It sure got chilly since yesterday, although the skies were clear and sunny. Starting to feel like California in the winter time. It has been many years since we have been in southern California this time of year. Our stops in May are far different.
During his afternoon talk, Captain Jonathon warned everyone to be sure to stash our breakables after we leave the San Diego area tomorrow. He explained that due to a storm that is tracking from the northwest, they are predicting deep ocean swells of up to 20 feet. That is significant enough for the Captain to take the Amsterdam due south, instead of a gradual descent towards the Hawaiian Islands. He hopes to avoid the worst of the rough seas headed our way. Sure hope he is successful. You would be surprised the number of true "sailors", or passengers who actually look forward to the ship rocking and rolling. We keep reminding ourselves that nothing can compare to the 55 foot seas we weathered on our way to Russia via Dutch Harbor in 2002. Never do we wish to repeat that experience.
Before it was time for a dining room lunch, we relaxed for a short time at the aft deck. As long as we kept on sweatshirts, the sun was most welcomed. The only good spot on the lower promenade deck was far aft, where the sun-lovers squeezed lounges in that sheltered area. They hold their territory by leaving bags or books, which is fine, as long as they don't go away for hours. The new rule-of-thumb for leaving items on the pool lounges is 30 minutes. If you do not return by then, everything will be removed (noted in the orange welcome book). So far, we have taken note that this is being enforced at the Seaview Pool.
We shared a table with Barb and friend Aart for another leisurely lunch. By far quieter than dinner, we have had quality conversations where we can all hear each other talking. We like the choices on the lunch menu here. Appetizers of almond chicken tenders were delicious with a honey mustard sauce. Could make a meal of these. Three of us ordered the chicken sandwich with avocado. Seems that tons of the green avocados were taken onboard in Mexico. Bet they will be serving lots of guacamole. Soon, we hope.
The skies increasing became cloudy….dark grey clouds. Rain is on the forecast for tomorrow, but according to the Captain, it will be in the late afternoon. Again, we hope he is correct. Too many clouds for a good sunset, we opted to go to the Ocean Bar to listen to the band play during happy hour. Between the drink special and the dancing, there was a good crowd in there. Our friend Bob strolled by and stopped to chat. He will be going back to Boston on Friday, and he will be missed. His wife, Martha, will remain onboard for the rest of the cruise, as she often does. So we said goodbye until next year, when he plans to join the ship on the African portion.
Dinner for us was in the Pinnacle Grill at 8pm. We had requested a table by the window, but they were all occupied, even though we arrived on time. Perhaps they are not guaranteeing specific seating anymore, which might be another change. Our meal was excellent as always. Most of the waiters and waitresses were new faces for us. Shiv, the head of housekeeping, mentioned that several crew members were leaving tomorrow, and an equal amount will be joining the ship. When their 10 month contract is completed, they have to go home for their vacation break.
Speaking of changes, this might be as good of time as any to add a few more observations. A daily newsletter will not be delivered to anyone's stateroom anymore. No exceptions. They can be picked up at the front desk, Explorations Café, or at the dining room entrance. Our main objection to this is we have seen many folks read the paper, then put it back in the mix for another person to read. What's the problem with that, you may ask? Usually nothing, but with a virus spreading like wildfire, that is a good way to pick it up.
In an effort to save paper, you can no longer get the tour booklets at the shore excursion desk. We did have them mailed to us last fall, but if you failed to bring it with you, going online is your other option.
Last time we were here, there was a new machine where you could get a copy of your stateroom account. All you needed to do was scan your room card, and the copy was printed. Great idea, since you did not have to wait in line at the desk to do this. Unfortunately, something happened to the machine, and it is gone now.
The room keycards have a new look. We think there are three different colors on one end of the card. Deck seven has orange, the rest of the guests have blue, and President's Club has silver. If there are other shades, we have not seen them yet.
So far, we have not gotten the personalized stationary, envelopes, 2018 world cruise postcards, or the HAL pens. We do seem to recall that we filled out the form requesting how we wish our names to be printed last fall. Perhaps they lost the boxes that held all of this material. We did, however, get a small notepad, about the size of sticky notes, and one HAL pen. Better than nothing. We had always saved the goodnight cards to use for notes for our room stewards. But these cards are gone too, with the exception that nights we change the clocks, we get that reminder. More reports of "changes" to come soon.
Rain or shine, we look forward to enjoying the port of San Diego tomorrow.
Bill & Mary Ann
