Our first day at sea was delightful as shipboard life kicked into play. Breakfast was the first order of the day, followed by a brisk walk outside. We were surrounded with white caps and slightly rough seas. Most folks were sitting on the starboard side in whatever sun they could find.
While the first of many port talks were given by Location Guide Kainoa at 10am, we attended the first Cruise Critic meeting in the Crows Nest. There was a surprising number of guests, none of whom we have met before. The difference with these gatherings compared to previous years, is that none of the staff attends them. It is partly due to the fact that there are too many groups having meetings, as well as the meetings turning into private tour arrangements between them. These days many folks are looking for great deals, so these private tours can save folks some money. Can't say we blame them, but it had been uncomfortable having these plans discussed when the staff members were present. If nothing else, it is always a good spot to find juice, tea, or coffee with a tray of cookies.
When the dining room offers good hamburgers or meatballs and spaghetti for lunch, we make it a point to go there. Yes, we know the pasta is available in the Lido, but in the dining room, the servings are conservative. No tempting seconds. The service has been excellent in the La Fontaine dining room.
We had intended to attend the complimentary Navigator Wine Tasting at 2pm, but we made the mistake of relaxing at the aft pool for some fresh air and sun. It was so pleasant, that we stayed until 3pm. The wind was chilly, but if you laid low, it wasn't so bad. By the way, we noticed that there were new chairs at the tables in both the aft pool and the Lido pool area. They are much sturdier and have medium blue seat pads.
Earlier in the day, we reported to our room steward that the shower head and hose were defective. By the time we got back to our cabin, it had been replaced with a new unit. All works fine now. We stopped by Shiv's office and thanked him for such a quick response.
Did we mention there is a new Beverage Manager Roger, and his assistant, Twinkle? We met them in 2010 while on the Prinsendam's Grand South America cruise. Although long-time employees, Willie and Raymond will be missed, Roger and Twinkle will do a fine job. The new team will be on through the entire world cruise.
Last night, we heard we missed a fantastic sunset. So around 7pm, we went to deck nine with hopes of a repeat performance. However, no clouds, no special sunset. Perhaps as we get closer to Hawaii, our luck will change.
There were just three of us at dinner tonight. The other couple must have had a change of plans, or perhaps had trouble getting their sea legs. There are several new entrees on the menu, as well as some of the usual suspects. This evening we had cheddar beer? Soup and a sausage soup. The entrée salad was Pacific Rim with chicken breasts, so that's what we ordered. Vicky had pre-ordered spaghetti and meatballs from the lunch menu, and was pleased with it. The staff is very accommodating. A light dessert ended the evening early.
The entertainer tonight was Mike Robinson, a comedian. We did peek in at the show last night to hear cruise director, Gene Young's introductions of some of the staff members. Duncan Tuck followed by playing a 12 string guitar as well as a flamenco guitar. If we had stayed up longer, we could have gotten the happy hour drinks in the Crows Nest. That offer began today, but only at 4 to 5pm in the Ocean Bar and Crows Nest. Once again, the 8pm dinner folks have been ignored. We'll have to ask Roger about this tomorrow perhaps.
Bill & Mary Ann
