Shortly after breakfast, we paid a visit to the Queen's Lounge to check out how full it was. The game had begun by 9:30am, so just about every seat was taken. Except for those seats that were $50 for the duration of the game. But remember, you got free drinks, food, and butler service. Roger, the beverage manager, saw us enter the room on deck four, and offered to seat us in the special box seats. We thanked him, but we had no intentions of staying.
We did go back to our room, and watched the game until half time. Sure looked like the Falcons were going to have an easy win. Figuring we could watch the game later that would undoubtedly be re-run on TV, we went to the pool.
Sure was a hot one out there today. It's no wonder that most folks stayed inside to watch the game. We have a new little trick. Now we bring a spritz bottle with ice cold water to help cool us down. Dipping a towel in some water also helps, especially if you roll it up and put it under your neck. A few days ago, the deck kids were passing out ice cold washcloths, but that only lasted one day.
Some of our buddies came back to the pool during the fourth quarter of the game, and confirmed that it looked good for Atlanta. However, we were so surprised that New England turned things around at the end to win the game. Glad we were not betting on that game. Actually, some of our tablemates did buy squares ($10 each) to bet on the game. A few years ago, Jim and Maureen bought one square and ended up winning $450. Sure hope they had good luck today.
We weren't too hungry, so we had a salad and split a sandwich in our room around 3pm. The food and the service has been excellent.
The sun was going down after 6pm, so we made our way outside to watch it. The temperatures were still high, and there was little breeze. But the good news was that there was a much better display of color in the sunset tonight.
A few days ago, we received an invitation to a VIP party for the President's Club members only. It was held at 7:15pm on deck three around the atrium. We wondered how they would isolate this area for our group without having people passing through to get to their rooms. It was easy…..they closed the fire doors at the end of each hallway, and cordoned off the elevator area.
When we arrived, we found Henk and Captain Jonathon greeting each and every one of us as we entered the atrium. No handshakes, but hugs were OK. Several of the tented tables they use around the Lido Pool, had been set up around the base of the clock. One table had the wines and glasses, and the others had the appetizers. Smaller high tables had been scattered around the perimeter where we could snack and drink in little groups.
Meeting the new Culinary Manager, Florin, he told us that he recognized us from the last two Tales of the South Pacific cruises on this ship, and even a couple of cruises that we did on the Statendam. Guess while he is sitting at his deck working during most of the day, we walk past his window quite often. So that's how he remembered us. He told us some interesting details about some of the changes that were necessary to make to comply with new regulations. One of those special affairs we had in the past, had to be cancelled. That was the excellent private kitchen tour, followed by really yummy appetizers of filet mignon, caviar, and deep-fried shrimp. That can no longer be held in the kitchen. He explained in more detail about the deck BBQ's and the Sunday brunch, and the reasons why they had to re-think that. Anyway, Florin told us that this is his first world cruise, and the best part was that he had his wife onboard for the whole trip.
Barb, Don McD, Peter, the purser, and Jacques, the sommelier joined us at one of the high tables. We were having such a good time, that two more officers joined us. Nice to get to know these fellows, because they rarely get to leave the navigation deck.
Since we had an invite for dinner tonight, we had to leave for the dining room. Knowing that we might be a little late, Leta and Bill knew to expect us about 10 minutes after the hour. As always, we had a wonderful time with them, ending the evening around 10pm.
With the port of Guam coming up tomorrow, there was no 8 or 10pm show this evening. Actually, there was a show……the movie Sully was being shown in the Queen's Lounge. We missed it when it was on TV a couple of nights ago, but staying up past midnight was not in the cards for us. There had been a 7:15pm show with the Tre Bella girls, but we were at the party. So we called it a night, walked the outside deck a few times around (it was still hot out there), then headed off to our room. Deck one is always cool, quiet, and comfortable.
Bill & Mary Ann
NFL Super Bowl LI, held in the Queen's lounge
Reserved seating ($50) in the center of the dance floor
8:30am juice, coffee, and sweet rolls
A better sunset
VIP party in the Atrium on deck three
Many special appetizers
Good eats, great service
Officers and fellow President's Club members
More folks we know
The best wine onboard
Fruit and cheese
Philip, the dining room manager
Captain Jonathon
Many guests attended
Mixing with the officers
All friends
