We awoke to sun- a little- and low hanging clouds, and we raced to the outside decks take few photos while it was still a little bright out. If you’re familiar with Ketchikan, you know about two of its most predominate features: float planes and rain. Ketchikan is one of the rainiest towns in the US. It was obvious we were going to see proof of that, and soon.
While it was still dry, we took breakfast from the buffet outside to the SeaView Terrace and watched the continuous stream of float planes taking off. They use the strip of water between the ship and a small island next to it as their “runway”, and it is entertainment of the highest order to find a comfortable place to sit and observe. However, within a few minutes we were chased inside by the rain.
And that how we came to spend our morning enjoying the ship with most guests off on tours. We were entertained for awhile by the float planes, and then, by late morning, we saw no more. We assumed the weather had deteriorated to the point where they could no longer safely take off and land.
Buffet lunch menu
We never did leave the ship today. The rain never really stopped, although it did get lighter late in the afternoon. We went up to the Tamarind Bar area and sat in its comfy chairs as we internetted (G) and read (me). We were getting ready for tonight’s Gala (aka formal) night at 3:30pm when the captain made an announcement that we thought was the normal “welcome back to the ship” announcement. Sadly, it wasn’t.
An independently arranged float plane excursion with five Nieuw Amsterdam passengers on board had gone missing. Oh no. G and I had had exactly that conversation at lunch. We’ve done the float plane to Misty Fiords National Monument, with a high mountain lake landing, and it was in our top five all time favorite excursions, and G did a float plane when we were here in 2012. But late this morning we were commenting that we were surprised to see even one or two planes still taking off, as the visibility was so poor.
The captain said US Coast Guard Search and Rescue was looking for the plane, and suggested we contact friends and relatives to tell them we were safe before the news got out so we did that. Mom can worry herself into a state if she thinks any of her chicks, even those in their 60s, have come to harm.
At 5pm the Nieuw Amsterdam still hadn’t left port, and we really had no idea when we might. We went to Lincoln Center Stage to relax to some wonderful music on strings and piano, and then went right into dinner afterward. During dinner, the captain made the announcement we’d been hoping not to hear, that the wreckage had been found and there were no survivors. He also said Holland America had a support team already in Ketchikan for the survivors and there was counseling available on board for anyone who needed it.
It had been a stark dose of reality in a world that already seems a little too real.
But here’s where it gets really strange…
When we sat down to dinner at our table at the back of the ship, G immediately commented that a yellow float plane that had been docked at a yellow building just behind the ship wasn’t there. (Socks on the floor he is oblivious to, but a missing plane he’s seen only once he is right on top of). G had pointed it out to me this morning when we were walking around taking photos…yellow building, yellow plane, we thought this guy must really like yellow. But the visibility had been so bad most of the day that it seemed strange that the plane wasn’t safely back at home base.
G went online to get news about the crash, and found that it was a plane operated by Southeast Aviation. When we went to their website, the photo shown was of a yellow plane. When he mapped the address shown for the business, it was located right behind the ship in the yellow building. Of all the float planes in Ketchikan, Alaska, the one we had commented on this morning is the one that was involved in the crash.
Chills.
So we had a subdued evening, trying hard not to think about what some people were going through right then.
Dining room Gala dinner menu
Buffet dinner menu
We were not one bit hungry, and just ordered a starter, and then went to the MainStage to see the StepOne Dance Company in their second “production” show. As promised, we sat close to the stage and I have photos to share.
You’re welcome
Then it was back to Lincoln Center Stage as songs by American composers were performed on strings and piano. And, finally, we went to the comedy show at BB King’s Blues Club. This was the most packed venue we’d been in all cruise, and we stood at the back wearing masks but weren’t totally comfortable.
I was little bit concerned about what the Majestic Princess is going to feel like next week, especially since I read online that it is sailing full or nearly full. But while I was getting lunch at a buffet station today, my cell phone rang, and I could see the call was from Princess. I would not have been surprised at all if it was a notification that the cruise beginning Sunday had been canceled, but it was instead a recording saying that masks would be required on board during our cruise, unless eating or drinking. When I returned to the table, G said he had just received the same call. Well, that is exactly what we’ve been doing on the Nieuw Amsterdam, but we are in the small minority. But this ship is never as crowded as the Majestic Princess, and particularly isn’t right now. On the rare occasion an elevator arrives with someone already in it, we simply wait for another one. We won’t be able to do that on the Majestic Princess, or we’ll never go anywhere. Enforcement of mask wearing will go a long way toward keeping everyone safe.
Still, as I’ve said before, except for the mask wearing, this cruise feels very normal. And, right now, a little normal is a very welcome thing.
Day 6 When and Where
