The weather was nicer today. Just as Captain Fred promised, the seas have smoothed out, and the chill in the breeze was less noticeable. Perfect walking weather. So far, we have seen only two flying fish, and a couple of birds.
Ukulele lessons have begun with two classes today. In keeping with the Hawaiian theme, guest speaker, George Losey spoke about the island's natural history. Hula lessons part two continued Lido poolside. Finally location guide Kainoa lectured on geology and geography of the Hawaiian Islands.
Checking out the aft pool deck, we ended up staying and relaxing in the comfortable sun for a few hours. It was not very crowded back there yet, but we suspect as the days get warmer, more sunbathers and swimmers will join us. At one point in the afternoon, an announcement came on the speakers that the crew were about to start up the alternate generator. Good thing the wind was blowing straight away from the ship, because the black soot that spewed out was thick. If this nasty stuff lands on your clothing, it will stain. Wonder why this exercise is not done during the night?
We ordered room service once again. Salads were great, and went well with two Lido sandwiches. It took about 30 minutes for the food to arrive, but when it did, everything was in order.
The schedule on this cruise is different from the world cruises. We always like to go to the outside area of the Ocean Bar to listen to the Neptune band play. However, they are only there at 4pm, 7pm, 8:45pm and 10:45pm. And since the buy-one-get-one for a dollar is only from 4-5pm, this whole area is dead…..no customers at 6pm. Being that this evening is the first "gala" night, the camera crew were out and about taking photos.
Most times for the first gala dinner, we get company at our table. Tonight was no exception, as Henk M, the hotel director, joined us. It is always a pleasure having him as our guest. And it gives our other tablemates a chance to ask some questions during the course of the evening. We discussed the small changes that have occurred with the HAL product, in particular, the new website that is offered for general information. It can even be accessed on cell phones, which we would not know because we don't own one. Now if they could just get interactive TV's in the staterooms, we'd be happy campers. Maybe someday, or not.
Entrees we chose tonight were spicy lamb chops and tender filet of beef. The chicken and swiss chard soup was piping hot, which was great. We even ordered dessert…..one lemon cheesecake, and a small serving of double Denali chocolate cake. Both sinfully good.
Henk recommended seeing the show in the Queens Lounge tonight, since this dance and song team were new onboard. Promising to be exciting, vibrant, and passionate, "Dance" was really just that. Yes, we attended, and were not disappointed. They performed dances from around the world…..the best being the tango and the flamenco. Henk had said he peeked in at their rehearsal, and stated he never saw girls be able to bend like spaghetti. Only Henk could come up with a line like that. Of course, we had to agree. Nice to be young, agile, and talented.
The good news was that the clocks went back one more hour tonight.
Tomorrow will already be "humpday", the halfway point on our way to Hawaii.
Bill & Mary Ann
PS We just want to warn everyone that the internet may be spotty the next few days, so if you don't hear from us every day, be patient, we will be back.
