Usually sea days are predictably simple. But that was not the case today. Starting with Sunday Brunch in the dining room at 11am. Actually, the menu is called a sampler, because that is what it is…..samples. The first course included fresh fruit, Caesar salad, shrimp cocktail, smoked salmon, devilled egg with caviar, ham and coppa on a baguette, and cheese. The main course was a veggie omelet with bacon, biscuit and gravy, broccoli and roasted potatoes, jumbo shrimps, tenderloin, chicken tender, and a pancake with syrup. If you have room for more, there was dessert. That was chocolate crème caramel, pecan pie, and apple strudel. You don’t get a choice of the above, you get it all. Like it or not. A couple of years ago, we did attend one brunch, but decided it was not our cup of tea. Out of the 17 items, we probably ate 4 things.
We went to breakfast as always, then took our morning walk. The weather was most pleasant with mostly clear skies and decent temperatures. There was a bit of humidity in the air, but we sense it is getting drier as we get closer to Chile. As we stated previously, we are enjoying it while it lasts.
On Deck for a Cause, the walk for charity, took place at 10:30am, and it was well attended. This time the marching music was kept at a decent level. Could be so as not to disturb the guests in the new lanai cabins on deck 3. In case anyone is wondering, there have been no negative comments that we have heard about the addition of these rooms with an outside door. The lounges for each room are well-marked and no one has challenged it. The funny thing is that in the two weeks that we have been here, we have only seen a few folks sitting outside their rooms during the day. It’s not exactly private, like when you are in a veranda room, but the occupants do have the chance to go outside for fresh air.
We spent a good part of the day at the Seaview Pool, visiting with buddies. Barb always makes a sweep to visit with us for a bit. The warm sun is good for her, although when it gets too hot, she is out of there in a flash. Today we had the pleasure of seeing something really big in the water as it jumped several times. It was far away, so judging by the splash it made, we thought perhaps a large dolphin or even a whale.
The big event of the day was the showing of the Superbowl in the Mainstage, as well as in every public area around the ship. We found that this event was not advertised as it had been in past years. Come to think of it, there have been far less ads delivered to our rooms this year. So unless you frequent the bars or lounges, you would not be aware of any specials that were being sold during the game. For a price, we think $50, you would get ring side seats with unlimited drinks during the game time. We heard those seats were sold out this year.
Another thing that was different this year, is the fact that by this time of year, we would be much further west in the journey. That meant that the game time would be around noon. Because we left three weeks later this time, the starting time for the game was 7pm, dinner time for most. Instead of mini burgers, chili dogs, nachos, and beans, there were dips, chips, sandwiches, and wraps. We saw some popcorn and potato chip bags floating around, and of course, beverage service from the bar staff. From what we saw, the food was barely touched, because most folks ate dinner before coming to the lounge. We stayed long enough to hear the anthem sung, then had to head back to our room to get ready for dinner. The game would last long enough to catch the last part after we finished our meal.
The service was excellent tonight, mostly since everyone ate early and there were few diners in there. Most of the waiters were not busy, and they were milling around, visiting with each other and us too. Bill and Leta’s waiter, Nas, is quite a character. He visits us quite often at our table, and tonight was no exception. Some of the waiters have known each other for a long time, and they are really like family with each other. We are really liking our table, because of the excellent company of Barb and the pace of our dinner. Everything comes on hot plates now, and we are not waiting forever in between courses for 6 other people to catch up. We find we are ordering less than we normally do, especially eliminating the desserts. Unless it is special, we can pass it up. The same goes for the bread. We are close to telling Slam not to even put it on the table. OK, maybe three rolls.
A quick walk around the promenade deck, then we went back “home” to watch the last of the game. For a Superbowl, it was a most unusual game for sure.
Arica, Chile is our port for tomorrow. And to be on local time, the clocks went ahead one more hour tonight.
Bill & Mary Ann
