Report # 9 Sailing towards Puerto Limon January 6, 2014 Monday Partly cloudy, windy, 82 degrees

The weather has continued to be comfortable since we left Florida.......not overly hot, but not too sunny either. There has been a steady wind blowing, which has kept the aft deck sparsely populated for the last couple of days. No saving lounges on this trip so far. We counted about 50 "lay-lows" as the Aussies say, set up on the back deck, and many of those were vacant.

After having another satisfying breakfast, we went for a short walk outside. The only sealife we spotted were a couple of smallish flying fish. No birds or larger fish yet. That could be because we were traveling across the Cayman Trench, which has the deepest waters in the Caribbean, according to Captain Jonathon.

We attended the first of the CC meetings in the Crows Nest at 11am. Half the lounge was filled with members, one of the largest groups we have seen. Champagne, mimosas, and coffee and juices were being served. A table was set with some food as well. Some non-member folks had wandered into the room, looking for people that were organizing some of the independant tours. We understand that they were all present, and would be collecting cash for those excursions people had signed up for.

Those of us who know better, also know NOT to discuss tour arrangements until well after the Hotel Manager and CD give their welcome speeches and have left the room. After all, by organizing independant tours, our group comes into direct competition with the HAL shore excursion staff onboard. That is not taken too kindly by the staff, although, that fact was only mentioned to us in private by a high-up staff member a few years ago. The phrase, "a thorn in my side or a knife in my back" comes to mind.

Our group leader welcomed us all, then introduced Henk M. the hotel manager to the group. He said a few nice words, then he introduced the new CD, Gene Young (no, not Steve, as mistakenly reported). Henk could not have spoken more highly of him without a lot of embarrassment, so we think he will be widely accepted by most everyone. When our leader took the microphone back, someone asked her immediately about the tours. She quickly said we do not talk about that right now, but later, hinting to wait until the staff had left the lounge. Funny thing is that Henk and Gene did not leave, but stayed to observe and mingle with the crowd. Our advice to the staff or more specifically, the shore excursion department.....lower the price of your tours, and more folks will book them. Simple, but the truth.

Well, the momentum that was supposed to keep us working in our room was gone. It was easier to look at the job at hand, close the door, and take a walk. What a better way to relax than change into swimwear, and go to the aft pool. Armed with our books and drink bottles, we headed up top. Did we mention that we like lemonade, but not with all the sugar? Our solution was to pre-order the water package, and bring Crystal Lite lemonade packets (no sugar). Filling our thermoses with ice from our room, we do not have to bother Manny, our favorite bar staffer, to supply the ice. We are not allowed to fill our personal bottles with ice in the Lido, due to cross-contamination we guess.

Even though the sun was not hot....the wind was blowing a slight gale, one of us did get a tad bit burned. Any spot of skin that did not get the lotion, tended to toast. Will have to be more careful as we headed further south towards the Caribbean side of Costa Rica.

We spent some fun time with Barb in her upgraded room on deck two. We teased her that the cabin was so far aft, that she could go outside and drop a line to fish! She is happy, because she had booked an inside, and got upgraded to an outside cabin. With one bed taken out of the room, it looked huge compared to ours. Anyway we were there to help her with a plumbing problem. Once fixed, she was one happy lady, since she can take a shower without it dribbling out.

Captain's Welcome Champagne Reception

At 7pm, the second seating guests were invited to the Captain's Welcome Champagne Reception in the Queens Lounge. This is a bit confusing, since as long as we can recall, they offer more than champagne or wine, because this is a Grand Voyage. We headed for our favorite chairs on the extreme left side of the lower lounge. We can visit with familiar people as they go by, but more importantly, we get the best beverage and food service. Taking pictures, you can stand up and not block anyone's view.

Serving fancy hors d'oeurvres

Seafood, chicken, and beef canapies

The band played on as some of the more limber folks danced in the center of the room. By 7:40pm, Gene introduced the Captain of the vessel, Jonathon Mercer. 

Part of the head staff

Then the Captain brought each department head on the stage, giving a brief description of their nationality, their duties onboard, and some of their favorite pastimes. His best introduction was that of the hotel manager, Henk M. Among other activities enjoyed by Henk, such as running, biking and hiking, his one passion included wrapping a rubber band around his waist, then thrashing about in the aft pool. The entire lounge of guests broke out laughing, since most of us have seen Henk do this numerous times on previous trips. Just by coincidence, Henk happened to stop by and chat with us today at the back pool. He said that even though he liked swimming, he found running to be more productive and far less boring. So for that reason, he did not plan on utilizing the pool as much this year. We remember on one trip, Henk asked a few ladies first if he could do his exercise in the pool, and they said NO. We are certain they had no idea who he was at the time. But you know how some gals are about getting their hair wet....no way.

The main staff with Captain Jonathon

One surprise we had while the head staff were being introduced, was that the executive chef, Ed Sayomac, was not here. But a German fellow by the name of Daniel was in his place. In our humble opinion, we can say that, so far, we are quite pleased with the food in the main dining room. The presentation, portion sizes, and the higher quality of the meat or fish has been consistently excellent.

Staff with Gene Young on the end

The party ended right at 8pm, and the lines for the first upcoming show "Forbidden Broadway", reportedly a hilarious and brillantly wicked musical, were stretched to the front desk and beyond. Will report on our tablemate's opinions of the performance tomorrow. As you guessed, we did not attend at 10pm.

Visiting guests

Dinner was fun, because we had a guest host. Renee from the salon on board joined us. The hosts always supply white or red wines, so everyone that imbibed had a fine time. And so did those of us who do not drink wine. Renee knew most of us, so she felt comfortable. As the formal nights continue, we doubt any officers or staff members will be available to host dining room tables, as the Captain's Dinners in the Pinnacle Grill will take priority. That is, assuming they will still have those special evenings.

One good thing, is that we have begun the start of the clock changes, as tonight we were requested to put the clocks back one hour. Fine with us.....we SO need the extra sleep.

Boat bag of swag - gifts

One more day at sea, and we will be in Costa Rica. Truthfully, these first few sea days have flown by.