With a night full of lightning, we sort of expected an overcast, perhaps rainy morning. But no, we had left that system behind, and the skies were mostly blue and sunny today.
What we did not expect was an early announcement before 9am by the Cruise Director, Jai, saying that Mexican Ambassadors were onboard, like for real. Figuring we had some officials sailing with us for a few days, some activities were planned earlier than the norm today. Turned out that the Mexican Ambassadors were the team of locals that come onboard to teach their culture, language, and dance while we are in their country. On the world cruise, we had these same teams join us in French Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia, and many more. Today’s itinerary included an interview with the Mexican team at 9am, followed by a history of Mexico talk in the Mainstage at 10am. Later at lunchtime, a live folkloric performance took place in the Lido Dome. At 3pm, there was a dance class, and at 4pm, there was a Spanish class in the Piano Bar. We expect to see more of the same on tomorrow’s line up.
Since it was so nice outside, we spent the majority of the day out back, in our favorite spot poolside. There were far more folks out today, mostly because the warm days will be coming to an end once we head north towards San Francisco. Great chance to finally finish book number five since we left Ft. Lauderdale last January. Normally, we are able to swap out books in the exchange corner in the library, but that is gone now. One can check out books as we always have, but they need to be read while here.
Wild life sightings were numerous today. Turtles were everywhere, and so were the dolphins. The ship swung a little closer to the coast when we reached the area around Acapulco. Close enough to see the buildings lining the shoreline. The Amsterdam has not stopped in that port for years now. Guess it is not as safe as it used to be. Anyway, we did enjoy watching the flocks of unending boobys as they flew all around the ship, skimming the water, and passing overhead.
Lunch was Dive In cuisine in our room at 3pm. Wanted to keep it light, because tonight is Gala, and a special menu would be offered. We watched the ending of a movie called Coco, an animated comedy about a young Mexican boy who goes on an adventure. Sometimes it is nice to watch something that is not violent, bloody, or blowing things up.
Between walks outside and listening to Joel, the piano fellow, dinnertime came quickly. We had not intended to have much to eat, but when we found out that Shiv, the Housekeeping Director was to join us, we were quite happy. Not a day has gone by these past months, that we have not said hi to him either in his office or out and about on the ship. So when some of the tables were being hosted for gala evening, Shiv chose us. He’s the nicest guy ever. So our conversation flowed with memories of the grand world voyage and more, as we enjoyed appetizers, soups, and entrees of lamb and cheese tortellinis. Frozen yogurt and chocolate cheesecake finished the meal. So much for light…..but the company was super. One of the stories Shiv shared was about one of his room stewards, who sadly had his cell phone stolen while in Dakar, Senegal. All of his buddies felt so bad for him, that they took up a collection among the crew, and bought him a new phone….even better than the one that was stolen. That’s how special this crew is …..we are proud to know them.
Part of the conversation revolved around upgrades that occurred on the recent dry docking. We inquired about the possibility of getting new TV’s in the future on the lower decks. The answer was yes ,but not until the next project in a few years, possibly 2021. What might occur, are bathroom upgrades, which has seen the removal of the tub/showers that are converted to a walk-in shower only. How many are being converted, we do not know.
Showtime presented comedian Matt Disero, who is also a magician. It was advertised to be an interactive performance, which kind of scares us. Did not matter, since we were still in the dining room when the show began.
And good news was that the clocks went back one hour tonight. And we had a chance to see the movie, Coco, in our room from the beginning. Delightful.
Bill & Mary Ann
