Some days are just full of things to do, and today was one of them. Once again, the dining room breakfast was held in the upper level, because the second of the special lunches for the Mariner’s Society was held at 11:30am. This group included those with 500 to 899 pure sea days sailed with HAL. That was somewhere around 240 guests. A special event was reserved for those of us with 1400 or more days, but more about that later.
Although the forecast called for clouds, there were none. The sky was perfectly blue, and the seas were choppy. There was a following wind, with occasional winds blowing across the decks. It was most pleasant once again, sitting at the back pool. Visiting with friends was even better.
While we were taking in the sun, ship life continued with lectures, jewelry unveiling, a Test Kitchen session, and the daily movie. Ads for the photo gallery, the casino, and future cruises are first and foremost things for folks to check out. The Greenhouse Spa offered so many treatments, it is hard to keep up with it.
After a Dive In Grill lunch, we spent some time putting our things together to take on our upcoming overland adventure. Thinking we might use our new pieces of luggage we got on this trip, we changed our minds. There will be a large number of guests going to the airport for a flight to Johannesburg, like us. Better believe many of them will be using the same bag. Without a doubt, this could be a problem at the airport. As long as we keep the one suitcase under 44 pounds, we should be fine. We do have a hand-held scale, but if we did not, there is a digital scale outside the Housekeeping office for all to use.
Our 2 week delivery of sodas appeared this afternoon for our President’s Club amenity. Perfect timing, since we were running low.
Our day had to wrap up early, because we had been invited to a special cocktail party and dinner. Despite the fact that the dress code was casual, we knew from past affairs like this required a gala theme. Beginning at 6pm, we joined the line of President’s Club guests for a royal reception at the Piano Bar, which had been closed off to traffic. Greeted by Orlando Ashford, the President of HAL, we met his wife Samantha once again. The annual photo was taken with this nice couple, who we have gotten to know a little better for the last three years. Further down the receiving line was Captain Mercer, who was practicing his Dutch welcome with the three kisses on the cheek. His wife Karen laughed as she said he was having the most fun tonight. Next to them were Arnold Donald, President and CEO of Carnival Corporation and his wife Hazel, who we have known on the Amsterdam for the third year now. Handshakes were appropriate here. Next was Gerald Bernhoft, the Director of the Mariner Society, who was also practicing the Dutch welcome. Pamela, his assistant remarked that we had cleaned up nicely. Finally, we entered the Piano Bar where we made our way to the bar to order our beverages. At least five types of canapes were offered, and rather quickly.
What made this party special was the fact there were 14 new inductees to the President’s Club. The total number of members is now 118 well-traveled people. Not all are active, but the majority are. Most of the new inductees we knew, some personally, like Susie and Woody, Jim and Jessica, Dorothy, and Martha. But we did not expect there would be a new member that will be turning 100 years old towards the end of this cruise. They plan to have a birthday party for him, which is really nice. Even nicer that he and his wife are still active cruisers.
Each and every new member was “pinned” with the President’s Club gold ship logo, and had their photos taken with Orlando, Gerald, and Pamela. With the formalities done, we were invited to toast the new members. However, something appeared to be wrong, when Martha approached Orlando and Gerald, and reported that they missed one person. One single Australian lady had been invited, but expected to be pinned tonight. The records on the ship showed that she had already gotten into the club. Oops, their mistake. Henk quickly retrieved a pin, and the task was done. She did get a round of applause, avoiding an embarrassing moment for her.
Then we all paraded down to deck four and the Pinnacle Grill, which had been reserved for our group exclusively. With every table hosted by officers, including the head honchos, our group was seated at a window table. That would include Barb, Don, us, and Peter, the purser. Our usual tablemates for these events. Lucky us.
Dom Perignon Cuvee Brut was served first, along with a muse of smoked salmon or for one of us, a cheese appetizer.
The menu for this evening included a farm beets salad, a minimal portion of orange, pistachio crumbles, and cheese puree. A cream of parsnip soup was a bit sweet for most of us, although the truffle shavings made it interesting. We had a choice of beef tournedos or Maine lobster. This was served with the best rolls, especially the cheese stick. We all liked them so much, we ordered seconds for the table. The best was the dessert of mango palette with almond meringue.
Throughout the meal, wines flowed freely. They were Silvermist sauvignon blanc and Waterford Kevin Arnold shiraz, both from South Africa. Barb and Peter raved about them, as they were undoubtedly the best that has been served here. For us, we are not wine drinkers, so we did appreciate the offer.
We have to take the time to mention that the table flower arrangements were over the top. Created by Eddie and Calista, they used the tall vases we had seen on one of the gala evenings. They were filled with cascading bearded tulips and orchids, resembling a weeping flowering tree. Also on each table were votive candles created for the occasion. Each had the HAL logo and were specially made by Tiffany. Orlando mentioned that each of us would receive one in our rooms tomorrow as a memento from tonight’s special event. And special it was.
Upon the return to our room, we discovered that an 8 x 10 photo of us with the Ashford’s was waiting on the bed. That is a first. Not only complimentary, but almost instant.
Another gift was one hour back on the clocks tonight. Most welcomed by all.
Bill & Mary Ann
Samantha and Orlando Ashford with Bill & Mary Ann
The Piano Bar filled with guests
Allan, Sandra, and Mary Ann
Gerald and Pamela “pinned” the awardees
This was our new almost 100 year old member
Henk M handing the pins
