HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY !!!
Sure would have been nice to sleep later this morning, but we didn’t. That’s what usually happens when we set the clocks back……you wake up an hour earlier. Some folks can roll over and go right back to sleep. We never seem to have that ability. As a result, it makes for a long day. Ultimately, it really matters little since we are not on a real schedule, because we are “at sea”. The biggest job is relaxing.
After breakfast, we took our normal walk outside to find the decks had been hosed more. Since day one, there has been a mess on this deck with dirt on the floors, railings, gutters, and the windows. And as we suspected, the work has continued on this deck. The crew is still working with the new tender boats, getting them secured with new brackets. The only port that we will need the tender boats is in Cabo San Lucas. And if our boats are not ready, the local tenders will work just fine.
By the way, the seas took a turn during the night, and became a bit on the rough side. We did not realize it until this morning, when we woke up. Not a huge deal, but the ship has been rolling with the deep swells, enough to make one of us a bit seasick. So at 5am, one of us whipped out a small baggie of mini-pretzels, and downed a few. Most times, that works, because it is easier to get seasick on an empty stomach than not. But not being sure that this was enough, taking a meclizine pill before breakfast was a better idea. And this is one of the main reasons we like deck one, because the motion of the ship is less pronounced the lower you go.
Sometime after 9:30am, the ship’s alarm went off with the seven blasts of the warning system. There was a possible fire on deck 2. It had not been announced as a drill, so we waited until we heard more. Within 10 minutes, Captain Fred came on and did say there was a small fire. But then he came back saying it wasn’t serious, and we could disregard the message. However, a real drill was taking place too. A bit confusing, since the planned drill was announced in between the real one. Confusing.
For a change, we made it to the aft pool deck to sunbathe this morning at 10am. This back deck had also been cleaned since yesterday. Most of the stains had been taken off of the decking, and the pool was full. It wasn’t open yet, but that would come later.
You know what else we found outside today…….wind - lots of it. We had to lash down our towels , and keep our things bundled and tied. Or else, we would have found it air borne. Captain Fred mentioned there was a strong breeze blowing outside today. Seems like it is always windy here in the Caribbean. On the positive side, it was not that hot today. Somewhere in the low 80”s. And since the pool was not ready for us, the swimmers among the group must have stayed in the Lido Pool area.
We lasted outside until 2pm, then went back to our room. Good time for Dive In Grill food. One of us made the run for a hot dog and one burger. They were every bit as good as during the world cruise.
At 4pm, we went for our second walk to find that many passengers had the same idea. One side of the new lanai rooms was blocked off, and the finishing work was continuing. The spray that was coming off of the waves deposited puddles full of salt on the deck. Sure was a mess. There were people laying on the teak lounges on the opposite side, but only because they could. We don’t think any of these special cabins are occupied yet.
Afterwards, we headed for the Ocean Bar, where piano man Joel was playing until 6:45pm. He was so good, we ended up staying until he left. We are definitely going to request to have him on next year’s world cruise. Or at least someone like him, who will play during these normally quiet times. Shiv, the Head Housekeeping Manager, was on his way to dinner, dressed in his formal jacket. We always have a chat at this same spot, but this time he insisted we have a drink. OK, we agreed to a soda, which was most kind of him.
The camera teams were in position, stopping the “gala” passengers to take photos. To our surprise, there were many takers. But this is a different type of cruise, where people seem to do everything every day. With only 17 days, they take it all in. What a difference from the grand voyage, where so many of us decline the photo shoots.
There was a one-time Captain’s Welcome Toast in the Mainstage at 7:45pm. Knowing that most all of the early diners would be cramming into both levels, we did not attend.
Dinner time came quickly, since we had stayed outside the Ocean Bar to watch the couples dancing to the music of the Ocean Quartet. Had just enough time to clean up, and be on time at our table by the railing. What is nice about a table for two, is that we are never late, or holding up the service at the table. It came as quite a surprise to us that there was a bottle of wine on our table. The head sommelier arrived to announce that Orlando Ashford had sent it to us as a gift from him. A most unique bottle of red wine, it was made for HAL in 2014, and is called President’s Blend Toscana. Bottle in Italy, for Orlando, who is the President of HAL. Even though we don’t drink wine, it will be a nice keepsake, and it was most appreciated. After we finished dinner, the bottle was delivered to our room.
The Gala Menu had almost as many great choices for dinner. We had the shrimp cocktails, soup, salad, and rack of lamb. Delicious by the way. Slam, our waiter, has remembered we like the veggie tray with ranch dressing for appetizers. It is waiting for us when we arrive. Much better than grazing on the bread. Dessert was a slice of cheesecake and balsamic strawberries.
Showtime was the unique comedy of Mike Robinson, an entertainer we saw while on the world cruise. As always, the early show was filled to the gills, while the one at 10pm was not.
Tomorrow, we will be in Cartagena, but will leave early around 1pm.
Bill & Mary Ann
