Our second day at sea after leaving Ft. Lauderdale found us in fair weather, but rolling seas. Winds across the decks exceeded 30 mph, but were better than yesterday, when we could have blown off the aft deck. As we drop south, the heat and humidity are getting worse. The only thing that might help cool things off is occasional showers, which we did have this afternoon.
We noticed that some work has resumed on the lower promenade deck, but minor things, such as replacing the wooden railings, and varnishing them. Oddly enough, the heaviest jobs were done during the grand voyage. What has continued, are the frequent leaks that occur without warning like in the hallways or public areas. It is common to see buckets appear for drips and leaks. Hopefully, when this ship goes into the planned dry dock in 2018, these plumbing issues will be corrected, along with many other needed upgrades. So far on our deck (Dolphin), we have only seen a few leaks that were repaired within a day. It is also the coolest deck on the ship in the air-conditioning department. Tonight there must have been a 20 degree difference from the public areas of the ship, such as the upper dining room, the Crow's Nest, and the elevator landings.
We came back from our morning walk to find a bouquet of flowers had been delivered (a President's Club perk). Purple and white flowers were quite pretty, but obviously not the creative designs we received from Eddy and Calista. Those kids are artists, although we still appreciate the arrangement.
One other thing we found out today was that after this cruise ends in Seattle, the gratuities will go up $1.00 per person per day. That means our category will be $13.50 per person per day. Not sure what the suites will be, but it will also go up accordingly.
There was a kitchen tour today where the guests could see where the 12,000 meals per day are prepared. Having gone on many tours in the kitchen, we can say they have a slick operation. Speaking of food, we feel that the meals, especially dinner entrees, have been every bit as good as the grand voyage……even better. Perhaps it is due to the fact that we have a table for two now, as opposed to 8 or 10. It is so much easier for the waiters to serve the plates hot and in a timely manner. Our appetizer and entrees are brought directly from the kitchen, and are not being held on the side waiter counters.
The Digital Workshop has continued with classes as well as a q and a with the workshop hostess. We have always wanted to take advantage of these classes, but found that the line to get into the room was a mile long every day, every class. So we gave up. If that doesn't work for everyone, then there is always the cooking demos and shows.
Trivia is taking place twice a day…the first one at 1pm, and the second one at 7:30pm. Our buddies Don and Alene have gathered a good team, and reported that if they win, they get small prizes.
Yesterday Barbara H did her talk on Cartagena, which we caught on TV today. Her lecture today took in Corinto, Nicaragua and Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala. Of course, we were just recently there, but we can always learn more from listening to her lectures. Costa Rica is such a diverse country that Barbara had a separate presentation this afternoon called feathers, fins, furs, and flowers of Costa Rica. Once we start hitting these ports, they will be one after the other, so she needs to get the information out now before we arrive.
Our day was stream-lined with pool time, a late lunch, several walks, and finally a party. We had been invited by Captain Fred Eversen and Bart G, the hotel director to a Collector's Voyage Cocktail Party held in the Crow's Nest. There was a mixed message as the invitation mentioned that the dress code was smart casual, so no shorts or tank tops were allowed. But, it was really a gala evening, and we would go dressed appropriately. We arrived right on time at 7:15pm, and it appeared that we were about the last to come into the room. Being that the seas were rolling, some folks came early to get a seat and a head start in the cocktail department. We heard there were about 43 of the world cruise guests that have stayed on this cruise. Several must not have come, because there may have been about 30 of us.
We joined Barbara H and friends Leslie and Handler, who were sitting with Brooke, Fred's lady. Eventually, the purser, Peter joined the group, and when Barbara had to move on, Bart took her seat. So we had a very nice evening with folks we know. Captain Fred was the last to join us all. Sure is nice that our group was recognized in such a nice way. Nice appetizers were served like lobster, prawns, and pork bellies. Any drink you wanted was offered, as well as an assortment of wines.
We were late in getting to the dining room, but the nice thing is that with a table for two, we were not holding anyone up. It did not matter if we were late. Looking around on both dining room floors, we noticed that the folks were pretty much dressed the same as the world cruisers for a gala night. Maybe even a bit nicer, as we saw few men in collared shirts and no jackets or ties. We ordered the rack of lamb, and it was delicious…..cooked perfectly, and every bit as good as the lamb chops in the Pinnacle Grill. Desserts of balsamic strawberries and cheesecake were equally a treat for both of us.
The show this evening was Bellissima performed by the Amsterdam singers and dancers. Also as good as the last time we saw them. Some of the act had to be adjusted due to the ship's motion for sure.
Tomorrow, we will be in Cartagena, but only for a short time, as the ship is due to leave the port by 2pm.
Bill & Mary Ann
