Day by Day

Wed May 2, 2018:

• Left at 8:12 am to catch 8:43 am Bart on UBER. Zigzagged through Concord and then had to wait 13 minutes for the train.  Train got delayed behind another train with a door problem - 7 min delay. But that was a nonissue. CEA (China Eastern) had a separate line for those who had checked online. They still had to check your passport and give you a paper boarding pass.
• CEA not being a participant, TSA precheck doesn't work. (Global Entry/TSA PreCheck really hasn't benefited me at all so far.)
• For such a large plane 777-ER (extended range that carries more passengers farther.), boarding started at 11:15 am and we pushed back right on time at noon (MU 590 Noon - 16:30 next day.)  The key is line management, and that means having more employees. (The same theme in China and Japan. More later.). They had one guy pacing around the entire line making sure that only the right group of people (row numbers) were in line.  At the front of the line two women on two sides were checking your passport and boarding passes, so when the time came to enter the gate, only boarding pass is scanned.
• Of course, then, we taxied for half an hour before we took off at 1230. I even had one nap in-between.

Thu May 3, 2018:

• Flight flew north towards Seattle, Anchorage, down over Russia, Beijing, down to Shanghai right on time - at 4:10 PM (next day), but then taxied over to the other side of the airport to CEA terminal.  The meal service was OK - one dinner, one snack and one breakfast - no self service galley.
• Signs are clear only in hindsight.  International transit was good only if I had the next flight that same day - mine wasn't.  After realizing that, and because I didn't yet have a boarding pass for the next flight, I was sent to regular immigration for foreigners.  If you have your fingerprints done on your own, then you could get to a shorter line,  I tried 3 separate machines, but even with the attendant helping me out, it didn't work.  More time wasted.
• I had filled out the yellow arrival card on the plane. China gives 24 hour (also 72 hour) visa for transit passengers on the spot. There is a separate line at the far end. It was very short, but took long for processing. When I was next one in line, they announced that we need to fill out a blue card (same info, different color). I had to forgo my place in the line to get and fill out a blue card. Now, i was fifth in the line with the couple who was behind me getting processed.  
• I was talking to the woman in front of me who had to do the same thing, and her layover was only 5 hours. Any case, she happened to be working at SFO airport, on a trip to Vietnam. She was interested in the trips I had taken and wanted to contact me later (that never happens.)
• After immigration and customs, without noticing if someone with a sign with my name was waiting, I went on to information, who directed me to 3rd floor (departure) CEA counter supervisor.  They called the right person who came by and after half an hour wait, put me on a bus that took me to the (Peach Blossom Castle, 9191 Hunan Hwy, Pudong Xinqu, Shanghai Shi, China, 201300) hotel 30 minutes away. There was a large tour group and only a couple of layovers like me.  

Fri May 4, 2018:

• The hotel asked me to come down at 6 am for the 9 am flight, and handed a bag of snacks in lieu of breakfast next morning.  Jet lagged i fell asleep soon after taking a shower, and then woke up early.  Since I was the only one going to the airport at that time, they sent a sedan.
• Reached PVG airport by 6:30 am with no traffic.  I had done online check-in, and got a boarding pass at the kiosk.
• I wondered if exchanging CNY (Yuan) to JPY (Yen) would be better at PVG or NRT (answer: NRT). The airport shuttle lady tried to sell her 11000 yen at the rate of 14 JPY to 1 CNY.  Waited for the official counter to open, who quoted the same rate.  Official exchange (wholesale) rate would be 17.xx.  When I landed at NRT (Flight MU 523 9:05 am - 12:50 PM), they had official rate listed at 15.52.  I now had 7449 yens, would take care of most of my expenses in Tokyo.  I may need more over the next days in Japan during the cruise.
• They once again bus-ed us over to the plane (A330).  I was in 35A so I started walking to the back of the plane. But the economy row numbers started at 30 so I was only 5 rows back.  Also, they skipped some row seats as well.  So seat next to me was 35C.  That caused some confusion among passengers - what else is new!
• Anyways, the person sitting next to me and I hit it off.  He was an Iranian of Baha'i faith, living in Japan with his Philippine wife and taught English.  Go figure!  I asked him about exchanging CNY to JPY.  He didn't know, but he was coming back from a Baha'i conference in Israel and happened to have extra Yens and wanted USD.  He checked the rate and gave me 11000 yen for $100.  I was now set with Yens for the trip.   
• After exchanging CNY at the airport, and getting maps at the Information Desk, I purchased a PASMO ticket (someone from the US was visiting Japan soon after my trip, and he purchased my ticket with left over money - one less hassle for me to return the ticket, and one less for him to purchase.) and got on the first train which brought me close to Downtown Tokyo.  I could have gotten off at SkyTree station and visited it right away - but I realized it a bit too late.  Also, I had the luggage with me.  Changing to other train, I got off about quarter mile from my hotel (Nihonbashi Muromachi Bay Hotel (日本橋室町BAY HOTEL))  That works IF you get out at the correct exit at the train station.  This is the biggest hassle at all train stations worldwide - very frustrating for the tourists, until you figure it out.
• I had heard about Japan's capsule hotels and wanted to give it a try.  Well, once you get (mentally) adjusted to the concept, it's all well and good.
  - I reached very close to the check in time of 4 PM.  As you enter, you first take off your shoes and place them in a locker.  There are slipper in the locker for you to wear while in the hotel.
  - At the check in, you can leave your large luggage bags, and just take your carry-on with you.  The payment is made at the ATM next to it ($36 per night.)  There are separate floors for men and women.  Your wristband key works only on your floor.
  - On your floor, there are lockers to stow your carry-on and jackets, etc.  Toilets and showers are also in the same hallway.  From there, you enter the sleeping area and select any empty capsule - upper or lower bunk.  Not knowing how crowded/noisy it was going to be at the end of the day, I selected an upper bunk farther away from the entrance.  It was fairly occupied at night, but hardly any noises to disturb anyone's sleep.  I was pleasantly surprised. 

Capsule Hotel - rows of bunks

Hi-Tech Bidet

Inside of the capsule - all in one place, for one low price

• A TV, radio, alarm clock, USB, WiFi, bedding, room wear (night gown) and bath towel, as well as amenities (toothbrush, paste, shaver, comb, etc.) are all in there.  For privacy, you roll down the shutter.  It can't be locked and is NOT noise proof.  You really feel confined in this box - not for anyone who is claustrophobic, but much more comfortable that any sleeping coaches on the trains I have been on.  Most came to their capsules only to sleep (or may be read or check emails.)  There is a large lounge area with desks and chairs, as well as eating area - where most people congregated.  The bathrooms and showers were advanced technology (heating toilet seats!) and very clean at all times - though I saw no one cleaning it anytime.  In the morning, they served minimal breakfast of couple of slices of bread and coffee - but better than nothing.
• There was still plenty of day light so I wanted to begin exploring Tokyo right away.  Senso-ji is a famous temple in nearby Asakusa.  
• Tokyo subway map is yet another mind trap, until you figure it all out.  At least with PASMO card, you don't have to worry about purchasing the right ticket and having the correct change.  By the third day, I had figured out much of it.
• In downtown, the train platforms are very long, and all slow, fast, superfast trains, use certain portions of them.  You have to be at the right place on the platform to catch the train before the doors close.  During rush hours, there are uniformed "train pushers" who push passengers inside the train so the doors could close.  Luckily, I was there on the weekend (Fri PM to Sun) so the rush hour wasn't an issue, though the trains were fairly full.
• From a different train station, I took Asakusa line which dropped in right in front of Senso-Ji temple gate.  After passing through several blocks of very crowded shopping street, you reach the temple, which also was very crowded.  I decided to visit early next morning before moving on to other sights in Tokyo.

Sat May 5, 2018:

• I woke up early, and finally got out around 6:30 am. Breakfast (two breads - rolls or croissants and coffee) started at 7 am. I left hotel shortly thereafter. Took Ginza line to Asakusa just like yesterday. This morning, however, it was absolutely quiet. The day was clear and sunny, and I had plenty of time to take pictures. Shops started opening when I left at 8 am. Stark difference between crowd of yesterday and today.
• Walked east and crossed the bridge to reach Skytree Tower - the broadcasting tower and observation deck.  It was early and not crowded yet.  I was at the top at 9 am, within half hour.  By the time, I came down at 10, the wait was 1 1/2 hours. It was clear but hazy. No Fuji in sight.
  - Part of the way, you can view up from the elevator as we zoom to the top.  Also, there are glass floors where you can see the roads and buildings 450 m below.
• Taking the train(s), I reached Yoyogi station just north of Meiji Jingu temple.  From here, it's a long walk to Meiji Jingu temple, and then on to Harajuku station - mostly downhill, all in shade.
  - It was 11 am and was getting crowded.  People get married at this temple.  As I was reaching the temple, a policeman was clearing the path for the wedding procession led by the priest, bride and groom and the wedding party.  Everyone was taking pictures.
• I had heard about the atrium at the Tokyo International Forum.  It is impressive.  From there, a long walk brings you to the Imperial Palace.  It is not open to the public, but the palace grounds   My hotel was about a mile from there.   

Sun May 6, 2018:

• I expected it to be a long day. I planned to visit Kamakura Buddha 50 km to the south before returning half way back to Yokohama to board the cruise ship.
• I woke up at 5:30 am, sent emails before losing WiFi connectivity. I checked out and left hotel at 6 am to take 6:13 am train to Kamakura - reached at 7:15 am. There were lockers which accept Pasmo card for payment (500 yen.) These are INSIDE the train station so if I had walked to Kita Kamakura station after sightseeing, I could have taken the train back one station and picked up the bag without needing to get out of the station and needing a separate ticket. - I added 2000 Yen more for the rest of the trip. I wanted to empty the card so as not to lose deposit, so purchased a coke bottle (160 Yen.) That wasn't necessary. After I reached my last stop (Nihon Dori), the station attendant refunded 42 remaining on the card, plus 500 deposit (but he wouldn't accept my 58 cents to make it 600!). May be Suica is the only one that charges 220 fee these days.
  - Pasmo is the way to go for ease of getting in and out in Tokyo - also paying for other purchases.
• I reached Kotoku Daibutsu (Kamakura Buddha) before 8 am when it opens. Flags on light poles right from the Hase station lead you there. - For 200 Yen cash only, you enter the Temple. The statue is well covered by trees on all sides, but once inside, there is a nice clear view of it. Statue is impressive but may be not worth the trip. Even more waste is 20 Yen to enter the statue. Back Windows are open but you are not allowed to go up there. You enter at the base and look up - not very dissimilar to going to tempo gallery for additional 1030 Yen. - Wanted to see if there was a way to climb up the hill behind in the hopes of getting a glimpse of Mount Fuji - there wasn't.
• Debated whether to see Kannon hall at Hasedera (300 Yen) on the way back and then did. Good decision. Impressive building up on the hill, with viewing area further up hill. Only ocean views though, no Mt Fuji. (This was the closest I was going to be without taking another train 2 hours further to the South. In hindsight, I should have - I had time.) There also a cave with lots of little statues. Gold Buddha statues were impressive.
• It was getting warmer though not hot. Coke zero was refreshing but I was still tired. Took 9:15 am train back to Kamakura, and walked to the shrine on East. Not having to lug around carry-on bag was very helpful. I saw a few people doing that today - also yesterday near the palace. - Like Senso-Ji Temple, I walked through the shopping street - though thankfully the shops weren't yet open, so not many people. By the time I returned, it was getting crowded. Also loads of people getting off the trains - tourists as well as locals (due to it being Golden Week.) - To avoid crowds, I returned on the main boulevard instead of the shopping street parallel to it. Advantage of coming by the main boulevard is that you see the shrine right in front. The shopping street drops you off at the corner, you can then enter by going right to the main boulevard or by side entrance going further (which continues to Kenko-Ji. 1 km away - didn't go.) - Entering at the giant entrance and climbing 60 steps up, you reach the main shrine. There was a wedding ceremony going on at that time. As usual, no photography allowed inside. Nice views and cool breeze.
• After looking around, returned to Kamakura, got on 10:50 am train back to Yokohama. Switching to MM Minatomirai line for 5 stops, I was at Nihon Dori, 570 m from the pier.
  - I followed people dragging their suitcases, reached pier - make right out of the train station where blue sign points to, but then next left (where there is no sign) which takes you to the pier.
  - NCL was the only ship out there today, so less confusion. Boarding time for all 2400 people was noon. They had asked not to come before 11. I was there a little after 11.
  - People were asked to fill out health questionnaire (standard) and given group numbers (8) and wait. I then realized that one of the only two benefits i was entitled to was priority boarding, which was already underway. I got my priority D pass and was let in right away. All formalities completed, I was on board just before noon.
  - Rooms weren't ready until 1:30, so we were directed to deck 12 Garden Cafe (standard names across all Norwegian ships) for lunch.
  - Reached the room, unpacked and showered - badly needed by this time. Then decided to go for a swim. Showered again. Jet lag is still affecting, but ignored successfully today. I stayed up chatting until 10:30. Made a few friends - Don and Mehri, Richard and Michelle, and a few others.

Mon May 7, 2018:

• Our ship Norwegian Jewel ($1846.93 for 21 day cruise) was to be our home for the next 3 weeks. Being docked at Yokohama, instead of visiting Mt Fuji, we were still "On board" but not moving. Weather forecast - rain unless it stops! so rather than venture out to take a chance on Mt Fuji, I decided to walk around in town instead of the jog path today.  Kids corner has pastries starting 6 am.   Breakfast starts at 6:30.   After breakfast, left ship at 7 am for one hour walk.  Made a few new friends - Varun Nayyar from Delhi, Amy/Maggie at Cafe, then Richard/Melissa at the hot tub.
• There is trivia 3-4 times a week. Two teams like me to be on their team. Mostly fun. That should keep me busy.

My tentative plan for the next few ports:

• Aomori - big Buddha temple
• Hakodate - ropeway to mountain top
• Sapporo / otaru - same
• Petropavlovsk - walk around
• Seward - whale watching
• Skagway - rent a car to Emerald lake, carcross- 72 miles $155
• Juneau - Mendenhall Glacier $37
• Icy strait - ride ferry to Gustavo - Glacier Bay NP. No fee
• Ketchikan - Tongass NP, Misty Fjord NM $97

Tue May 8, 2018:

• First day cruising - This cruise being "repositioning," it had many sea days 7 (actually 8 because after crossing the International Date Line, we "lived" May 16 twice.) To make up for the 8 hour time difference between Japan and US West Coast (16 hour time difference in GMT.), each sea day, clocks were moved forward one hour. That was some experience.
• I woke up at 5 and went out to check on the weather and walk.  After walking one lap, went down to get a cup of hot chocolate and ended up talking to two people - one from Ottawa, another from Austin.  It was very windy - 35-40 knots with the ship moving at 15 knots. Pools were closed. I went back to the room to get my jacket and walked 10 laps. After breakfast, checked out the view from the bridge. Met a woman from Seattle and her son.
• One fighter plane came from behind, circled our ship and went back. Heard but not see the second time.
• This cruise definitely has older, hard core cruiser crowd. Many have been on THIS ship before.
• I think either the first lap without a jacket, or the ones later made me feel warm. Took an Advil at lunch.
• So far, I have stayed away from pizza and desserts.

Wed May 9, 2018:

• Aomori - Reached port at 7 am.  We were right at downtown.  I left ship at 8 am with a band playing, people waving and TV cameras ready.  Getting out with just room key (although we were asked to take our passports), i walked around the pier.  Found Wi-Fi available there.  Later, also found out an area set up with free Wi-Fi right next to the ship.  That was the case everywhere during our stops in Japan.
• Spent time doing trivia shows and sleeping.
• Met Miriam Zaveri, and Subhash/Neelam Sukhtankar.

Thu May 10, 2018:

• Hakodate - As we moved north, weather was definitely getting colder. It was cloudy 54 degrees. Longer days (Sunrise 4:23 am - Sunset 6:44 PM.)  No more swimming.
• Woke up early. Still feeling feverish, some sore throat - not a good sign. At 5:30 am, went up for coffee, then breakfast at 7 am.
• At 8 am, went off the ship to check WiFi. I found out that they have shuttle to town every 10 min. Hopped on the next bus to check it out and get some maps. I had no money, so I came right back.
• I was still feeling lousy and the weather wasn't great, so dropped the idea of going back to town. May be tomorrow.

Fri May 11, 2018:

• Sapporo /Otaru - Same routine as prior two days - 8 to 5:30.  I disembarked at 8 am, got a map and walked to the shopping area and back by 9 am.  Shops were just opening.  It was a nice clear day - would have been a good view from the mountain top.
• There were very few people for trivia today.
• I wanted to use steam bath but it opened at 8 am. Finally got there around 11 am. Felt better but just temporarily. I kept falling asleep while watching news.
• This was our last stop in Japan.  We had to do an in-person exit interview for immigration. After stamping our passports, we had to turn them in for Russian immigration (no visa). Let's see how far they permit us to go tomorrow.
• There were volunteers to walk us to the Information Building across the street in the morning. In the evening, school dancers and band came to wave us Sayonara.
• Next two days, we are sailing before reaching Russia.

Sun May 13, 2018:

• Day 8 cruising - We are moving clocks forward 1 hr everyday (Kamchatka is 3 hrs ahead of Japan,) and later, we will lose an entire day on the 16th twice, when we cross the international date line.

Mon May 14, 2018:

• Petropavlovsk - First and the only day in Russia.  Also, our ship was making its very first stop here, so things didn't go smoothly.
• We anchored at 5 am, but it was well after 11 am that we got our passports back with a visa stamp. Only then we could line up for tenders. Tenders could hold about 100 people each, and they were lined up and waiting. It was still a long wait. I finally landed at 1 pm. Clouds were rolling in and out.
• Walked left to visit the church under construction at the top of the hill. Nice views. Met couple of friends and walked to town with them. Peter and Paul statue, Lenin statue, volcanoes in the background. Returned by 3 pm. Next 4 days cruising including international date line.

Tue May 15, 2018:

• Cruising - We will be crossing dateline tomorrow. It was 35 degrees today. Sunrise was at 6 am, but couldn't see because of the clouds.  Time change everyday continues to mess up the body clock.

Wed May 16, 2018 (first):

• First May 16 would end at midnight tonight.  It was cloudy and 37 degrees.  Sunrise 6:05 am, Sunset 9:37 PM.
• We crossed the International Date Line last night and are now back to May 15 early morning, which will be counted as the FIRST May 16. We will continue to move clock forward as we move east. Will be cruising until May 18 am to Seward.
• International portion of the trip being over, we received passports back.
• When we reach Seattle, they offered shuttle to SEA for $20 - Leaving 7 am and 9:30 am. Alternatively, you could take a 3 1/2 hour tour of the city for $89 that drops you off at airport around 12:30 PM. Did not decide until the last day.
• We have Fox, CNBC and a couple of other cable channels for news.

Wed May 16, 2018 (second):

• Second May 16 - We will cross the Aleutian islands just north of Dutch harbor and continue due east for another two days and then turning northwards to Seward.
• Pools are closed. Too cold outside.

Fri May 18, 2018:

• Seward - We have traveled 4070.2 NM from Yokohama so far, 2009 NM from Petropavlovsk.  About as much more to go.  From now on, we only have short hops (no Sea Days) until the last day from Ketchikan to Seattle. 
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• Immigration process starts late and goes on for too long.
• We had some rough weather last few days. Thanks for the stabilizers we didn't feel it much.
• There was a chance that the boat I had reserved for whale watching would be there, but he got a bigger group for a fishing trip. Other whale watching cruises would not bring us back before we were to disembark at 4:30 PM.
• I had been to Seward before, but just in town where we stayed overnight and took a whale watching cruise (in 2008.) Today, I walked back to town from the port with some friends.

Sat May 19, 2018:

• Hubbard glacier in Disenchantment Bay - This is a 6 mile wide glacier with some calving.  Clouds cleared just in time for us to get sunny pictures.  The ship rotated 180 degrees so every one could get a good view, even from their balcony.  Spinnaker Lounge was the best covered area with windows all around. Top decks were great for pictures - very cold when the ship was moving, but pleasant when it stopped.
• Finally had a chance to swim again (for half hour) after so many days. Soar throat is improving slowly.

Sun May 20, 2018:

• Glacier Bay - 164 + 91 NM from Hubbard to Glacier Bay.  We will arrive at 10 am.  Being a part of the National Park (NP,) park rangers came on board with brochures and handouts and explained what we will see from 8 am to noon.  This NP has no entrance fee, per se, and although you can venture around on your own like any other NP, this is clearly the best way to view the main attraction - glaciers.  This was a great experience.  Even close to end of May, there was plenty of snow all around, and weather pretty cold.

Mon May 21, 2018:

• Skagway - For the next few days, we have such short hops that the ship was almost drifting all night long to get to the next port early morning. We docked around 6:30 am and started disembarking at 7 am. There were 3 other cruise ships - Celebrity, Royal Caribbean and Princess, making population of Skagway swell from 1000 to 10000. - I heard about Cruise Critic on this trip.  If you are signed up, then you group together to organize your own trips for much cheaper than either the ship's excursions or local trips.  One group had rented a van and had one opening because someone dropped out, but then someone else signed up so I missed that opportunity.
  - Aside from walking around in town, two popular activities are a scenic train or bus to Canada.  The train literally next to the pier is very convenient.  A lot of tourists opt for that option.
  - I got off the ship just before 8 to check on car rentals. They were sold out. I went around in the town to see if any local tours were available. Not finding anything of interest, I hiked up the scenic hike just behind the town.

Tue May 22, 2018:

• Juneau - Like the previous days, today began cloudy, drizzly.  My plan to join Frank's caravan had fizzled. I saw him at the dock.
  - Expected day to clear up but forecast was rain all day. With no announcement to guide us, there was a lot of flexibility (7 am to 11 PM.) I went to the dock at 8 am and got the lay of the land. - $34 one day pass for a 6 minute tram ride to the top of Mt. Roberts right next to the pier. If you hiked up the trail, you could ride down for only $10. Hike down wasn't recommended - too treacherous. - With Dan and Yuing, I hiked up to the entrance of the trail. I returned, but they went some distance further and got wet on the way back. - In the morning, I had shopped around for excursions. Two hour whale watching was about $100-120. Additional $25 would get you to Mendenhall glacier 15 Miles away. Based on the forecast, they did not expect helicopter or seaplanes to take off, but at 3:30 PM, I saw some leave. I was tempted to do 5 glaciers for $254 (40 minutes) plane ride, but skies were too cloudy though the fog had lifted. - Other plan was to do river float in Mendenhall, but scrapped that as well. May do whale watching in Icy Strait (and did right from the ship.) - Juneau is capital of Alaska, second smallest in population after Montpellier. Downtown is close to the pier, so is shopping. Government buildings are further north. The town has spread quite a bit per those who have been here before. - As a general rule, shore excursions that charged $150 would be available onshore for $100. But with $50 per port sail away bonus, a lot of passengers signed up. They could off board first, which was a big deal in places where we had only a short stop. - Annoying cough persists. One downside to cruise is constant fear of infections. Food poisoning / diarrhea is worse. Flu / cough / sore throat more prevalent.

Wed May 23, 2018:

• Icy Strait - Built in the last couple of years, this single pier tourist trap is just like Harvest Caye (Belize) in the Caribbean. 
• For a change, it was sunny - partly cloudy to begin the day, and got better as day progressed.
• Left ship at 7:30 am walked towards town of Hoonah. I was the first few people NOT on shore excursion. A lot of people rode the longest zipliner ($165), whale watching ($200), tour of the town. The rest were happy walking around, shopping and eating.
• The ocean was very calm - being a part of the inside passage, 40 miles inside from the Pacific Ocean - just a large lake with not even ripples until boats started running. Got some wonderful pictures with clouds on the horizon.
• Back on the ship, we witnessed a unique phenomenon of bubble feeding by humpback whales. Only witnessed here in Alaska, a pod of whales work in unison to corral their food (krill, anchovies, or whatever) as one whale dives deep down, encircles the krill swarm by blowing bubbles as it rises to the surface. The rest of the whales then rise up to the surface with mouths wide open for a feast. Flock of seagulls would then rush over for the scraps and fish jumping out of the water to avoid being gulped by the whales. The whales were doing it systematically - they came from behind the ship and went around the ship to the front - we could witness them bubble feed several times in about an hour or so. Something new.
• There was a short 10 minute nature trail cut through the woods. I took this in the afternoon (1 pm) before we departed.

Thu May 24, 2018:

• Ketchikan - Claiming to be Alaska's first city, Ketchikan is another walkable town right next to the pier, and in the shadows of Deer Mountain. Information center had map for walking tour and someone to answer your questions. Shore excursions would take you to some of the places you can visit on your own - like Totem Heritage Center, Salmon Run. Hike to the top of Deer Mountain - 3000 ft - is a 6 hour strenuous one, especially during wet weather.

Sat May 26, 2018:

• Today, reached Seattle and flew back to SFO.  Total cruise "sea passage" distance was 6018 NM.
• Docked before 7 am. Breakfast had started at 530. Met a few people to say goodbyes, and then went to the room to take a shower.
• We had to vacate the room by 8:30. Garden cafe was closing at 9 am.   For flights leaving between 4 and 6 PM, 9:30 am or red luggage tags were assigned. Glen and Judy were also on the same shuttle bus to SEA airport.
• Went up to garden cafe to get some water and met a few more people. Went back to the room at 8:45, and found that they had already started cleaning the room.  
• Disembark was on deck 7 mid and forward. Waited a while and met a few others. Exited ship at 9:30 even though red tags weren't yet called. First there was a line to exit the ship. Line 2 was for customs, who waived us by. Luckily, no line 3 for baggage claim. Then line 4 to board airport shuttle express. No of bags, not no of people, is what decided when the bus is full. Buses were lined up, so as soon as loaded, our bus left - around 10 am.
• Even with wait at the draw bridge, we reached SeaTac airport (SEA) at 10:30. They dropped of all at one place in the garage.  Delta bags could be checked in right there.   Others had to go to the terminal.
• All bags were unloaded before we were allowed to leave the bus. The driver was very polite and made announcement to keep us informed.  
• The same buses were then loaded to take next batch of cruisers back to cruise ships. Signs for each cruise line was well displayed.  Great smooth operation!
• No one asked for our reservation confirmation on the bus.
• After printing the boarding pass, and emptying water bottle, I walked to security for all gates. TSA PreCheck was at the other end. They were spreading passengers between them to keep the lines small.  There was hardly any wait at PreCheck 4, and I was in the D terminal.  My flight did not have gate assignment yet, so just waited and checked mail.
• SeaTac's A, B, C. D as well as N (north) and S (south) gates are in a confusing pattern.  My flight was from B9.  Signs pointed to lowest level for connecting shuttles. N, A and B shuttles went in one direction. One stop later, N And B were on a different track.  Climbing up 3 levels, you reach gates for terminal B.  Not a problem if you have time (which I did), but very confusing if you are in a rush.
• It was not yet noon. Boarding for my flight was at 2:15 PM.  Delta flight 917 leaving SEA at 3:10 PM arrived on time at SFO at 5:20 PM.
• I found Seattle people are very polite - at least those around airport.  Interestingly, announcement on airport shuttle trains were in English and Chinese.