It was actually warm this morning as well as humid. It's been at least a month since we have been able to relax on the aft deck with swimwear on. The days that we had some sun recently, were also accompanied with a cool breeze. But this morning, it was so nice, it was starting to feel like we are entering the summer weather. Sitting out back, we chatted with tablemates Maureen and Jim (all of us hoping we were not burning) until it was time to go to lunch.
We waited for Barb to come, as she was at one of her last trivia games. Bet she was working on getting bonus dollars, so she could get a nice prize with her "money". The prizes range from lanyards, to alarm clocks, 30 minutes of internet, selfie sticks, a $10 Amazon gift cards, and a Kindle Fire to name a few. The cost from $50 to $5000 grand dollars. Before she ran off to redeem her wad of cash, we all enjoyed a meal of sweet and sour crispy chicken with rice. A special dessert we all like is the chocolate pudding, which we have only seen on the menu once.
During lunch, we listened to Captain Jonathon's PM talk where he announced that we were going to be in for some bad weather on our way back to Ft. Lauderdale. A storm was tracking down from the Carolinas heading right towards us. He expected the seas to develop 30 foot swells with 50 mph winds. Extremely heavy rain would hit during the night while we were all sleeping. Or not sleeping, if it is going to be that rough. With a couple of days left to go, we won't be able to outrun or outmaneuver this one. Obviously, this was the storm he referred to last night during the cocktail party. He also added he will be most happy once the ship is docked there.
This afternoon there was a grand farewell finale by the Amsterdam's crew. It drew a good crowd, since sparkling wine flowed freely. We went early at 4:30pm, standing in the back on deck five in the Queens Lounge. It seemed to take forever for the show to begin. In fact, we got tired of watching their video over and over again for twenty minutes before it really began, so we left. We already saw a version of this event while on the Tales of the South Pacific cruise last fall. We did get the lowdown from a sweet elderly buddy of ours on what the Captain said during his farewell speech, which was short and sweet, we were told. He said that some rumors were circulating about a few things, and he wanted to clarify those rumors. One was about the library being gone next year. He claimed that it would remain, but might be abbreviated. The Culinary Arts Center (Wajang Theater) may take on a new name with different presentations. Seattle is working on how to bring back the BBQ's and the Grand Buffet in the dining room, explaining that many reasons had shut down those activities on this trip. Perhaps these were questions that were not addressed when the big bosses were onboard back in February. We suspect some folks have been pressing for responses to many more questions than these. Missing was any hint of information on how Gene Young is doing during his medical leave. Mum seems to be the word…..
A special Chef's Farewell dinner was held in the dining room tonight. The items on the fancy menu were numerous, and most people's favorites. Dessert was one of ours…..Mississippi Mud Pie, disguised as Jamaican Calypso torte. We were missing three tablemates to different affairs, but it was nice for a change with the five of us.
Island Magic was onstage once again tonight. We happened to ride the elevator with two of them, and they most definitely are from the Caribbean. Once again, we got out of the dining room too late for the show.
The ship began rolling by midnight, and we bet the heavy rain is on the way. Sure hope it will be gone by the time we reach Florida. Hard to believe we are almost back, having gone full circle.
Bill & Mary Ann
PS We received an 8 x 10 photo from the Mariner's Society Cocktail Reception two days ago. It is one of the nicer gifts that they have given us.
