Grand Africa, voyage, day 70, off the coast of Florida

19 December 2022, At Sea, Atlantic Ocean

Packing day today.  Good extra hour sleep last night.  Now my Apple Watch is on East coast time.
I threw out my dried bouquet from Funchal, Madeira and gave my accumulated bottles of water to the room stewards.
My breakfast in the Lido was granola + muesli + fruit + orange juice and coffee.
Got to congratulate Prand for winning the Crew Talent Show yesterday.  (Later I told one of the energetic dancers how impressive his performance was.)
This morning was the last Tai Chi.
I managed to get most of the packing done this morning.

I was thrilled when Delta emailed me asking me to check in!  I managed to check in on the iPad and add in my sky miles # and my iPhone #.  Went to the front desk, and Kevin printed my boarding passes for tomorrow’s flights.  So far so good.
Ruth & Larry from our last cruise even told Jack that I could spend a night with them in Ft. Lauderdale if needed.  So nice to have a backup if needed.

The Holland America Origin Story was narrated by Jeremy at 1pm.  First time that I have seen prompters in action.
Then came the Captain’s farewell.  The Grand Africa Voyage has been an adventure, especially with Hotel Director Florin in Cape Town, South Africa.  Florin knew how to use Uber.  But there was no Uber return.  So, they boarded a bus.  Florin assured the captain that passengers from the ship were aboard, and they always know how to find the ship.  🙂
Crew members joined the Captain onstage for their farewell.  Lots and lots of happy crew.

Back in my room I found an email from Rocket Transportation giving me a 7:32pm pickup time at SeaTac with driver Shane.  Everything is falling into place nicely.
The ship’s debarkation package was delivered with instructions and luggage tags to fill out.

Last supper tonight with Jan & David and Charlotte & Bill.  We will all miss each other.
My dinner was French Onion Soup, Wiener Schnitzel, Banana Tatin, the last of my Zinfandel Rose wine, and decaf coffee.
“On World Stage:  Comedian John Joseph.  Back for another performance, join Comedian John, who has appeared on many television and radio shows.”  Again, he was hilarious.

Back in my room it was serious finishing the packing.  Took down maps and photos.  😦
Waiting for me were two chocolates and two souvenirs:  an updated Grand Africa Voyage itinerary and a TINY “Holland America Line Journeys” booklet to stuff into luggage.
I am running late, so must concentrate on setting three big bags out into the hallway by 11pm.  After that, enjoyed the last of my South African Angel Tears muscatel wine while sending this.

Photo gallery by Barbara Cummings