Final Cruise Days Offer Relaxation Amid Chore of Packing

Day 53, 2024 Majestic Japan

Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024; At Sea, North Pacific Ocean

Just one more “sleep,” as they say, and this cruise will be over.

Our final port was Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii last Friday. I finally met up with my friend Scot, who has lived there since 2005. He and his wife are astrophysicists working for companies that operate the world’s largest astronomical observatory at the peak of Mauna Kea. Scot and I met through an Audi TT car club that sponsored road trips across the United States around 2002.

During my prior visits to Hilo, I’d had fun visits with his wife Atsuka and daughter, but Scot always seemed to be visiting other observatories around the world. I had pretty much given up on seeing him this trip when I got an email a week earlier saying, “My calendar says you’re in Hilo this week – so am I!” So Scot, Atsuka and I had a great reunion at the Hilo Bay Café.

I always dread packing – especially after a cruise this long, when I have settled into my cabin.

Perhaps packing will go smoother today, as I’ve spent the past few days organizing. It’s not as simple as throwing everything into the suitcases and sorting it out at home. I’m shipping one suitcase straight to Fort Lauderdale, to be delivered to the Volendam on Nov. 9 when I board my next cruise. Holland America now outsources its luggage shipping to Luggage Forward, and while it is not cheap, the company has worked with me for the four legs and five cruises this suitcase will travel.

I’m making a detailed list of what will go in that suitcase – otherwise, I’ll forget and double pack some things and forget others. As I don’t have a “home” to return to for this two-week break, I will be moving around. After a day in Dallas (dentist), I’m driving to my sister’s house in Fort Smith for the weekend.

I’ll have a day and half to unpack everything I don’t want on my next four cruises and load up the things I do want from my storage unit. That will include things I missed having on this cruise, clothing more appropriate for future ports and medicines to carry me through until May. I’m hoping the additional art supplies I ordered will be there waiting for me.

Then back to Dallas for more apppointments and on to Galveston to visit my sister Elaine for a few days.

Meanwhile, the five sea days between Hilo and our disembarkation port of Seattle are filled with ship activities. Capt. Trembling did a great job during the “Ask the Captain” session with cruise director Carlijn. He has had a fast track at sea to get to the level of master of the vessel and entertained us with some stories from along the way. Every time I sail with a new (to me) captain, I am impressed with the quality and depth of Holland America’s captain bench. Not only are they required to sail us safely along our way, but they also need to be personable. So far they all pass the test in my book.

One day the highlight of the Lido buffet was a roasted pig – well, actually two, as there was one in each line.

On our final dressy night, the dining room menu featured filet and lobster. Betty and Dee were great hosts in the dining room. Following dinner was the Westerdam Ball, which drew quite a crowd of dancers to the Main Stage.

I was glad to see a second Orange Party on this cruise. Holland America celebrates its Dutch heritage with one on each cruise, but for a journey this long, it’s nice to get a second opportunity to wear my orange dress and wig. This time the big party was in the Main Stage.

With the cooler temperatures, the skies cleared and offered great sunsets. They seemed to be competing to create spectacular memories as this trip draws to a close. I’ll be back in early November with my next adventure – to the Mediterranean Sea.