Live and life from Nieuw Amsterdam's third Alaska sailing

[madera1]

Safe travels and hoping you have a fabulous cruise. Will be following your posts!

[rkacruiser]

Bon Voyage Copper John!  And, if you think about, please include a restaurant review of your Ruth's Chris Steakhouse dinner on Friday evening.  

[aliaschief]

Good to hear. Now I can just enjoy the cruise. Looking forward to dinner with both of  you tomorrow in the Tamarind.

[rkacruiser]

1 minute ago, aliaschief said:

Good to hear. Now I can just enjoy the cruise. Looking forward to dinner with both of  you tomorrow in the Tamarind.

 

I look forward to the posts from both of you.  Bon Voyage!  

[Copper10-8]

Greets from downtown Seattle, well just south of, near Union Station! Maria and I left the homestead this AM per yellow taxi at 0845 hrs, after saying goodbye/adios/meow to Maria's mum and our cat Stiv. Maria's mama will be both house, as well as feline, sitting for us for the week. The northbound 405/San Diego Freeway to LAX was surprisingly moving well for a Fri morning and our cabbie did an awesome job, short cut and all after leaving the 105 Fwy in El Segundo, to get us to Alaska Air's T6 in less than 30 min. So far, so good!

 

We haven't been to LAX since Aug 2019 (going to/coming from Vancouver, BC on another AK/HAL cruise) so couldn't help but notice the construction of LAX' long awaited automated people mover (APM)project. The $2 billion APM project is the centerpiece of the landside improvements around LAX to ease access to the airport. It consists of a 2.25-mile electric train system on an elevated guideway that will transport travelers in and out of the central terminal area, connecting them to new off-site parking facilities, the aforementioned regional light rail transportation network and a consolidated car rental facility. Supposed to be done in 2023. We shall see!

 

Check in at Alaska (self-service kiosk, then checking luggage with an agent on the belt, our luggage, not that agent 😉), as well as getting screened by, more surprisingly, friendly TSA agents was a breeze. Boarding for our non-stop flt. to the emerald city began at 1020 hrs. We had upgraded ourselves to 1st class and got seats 2A and 2C on the European-built Airbus A320-214, a former member of the Virgin America fleet before Alaska bought them out.

 

We pushed off the gate at 1100 hrs and meandered from the south complex to the LAX' north complex of twin runways via one of the cross-field taxiways and lined up at the beginning of runway 24 left. The captain gunned his twin engines and we were soon airborne, followed by feet wet over the Pacific. Our route took us northbound to central, then northern Cali, followed by Oregon and into Washington State. The ride was uneventful and they even served us lunch (two choices), Maria chose a salad with thinly sliced pieces of steak and I had a (cold) chicken sandwich which was spicy and excellent.

 

We, and everyone else, were requested to wear face masks both inside LAX and inside the aircraft, except for feasting and imbibing, which is kinda difficult to do with a piece of cloth covering your bazoo.

 

The approach into Sea-Tac took us right smack over Boeing Field, aka King County International Airport. The airfield is named for the founder of Boeing, Mr. William E, Boeing, and was constructed in 1928, serving as the city's primary airport until the opening of Sea-Tac in 1944. The airport's property is mostly in Seattle proper, just south of Georgetown, with its southern tip extending into Tukwila. 

 

Exactly 2 hrs and 17 min later, we were wheels down at Seattle-Tacoma Airport. We used a car service, turned out to be a very nice Cadillac Escalade that thankfully came complete with a professional driver, who was waiting as advertised in Baggage Claim. He subsequently whisked us to the Embassy Suites downtown / Pioneer Square where they put us on the 20th floor with a nice view of the downtown skyline. We are just able to see NCL's Norwegian Encore at her berth, Pier 66.

 

So, to finish pre-cruising day, we have a 6:45 PM dinner reservation at Ruth Chris restaurant, our fav steak house. Will tell you all about it 😉 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Himself]

10 hours ago, Copper10-8 said:

After just about twenty months and this Covid crap, it's finally time for a vacation! 😁 Leaving for LAX soon and taking a former Virgin America/now Alaska Airlines Airbus A320-214 for the two hour hop up north to the emerald city/Seattle, WA. Tomorrow, it's off to Smith Cove Cruise Terminal/Pier 91 where Holland America Line's Nieuw Amsterdam will be waiting for her third consecutive  seven day voyage to Alaska (Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Sitka and Ketchikan and back. Looking very much forward to it and being back at sea once again! Report to follow 🤓

 

Have a great cruise, my friend.

[Copper10-8]

Just now, Himself said:

Have a great cruise, my friend.

 

Thank you very much, Father! Take care, stay safe, and have an excellent weekend!

[BSR]

Enjoy your cruise!

[StLouisCruisers]

Sounds like an excellent start to your vacation.  We will be following along all week with bated breath.  Enjoy that dinner tonight!

[cal56girl]

10 minutes ago, Copper10-8 said:

Greets from downtown Seattle, well just south of, near Union Station! Maria and I left the homestead this AM per yellow taxi at 0845 hrs, after saying goodbye/adios/meow to Maria's mum and our cat Stiv. Maria's mama will be both house, as well as feline, sitting for us for the week. The northbound 405/San Diego Freeway to LAX was surprisingly moving well for a Fri morning and our cabbie did an awesome job, short cut and all after leaving the 105 Fwy in El Segundo, to get us to Alaska Air's T6 in less than 30 min. So far, so good!

 

We haven't been to LAX since Aug 2019 (going to/coming from Vancouver, BC on another AK/HAL cruise) so couldn't help but notice the construction of LAX' long awaited automated people mover (APM)project. The $2 billion APM project is the centerpiece of the landside improvements around LAX to ease access to the airport. It consists of a 2.25-mile electric train system on an elevated guideway that will transport travelers in and out of the central terminal area, connecting them to new off-site parking facilities, the aforementioned regional light rail transportation network and a consolidated car rental facility. Supposed to be done in 2023. We shall see!

 

Check in at Alaska (self-service kiosk, then checking luggage with an agent on the belt, our luggage, not that agent 😉), as well as getting screened by, more surprisingly, friendly TSA agents was a breeze. Boarding for our non-stop flt. to the emerald city began at 1020 hrs. We had upgraded ourselves to 1st class and got seats 2A and 2C on the European-built Airbus A320-214, a former member of the Virgin America fleet before Alaska bought them out.

 

We pushed off the gate at 1100 hrs and meandered from the south complex to the LAX' north complex of twin runways via one of the cross-field taxiways and lined up at the beginning of runway 24 left. The captain gunned his twin engines and we were soon airborne, followed by feet wet over the Pacific. Our route took us northbound to central, then northern Cali, followed by Oregon and into Washington State. The ride was uneventful and they even served us lunch (two choices), Maria chose a salad with thinly sliced pieces of steak and I had a (cold) chicken sandwich which was spicy and excellent.

 

We, and everyone else, were requested to wear face masks both inside LAX and inside the aircraft, except for feasting and imbibing, which is kinda difficult to do with a piece of cloth covering your bazoo.

 

The approach into Sea-Tac took us right smack over Boeing Field, aka King County International Airport. The airfield is named for the founder of Boeing, Mr. William E, Boeing, and was constructed in 1928, serving as the city's primary airport until the opening of Sea-Tac in 1944. The airport's property is mostly in Seattle proper, just south of Georgetown, with its southern tip extending into Tukwila. 

 

Exactly 2 hrs and 17 min later, we were wheels down at Seattle-Tacoma Airport. We used a car service, turned out to be a very nice Cadillac Escalade that thankfully came complete with a professional driver, who was waiting as advertised in Baggage Claim. He subsequently whisked us to the Embassy Suites downtown / Pioneer Square where they put us on the 20th floor with a nice view of the downtown skyline. We are just able to see NCL's Norwegian Encore at her berth, Pier 66.

 

So, to finish pre-cruising day, we have a 6:45 PM dinner reservation at Ruth Chris restaurant, our fav steak house. Will tell you all about it 😉 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy your cruise! We’ve been in and out of LAX many times as my daughter and family lived close there. Our flights were always filled SJC but I loved the flight along the coast. 
I have followed the first two weeks and will continue to follow you. We are booked for later in September. 

[msmayor]

Have a wonderful cruise!!

[Himself]

John

I loved your coverage of your trip from your home to Seattle. Enjoy your steak dinner tonight

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

'

[Copper10-8]

Nieuw Amsterdam currently chugging along south-east bound in the Pacific at 18.7 knots just about abeam the very nice town of Tofino on big and beautiful Vancouver Island 🙂 

 

https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/home/centerx:-126.7/centery:49.2/zoom:9

[VintageGeo]

Thank you Copper John, for taking us all along. Glad you had a good day, and hope you have a wonderful cruise.

 

Lori & George

 

[dmcfad2]

I can tell I’m going to enjoy your reports very much!

[travelnap]

Bon Voyage Copper John, Hope you have  a great cruise.  

[ger_77]

Bon Voyage John and Maria, I hope you have a wonderful cruise!

 

Smooth Sailing!  🙂🙂🙂

[flyrobinfly]

You flew right over me inbound to SEA...I work at Boeing Field! Thank you for doing this live from for us all to enjoy vicariously. Have a wonderful cruise and hope your steak was excellent. 😁

[SumoCitrus]

1 hour ago, Copper10-8 said:

Nieuw Amsterdam currently chugging along south-east bound in the Pacific at 18.7 knots just about abeam the very nice town of Tofino on big and beautiful Vancouver Island 🙂 

 

https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/home/centerx:-126.7/centery:49.2/zoom:9

 

 

Best crab dinner of my life in Tofino. Definitely a place to visit.

[atexsix]

2 hours ago, Copper10-8 said:

Greets from downtown Seattle, well just south of, near Union Station! Maria and I left the homestead this AM per yellow taxi at 0845 hrs, after saying goodbye/adios/meow to Maria's mum and our cat Stiv. Maria's mama will be both house, as well as feline, sitting for us for the week. The northbound 405/San Diego Freeway to LAX was surprisingly moving well for a Fri morning and our cabbie did an awesome job, short cut and all after leaving the 105 Fwy in El Segundo, to get us to Alaska Air's T6 in less than 30 min. So far, so good!

 

We haven't been to LAX since Aug 2019 (going to/coming from Vancouver, BC on another AK/HAL cruise) so couldn't help but notice the construction of LAX' long awaited automated people mover (APM)project. The $2 billion APM project is the centerpiece of the landside improvements around LAX to ease access to the airport. It consists of a 2.25-mile electric train system on an elevated guideway that will transport travelers in and out of the central terminal area, connecting them to new off-site parking facilities, the aforementioned regional light rail transportation network and a consolidated car rental facility. Supposed to be done in 2023. We shall see!

 

Check in at Alaska (self-service kiosk, then checking luggage with an agent on the belt, our luggage, not that agent 😉), as well as getting screened by, more surprisingly, friendly TSA agents was a breeze. Boarding for our non-stop flt. to the emerald city began at 1020 hrs. We had upgraded ourselves to 1st class and got seats 2A and 2C on the European-built Airbus A320-214, a former member of the Virgin America fleet before Alaska bought them out.

 

We pushed off the gate at 1100 hrs and meandered from the south complex to the LAX' north complex of twin runways via one of the cross-field taxiways and lined up at the beginning of runway 24 left. The captain gunned his twin engines and we were soon airborne, followed by feet wet over the Pacific. Our route took us northbound to central, then northern Cali, followed by Oregon and into Washington State. The ride was uneventful and they even served us lunch (two choices), Maria chose a salad with thinly sliced pieces of steak and I had a (cold) chicken sandwich which was spicy and excellent.

 

We, and everyone else, were requested to wear face masks both inside LAX and inside the aircraft, except for feasting and imbibing, which is kinda difficult to do with a piece of cloth covering your bazoo.

 

The approach into Sea-Tac took us right smack over Boeing Field, aka King County International Airport. The airfield is named for the founder of Boeing, Mr. William E, Boeing, and was constructed in 1928, serving as the city's primary airport until the opening of Sea-Tac in 1944. The airport's property is mostly in Seattle proper, just south of Georgetown, with its southern tip extending into Tukwila. 

 

Exactly 2 hrs and 17 min later, we were wheels down at Seattle-Tacoma Airport. We used a car service, turned out to be a very nice Cadillac Escalade that thankfully came complete with a professional driver, who was waiting as advertised in Baggage Claim. He subsequently whisked us to the Embassy Suites downtown / Pioneer Square where they put us on the 20th floor with a nice view of the downtown skyline. We are just able to see NCL's Norwegian Encore at her berth, Pier 66.

 

So, to finish pre-cruising day, we have a 6:45 PM dinner reservation at Ruth Chris restaurant, our fav steak house. Will tell you all about it 😉 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Great pictures and great hotel, stayed there often the night before train trips.

[SusieKIslandGirl]

Your photos of downtown Seattle are crystal clear and beautiful. I'm sure I saw your plane land today.😊 We're just across the water from SEA TAC. Have a fantastic cruise and stay safe.

[mudscraper]

John.  Enjoy your dinner and have a wonderful cruise.

[Copper10-8]

Dinner at Ruth Chris, located inside/adjacent to the Seattle Grand Hyatt Hotel, was very nice! Over four decades ago, Ruth Fertel, a divorced mother of two, mortgaged her home for $22,000 to buy a small 60-seat restaurant in New Orleans, Louisiana named Chris Steak House. Shortly thereafter, a fire forced her to change the original location and she renamed the restaurant, “Ruth’s Chris Steak House.” From its humble beginnings with a single restaurant in New Orleans in 1965 to its current position as the global steakhouse leader, Ruth’s Chris now welcomes steak enthusiasts at more than 150 restaurants worldwide.

 

Over the years, the Ruth Chris chain has become our fav steak house and we've dined there in such places as San Diego, Palm Desert, Las Vegas, Orlando, Washington, D,C, etc., and now in Seattle. We like the ambiance, the atmosphere and the very tender steak. Tonight in Seattle, we had a 6:45 PM reservation and started our anniversary "week" off with a raspberry Cosmo each. I had a Caesar, the salad, not Julius, nor the section , and we both had the filet mignon, well done, the kind with the melt-in-your-mouth texture and mild beef flavor. We also each chose the garlic mashed potatoes as side dish for a completely different taste-in-the-mouth. Breath mints, don't fail me now!

 

A little off track here, the term filet mignon has been around as far back as the early 1800s – a period in culinary history when a number of French butchers, oh la la, those Frenchies again, were apparently rather obsessed with finding the perfect cut of beef (and, btw, we thank them for it).

 

While “mignon” is a French word that literally means "cute" or "sweet," it’s much more than a term of endearment for steak lovers. Filets are steaks cut from the tenderloin, a little-worked interior muscle that runs from the ribcage toward the butt of the bovine. Since the filet was traditionally cut from the smaller portion of the tenderloin, French butchers called these cuts “filet mignon.” Today it is most commonly referred to simply as a filet. Anyway, them there "little worked interior muscles" tasted darn' tootin; good tonight, once again! Merci beaucoup agriculteurs Français!

 

Dessert was Crème Brule for the child bride and some assorted ice cream pour moi. Post dinner, we took a cabby back to the Embassy Suites and we will be calling it a night. The ES has a complimentary breakfast and then, we'll be looking at a 11:30 or so cab ride to Smith Cove/Pier 91 to start our Alaska adventure! Good night! Don't let the bed bugs bite!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[zgscl]

Enjoy your cruise! I am loving all of the live from threads and plan to return the favor when we are onboard next week. Please don't eat all the bread pudding! 

[Copper10-8]

4 minutes ago, zgscl said:

Enjoy your cruise! I am loving all of the live from threads and plan to return the favor when we are onboard next week. Please don't eat all the bread pudding! 

 

Thanks and no worries! Not a bread puddin' fan here