Despite some clouds, the temperatures stayed rather high with some humidity. We can sure tell we are headed towards the Caribbean now. At least the rain has stayed away.
Doing three time changes in five days has been taking its toll on those of us who continue to wake up with the sunrise. It sure does make for a long day.
This morning was a good time to follow up on shopping. A nice dressy top had one of our names on it, but it had been put away yesterday. In fact most of this collection was a trunk show, and what did not sell was set to go to another HAL ship. Had we known it was going to be packed up, we would have gone to the shop sooner. The sales gal promised to hunt it down, and if it had not sold, she would call me. So this morning there was a call waiting saying come into the shop, try it on, and if it worked, it was ours. So following those instructions, one of us went to the shop to find they were incredibly busy. There was a “sidewalk sale” where some trinkets were put on sale for ½ off. Would have been nice if the high end collection was also on sale, but it was not. Took a while to get some help with the purchase, but it worked out fine. It appeared that the 2 for $30 sequined t-shirts were the big draw today.
Things are wrapping up such as the laundry service. Today was the final one to turn in a bag of laundry for it to be returned in a timely manner. Also, the Grand Activity Voucher Redemption took place at 4pm. The 10 cent vouchers were good for Amazon gift cards. It did take a minimum of 50 vouchers to get a gift card worth $5. We assume that there will be no more 10:30am walks, baggo, trivia, or name that tune activities for the rest of this voyage.
Lunch in the dining room was a table for two, since Barb had gone for a Pinnacle Grill lunch with Woody and Susie. We both ordered the appetizer salad and the French dip sandwiches, with pumpkin pie for dessert. We have to say that the dining room lunch has been so nice, that we have enjoyed it as much as dinner in here. Sometimes more. The portions can be smaller, the food cold (salads) or very, very hot (soups & sandwiches). And our waiters are among the best, as is the company we share it with.
The highlight of the day was the Indonesian Crew Show at 3pm in the Queen’s Lounge. Both decks filled with guests to see this matinee show time. Many of the waiters and room stewards participated with dancing, singing, and story-telling representing their various islands of Indonesia. Tina from the Pinnacle Grill and Nass (Nasirum) joined forces to be masters of ceremonies today. They were both quite good. Nass is the most fun waiter who we have gotten to know when we joined Leta and Bill for dinner. The minute we met him, he told us to call him Nass, but think of him like Elliot Ness from the Untouchables series. Humor has to be his second career. He claims that his friends call him “Sweet and Low”……sweet, because he is, and low because he is short. And he added the description, handsome, as well. With each act, the crowd’s applause got louder. So much fun, and with a turnout like today, they know they are loved. We expect the Filipino show will occur within a few days.
We were invited to the last cocktail party of this cruise. It was for the Pinnacle and Neptune Suites and President’s Club members in the Explorer’s Lounge. A very nice exclusive farewell party, we were greeted by Captain Mercer, Henk M and Hamish. Our same group usually gathers at a stand-up table, which includes us, Barb, Howard, and always Don. However, Don was missing. Later in the day, we learned that he got the day wrong, as was expecting the party for tomorrow. Oops….. Shiv and Peter, the purser stopped to share food and conversation with us. Henk M also took the time to listen to our comments regarding the new format for the Mariner Society Cocktail Party last night. He admitted that this affair had been changed by the powers to be in Seattle. Not his decision. We do know for a fact that many unhappy first-time President’s Club members had already left copious Share Your Thoughts comment cards at the front desk. Their biggest disappointment was the fact that they were not recognized at all at this gathering with at least a photo taken of the new inductees. Even a group photo would have been better than nothing at all. We all added our 2 cents worth, regarding the wheelchair-bound guests that were not able to sit with the group. He agreed with that one. Then, we all thanked him for listening. The next place to write our comments will be on the online survey after the cruise is over.
At 8pm, we had our last of our 10 complimentary dinners in the Pinnacle Grill, ordering the lamb chops as our entrée. They were as tender as they could be, and grilled just right….medium. With the prawn cocktail and Caesar salad, we were totally full. Well not so full to savor the desserts of cheesecake and Cherry Garcia ice cream.
The entertainer for tonight was Maria Lyn, the vocalist from the other evening. She was back with a new show.
The good night card had a great saying, so we thought it appropriate to add it.
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bow lines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore -Dream- Discover - Mark Twain –
Could not agree more…..
Bill & Mary Ann
