Today things are winding down as we only have two more sea days left to prepare to leave the ship. Many folks have waited until now to do the final packing. This is when we are happy that we did not bring 22 suitcases, like those who got unlimited shipping. Finishing up the luggage shipping services, Sarah was at her desk for the final time to get correct Fed Ex tags if more were needed. And as always towards the end of a segment or a long cruise such as this one, the digital scale was outside Shiv’s office for guests to check their luggage weights for flying home.
In our mail slot today, we had the disembarkation package with instructions for the night of April 27th and the morning of April 28th. After our morning walk, we went back to complete our numbered tags, which are Black One. We had requested to be among the last ones off. We always feel better to be doubled tagged, so we got some more to add to our stuff. Also picked up more Amsterdam tags to be used when we re-board on May 10th. A copy of the last 2 weeks of our shipboard account gave us an idea of what we need to spend to get to zero.
We met Barb for lunch in the dining room, and as always, had fun. It is a good place to meet up and have a mostly quiet conversation. Our waiters have been so attentive and have joined in with our fun. Gan still cannot remember that Barb likes the small fork, instead of the big one. Agung, who has graduated to head waiter, reminds Gan almost daily….the little fork. But we think Gan is funning with Barb, especially the day he brought her the tiny butter fork. We all ordered the sweet and sour chicken entrée, as well as the lemon meringue pie. Oh boy, are we going to miss this as our lunches at home are basically salads. And no desserts.
The afternoon highlight was the Filipino Crew Show, where many of the front office staff, bar staff, and kitchen workers presented traditional music and dance from their homeland. Not sure how many folks took advantage of the Luningning Marikit drink in a light-up souvenir glass for $9.75. But it is always there for sale at this performance. Some of the program has been updated, keeping with the traditional, but adding some very modern moves at the end. They do have such a good time doing this show, and the passengers are always very supportive. Not sure how the Star Wars theme song fit into the mix, but it added some interest to the show. It ended with a fluorescent glove act, spelling out the words thank you and farewell, followed by an up-to-date song and dance by the whole group.
In the meantime, sheets of 4 x 8 plywood were being distributed and stacked on the lower promenade deck. Obviously, this was loaded on yesterday while we were in port. We suspect it will be used to protect the teak decking that still exists on this ship, or the carpets on deck three.
A bit more shopping, and the last of our shipboard credit was brought down to 82 cents in our favor. Perfect. Nothing owed, but nothing will be credited to our credit card this time. Last year, we left 79 cents, and that amount showed up on our credit card.
Dinnertime arrived, and our table was full with nine of us. Everyone seems to be organized and ready for the last day that will end this long voyage. All of us are still wondering who this mystery entertainer that was promised at this evening’s show. Savannah Jack, the five man singing group, was scheduled for a special 1 ½ hour performance beginning at 9:30pm. Unless we skip our entrees, no one will be on time for that one. Actually two left early, but one went without the dinner. No way were we leaving when the dessert had calypso chocolate torte on the menu. Also known as Mississippi Mud Pie. Dinner ended up around 10pm.
An interesting message was printed in the When & Where paper today. It read: Please be advised that due to operational limitations, mobility assistance service to a guest using a cane, walker, wheelchair or scooter will only be offered if you have been using such throughout the cruise. Mobility assistance service is not offered as an alternative luggage/package transportation option either. First time we have seen this message…….
Bill & Mary Ann
