So when we turned in our immigrations forms at the front desk, we inquired about the missing materials. The answer we got was they were not sure why it was not printed, and they did not know where the port guide brochures were. One suggestion was that the three upcoming ports were small islands, and only one, Guam, had tours. No wonder Barbara H promised to work on getting good maps for Majuro. We figured since this itinerary included these three ports for almost two years , they had plenty of time to research the information and have it printed. Something has fallen through the cracks……Anyway, they promised we will have an itinerary for the Beijing segment.
If it did rain today, it must have been quite early in the morning. Just as we got settled at the Seaview Pool, it began to sprinkle lightly. Not even enough to get the deck wet. For the remainder of the day, it stayed warm and humid as we continued in a southwesterly direction. A few boobys followed along, but the tropicbirds were nowhere to be seen. As we had spotted only one flying fish, we suspect that there is not enough feed to support the birds out here.
The announcement of the 2019 world cruise was discussed today at the future cruise consultant's talk in the Queen's Lounge this morning. The actual itinerary has not been decided, nor has the pricing come out. But starting today, Thom and Tina were taking future deposits on the voyage. In fact, all of the Grand Voyages were open for deposit. It really is a "no-brainer" to put down $100 per person to hold your room, even if we don't know where it is headed as of yet. And if we should change our minds, we can transfer the deposit to any other cruise within the next four years.
Two interesting talks were given in the Queen's Lounge today. One dealt with the coral reef, and the second with major sea battles in the war in the Pacific. The areas we will be visiting soon are filled with both coral and major WWII history. All great info.
The first photo contest (part one) was announced today. It is a fair deal, where all guests are invited to submit their best photos taken so far this trip. The categories include people/life, wildlife, architecture, and landscape. Although there is a $5 fee per picture, an 8 x 10 printed copy of their photo is theirs after the contest has been judged. And we are proud to say that our friend and tablemate, Heo, won during last year's contest with an incredible picture he captured while in Abu Dhabi. It was so good, that it ended up in the Mariner magazine. Good job, Heo.
All of us were present at dinner tonight. As we all get to know each other, it seems that there is never a dull moment. The entrees have been a little unusual….most with names we do not recognize. We are willing to try new items, but we cannot say they are all winners with us. There is always dessert, which never fails to make us all happy.
The entertainment this evening was an internationally acclaimed saxophonist by the name of Barry Seacroft. We could hear him practicing while relaxing on deck five at the Ocean Bar area, well before his first performance.
One more day at sea and we will be in the Marshall Islands. By the way, we put the clocks back another hour this evening. This is bound to catch up with all of us soon. Either way you set the clocks, it can be difficult to adjust to it. We think that is part of the reason why many of our friends still have the nasty cold virus.
Bill & Mary Ann
