Happy Mother’s Day to all!
A Mother’s Day at sea, perfect timing to celebrate with a special Pinnacle Grill Brunch at 10:30am for the occasion. Most of us regulars went at 8am and enjoyed a nice breakfast without the charges. There was also another Sunday brunch in the dining room at 10am. This will be the final one of this cruise, since next Sunday most of us will be leaving for home. Where did the time go??
There seems to be several problems on the ship the last couple of days. One of them involves the internet and the lack of speed that one of us has noticed. If you recall, we had problems when our computer took on a life of its own and started moving files to parts unknown. It eventually resolved itself, but at one point, we felt the need to upgrade from the premium plan to the streaming one. Right now, the better plan seems to be of no use. If there is a problem with the internet service, we are not being told.
For no good reason, the TV’s in all of the rooms have started to pixelate and freeze frame off and on all day long. Sometimes we call the front desk and they can give us a “re-hit” right from their end. Sometimes it works, and sometimes not. Once again if there is a problem with the reception, we are not being told.
Our hallway on deck six forward has developed a skunky smell due to the recent flood. Fans are working overtime to dry out the carpet, and Kuz from housekeeping said once the carpets are dry, they will be shampooed. Can’t be soon enough. We think many of the forward rooms are empty, so not many folks are complaining.
We kept busy with a walk on the promenade deck, where the rather large and heavy-coated service dog was trying to walk this morning with her handler. Actually, it was too hot outside and the poor dog laid down and refused to go any further. Our dogs used to do the same thing to the point one of them had to be carried back from a walk at home. Even at 84 degrees with 66% humidity, it was uncomfortable. The ship’s speed was rather high at 21 knots while we passed the coast of Costa Rica all day.
Captain Frank came on with his talk as usual. Our next stop at Fuerte Amador, Panama is still 487 nautical miles away. Then he announced that we will be arriving early to Fuerte Amador at 3pm instead of 5pm. He alluded to some planned maintenance being necessary on the ship. He did not elaborate. Maybe it has something to do with the internet and satellite feed. Who knows? With a ship this age, it can be anything or a lot of things.
He added that we had some strong winds of 40 knots during the night, but calmed down by today. There was a long swell of no more than 3 feet. The sea water was 88 degrees and the skies were cloudy with a chance of rain. Sunset would be at 6:45pm and the sunrise at 6am. By the late afternoon, our veranda was out of the sun and rather pleasant sitting outside watching the dozens of brown boobies fly by. We could see the outline of the Costa Rican coast, but when the view disappeared, so did the birds.
We had an invite to a Farewell Cocktail Party exclusive for full cruisers at 6:45pm. It was held in the Lido midship poolside with drinks (mostly wines we heard), conversation, and community spirit.
Sharing unforgettable moments, they raised a toast to friendships and memories that stay with us long after the journey ends. We figured if all of the full cruisers attended, there were be 500 plus people there. For that reason, we had our choice of drinks in our room instead.
Dinner in the dining room started with appetizers of smoked chicken and coconut-crusted pork meatballs. Sounds weird, but they were tasty. Caesar salads were served with extra cheese…don’t know why, but it was good. Mains were one Caribbean jerked chicken breast with rice and pineapple. It was more spicy that expected and left a burning sensation on the lips long after dinner. The other entrée was better - a close version of last night’s boneless rib meat with mashed potatoes and broccoli. Desserts were a little pistachio ice cream to calm the burn, and one jar of Jello.
The World Stage Cast did a performance of Curtain Up, a musical theater journey. Or there was a movie “Panama Hattie” a comedy in the Wajang. Yesterday we also received a confusing invite to the final Mariner Recognition Events which will happen on May 11, 13 or 15. We, as President’s Club members have a choice to choose a preferred date, or attend all of the events. Do we really need more photos? We think not, and will more than likely need that time for packing. With less than a week left, we will have to do more than just think about packing.
Bill & Mary Ann
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