A few days ago we received an invitation to attend the Mariner Recognition Event in appreciation of our President's Club member standing. It was held in the World Stage deck 4 forward. This event would be followed by an exclusive Mariner's Lunch in the main dining room at 11:30am.
We went to breakfast as usual in the Pinnacle Grill, mainly because we enjoy breakfast and lots of hot coffee. One nice couple we met a few years ago had left us six special pink tulips they had won playing trivia on this first segment of the world cruise. We have always suspected they were brainiacs, and winning these prized wooden tulips are a big deal. Trouble is they have a houseful of them already, and decided not to pack these home. And since we do not play Trivia, we have never even seen these cute little tokens. Thanks to our breakfast buddies, we have six of them now. And they do not need watering. This couple will be going home tomorrow but will return when the ship gets to San Diego for the final segment of the World Cruise. .
So at 10am, we went to the show lounge and entered through the portside entrance with some of the other President's Club members. They always greet us with a few officers, then escort us to a center and forward section with reserved seating. Kumar had made sure the seating was not too low like it was on the Zaandam. Drinks were passed around and we took mimosas.
Hotel manager, Florin, stopped by and whispered that they were trying something new today with this event, and it would be a surprise. We could not imagine what that could be. Anyway, the room filled up with about 200 guests, followed by cruise director Erin who came to the microphone. After the usual welcome speech, she introduced three crew members who took the stage to sing….one at a time. All of them drew applause from the audience. This was a different start to the event, and it was nice. Then Josh, the travel director, sang a song from the Phantom of the Opera and "wowed" the audience. A very talented fellow, he did a good job.
The medallion awardees were called up to the table to receive their medals from Captain Rens and Florin. Instead of getting the medals on their beds to wear to the gathering, they did it the old way with the Captain doing the honors. Everyone got a photo with the Captain and Florin. You will never be bored with Captain Rens at the helm. His comedic personality took over and added another dimension to the event. Good thing that Florin goes along with the fun, because he knows that Captain Rens is one of a kind.
The last group to be introduced was our gang of President's Club members. There was a total of 33 we think. Names were announced, where we went up for photos, with the number of sea days everyone had. This is the very first world cruise that we had the highest number of pure sea days. The show was not over yet because the singers and dancers came on the stage with a rousing performance. This was also the first time we saw one of their shows, and it was very entertaining.
Last but not least, some of the crew members from each department took the stage with a farewell message for those who will be leaving tomorrow. We bet there will not be a parade of cooks and waiters at dinner in the dining room tonight. This worked for everything. Although we did not attend the lunch, we did hear that Captain Rens visited each and every dining room table bidding farewell to the segment folks. Then towards the end of the meal, they had the "napkin-waving" song and parade.
The Captain came on shortly after noon time with his updates. He stated we have 255 nautical miles to go to San Antonio, Chile at a speed of 16 knots. It was 66 degrees F outside and the skies were partly cloudy. The swells were about 3 feet and will remain much the same for tomorrow. Warmer temperatures will be ahead of us as well.
While working online, one of us spotted whales blowing their spouts far on the horizon. Then we saw more whales even closer to the ship although it was never announced. Good time for a light lunch of mini sliders and a Cobb salad.
Dinnertime rolled around quickly as it seems to do every night. We asked our head waiter how many folks were leaving and he said around 180. The same number or a little less will be joining tomorrow. The salad was nicoise and we both had it, except one had no tuna by special request. Mains were one Wiener Schnitzel and one Nasi goreng, the favorite Indonesian treat. Both were good. We sort of shared a small dessert of apple strudel with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
And as we had guessed, there was no crew parade in the dining room at least not at the second seating. The Grand World Voyage Band played Sacred Fire by Santana for the entertainment tonight. One elderly lady had drifted out of the lounge as we were entering the elevator after dinner. She complained that her head was spinning with the extreme noise of the music. We understand how she felt…..way too loud for some.
Back at our room, we had a complimentary 8 x 10 photo in our mail slot that had been taken at the ceremony. And there were several pieces of luggage out in the hallway for the folks that would be leaving tomorrow. Segment one was over.
Bill & Mary Ann
