The seas were something else this morning. Rough would not be a proper word to describe the explosive eruption when the ship cut through the choppy swells. The mist that came off of the swells drifted over the lower promenade decks, soaking them like rain. It was almost impossible to walk, although we did try. Our best bet was to get back inside through the forward doors, and come back later.
Checking out the Seaview Pool, we found there was not one lounge set up on either side of the pool deck. No point as they may have been blown into the pool. Mostly the smokers were sitting on the starboard side, but under cover. Speaking of smoking, there are only a few spots left for smokers. Veranda guests can still smoke on their balconies, or they can smoke back here at the tables near the Seaview Bar. The casino allows it for those who are actively playing the machines. Lastly, outside the doors from the Crow's Nest, on deck nine, smoking is still permitted. This is due to change beginning in 2018, we heard. There will be no smoking in any of the rooms, including all verandahs.
Our big job of the day was collecting our passports at the front desk. We will need them for immigration requirements when we land in San Diego. While there, about 85 passengers will be going home, but 87 more will be joining the ship for the world cruise. We have been told by a reliable source, that 900 guests are booked on this world cruise for the entire duration. Impressive numbers.
Hoping to meet with Barb, we went to lunch in the dining room around 12:30pm. Most every day, she is there after playing the game of trivia. She and her team are doing quite well this year (perfect score today). She credits her excellent team mates, but Barb is an expert at this game. Well, today she was not there, but we stayed anyway. We ordered a very tasty crispy egg roll with shredded pork and peanut sauce. Then for entrees, one of us had a pork sandwich, and one of us had a mini-burger and the appetizer. All was good, even though Barb never did make an appearance.
This is a good time to continue with some of the changes we have noted since the beginning of the trip. Once again, if we repeat ourselves, please excuse our loss of memory. Gone are the examples of the plates of daily dinner entrees in the Lido. We would always check out this display to decide what we wanted for dinner. Don't know why they stopped doing this. Fewer or no decorations are used on gala night in the dining room. Much less laborious for the crew. By the way, the dining room chairs were covered with white covers this evening. Referring to lunch time, there are few pieces of silverware to use at each place setting. All you see now, are a fork, and a knife. No spoon. If you order a soup, for instance, you will get a spoon.
We may have brought this up before, but the "buy-one", get one for $1. extra is still in operation. Only now, it costs you $2. for that second drink. On Tales of the South Pacific last fall, this offer was only in place for the early diners around 4 to 5pm. Happy to see that it happens again at 6:30pm.
Two NFL playoff games were shown today. However, ever since early this morning, our room TV was on the fritz. Not sure why, but we lost the picture and sound on most of the channels. Reporting it to the front desk girls, we learned that the problem was on the three lower decks. Sure hope it comes back by game time. It did.
Turned out fine, since we were able to watch the first one, followed by the second game at 7:15pm. It sure did look like a great game, but we had to leave at 8pm for the second "gala" dinner. It was a bit nerve-wracking, but we had sent out one tux jacket to be pressed two days ago. It had not been returned this morning, so we hoped it would arrive in time. So far, the laundry service has gotten their deliveries back every other day. Sometimes, the same day. Good thing there is an alternate jacket we brought, a white one, in case the black one is late. It was delivered by our room steward on time, by the way, an hour before dinner at 8pm.
Tonight's fancy dinner came with a guest……Jessica, the Culinary Arts gal, who wears many hats. She is the one seen every morning, starring with Gene, our CD, on "Coffee with Gene and Jessica" formerly, "Good Morning Amsterdam". From what we gathered, she is from Australia, and is very sweet, as she reached out to every one of us at the table throughout dinner. We invited her back anytime. Two of our tablemates were absent…..Maureen and Jim. Seems he was under the weather, but hopes to return tomorrow.
There were the usual suspects for starters, such as escargots, shrimps, and fruit cups. A mixed green salad pleased many, as did the offer of two (three most nights) soups. Seems to be one creamy soup, one with a broth, and another, cold soup. French onion is offered every evening as well. Entrees that appealed to us was one with a brie and spinach tart, and the other, a lamb "wellington" of sorts. Both were very good, even better with a dash of white wine, compliments of Miss Jessica. Instead of jello, we ordered the carrot cake, a favorite of ours. The serving size was just right……..conservatively small.
Another end to the day found the folks enjoying the singers and dancers of the Amsterdam perform in the Queens Lounge. Have to admit, they are rather talented. Also nice to see they are still onboard, since someone told us they were gone. Other entertainers onboard now are a team of Mexican Ambassadors, doing live shows of traditional music and dance at the Lido Pool at noontime.
A nice surprise was waiting for us once again in our room. We were gifted with two Crane post card sets, notecards with the HAL design and envelopes…..complete with a pen. Could it be that the world cruise gifts are going back to gala nights, as many of us suggested last year?
Another day at sea will be much appreciated tomorrow.
Bill & Mary Ann
