Boarding Day!
Luggage packed, it was time to head to the pier. As I prepared to leave, I noticed a note next to the screen located behind the beds. It said that if the screen got damaged, the repair cost would be $1400ish. Good thing I didn’t turn wild in the room… I only slept!
Once I check out, I’ll have to write a review. The Hyatt Regency Yokohama was a nice place to stay. The bed was like a nest! So comfortable! Complimentary waters sat on a shelf. There was a fancy coffee maker. As I walked out the door, I noticed a last sweet touch… the hotel provided an umbrella. Apparently, yesterday was VERY rainy. Thankfully, I was able to navigate the train system without a single drop of rain. The weather was perfect!
Google is my best friend. Trying to figure out how to let my Japanese speaking driver get me to the port, I typed my question. When I got outside the hotel, I showed him my phone and he smiled. He didn’t even have to load the directions into his GPS, he knew exactly where we were going.
On my way to Port of Yokohama, officially named Yokohama Osanbashi International Passenger Terminal. It ports right in the heart of Yokohama. The walk would have only been about ten minutes but with luggage and my energy level, I decided a taxi ride was my best choice! My quick daylight view of this area of Yokohama was quite charming. An old church sat in the midst of tall, modern buildings. Upon my return, I’ll have to check out the Ferris wheel seen in the photo on the right. There is a Chinatown, as well as fun tourist pockets.
Boarding was extremely smooth. The security line was a mere two minutes, even at a peak time. My medallion was waiting for me at the desk. Unfortunately, the color-coded item was the wrong color. Medallions are the key to everything on Princess cruises. They open your door as you approach, they store all of your information… including a photo. Any packages purchased and loyalty perks earned through multiple sailings. My medallion was white, as though I was a first-time cruiser. This means my free laundry, free wine tasting and nightly cocktail party would not be honored. It was an easy fix though… I went to Guest Services and asked for it to be updated. It took three minutes and I was on my way!
The Sail Away was quite festive! My expectation was that this cruise, which was reportedly 75% Japanese speaking, would be calm, quiet and lonely. Far from it! My first stop was the pool bar, where the bartender remembered me from Ruby Princess in October 2024. He has taken me under his wing… this young guy let me know that he works the Elite Lounge each night and he would make sure I felt comfortable. He also works the night club but I doubt I’ll visit it on this trip.
Not quite as grand as sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge, this start to the cruise was quite spectacular. Definitely warmer than sailing out of San Francisco! The sun felt great! Only an hour until our cabins would be ready, I stepped inside the buffet to enjoy some lunch… determined not to take a nap, I spent quite a bit of time on the Lido Deck.
Completely under the bridge, the party continued. It had only been a couple of hours but the atmosphere was noticeably different than the Regal Princess. Within minutes, I had a group of ladies inviting me to join them for dinners, etc. The Aussies engaged in conversations… so friendly. My fear of having no one to talk to and a sense of loneliness disappeared instantly. This might turn out to be my favorite cruise… it might be a little early to make that decision but “first impressions” often stick!
The officers introduced themselves as part of the festivities. Ironically, the Food and Beverage Director from Ruby had moved to Diamond Princess. One evening, onboard the Ruby Princess, I walked by the officer and in passing said, “Fine, don’t take a picture with me”. He was stunned and turned around. We took pictures. Not sure why… I really didn’t want a picture of him but it was a funny moment that he did not forget!
I’ll be brushing up on my Japanese… this makes the experience all the more exciting. That’s it for now… next stop, Hakodate, Japan. I will be doing an excursion there so there should be photos if the weather holds up!
