Presty came by to say hello, so we asked him about it. Apparently, the Center for Disease Control for the US has deemed the buffets are not properly set up to be safe from contamination. This is just a guess on our part, but the buffet could be a source of viruses being spread on the ship. On recent past cruises, these nasty viruses have run rampant among the guests and crew alike. Presty admitted that the sneeze guards were not up-to-date, and there is always the problem of keeping the cold food cold, and the hot food hot for two hours. And this does not apply just to the brunch, but also to every cook-out on the Lido deck poolside. No more Mongolian BBQ, luaus, or steak, chicken, and fish BBQ's. This must have been changed recently, because many of these events had been scheduled for this world voyage. Presty also said that the special event planned onboard with the CEO and President of HAL during the Mariner Days will have to be re-thought. You know, if it saves us from getting sick, then it will be worth it. For certain, this will be a disappointment for many, because these events are popular for a change in the routine. As for us, we have never eaten dinner at the BBQ's, but we always take photos while it was happening. The biggest complaint we have heard is from the guests that gather their food, then cannot find a place to sit down and eat it.
We asked our friends about the offerings at the brunch today, and they said it was a new menu with a mix of both breakfast and lunch items. They added it was very good. And when you see the effort that goes into converting the dining room to accommodate this venue, it is quite obvious that HAL is saving lots of man hours by eliminating it, thus saving the company money. Eventually, it is all about the money, isn't it.
Presty added one more change………they will not be using the chair covers in the dining room on gala nights anymore. It's always been a tradition, we guess, but there is no way to sanitize these covers. So they became another possible source of cross-contamination. And once again, this will save the waiters a lot of time.
During the last couple of days, we have begun to note down all of the little changes we have noticed. The last count was 22 things. We will add a few of these on every report until everyone is up to date. We're not saying they are all bad, as some are for the better.
The following winds and waves kept the ship a little unsteady all day. Captain Jonathon mentioned that the washboard rumbling under the ship is due to the waves coming under the aft of the ship. Guess it was happening throughout the night. We never felt a thing, because we have been sleeping quite well.
It was so pleasant on the back deck, that we spent a few hours back there reading and soaking up some heat. The closer we get to the Panama Canal, the hotter it gets. The Captain mentioned that there is a chance of rain, and if that is the case, it will cool things off.
At 7pm, we were invited to an exclusive reception with the staff officers in the Explorer's Lounge. It was held for the Pinnacle and Neptune suite guests, as well as the President's Club members. What a welcome we got……..no hand-shaking, but the triple European kiss from the Captain and Hotel Director. Well, at least one of us got that welcome. Bill said….please no kisses.
We had the best group at one of the high tables. Peter the purser, Barbara H, the port lecturer, Barb, Don M, Renee, the spa manager, and eventually Tom and Tina, the future cruise consultants joined us. Custom beverages were delivered, compliments of Roger, the Beverage Manager. The hors- d'oeuvres were over the top…….caviar with egg, bitterballen, shrimp, bacon-wrapped figs, fried taquitos with pork, and cheese skewers. It lasted for one hour until it was time for our dinner.
There were two missing at our table, Maureen and Jim. The had been invited by their travel group for a Pinnacle dinner with their hosts. The four that went last night said it was really wonderful, and the food was great. Their choices were limited, but they were all happy with it. We closed down the dining room once again. Not sure if anyone was going to the show, which was Hilby, an entertainer with no description. Think we heard something about juggling. We had mixed reviews on the last three acts in the Queen's Lounge. Some folks think they have been excellent, so who knows? Guess it's all about what you like.
It's been eight months since we transited the canal on our way home after the 2016 world cruise. Gosh, it seems like yesterday. In preparation for tomorrow's transit, we got a letter giving us hints on staying comfortable tomorrow. Then after dinner, we got back to the room to find two Panama hats on the bed, another gift of this grand voyage.
Bill & Mary Ann
A lost bird hitched a ride on the bow
The sun should set soon
Too many clouds for a good sunset
The back sky did have more color
Must have been around 6:30pm
The best it got
Losing the color
The party in the Explorer's Lounge
Mary Ann & Barb
Caviar….we took some for Barb
She was happy
Shrimp in a red sauce
Caviar on deviled egg
Barbara H, Don M, and Peter, the purser
Cheers!
We all filled the room
Philip, the dining room manager
Two Panama hats
