Day 16: At Sea

This was the last day of our cruise before we arrive in San Francisco early tomorrow (Tuesday) morning. The weather was sunny, temperatures between +11C and +12C, with winds of 19 knots giving 5 foot waves. We had a tailwind, so that coupled with our reduced cruising speed of 16 knots produced just a light breeze on Deck 14. It have us a chance to enjoy the sunshine.

A number of of emotions go through us on the last day of this cruise. A tinge of sadness that this incredible journey is almost over. Immense gratitude that we are able to do this. Awe and wonder at the sights we have seen. Joy when we think about the wonderful people we have met - passengers as well as crew members. Optimism when we know we'll do another cruise someday, meet more amazing people and see more fascinating sights.

Earlier today we attended the culinary demonstration in the Princess Theatre. Chef Francesco and the Maitre'd showed us how to cook Fettuccine Alfredo, Shrimp con Diablo, and how to make Black Forest cake. Halfway through the Shrimp recipe, the smell of the sautéing garlic, chili peppers and other spices drifted up to us in the 17th row. It was heavenly!

Following the cooking demo, we were given a tour of the galley attached to one of the three dining rooms on board Grand Princess. Lots of stainless steel, but it was all so spotless.

Outside the galley they had cookbooks for sale that had recipes for many of the dishes we enjoyed on our cruise. We bought one and got Chef Francesco and the Maitre'd to sign it:

We had lunch at the Crown Grill where they were serving traditional English food. Fish and chips and a pint of Guiness. Armando was working there and he served us. We first met him five days ago in Kauai, and we kept meeting him since. He is a very kind and courteous server.

Check out this sunset from our stateroom balcony:

Tonight was our last dinner on board the Grand Princess for this cruise. Our table mates were Sue and Ken from the Bay Area:

Donna and Charlie, also from the Bay Area. That's Emma taking their dinner order:

And our good friend Fred in the middle of this picture:

A cruising tradition is the Parade of the Baked Alaska. This is where the kitchen and waiting staff march through the dining room on the final night carrying Baked Alaska (neopolitan ice cream covered with meringue). It's a chance for the passengers to show our appreciation for the incredible food and service we've received:

We bid farewell to our table mates, and then headed upstairs to take in some more of the on board entertainment. We played a trivia game, and then went to Crooners to hear jazz pianist Funch play. It was a wonderful relaxing evening.

We're steaming in a northwest direction parallel to the California coast, but about 100 miles from it. We'll arrive in San Francisco early Tuesday morning, clear customs formalities, then start a three day vacation there. We return home Friday. Watch this space for daily updates on our San Francisco stay.

We always like to close the sea going portion of our journeys with a quote from a well-known explorer that nicely sums up our experiences:

And the sea shall grant each man a new hope

While his sleep brings dreams of home.

- Christopher Columbus