Introduction of poster: This was our 20th cruise and 4th on Holland America. We started cruising in 1979 aboard the Volendam. We are in our 60s and retired. Obviously by our post name, we are from Texas.
Pre embarkation: We had booked an early morning flight leaving Dallas a day before the cruise to avoid any winter weather complications, therefore arriving in San Diego at 9 AM. Our overnight reservation was for Holiday Inn on the Bay overlooking the cruise terminal. Be careful if booking HI that you reserve the one at 1355 North Harbor Drive, as there are two Holiday Inns on North Harbor Drive. When we arrived at the airport, we called HI for complimentary shuttle and were advised that the van was 25-30 minutes away on a run, to take a cab and they would reimburse us for the fare (nice touch #1). Since we had a great deal of luggage, the taxi coordinator found a handicap van that had a roll up ramp for our bags. We arrived at HI at about 10 AM, knowing check in was much later, but we were allowed to go to our room immediately (nice touch #2). After getting up at 2:30 AM (CST) at home, an afternoon nap was very appreciated. Our Cruise Critic group had an informal gathering at the Elephant and Castle Pub inside the Holiday Inn. Some had supper, some just drinks, then an early turn-in for most after a long travel day and big day tomorrow. At 8 AM, sailing day, we went to the concierge to arrange a free shuttle to the dock (nice touch #3). (Be sure to arrange asap, as it books up early.) The bellman arranged a time to come to our room, pick up our numerous and heavy bags (nice touch #4) and told us to arrange a late check out (nice touch #5) and stay in our room until our transfer was ready. With our morning at leisure, we walked the 2 blocks west from the HI to the Rite Aid drug store. Oh, my! If you need to buy wine, booze, sundry drugs or travel items, here is the place! Don't bother transporting wine on the airplane as the prices here are as good as home !
Embarkation: We were a few minutes late (8:30 AM) arranging for HI transfer to the ship and were only offered a 1:30 PM time. So, we walked two blocks north from HI and ate lunch at Jack-in-the-Box. At 1:15 PM the bellman appeared at our room to pick up our bags and we were escorted down to the lobby and then to the van. The parking lot at the pier was empty and the inside check in desks were empty of passengers. We were able to proceed without as much as one person in line ahead of us and then onto the ship. A leisure morning was nice and no hassle boarding. Also, the stewards were able to get us to our room without delay. We did miss the Mariner's lunch, but lunch was still available in the lido.