Our first day at sea after leaving the big island of Hawaii began like any other sea day, this is, until later in the afternoon. Things can occur that can turn the day on a dime, so to speak. But more about that later. The biggest event for us this morning was seeing some small flying fish, and one lost, perhaps injured, gull, that a crew member rescued from the promenade deck.
There has been a difference in the weather, even with one day at sea, and a day away from Hawaii. The humidity must have been cut in half, and the warmth is much more tolerable. Even though the newsletter stated a high of 81 degrees, it was nowhere near that. Still pleasantly warm, we doubt the heat of the tropics will stay with us for much longer.
Now that the folks on the ship have our undivided attention, the ship’s promotions have begun. That is…..the sale of everything they have to offer. Not that these things are “on sale”, but just in case you have missed each and every department that sells stuff, now it the time to spend that money. The first ad arrived for the Wonder Photo Shop where you can bring your cruise memories to life. At any other time in the past, you were able to purchase cameras and photos only, but now there is an array of souvenirs to collect. And personalized items can be created right onboard. Today’s class was buy one personalized mug, and get the second one free. Prices are not posted anywhere that we can see in the photo gallery.
A variety of jewelry has been promoted in the shops such as Swarovski, Australian pearls, Majorica pearls, Le Monde, and a new unveiling of Kallati. We searched for Brighton jewelry, but saw none by that name. With a little more shipboard credit to spend, we might have to check it all out.
Bingo is the name of the game with the Paradise Lotto Jackpot over $350,000. Nice to win with a $2 ticket, but we believe this might be a lotto drawing between the entire fleet. Snowball bingo, or a win a bingo cruise happen every day, while slot tournaments were held twice this afternoon. This is one area we have not frequented, since it really is not on the “beaten path” on our strolls.
The Greenhouse Spa and Salon have been featuring miracle weight loss, anti-aging solutions, instant wrinkle remedies, and top to toe specials. We have heard from more than one spa manager that this area of the ship is the most productive with sales. Speaking of cosmetics, we have read in every Hawaiian booklet that by the year 2021, all sunscreens and lotions containing oxybenzone and octinoxate will be prohibited for sale. It has been proven to cause detrimental effects on reefs, causing bleaching and death of coral. Good grief…….wonder what it has been doing to our skin??? Checking the protective over-the-counter lotion we have been using for years, we discovered that these chemicals are indeed in the potion.
America’s Test Kitchen put on a show with blue ribbon breakfasts. So far, we have not taken the time to attend a class, especially since we can access several episodes on the room TV. That way, we have the opportunity to choose what is being cooked.
Have you ever heard of an Astrophotographer? We have not, but if you went to a talk by Greg Redfern, you would learn all about it. It deals with learning the basics of photographing the sea and the sky, both really difficult subjects.
Lunch was back in the dining room for us. The head waiters have spoiled us by saving a table for two by the window every day. This afternoon the menu had two favorites of ours, spaghetti Bolognese, and a pork carnitas, a tortilla filled with the meat, salsa, rice, and beans, with a mild hot sauce. Both of us had the RR, which is rocky road ice cream, although that can double for rum raisin. We had the waiter laughing with that one. Not a meal goes by without at least one of the head waiters asking how we liked the food. Actually, breakfast and lunch in the dining room has been more enjoyable than at dinner. Our waiter seems to be stressed when all of his clients show up, and to be truthful, when they bring out 10 entrees at once, our food has been less than warm at times. It has been only recently that one of us has requested very hot soup and entrees, and yes, it has been served that way for the most part. Assuming that the waiters know you like it hot, is not always the case.
So back to our PM story. Around 5 o’clock, there was a “blip” with the power. This happened once before when we were docked in Seattle, we think. At that time, the crew were plugging into the shore power, but it did not work. It did not affect anything big at that time, although our TV had to be re-set. Today, the ship came to a dead stop, and the TV shut down. The programming had been blown, as well as some of the ship’s source of power. It was obvious that the TV programming was the least of their problems. Shortly after the ship stopped, Captain Scott came on the speakers to announce we had a “blip”, a mere hiccup, which would be resolved soon. No need to panic. He assured everyone that the kitchens were still operational and we had running water. Oh boy….our biggest concerns are food and water. Like we’re going to starve….we think not.
The ship drifted where we lost our direction momentarily. Our neighbors were out on their veranda, as many guests were, and made the comment, “Wonder if the Captain will drop anchor?” In possibly 8000 feet of water, we suspect the answer to that was NO. But it was amusing. Eventually, we resumed sailing, but only on one engine. And that had to be shut down to start the opposite one. Around 6:30pm, we were back in business, sailing in the correct direction and proper speed. The thought of being stuck out here was a sobering one. The TV resumed around 6:45pm.
That did give one of us a chance to photograph the sunset, as well as a rainbow. Mostly cloudy skies prevented the sunsets we have seen while in Hawaii.
Tonight we had reservations in the Tamarind Restaurant. As always, we were warmly greeted, and led to a window table. We both ordered the Thai salad with either shrimp crackers or rice crackers. Three types of dips were placed in tiny bowls in the center of the table. We put these dips and sauces on the crackers. One of us had the spring veggies rolls, and the other sate skewers. Tasty as ever. Mains were the wasabi crusted steaks, a small serving, but perfect. Sides were brown rice and steamed veggies. Desserts were our favorites…..the fortune cookie and one rice pudding. Coffee is good in the Tamarind, but there simply was no room for it.
Happy campers, we check out the show One World, which we did see on the previous Alaskan cruise. Putting the clocks ahead last night, left us pretty tired tonight. We suspect we will lose another hour tomorrow.
Keeping our fingers crossed we do not have a repeat of the “power blip” again. That could delay our return to Vancouver.
Bill & Mary Ann
Sunday, October 14, 2018
Report #22 Day at Sea October 12, 2018 Friday Partly cloudy & 80 degrees
