"Treasures of Cruising the World" with Bill & Mary Ann: Report # 16 Sailing Towards Puerto Vallarta, Mexico January 15, 2017 Sunday Sunny & 74 degrees

Temperatures dipped somewhat as we sailed further north towards Mexico. Not that we are complaining…………it was most pleasant today.

Sometimes the best part of strolling on the promenade deck comes along when you least expect it. This morning we spotted a few dolphins swimming under the ship. Within seconds, there were dozens swimming deep, then surfing the ship's wake. In the distance, they began jumping in pairs, then in groups. What a display. Did we have our camera? No, if we did, they would never have appeared. We watched until they disappeared, then never saw any more. That is, until later in the afternoon, when we went out again to see more displays. It has been quite a while since we have seen wildlife in this area, so it is nice to know the population is healthy and growing.

We're sure glad we were not planning on swimming today at the aft pool. When we got there, we noticed that the water looked awful, green-tinged and rusty-looking. No way would we go near it, but there were two fellows swimming in it. Guess they were color-blind. It wasn't long before the heavy-duty crew appeared in their wellies (boots) to drain and scrub the pool down with disinfectant. While there, we also witnessed a crew fellow wiping down the teak railings. Oh no, we thought, wonder if the dreaded virus has erupted??? The last few days we have noticed deeper than usual cleaning. We have only been onboard for 11 days, but we suppose it doesn't take long for a few folks to spread it. Our only defense is to wash our hands, avoid touching public surfaces, and use the sanitizer before eating. Unfortunately, this virus can be spread in the air as well. Pretty difficult not to breathe the air.

Football games kept many folks glued to the Sports Bar and channel 33 in the rooms. After spending some time at the pool, we watched one of the PM games, while eating a very light lunch. The game tied towards the end, so we had to stay until after 7pm to see how it ended.

We were invited to the first of four cocktail parties, hosted by our travel group. For the early diners, they had the first party at 4:30pm. We were told it was wall-to-wall people. Our group numbers well over 200 this year. The later gathering was much smaller. Nice for us because the waiters came by often with full trays of appetizers and many offers to refill our drinks. The small high round tables were set up along the wall of the Explorer's Lounge. We like that much better than sitting on uncomfortable couches and chairs. That way, you can move around, and visit with more people. Or more people will come by the table. We chatted with a couple we have seen many times in the Cruise Critic meetings, but never had the chance to get to know them. Glad they decided to join us, along with Don, another President's Club friend. The hour flew by, then our hosts gave a short welcome speech, and we were soon off to dinner.

The theme this evening was Fiesta Mexicana, described as a festive dinner theme of traditional Mexican cuisine with a modern twist. Green-tinted lamps had been installed at the base of every tall column in the lower dining room, giving us the feeling we were sitting among the cacti. Table runners made of paper and green, maroon, and white napkins decorated the tables. Of course, the menu was full of excellent choices. We ordered lamb taquitos with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole. The tortilla soup was hot and tasty. Our entrees of carne asada were really good, with a tortilla, rice, beans, salsa, and tender slices of medium rare steak. Martha and Bob had the biggest poblano chili peppers when they ordered the chili rellanos. By the way, our assistant waiter served us the rolls and the butter. That's when we knew for sure that the virus had struck. There will be no community shared food….we cannot even pass the rolls now. Darn.

The show this evening was a man by the name of Brad Upton. The only hint of what he does referred to have a laugh on Brad. Our guess, he is a comedian. We did not leave the dining room until late (after ten) so we did not see him.

Back at the room, we found two HAL shopping bags. These have changed since last year's grand voyage. The size is larger, and the design in the center has changed. At least we got two this time. They weigh next to nothing, and are good for beach towels or grocery shopping.

Tomorrow's port will be Puerto Vallarta in Mexico, the only stop in Mexico on this cruise.

Bill & Mary Ann

Last night's gifts – cards, envelopes, and nice pens