"Treasures of Cruising the World" with Bill & Mary Ann: Report #6 Sailing Towards Grand Cayman January 5, 2018 Friday Partly cloudy & 68 degrees 24 Pictures

Gosh, it seemed like we just closed our eyes last night, and it was time to get up. We were understandably exhausted, but we think that the comfortable bed had something to do with our undisturbed sleep. We had requested a new mattress, and may have received one. Never had time to look. And just in case we did not get that new one, we brought a new foam mattress pad with us. That should do the trick. We’ll add it later this week.

We did arrive well before the dining room closed for breakfast, since their “at sea” times are 8 to 9:30am. Interesting that compared to the Eurodam, there was no line at all to enter the dining room. Or this is a different crowd who prefer to go to the lido or have room service. We believe that the Pinnacle Grill is also open for the folks on deck seven.

Walking on the lower promenade deck was refreshing this morning. The temperature had warmed up after leaving Florida, but the wind was blowing rather strong. Heavy clouds masked the sun, and almost looked like it could rain. It did by the late evening. Some changes have occurred since we were here last summer. Most all of the teak lounges were gone, and in the process of being replaced with the same metal-framed lounges that are at the aft pool. Perhaps they are easier to keep clean, and stack better. They do not require pads either, so it is less work for the deck staff.

There were perhaps 20 teak lounges left in the forward area, but they may disappear also. We know for a fact that after this world voyage, several cabins in the forward area will be converted to lanai rooms with lounges reserved for those rooms. That should be interesting.

There was the first of several meetings of the Cruise Critic group in the Crow’s Nest at 11am. There must have been 200 people in attendance, the largest group we have ever seen. Even Captain Mercer made an appearance, which is unusual these days. At one time, the hotel and cruise directors attended, along with some other staff members. Then they quit coming at all, saying there were too many of these types of meetings for them to attend. Since the Captain keeps a blog, he is equally as interested in what the rest of us have to say in our blogs. Of course, that presented a photo op for many, who whipped out their phones and asked anyone who was willing to take their picture with him. As they lined up, Captain Mercer said $20 please. Of course, he was joking.

Once again, several friendly people approached us, asking if we were Bill & Mary Ann. They had recognized us from our posted photos, and wanted to thank us for writing for so many years. Sure is nice to hear, as we consider what we report is as we see it……..a mix of how things used to be compared to the reality of the ever-changing cruise product. Actually we never thought in a million years that potential passengers read all of the reports, and use that info to decide which cruise line will fit their needs, especially on long voyages. And the wealth of information that can be shared at these meetings is quite helpful. Some creative passengers have come up with some fun activities on sea days, as well as some reasonably-priced shore excursions.

Lunchtime found us back in the dining room at our same table we had the last two years. Barb joined us after trivia, telling us that everyone that showed up to play got a new voucher worth 10 cents towards Amazon prizes. These will replace the grand dollars. We don’t think that the winners of trivia earned any more than the 10 cent voucher. On a side note, Bill got a voucher while walking a mile on the promenade deck during the advertised time in the daily newsletter.

The rest of the afternoon was dedicated to unpacking. After 4 hours, we were close to the finish. We will fine tune it tomorrow before we get to the Cayman Islands. That is, if we make it there. Captain Mercer mentioned that the winds and swells may prevent tendering tomorrow, so they may not attempt it. There are three ships scheduled to be there too. So we shall think positive.

This evening, we were invited to an Exclusive Welcome Reception with the Staff Officers at 7pm in the Explorer’s Lounge. This affair included guests from the Pinnacle and Neptune suites, including President’s Club members. In the receiving line, we were greeted by Captain Mercer, hotel director, Henk, and the new cruise director, Hamish Davis. We spent the majority of the time with Peter, the purser and other fellow friends we have known for years.

At dinner, we discovered that our group had grown to nine, with the addition of a single man named George from San Francisco. The menu had so many choices of good entrees, it was difficult to choose. There was a show at 10pm,but we were all still enjoying dessert at that time. Abba FAB was performing Mama Mia. Positive we have seen this show, maybe we will catch it the next time.

Back in the room, two gifts waited for us. They were two navy blue 2018 Grand World Voyage messenger bags, very similar as the ones we got last year, only smaller. Also, the first towel animal appeared on the bed. We will need to tell our room stewards not to make those for us, as we have seen them all. And two nice blue and white-striped beach towels had been placed in our room for our use while on shore. If we would like to purchase them (or new ones), the price is a reasonable $27.50.

Tomorrow’s port will be Georgetown, Grand Cayman. Hope we make it.

Bill & Mary Ann

Other ships on the horizon