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Last Thursday, 27 September, we docked in San Diego after a four night cruise from Vancouver on HAL's MS Statendam. We were off the ship and through immigration, baggage claim and customs by 8:15AM. We walked from the Broadway Pier (the newest cruise ship facility) to the Santa Fe Station arriving about 8:30AM. We checked one bag and waited for boarding to begin on NB Pacific Surfliner 769.
We noticed people starting to line up outside so went out to join them. At first we went to the end of the line and then realized that there was another, much shorter, line for Business Class.
Boarding began at about 9:10AM and we had an on time departure at 9:24AM. I was surprised that this train stops at Old Town. I don't remember being on a Surfliner that made that stop.
The car we were in had the "new" seats that do not recline. Instead, the seat bottom cushion and seat back slide forward. The advantage is that you never have anyone reclining into your lap. A disadvantage is that the bottom seat cushion seems to be angled so you feel as if you are sliding out of the seat. These seats also have the, for want of a better word, "knobs" that make moving through the car when it's moving much easier. Instead of grabbing someone's seat back you just grab the knob.
Generally the Business Class car was full the entire trip to SBA. There were quite a few business men and women on the SAN/LAX sector and they, for the most part, carried on non-stop VERY IMPORTANT cell phone conversations. It would be nice to have a quiet car as they do on some Eastern trains.
This was our first experience with an e-ticket. No problem at all having it scanned by the small, hand held device the Conductor had. He said it will also read the image on a Smart Phone.
We were pretty much onetime all the way to the Sea Cliff siding just south of Carpinteria. We were pulled over there for the SB train and arrived in SBA just a few minutes late.
We were surprised to find that the Western half of the parking lot at SBA is closed and torn up for a storm drainage project. No estimates have been given on how long this will take but it seriously affects long term parking at that facility.
All in all the crews did their jobs efficiently and were pleasant in their interactions with passengers. We didn't go to the Cafe Car having had four days of great meals on HAL. We were pleasantly surprised to find that HAL does full breakfast service (Main Dining Room, Buffet and Room Service) on disembarkation day. Celebrity and Royal Caribbean do not.
Frank in very WARM and sunny SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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Interesting report, Frank. California - and other states - really seem to provide a consistently good service.
That SBA parking lot was torn up when we were there in early August. I guess that's progress.
Not being a regular cruise rider, I do wonder why passengers must be packed and off the ship so early in the morning. I guess it has to do with ship turnaround, but couldn't they depart later in the evening? It would seem a leisurely breakfast would be a more relaxing way to end a trip.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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That just goes to show you how often I get down to that part of town! I swear they did this same project about five years ago.
They usually do have to turn the ship pretty quickly. About 500 pax were getting off in SAN to be replaced by 600 or so headed for the Panama Canal and Fort Lauderdale. Since we were in a Suite we had a fourth choice for breakfast -- the Pinnacle Grill. We chose Room Service instead because we wanted to sleep in a bit longer. They were there right on time as they were each time we used them. Oddly, HAL doesn't call before arriving. Both Celebrity and RCCL do which gives you a couple of extra minutes to put yourself together or for one person to hide in the bathroom!
Frank in dark and still warm SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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Those new Surfliner seats are a bit strange. I sat in them on National Train Day two years ago when they had a refurbished car on display. I was wondering what it would be like on a moving train, because it did feel like I was about to slide off the seat and we were just sitting in the station! I do like those big grab handles--that was a great idea.
Cell phones.....ugh......it drives me bonkers. I'm out of town right now (or as GBN would say, "From the Universal Hilton in Universal City, CA), and yesterday while I was at the gate waiting for my plane, I couldn't believe how many people were yakking on their phones. Why do they talk so loud? Don't they know that EVERYONE around them is "in" on their conversation, and we really don't want to be???? I just laughed and shook my head---knuckleheads.
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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Yes, I don't understand why peeople think they have to talk 50 decibels louder on their cell phones than they would on a normal land-line phone. My wife does that too.
Posts: 2428 | From: Grayling, MI | Registered: Mar 2002
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I generally do not enjoy telephone conversations..... cell or otherwise. I am amazed at the number of people who always seem to be on the phone everywhere.
Email and forums such as this scratch my itch to converse fine. So does 'in-person' conversation.
Too much of my working life has been tied to being at the beckon call of a ringing telephone.
-------------------- David Pressley
Advocating for passenger trains since 1973!
Climbing toward 5,000 posts like the Southwest Chief ascending Raton Pass. Cautiously, not nearly as fast as in the old days, and hoping to avoid premature reroutes. Posts: 4203 | From: Western North Carolina | Registered: Feb 2004
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Exactly, David! I am not a phone talker either. I think it's because I spent so much time on the phones as a 911 dispatcher that I've had enough. Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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You should be OK for an 11:00AM flight. Be sure to ask for an early departure, though. Will you be handling your own bags? Those people were off the ship at 7:00AM while we were just beginning to enjoy our Room Service Breakfast.
We were in group Red One and were scheduled to be off the ship between 7:45AM and 8:00AM and they started calling the group at 7:40AM.
Immigration was relatively fast. They do NOT have Global Entry. How are they handling the "foreign port" on your Hawai'i cruise? Will you go to Ensenada at some point in the itinerary?
And, yes, HAL does have transfers to the airport. You can literally see the airport from the ship so it's not going to be a long ride.
I hope that helps.
Frank in overcast and blessedly cool SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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quote:Originally posted by Henry Kisor: Sbalax, do incoming HAL ships tie up in San Diego in time for passengers to make 11 AM flights? Does the San Diego arrival have special buses to take passengers to the airport early (as HAL did in Vancouver for the Alaska trips)?
Thanks!
We recently met 3 ladies here in San Franciso that were on a cruise. These crazy gals were from my wife's home church and I have known them casually for 40 years. When we got to the pier (firstly it was Pier 35, not Pier 39 as advertized) we were told that immigration and customs could take up to 3 hours. For these ladies 2 hours was about what it was. There was also a fairly long walk for them from ship to where we were allowed to wait.
There were busses waiting for the organized tours. Taxis were insufficient. Just for the information of those that would be coming into SF, the Embarcadero trolley (Route F, using refurbished streetcars from anywhere and everywhere, has a stop right in front of Pier 35, fare $2.00 for under 65 and 75 cents for over 65. The 8 or 8X bus that will get you to Chinatown has a stop, its origin point about a block away.
Posts: 2808 | From: Olive Branch MS | Registered: Nov 2002
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Isn't Pier 39 the one with all the restaurants? I think Pier 35 has always been the one used by cruise ships in San Francisco. It's pretty primitive as far as facilities go. I believe there is a plan to build a true, dedicated cruise terminal.
I'm surprised that the cruise line didn't do a better job of coordinating the immigration process. When we arrived in San Diego every passenger and crew member (even those staying on for the next segment) had to go through immigration. HAL did a great job of scheduling departures so there was never (at least while we were there) much of a backup.
The "F" line trolleys are wonderful to ride but do get crowed very quickly. One trick we learned was to walk to the previous stop to board instead of fighting the crowd at Pier 35.
Frank in sunny and cooler SBA.
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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The Jones Act does not allow foreign flagged ships (HAL's ships are registered in Rotterdam although the company is part of Carnival Corp. and headquarters are in Seattle!) to carry passengers between two U.S. ports without a stop in a foreign port. Hence, your stop in lovely Ensenada. I would stay on board.
When we took Celebrity Millennium to Hawai'i four years ago we were bussed from San Diego to check in and board in Ensenada even though the ship had been in San Diego that morning. We went through U.S. Customs and Immigration while moored off of Lahaina, Maui.
Frank in sunny and cooler SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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Isn't Pier 39 the one with all the restaurants? I think Pier 35 has always been the one used by cruise ships in San Francisco. It's pretty primitive as far as facilities go. I believe there is a plan to build a true, dedicated cruise terminal.
Pier 39 was what they told us before we went to meet then. I thought "where" when they told us, as you are absolutely right. Pier 39 is entirely restaurants adn other tourist traps.
quote:I'm surprised that the cruise line didn't do a better job of coordinating the immigration process. When we arrived in San Diego every passenger and crew member (even those staying on for the next segment) had to go through immigration. HAL did a great job of scheduling departures so there was never (at least while we were there) much of a backup.
We got the story that it was a problem with customs and immigration and the cruise line could do nothing about it. Whether that is true or not, I could not say, but having worked foreign for quite a few years, I could believe it. Invariably entering the US was the most trying of all entries.
quote:The "F" line trolleys are wonderful to ride but do get crowed very quickly. One trick we learned was to walk to the previous stop to board instead of fighting the crowd at Pier 35.
Frank in sunny and cooler SBA.
Did not look that bad, but that could also have been a result of the rate that the people came off. We walked over to Pier 39 first off, anyway.
Posts: 2808 | From: Olive Branch MS | Registered: Nov 2002
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It was one of the factors that did in Norwegian Cruise Lines experiment in Hawai'i. They wanted to operate cruises entirely within Hawai'i without going to a foreign port (Fanning Island was the usual port of call.) so they formed a subsidiary company called Norwegian Cruises America.
At one time they had three ships including the largest, Pride of Hawai'i, which we sailed on. It operated only within Hawai'i and had the required mostly U.S. crew. The service levels were so low that it lasted only a year or so. Two other factors also contributed to its demise. It was too large for the market (although a beautiful ship) and there was, because of State of Hawai'i law, no Casino. It is now sailing mostly in Europe as Norwegian Jade.
They now operate only one ship and I'm not sure if it is back to making a foreign port call to avoid the Jones Act or continues with a mostly U.S. crew. They were starting to skirt the issue by hiring Guamanians.
Frank in sunny and warm SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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Since we are on the subject, there once was a very big U.S flagged presence in shipping. For those interested in travel and the great ocean liner era I certainly recommend 'A Man and His Ship'.
It tells the fascinating story of William Francis Gibbs, a great naval architect, who grew up with the birth of the golden age of ocean liners. His lifelong ambition was to design the fastest and most stylish ocean liner. The story of his career (along the way he designed 70% of the ships used by the Navy in WWII), is well told and reminds me of the parallel story of the age of the railroad streamliners. Ultimately he created the fastest ship afloat, the SS United States.
But it succumbed to the jet airplane and high U.S. labor costs. The ship is now docked in Philadelphia (and visible for those traveling by on I-95). The ship was recently saved from the scrap heap (again) and plans are to convert it into a hotel. But, if it was put back into service as a U.S. flagged ship, it could certainly avoid that unnecessary stop at Ensenada.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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Just in case anyone is Amtrak'ing this weekend and they have a bus transfer to San Francisco (or intend on visiting SF this weekend), LOOK OUT!! It is going to be absolutely insane. I won't get within 50 miles of that place this weekend. Here is what is happening all at once:
-Fleet Week -Blue Angels -America's Cup yacht racing -SF Giants playoff games -Italian Heritage Parade -TWO Princess cruise ships arriving/departing
They are anticipating well over a million people, and the street closures are intense. I was supposed to go out on Saturday on the USS Jeremiah O'Brien to watch the Blue Angels, but I just had to make a command decision and decided not to go. It's going to be nuts!! George H.--if you are actually "in" the city itself, look out...it's going to be one crazy weekend.
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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If you can still change your plans I'd say go for it! Isn't San Francisco "The City That Knows How"?
Frank in dark and cool SBA
Yes, I am in the city, and if this is "The City That Knows How" it is not too much in evidence.
I could go on with quite a few things to the contrary I have seen and experienced.
Saturday we will probably not get further away than walking distance from the apartment. We would like to see the Blue Angels, but not sure if we can manage it practically.
Posts: 2808 | From: Olive Branch MS | Registered: Nov 2002
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Well, part of my decision not to go is something I neglected to mention: my back. I've got metal screws/rods/cages in my spine, and it's not always the most comfortable thing in the world. I somehow "tweaked' it last week and it has been giving me problems. I don't think I could handle 8 hours on a ship that probably does not have the best seating for something like this.
My buddy and his son (my Godson) will be there. They are planning on arriving at the SF parking garage at 0400! Then they'll snooze in the car until it's time to get on the ship. I guess that's one way to do it, but if I were going, I'd just take BART and then a very packed/crowded PCC to the pier.
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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I'd forgotten about the back. Take it easy and get better. Are you doing any therapy for it?
I've been periodically bothered with a bad right knee ever since my surgery in January for a torn lateral meniscus. Therapy has helped tremendously but there are still bad days.
I found a great device at Magellan's. It's a cane with a seat that folds down. Wonderful for when you find yourself needing a place to sit or a little extra support. I took it on our last cruise and could have sold ten of them!
Frank in sunny but still cool SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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The fold-down seat at Magellan's that Frank recommends is a wonderful device. Before my surgery I relied on it, because I couldn't stand without moving for more than a couple of minutes.
I still use it, mainly as a photographic tripod for my entire body. Sitting in it while tracking a bird in flight, for instance, dampens unsteady wiggliness and helps get good photos.
Posts: 2236 | From: Evanston, Ill. and Ontonagon, Mich. | Registered: Feb 2007
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Thanks for supporting a Santa Barbara based company. The two original owners were ex-Pan Am folks.
The "Sport Seat" is made by nice people in Texas and they will do custom sizes. I've found that the one I have is a little short to use for walking. I'm considering buying a new one and, for $5.00 additional, having it custom sized.
Frank in clear and cool SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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That's a neat device. Thanks---I'm going to place an order. I also can not stand for more than about 4 or 5 minutes, then I either have to start walking or find a place to sit down.
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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Smitty, you might find that the rubber tips on the legs are a little small and that one or more legs has a tendency to sink into soft ground. I took my Sport Seat to the hardware store and replaced the tips with larger rubber tips made for crutches. The weight gain is negligible and the tendency to sink into soft ground markedly reduced.
Posts: 2236 | From: Evanston, Ill. and Ontonagon, Mich. | Registered: Feb 2007
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I did the same although just got the larger rubber tips that are made to fit canes. My problem was that the plastic tips that came on it were slippery on slick surfaces.
I use a bungee cord to attach it to my rolling tote when I don't need it to get around. They also make a carrying bag which I bought but have never used.
Frank in clear and cool SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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Wonderful information. I don't have the back issues, but my wife does, so I am going to talk this thing over with her.
Posts: 2808 | From: Olive Branch MS | Registered: Nov 2002
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"Thanks, Henry.," Smitty says. "That's a great tip."
No pun intended, I'm sure. (Ho ho guffaw gasp cough wheeze.)
Posts: 2236 | From: Evanston, Ill. and Ontonagon, Mich. | Registered: Feb 2007
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Funny how a thread about a trip on the Pacific Surfliner has morphed into a discussion about sports seats!
Actually, I too have one of those sports seats -- my mom and aunt both had one and used them quite a bit while they were still alive. They are handy, and both my wife and myself have used it now and then.
Posts: 2428 | From: Grayling, MI | Registered: Mar 2002
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I love the good humor and witty repartee (redundant?) from the folks on Train Web.
I too suffer with a bad back. Too many years of back abuse. Never had surgery but have suffered much. Nonetheless I still manage a fairly physically active life. Lots of chiropractic, exercise, ice, and trying to learn not to overdo.
But to stay with the thread I see rail travel as essential for those of us whose chassis are dinged and dented from years of hard use. When I look at the demographics of the baby boomers (I'm too old to be one) I would think that the demand for an alternative, that being trains, to air travel and automoble travel would be great. I think that it will grow as the BB's continue to age. They vote.
Good information about accessories for aiding those of us with aching backs.
Posts: 140 | Registered: Nov 2008
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Hmmm -- I wonder if AMTRAK would let you use one of those sports seats in the Sightseer Lounge car of the CZ while traveling through the Rockies, if there are no regular seats available in the SL car..........
(trying to get back to a train topic with the sports seat discussion!!) Posts: 2428 | From: Grayling, MI | Registered: Mar 2002
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We've stayed at the Holiday Inn several times and I know Art and Vicki have as well. If you have a Bay View room it's nice to watch your ship come in in the morning and it's certainly convenient to the dock.
That said, on our last visit we found the place to be a little run down. Our room didn't have a "real" balcony but, instead, what is sometimes called a "French Balcony" and much of the hotel had been taken over by a convention.
I think next time we would look at the Hampton Inn or one of the other properties in the area.
We have also stayed at the Holiday Inn that is closer to the airport. It's a very comfortable hotel and they provide shuttle service to Amtrak, the port and the airport.
Frank in overcast and damp SBA
P.S. Instead of your AYE put in a Canadian eh and you've just about got it!
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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It took me several minutes to work out where one of my wife's aunts was talking about when she said "San Jay-go" repeatedly. She has an accent, mind.
-------------------- Geoff M. Posts: 2426 | From: Apple Valley, CA | Registered: Sep 2000
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I will put in a vote for the Hampton Inn. I've stayed at both (Hampton and Holiday), and I concur with Frank that, unfortunately, the Holiday Inn is getting run down. It's in a really excellent location---I wish they would do a refurb on the property. But the Hampton Inn is a really nice place to stay, I think it's only three stories tall, they have a really nice free breakfast, free WiFi, and the outdoor pool faces the back (on either the 2nd or 3rd floor--I don't recall which) and it faces the RR tracks! You could hang out by the pool AND watch Amtrak go by. Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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