Subject: Report #91 Sailing Towards Salalah, Oman March 31, 2016 Thursday Partly cloudy & 84 degrees
A day at sea was ours to enjoy. The weather has finally become more comfortable, at least while we are out at sea. There is a strong breeze blowing cross the decks, which sure helps cool things down. It is much appreciated.
During the night, we have noticed that the lights are turned off on the lower promenade deck. There are signs posted on the outside doors telling the passengers that lights off is done for anti-piracy reasons. Fine with us, but it is still a reminder we are in dangerous waters. We have to keep reminding ourselves that we are not alone, according to Captain Mercer's letter. And as promised, there are security guards, at least two, on watch 24 hours a day on this deck. One thing we noticed that was puzzling to us, was that neither the Europa 2 or the Splendour of the Seas had razor wire attached to their ship. Of course, they didn't appear to have a similar wrap-around walking deck like the Amsterdam does, but at some point, there must be areas, like their boat decks, that may be accessed. We intend to pay more attention to this detail if we happen to run into more cruise ships from Salalah to the Mediterranean Sea.
Guest speaker talks continued today with Vivianne Rowan lecturing on lost treasures. We often wondered about the group of treasure-seekers, and what they find at the bottom of the world's oceans. More specific, is what they find real or not? And who does it belong to, or the dangers of such expeditions. Very interesting subject, indeed.
Speaker Simon Rae talked about all things Shakespeare, while later in the day, a workshop was offered in the Hudson Room, which went into more detail with the actual language structure and spoken word. "TMI" for us, we are afraid.
Finally, Timothy Runyan got into the details of Oman and the voyage of Sinbad the Sailor. Much better subject we think.
In a different vein, a new guest chef has joined the ship. Although not slated as one of the celebrity chefs on this voyage, she must be substituting for one that is not here. We hesitate to list her name, since she informed us years ago, that she has an internet alert if her name is used in any blog, at which time, she knows what is being written, and eventually, by whom. Now we like her presentations and choice of subjects for food shows, but we also do not like this type of invasion of our blog site. We know it is out there for anyone to read, but flagging it feels different to us. You know us, we tell it like it is, and sometimes that means all is not perfect in the world of cruising all of the time.
There will be some very unhappy campers when it comes to the loss of ESPN and the broadcast of the basketball games. It is a big deal for tablemates Bonnie and Paul, who hesitated booking this cruise, and missing these games. They are dyed-in-the-wool sports fans, and were told the games would be on. The notice in the newsletter stated that due to our geographical location, the loss of ESPN on satellite TV will be expected. Apparently, we are on the edges of the satellite footprint, so they do apologize, but can do nothing to remedy the situation. All they can do is ask for our patience. It is what it is.
Our day was strictly working in our room, with many walking breaks, and lunch with the girls in the dining room…..Barb and Maureen. We can catch up with news about yesterday's port with Shirley and Jack on the lower promenade deck, where they set up camp for the day, then find out what went on with Barb and Maureen listening to their stories at lunch. Always fun, mixed with harmless ship gossip, of course.
By the way, we should be caught up with reports and photos very soon. Took time, but finally see the light of day at the end of the proverbial tunnel.
This evening, we had another fine dinner in the Pinnacle Grill at 8pm. This time the room was filled with guests, some of whom are using their free dinners like us. Remember, the President's Club members received 10 complimentary dinners to use by April 30th. Those of us who are sailing onward, like Sandra and Allen, will receive 10 more dinners in here on the 16 day Panama Canal Cruise following this one. Ten dinners to use in 16 days? Doubt we will be able to do that, although Tina, the manager, would definitely accommodate us if we chose to do it. Trouble is, there is such thing as a light meal in this venue. You can try, but there are too many excellent choices.
So tonight, we had the tableside-made Caesar salad (hold the anchovies). The dressing can be light to heavy as we wish. These salads are the best you can get….crispy and ice cold and full of garlic. One of us ordered the lamb chops, and the other had the New York strip steak. Splitting a baked potato and sharing a bowl of sautéed mushrooms was just enough. Dessert was as light as it comes, with mixed berries and a side of vanilla ice cream instead of the sabayon sauce, and also one bowl of vanilla ice cream, and French-pressed coffee with a tiny biscotti cookie. Missing, was the two-tiered plate of super-sweet chocolate candies, missing, probably because it is also the holder for the sugar and cream, which neither of us uses.
As we were relaxing with the coffee, Bill and Leta strolled by, and chatted for a while. They had been dining in here for a celebration of Bill's birthday. Even though the waiters do not sing the special birthday song in here, they still bring a small brownie cake, and wish you Happy Birthday, only quietly. They told us that their reservation had gone astray, even though they booked this date back in January. The tip off was when they had not received their printed invitation for dinner this morning in their mail slot. Always good to check on the phone to confirm the reservation. Lucky for them, they had an opening for 7:30pm, and were happy to serve them, a good thing.
Henk and Christel happened to be dining with a couple of folks near us. Since we all had finished our meals, and were leaving the room around the same time, we asked Henk about the upcoming possible visit with the new ship, the Koningsdam. As you know, she is due for her christening and inaugural sailing in the beginning of April, the 8th to be exact. Henk mentioned that he did not want to make any announcements yet for a possible visit on that ship, because there may be delays with the first sailings. That would be unfortunate, especially for those people who are booked on them. We are supposed to cross paths while in the port for Rome (Civitavecchia) on April 15th. Hearing rumors that there was a list at the front desk to sign, Henk reassured us that we are already on the "special" list for the President's Club members. If it will happen, we will be on that tour.
The entertainer in the Queens Lounge was a singer by the name of Donna Groom. Anybody remember the "Skyliners"? She was a lead vocalist with them, and tonight will sing favorite hits from the 60's and 70's. Music we always enjoyed and still do. She did a fine job.
Bill & Mary Ann
