Friday Morning, 23 January 2014
Shore Excursion to Hue, Vietnam

I am enjoying a full-day trip from Da Nang, where we are docked, to Hue, the traditional capital of the Kings of Vietnam.  In fact, I am enjoying a wonderful buffet lunch at one of Hue's five-star hotels.  But more of my Hue-Day (it rhymes), after I finish up with Hong Kong and the first four days of the cruise.

Monday 19 January 2014
Morning in Hong Kong

After getting my bags back together in preparation for check-out (I didn't pack much but I seem to have more than I came with), I'm off to explore Kowloon in the daylight.  There is't much difference other than the light, since it is still wall-to-wall shoppers and tourists.  The beautifully-restored Peninsula Hotel faces the new Modern Art Museum; it used to face the harbor, but a series of cultural centers and hotels have sprung up between the Peninsula and the sea.  The hotel is marred by the high-rise addition stacked behind the original building, but the gardens and exterior are still lovely and authentic and worth a walk-through.

I wander and window-shop the latest fashions and electronic gear fortified by a hot latte at the Pacific Cafe on Nathan Street, still the center of retail life in all Hong Kong.  Back at the hotel the concierge has arranged for a bellhop--in his red hotel livery--to escort me and carry my bags to the Cruise Line Pier, which is reached through the Ocean Center Shopping Mall across the street from the hotel (very convenient).  There is no charge for the service (take that Holland America!), and I feel like royalty walking with my escort--and the bellhop is reluctant even to take the cash I give him.  For the first time I board early enough for the Mariner's welcome lunch in the Dining Room; nothing special, but it's nice to eat in the comfort of the dining room at a table by myself rather than fighting the crowds in the Lido. I actually enjoy my Reuben sandwich, Mediterranean Salumi with roasted vegetables and balsamic vinegrette, and chips.  I plan to go back on shore for the afternoon, but sleep overtakes me and I opt instead for a much-needed afternoon nap.  

There is a required safety drill at 7:45pm and a brief visit with immigration to turn in my passport until the end of the cruise.  By the time I get to dinner it is 8:15; I have a very nice table to myself on the second-level, overlooking the open atrium and lower-level. My dining team is very pleasant and efficient and I look forward to enjoying their attention for the cruise.  The Holland America menus have been updated; no longer offering three separate courses, instead having two sections (appetizers, soups, salads on one, and main courses on the other). You may order as many items you like.

I wasn't going to get a wine package, but because I get a 50% discount, the price is too low to resist. In fact, I upgrade myself to the more expensive choices and still get five bottles for under $100. The wine steward is a very affable young lady from the Philipines, whose English is impeccable.  There is no Pellegrino on board tonight (that seems to happen on the fist night of a lot of cruises), so I go for plain water.  I start with an excellent arugula salad with tomatoes, olives, and onions, in balsamic vinaigrette; followed by prime rib at perfectly medium temperature with vegetables and yummy Yorkshire pudding.  Simple vanilla ice cream is enough to finish off the meal.  

Because service is always slow on the first night, it's too late to make the 9:30pm LGBT social in the Crow's Nest (but I have a feeling there aren't many of us on this trip).  After a few kerfluffles involving people not showing up for immigration, we leave Hong Kong pretty much on time at 11:30pm, with all the lights of the city, on both sides of the harbor, all ablaze.  When Will and I were here in 1994 we witnessed a late-night sailing from the shore; it is exciting to see the scene reversed tonight.

Before retiring I send out my first load of laundry, check my email, and finish unpacking. I am looking forward to a sea day tomorrow when I can begin to relax from the hectic days in Hong Kong.