A fun project was starting the window garden. We had brought amarylla bulbs and some narcissus, and eventually, sunflower seeds to plant. They are all hardy plants that will take little care. And it is fun to chart their progress.
The weather has warmed up, and so has the humidity. The wind is a factor however. Actually, last night as the ship traveled near Cuba, the seas got rough. Throughout the day, the swells deepened. It was still a pleasant day to relax at the aft pool for a few hours. The keyword here is relax……something we both really needed. Our port lecturer, Barbara Haenni, said after embarkation day, she and many of her crew friends needed three full days of sleep to feel normal again. Know how she feels. The only challenge about getting some sun was that we could have used bungee cords to tie ourselves down to the lounges. We happened to save someone's flip flop, t-shirt, and towel before they blew overboard. Others were not so lucky, because caps went airborne, disappearing down to a lower deck.
Even though we both used sunscreen, one of us got a bit toasted. Always forget the power of the sun as we head south rapidly. One of the problems is that when you get into reading a good book, you can forget to rotate that chair. This tends to get you over-done on one side. Oh well, in a few days it will even out.
We got in some quality walking, then went back to our room and ordered our first room service lunch. It only took 30 minutes, and we can report that the new paninis were really tasty. We tried the roast beef and veggie paninis, with a small Caesar salad, served with a few slices of grilled chicken. The sandwiches came with a scoop of coleslaw and a pile of potato chips. One of the popular items on the old menu is missing in the new one. And that is their cheeseburger, that we really liked. If you want one, you now have to pay to get the Dive-In burgers ordering through room service.
There was a nice surprise waiting for us when we got back from the pool. We had requested to swap our initial alcohol delivery (President's Club perk) for diet soda and a flower arrangement. The scotch and bourbon were not the brands we always drink, and if we wanted the good stuff, it comes with an added fee now. How much above the $40 allowance, we did not ask. You know, according to our parent's advice many years ago, you do not look a gift horse in the mouth. Appreciate the fact that you are receiving a gift. However, they spoiled us the last two years, but with the recent change in personel, these perks are being cut back. Guess we simply don't like change. We are not alone with our thinking, because many other PC members have voiced their disappointment as well.
Tonight, the first gala evening, there was the Captain's Welcome Champagne Reception held in the Queen's Lounge beginning at 4:30 and later at 7pm. We understand that this was not the usual Mariner welcome, since we had not received a formal invite to this affair. We did go to deck five to possibly check out the attendance, and also see how the folks were dressed. It was a mixed bag. We saw mostly sport coats, suits, and tuxes for the fellows, and fairly dressy outfits for the ladies. Maybe because this is a grand voyage, the passengers tend to dress more formal. Glad to see that the tradition has not totally died.
We made the decision to make a visit to the Crow's Nest for a change, and skip the reception. Thinking the bar would be empty, we were surprised to find Martha, Bob, and Ruud already sipping their drinks. We joined them, and had a fine time. At least twenty more people we knew wandered in for the happy hour. There was no band playing, so conversation flowed. Our dinner mates were toying with the idea of catching the last half of the reception, but ultimately, their decision to stay here won out. At dinner, we asked Barb if she was able to order any drink she wanted, and her answer was yes. No champagne for her.
Gala dinner was special with filet mignon, lobster, lamb chops, and scallops or halibut for entrees. All ten of us had dressed nicely for the occasion, as we knew everyone would. All but one of our group have been on a few world cruises, so they came prepared. We stayed well past 10pm, so the show was out. The entertainer this evening was a fellow named Clint Holmes. He was featured as a 3 time Las Vegas Entertainer of the Year.
The second surprise was waiting for us after dinner…….two computer bags with the new WC logo on the front. They have a padded shoulder strap, with a few zippered pouches, and appear to be waterproof. Nice.
Our first port is tomorrow, not a new one for us, but a nice place to take a stroll.
Bill & Mary Ann
Bouquet of lovely roses
Our first gifts
Computer bags with the 2017 Grand World Voyage logo printed on the front
