These issues were entirely the fault of the port not the cruise line.  

I love San Francisco and I know many others do too and I can’t wait to come back but I would take note if I was to sail from this port the pier still needs adjusting.

Night in San Francisco

I head up on deck around 1 pm to watch us going under the Golden Gate Bridge.  It is not often that we get to do this during daylight and boy is it busy, but I wander to the aft area and take some nice shots and video of going under. 
   

I then head on top of the bridge area for some neat shots of the very interesting docking procedure.  The wind is HIGH and the ship pulls up and then turns around and then docks.

The thrusters have to work extra hard to counteract the winds.  It is around 2:20 by the time the lines are put in place and the gangway is up and we are cleared to go off. 

There is a gangway on deck six midship and one on five but that one on five is for crew only, mainly because they have different screening and the gangway is not easy to maneuver.  The gangway on deck six is very similar to the kind you would use to go onto a plane.  

But the lines to get off the ship snake all around the Atrium and into the Casino to who knows where.  We look at each other and realize there really is no way we can get off quickly, get to Max’s diner and back before 5 pm.  So we go back to the cabin and drop off our stuff and get a light snack up on the Lido deck.  We then get an ice cream and sit at the Aft pool and enjoy the sunshine (although it is windy) and watch the happenings below.

shuttle to pier 39

At 5 pm we walk right off the ship and thru the new terminal.  It is a beautiful terminal and the outside area is large with lots of places to site and for people to come in and pick up people.  There are pedicabs, taxis, buses and a free shuttle that runs between the port and Pier 39.   

Transit is close at hand and many other options. Make sure if you want to learn more about the pier check out my video/blog.

Simon and Angelique our friends of ours we met many years ago on a cruise and have stayed in touch with and have seen often whenever we have come down here or they have come up to Vancouver.  We always get along and we love the same things and it is so great that they have agreed to come down for the night and spend it with us.

Simon meets us right at 5 and we are driven to their hotel where he runs up to get cleaned up and we take a seat in the bar at the Fairmont Hotel.  

We sip our martinis and catch up with them.  Three rounds later we better get going or we will never see the dinner reservations.

We get a cab to Fringale a restaurant that Simon and Angelique have raved about before and we are glad to get to finally try it.  But omg that taxi driver was crazy… I thought we would of died, but I laugh cause Angelique comments at least if we would have been in accident the alcohol on our system with of eased the impact.  But we made it.

The restaurant Fringale is nice, small, subdued and very welcoming.  We are met by the owner and shown to a table for four.  The menu is fresh and simple but great variety.  

The back has a whole meal option and we are told we can order items from that fixed menu if we like as well.

We start with a bottle of white wine and we all order appetizers.  For me it is a crab/avocado with mango salsa.  

Bernie got the amazing thinly sliced calamari that was sauteed in a chili oil.  Angelique got a charcuterie plate that was done so nicely and Simon had a nice salad with a light dressing with sliced apples.  

We shared all our starters with each other and ummmm and ahhhed at each bite.

For our entrees we had a bottle of red wine and I had Sauteed Petrale sole that was lightly sauteed and served with mashed potatoes and this red pepper and cheese sauce.  It is not something I would normally think of pairing but it was to die for.  

Bernie and Angelique got the roasted leg of lamb which they raved about and Simon had the braised short ribs, and MAN was that flavourful and tender.

I got a beautiful cheese plate for dessert and we are in heaven.  This dinner has been amazing!  A real treat.  I almost wish we could come back here tomorrow but I have made note of it and I will be back.

We are dropped off at the ship around 10 pm and we walk right back on and crawl into bed.  An amazing day but I am full, and tipsy and very very tired.

Monday at sea until 2 pm then San Francisco!

Bernie got the coffees (so nice to have the coffee bar so close to the cabin).  He comments when he comes back how they have a great set up now.  They clearly have identified where to place the order, they ask your name and then they call out your name and deliver your coffees to another clearly identified area at the bar for pick up.  (note this is all changing during drydock). 

Although Bernie said while he was waiting a couple came up to the wrong area and asked for coffees, the staff gladly got them the coffees and then said politely that next time if they could go to the area marked place your order.  But this couple did not like this response and got upset.  Oh well….

We don’t arrive in San Francisco until 2 pm.  We are scheduled to go under the Golden Gate Bridge around 1 pm.  

We are both excited to be back in SF.  One of our favorite US cities, well actually correction probably our FAVORITE US cities.  

It reminds us a lot of Vancouver and love the sites, the food, the wine, the people well everything but the high cost of real estate (but then again Vancouver is high too).

Our plans are to head off as soon as we dock to head to a favorite deli (Max’s) where our friend Paula and Minn took us last year to share a meal.  

At 5 pm our friends from Sacramento are meeting us for drinks and then dinner.  They are spending the night here and will meet up with us again tomorrow as the ship doesn’t leave until 8 pm Tuesday night.  Oh how fun a night in San Francisco.

Episode 5B - California Coastal Ports Podcast

In this podcast I discuss the ports we visited on our California Coastal Cruise.

The ports we cover are San Francisco, Santa Barbara, San Diego and Ensenada.

Here are some links to sites I talk about in the podcast that you may find helpful.

San Francisco

Blue and Gold Fleet for Alcatraz Tour

Pier 39

Fort Point

Max's Opera Cafe

Sutro Baths

Ferry Building

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Trolley

Stern's Warf

San Diego

US Midway

Port of San Diego

Pedi Cabs

Sea Port Village

San Diego transit

Old Town San Diego

San Diego Hop On Hop Off Bus

Ensenada

Marina

San Francisco

The Captain mentioned we would be crossing under the Golden Gate Bridge early – like 5:30!  I wake around 6 am and look outside but we have already cleared under the bridge and we are approaching the pier.  It is very dark out and can’t see much anyways. 

I try to get back to sleep but soon there is a knock at our door “room service” I hear.  But we didn’t order anything, so I open the door and say “think you got the wrong room”.  And yup he wanted 215.  Darn maybe should of just accepted it and enjoyed, but we are awake now.

We toss and turn, try to get back to sleep but I am awake.  They announce around 7 am that we have received clearance and we can go ashore whenever.

We are meeting up with friends Paula and Minn at 10 so we are not in any rush.  We shower and make our way up to the Horizon Court for a light breakfast. 

We walk off at 9:30 am and I check out the terminal and take lots of pictures for my fan page.  It is a beautiful terminal.  Lots of room, very modern, fresh and attractive. 

Outside it is easy to maneuver and find things.  There is a great area for catching tours/buses and another line for taxis.  There is some parking for those that are dropping off or picking up too.  There are a ton of benches with plaques with ships that have called her and their history.  There are some lovely garden areas too.  You are near the Pier 39 and not far from the Ferry Building.  It is stunning and San Francisco, you should be proud.

We find Paula and Minn and very quickly we are in their car and on the road.  First stop they say is Starbucks – ahh did I tell you how much I love these guys.  We sit outside (although weather is cloudy and a little cool but very similar to Vancouver weather so we are good, but a jacket was necessary) and we catch up with each other.

Minn drives us out along the water and out towards the Golden Gate Bridge to Fort Point which is located right under the bridge.  It is open to the public and it is free. 

The website is here .  We spend about an hour here going thru the Fort and learning about some history I did not know about.  I especially loved posing Jasper Moose Jaw on some of the exhibits.  I also got some great shots of the Bridge.

Back in the car we drive by the Golden Gate Park and out towards the Sutro Baths and Cliff House.  Again beautiful views and we learn more about the Sutro Baths and check out the ruins of it.  The views down out to the beach are breathless and the history is very informative.  

We follow them to one of their recommended restaurants in the city…. Max’s Opera Cafe near City Hall.  As we are led to our table we see the displays for the desserts and we are eyeing them. 

I ordered the Smoked Meat Reuben with coleslaw, oh but I started with a cup of the cabbage soup!  Note a cup is really a bowl!  It was great but big servings!  

Then the sandwich comes and it was so good.  They even serve a variety of mustards to try with the sandwich as well.  For dessert they insisted I get something, but I am hesitant I know I won’t be able to finish it but I do order the carrot cake and eat a good 2/3 of it.  Darn it is so moist and the cream cheese frosting is just right, not to sweet and just enough cream cheese that it is not overpowering.  

It was such a great meal, great company and great food.  We would definitely come back and we can recommend it too!

They have a few locations and you can learn more about Max's Diners here.

Our next stop is Twin Peaks and can I say it is COLD up there.  Now I am no wimp but really, aren’t we in California!  But I am told it is always windy up there and well windy is an understatement, I thought we were going to blow away.  It was so windy I could stop laughing at how windy it was.  But heck that is not the half of it – we climb up one of the peaks where we stand on top of the world it feels like.  And darn the wind is even stronger!  Bernie laughs as the loose straps of the knapsack whip and hit him in the face.  Minn stands and is held up by the wind – boy flying a kite here would be a great idea. 

They both point out the sites to us and we learn so much from them and see things we have never seen before.

We drive back down the hill and we drive thru the Castro area, thru the Soho area, then thru the financial district and park and make our way to the Ferry Building. 

I love this building, the shops and services are so interesting.  And being such a foodie I love just checking out everything.  We end the day with a stop at Peets Coffee and Tea, for which I have never been to, but Paula loves it.  I order a Masala Chai Tea, and yes it is one of the best Chai Teas I have had.  We sit and chat and discuss our future travel plans. 

We walk back to the ship and kiss and hug goodbye.  It has been a great day and we really hope we get to repay them with such a great day when they come to Vancouver some time. 

Paula and Minn, I know you are reading this so thank you again for a great day.  We LOVED it, and just catching up with you both made our day.  Love ya.

We are back on in no time around 7:30 pm.  All aboard is late, 10:30 pm, and we sail at 11 pm.

There is no set dining today.  Botticelli which is normally traditional is Open Seating, the same with Da Vinci.  Michelangelo which is normally Anytime is closed all night.  

We are not hungry at all but we go looking for Mark and Lorelei, think that maybe they were up in Horizon Court we walk thru the seating area to see if they are up there, but they are not. 

Oh and they are having a Crab Shack Night there tonight.

We then decide to just head down to Vines to say hi to Anthony and we run into Liz (who is Crew Manager this sailing) and her friend Eliza who is one of the singers.  We join them for a glass of wine and catch up with her.  We are (okay I am) excited to see her engagement ring.  Since we saw her last she and Francesco have gotten engaged.  How exciting, and what a lovely couple. 

Liz is such a great free spirited caring person.  She is perfect in her job and you can see the crew really like her, and she is funny too. 

We head back to the cabin around 9:15 and Bernie is having a hard time keeping his eyes open so he crashes as I sit here writing my blog.  I knew I had to write in something while it was fresh in my mind, but I still forgot some off the names. 

Here are some notes about today that others may be interested in:

-          The street car is right across the street and there is a stop right at the exit to the pier.

-          We did not notice any taxis in the cruise pier area but there were numerous taxis available right at the Embarcadero street right outside the pier terminal.

-          It is not hard to walk to Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Warf.

-          There is a Safeway and Trader Joes within walking distance on Broadway.

-          Last night we received the form with regards to disembarkation times.  We are doing walk off, and it states you can only have one bag per person plus carry on for walk off.  I don’t recall this from before but it may have been there but we haven’t done walk off in a long time.  But makes sense.  They want everyone to fill out the form and return it to the Purser’s desk before tomorrow evening.

-          There was minimal activities on board today in the Patter, but a few items for those staying on, but don’t expect a lot.

-          We were up on Lido tonight and see that they are showing the football game and they had a tray of hot wings with sauce there for people to enjoy.

Back in San Francisco!

We are scheduled to go under the Golden Gate at 6 am but it will still be dark and really I don’t care to get up that early to see it.  Plus This will be the fourth time under it this year alone.

We are woken around 7 by the thrusters pulling into port though.  We are meeting up with friends today at the Ferry Building for Brunch.  We sailed with them quite awhile ago and try to see them when we come into San Francisco.

We are off the ship around 8:20, we were one of the first off and so it wasn’t too bad but I know disembarkation too awhile though cause there were still some coming off around 10:30.  We got off and walked to the Ferry building and passed the new pier being built.

We met with Angelique and Simon for a lovely brunch at Market Bar and had a wonderful meal. 

After brunch we walked towards the Safeway to pick up a few essentials we needed, like wine!  And a few other things – sounds like we drink a lot, well we do usually enjoy a bottle every evening at least.  We bought seven bottles two of which were champagne.  No issue bringing them onboard either.

We come back to the pier around 12:30 and we flashed our in transit tickets and bypassed the lines but still had to line up to go thru the security scanning.  But all said and done we were back on board within 15 minutes.  But I believe it was longer for those boarding today.

Back in the room and we are tired and have a nap for about an hour but want to head up on deck soon so we can watch the festivities of fleet week.  And boy oh boy we are not disappointed.  From 2 to 4:30 we don’t miss a beat!  Amazing, Fantastic, Out of This World, enough adjectives but enough to say we are glad we got to experience again.  First time was on the Dawn a few years ago.  Felt bad for those boarding today as they had to go to muster drill at 1520 till around 1600 and missed quite a bit.

No sail away party cause our departure has been delayed until 1800 and in reality we don’t leave until 1830 and the traffic in the bay is crazy.  Coast Guard are all over and directing us and warning boats to stay away.

Another great thing is we find out we can move to a new cabin!  Yes!  We are moved to A322 which is a balcony cabin, which is lovely and appreciated.  We wouldn’t normally pick this cabin as you do have to listen to all the chairs being dragged around above us but it sure beats the heck out of listening to the shows/movies in the Princess Theater.

Housekeeping helps us move our stuff and we get settled in relatively quickly.  We will miss our wonderful cabin steward Lovida but Ivonne from Mexico seems lovely too.  We notice that the large pillows are NOT standard but have asked for the large pillows.