Monday, March 26, 2018

Report #84 Day at Sea March 25, 2018 Sunday Partly cloudy & 87 degrees

Another day at sea finds that we have headed due south, and are closer to our next port of Reunion. The seas have remained relatively flat, and the heat and humidity are about the same.  We could see clouds heavy with rain on the horizon, but they were mostly staying on the horizon.  An occasional sprinkle may have been welcomed.

 

Sunday at sea was also Sunday Brunch Day in the dining room.  We have come to realize that it is a love or hate event.  Many passengers have been really impressed with the small servings, while others are thumbs down.  You can never please everyone.

 

This morning Barbara H had a talk on what to see and do in Reunion.  We have been to this remote island in the Indian Ocean at least twice, and found it quite charming.  The first time, we had to tender ashore.  But on the last visit, there was a new pier for cruise ships.  Good thing we had a complimentary shuttle, or we would have had to take taxis to go anywhere.  Or take a tour.  So we shall listen to her talk to find out if one will be provided there.  We were chatting with friends Eddie and Lee, who are in their 90’s.  Without a shuttle, they will not leave the ship.  That 1 mile walk in the Seychelles was too far for them, especially in that heat.  Even dangerous for us, at their age, it could be much worse.

 

There was a silent auction held in the Atrium with watercolor art displays from 11am to 2pm.  Selected arts and crafts from the enrichment classes were up for bid to benefit Mondesa Youth Opportunities.  Our buddy Susie had painted several cards with her signature dotted artwork.  We know she was able to sell most everything

 

Lectures continued with Indian Ocean trade network and Portuguese and Dutch explorers.  And the dance class was all about learning the fox trot.  The majority if folks were enjoying afternoon tea in the dining room.  We have yet to make it to that affair, since it is around lunch time for us.

 

The Wajang movie was Crooked House, a twisted Agatha Christie tale.  This will rerun on TV tomorrow. 

 

While listening to the band in the Ocean Bar, Susie, Woody, and eventully Barb joined us at the railing.  Sharing stories of our stay in the Seychelles, we found that all of us did something different.  It wasn’t in our imagination that the heat of the day kept many folks close to the ship.  We are betting that the vendors in those tents made out quite well that day.  This afternoon, Barb had been invited to a special “ladies” lunch in the Pinnacle Grill with the ship’s “first” ladies.  They included CEO and President of Carnival Corporation’s wife, Hazel, the Captain’s wife, Karen, and a few very high day President Club members that are onboard now.  She did admit the lunch was nice, but the selects wine were even better…..the best, in fact.

 

Dinner for us was in the Pinnacle Grill at 8pm.  We got our usual table for two at the window, with the best servers in there.  We shared a shrimp cocktail, ordered lamb chops with sides of French fries, mushrooms, and mashed potatoes.  Dessert was Cherry Garcia ice cream, just the right amount too….small servings. 

 

The comedy and variety of Goronwy Thom was the entertainment this evening.  A favorite in the UK, he is described as having years of experience in his field.

 

Going for a late night walk, we found that the fire hoses were gone on the outside deck, and the lights were back on.  So at least for the time being, we must be in safer waters.

 

Bill & Mary Ann