A funny thing happened on our way to our first Pinnacle Grill breakfast at 7:30am this morning. The young greeter was someone new to us, and upon asking our room number, she announced that we could not dine in here, but were welcomed to go to the main dining room or Lido. The Pinnacle Grill was for the Neptune folks. Oh….we don't think so. We had to inform her that we were President's Club members and have the choice of having breakfast here. This is something she should have known from the start of this world voyage. Tina, the manager, would have been horrified if she had heard this. There would be more from our group coming, so someone better inform her that she needed a more appropriate greeting. We laughed it off, and when Tina saw us, she said go and sit at your regular table. Our meal was very good with plenty of hot coffee. Fresh-squeezed orange juice, Greek yogurt, fresh berries, and French toast with bacon gave us energy for the rest of the morning. Good way to start the day.
Then another funny thing happened when a couple were seated behind us at the window. The lady looked at the two chairs, then asked which way the ship was going. Really? Tina stifled a chuckle, then added that forward was this way. So the lady changed seats with her husband because she could not sit facing backwards. Maybe it was a problem with motion, who knows? But there is a first time for everything.
Most of the morning, we finished the job of unpacking and organizing the room. With the portable dressers, that added twelve drawers. Stashing all of the small stuff in two hanging shoe bags (medium and large sizes) took care of everyday items that can be found in a jiffy. These were hung from the ceiling against the wall with strong magnetic hooks. Command hooks went up here and there for a clock and calendar, then all 9 of the suitcases (mostly duffels) fit under the bed.
We noticed that the temperature of the room was heating up, even with the thermostat as low as it could go. Then we had a visit from one of technicians who was checking the vents and changing the filters. He did make some adjustments, and the room finally cooled down a little.
Time for lunch, we had our salads and custom-made sandwiches which were very good and fresh. We also took time to stretch our legs and go for a walk on the promenade deck. It was surprising to see how few people were using the teak lounges. We mean like 8 folks total. The weather was comfortable and not too warm yet. In fact, Captain Friso mentioned that if we had been arriving to Grand Cayman today, our next port, we would not have made in there on the tenders. He said the winds were very bad, but tomorrow, it should be fine. On past cruises, we have had this port cancelled at the last minute, so that would not surprise us. Hopefully not…..
Today at 4pm, there was a Block Party where all the guests were invited to bring their wine glasses out in the hallways and meet the neighbors. At the sound of the ship's horn, we all gathered in the elevator lobbies and chatted while waiting for some officers to pass by with their greetings. Canopies were offered while Henk, the Hotel Director and wife Christel breezed on by, stopping for quick hugs. It lasted for about an hour, then we all went back home to relax or perhaps catch a quick nap. Good fun.
Dinner snuck up on us again, so we were off by 7:30pm or so. There seemed to be more people in the upper dining room this evening. Asep, our Assistant Maitre'd said there were about 1250 passengers onboard to Sydney. Then we will lose a few hundred on the following segment. The lowest number will be sailing Transatlantic where our numbers will be below 1000 guests. We predict that a number of Europeans will get a good deal on that last leg if they are using the Zuiderdam for "crossing the pond" to America.
Our meal was good. Nothing fancy, but we had starters of a shrimp cocktail, arancini, salad, and a bowl of chicken-chorizo soup. Mains for us were a pork belly dish and meatballs and spaghetti. Dessert was a small serving of cinnamon rice pudding and a plate of sweet sliced pineapple. Another amusing moment was when an elderly lady decided to join two friends at a table for two. She pulled a chair over and blocked the aisle. Really? People we knew were on their way out, but could not get around her or the pole that blocked the way out. Her friends told her to bring the chair back, and they would all leave for the elevator lobby. Yep, that solved that problem.
The entertainment was an impressionist by the name of Tyler Bryce billed as one man, one voice. His show consisted of winning comedy, singing, and dozens of celebrity impressions. We seldom finish dinner by 9pm, so we miss most of the entertainment. But that's our choice.
Looking forward to our visit to Georgetown, Grand Cayman. It has been a while since we have been there. Maybe we will get lucky and find a good place for pizza…..
Bill & Mary Ann
