Breakfast got even stranger this morning. Upon entering the dining room, we noticed there was no greeter. There also was no line at all. We were summoned into the room, where we were seated at a table for two. And seated we stayed until the waiter came along 20 minutes later for our order. We can't figure out why the service went so smoothly on the 7 day Alaskan cruise, and not here. This ship is about full, just like on the last cruise, but something is different. Perhaps having so many days at sea does make difference. The guests are in no hurry to eat and run to go onshore and on tours. This should change when we get to Hawaii in a few days.
More passengers moved to the outside decks today, because we had mostly sun and the possibility of some pool time. Lounges were set up on the promenade deck, and more were added to the aft pool area. We have yet to make it to the pool, due to the rain and cold. The closest we have gotten is to the New York Pizza venue.
For a change, we decided to try a light lunch in the dining room. Mostly to see how the lunch service was. It was treated the same as breakfast, but nowhere near as crowded. So while others were attending lectures or learning to hula, or going to a movie, we enjoyed a relaxing meal.
Still not quite hot enough for pool time, we spent a few hours on our veranda, watching for the sun to peek out over on our side. The only disturbances happen to come from our squeaky door hinges and the sound of chairs and lounges being pulled around on adjacent verandas.
The high light of our day was an invitation from the Food and Beverage Manager, Jorn, and the Port Paper Officer, Nadia. They had invited us to dinner this evening in Rudi's Sel de Mer venue held in the Pinnacle Grill. But first, Jorn invited us to join them for a drink in the Pinnacle Grill bar across from the restaurant. This is something we do not have on the Amsterdam……the bar that is. We never expected the meal to last over 3 hours, but the time flew by as we all shared info, mostly about this new style of cruising that HAL is developing. During the course of the evening, we learned much about each of their jobs onboard. Nadia's position was a new title for us. She explained that as Port Paper Officer, she is responsible for passports and visas. She added that without her, no one would get on or off of this ship. Her direct boss is the purser.
The meal was much better tonight, because we both had the ahi tuna salad (a meal within itself) and the grilled lamb chops. Didn't know it was possible to get better lamb than the Pinnacle Grill, but they were beyond excellent. Desserts were profiteroles and soufflé. The officers both had fish entrees, and they looked just as good.
We had a bit of time to watch the last of the show in the Main Stage. The performer was Dale Kristien, the star of the Phantom of the Opera. Catching the last part of her show, we enjoyed listening to her sing.
One more full day at sea, and we should be arriving to Hilo on Saturday.
Bill & Mary Ann
New flower arrangement
Ginger
Two President's Club gifts
Our first flowers last for 10 days
Full moon filmed in the early morning
As seen from our balcony
Sunset looks almost the same
Many clouds blocking the sun
Going down slowly
Typical tropical clouds
A little color in the setting sun
As good as it got
A whimsical towel animal
