Tucson

We’re going to break 100° again in Tucson, so the high of 45° in Halifax doesn’t sound half bad.

Friday, 24 May 2013 

Bar Harbor, Maine

There is a quick and perfunctory check of passports on board the Maasdam this morning as we sail into US territorial waters off Bar Harbor, Maine.  And it is off Bar Harbor that we remain.  The Captain has decided the water is too rough to release the tenders, and all shore excursions have been cancelled.  There is lots of moaning and groaning among the passengers, but I have learned not to second-guess the captain and navigator as they make decisions about course and weather.  We soon pick up anchor and head south on a slower journey to Boston.  Even though the weather is bad, the sailing is smooth and we are able to enjoy our breakfast privileges in the Pinnacle Grill. 

We spend a relaxing final day of the cruise visiting the shops, packing, attending the Disembarkation and Crew Farewell Session in the Theatre at Sea, and arranging our expedited disembarkation for tomorrow morning.  The pull-out handle on Will’s suitcase had been broken on the flights from Tucson to Montreal and our concierge had taken it to the ship’s mechanics to see if it could be repaired.  Alas, it could not be, but it is delivered back to our suite (Will is able to fix up a handle that will at least get the suitcase back to Tucson and then the trash bin).  Because we are somewhat concerned about making our 9:40am train from Boston to New York, we will be among the first passengers to leave the ship (scheduled for 8am).  My concern arises from my last cruise:  we docked in Ft Lauderdale on time at 7am, but the ship was not cleared by US Customs until 9:30 (90 minutes past scheduled time).  Early disembarking passengers have to carry their luggage off the ship themselves, but at least we won’t have to put it outside our suite door by midnight tonight.  More details about this in the next blog entry.

The day passes quickly and it is soon time for our final dinner.  We had tried to make a reservation in the Pinnacle Grill early this morning for tonight’s dinner, but were told it was all pre-booked.  However, as we are sitting in the Explorer’s Lounge five minutes before dinner listening to classical music played by the resident pianist and violinist, Will has the bright idea of checking with the Pinnacle Grill again—and they have had some cancellations so we are able to get a table after a short five-minute wait.  I use the waiting time to thank our Dining Steward, Assistant Dining Steward, and Wine Steward who served us ably over the past six nights.  Tipping is now automatically added to each passenger’s bill and there is no need to give extra except for special service.  (I did give significant extra cash to the Stewards on the 18-day South America cruise, but did not feel the need on this shorter trip.)  The highlight of dinner in the Pinnacle Grill is the delightful presentation of triple crème brule:  chocolate, vanilla, and coffee.