After enjoying a dining room breakfast, the morning began with an announced fire drill for crew purposes only. It is a good idea for the staff to put this warning in the newsletter, because many folks prefer to sleep in later on these days at sea. Those who live on the lower promenade deck surely must be startled when this alarm goes off. Using a set of ear plugs is a great idea also. Speaking of unexpected noises, we heard hammering on metal in our room after midnight last night. We have spotted outside contract workers onboard, so perhaps they are repairing things on a swing shift. Lucky for us, the disturbance did not last very long.
While taking our stroll this morning, we spotted two small sea birds sitting in the wet gutter of the lower promenade deck. Obviously, they were resting or injured. By the afternoon, only one was left, and later in the day, the second one was gone. One of our friends told us that another injured bird a few days ago was deposited into the trash can by a clueless passenger. Someone spotted this, and reported it. A crew member came to the rescue. Very sad, as we have seen people a few years ago, pick some resting birds up, and toss them overboard. We have seen it all.
Days without ports are good for the promotions in the ship’s shops. For instance, one of the newer line of clothing, Helly Hansen, was featured. This name brand is the logo brand for the 2019 Grand World Voyage in the way of t-shirts, sweatshirts, and jackets. The big difference from what we always had available for keepsakes has to be the price, and the quality as well. One of the nice white and navy blue jackets cost $210, with whatever discount your Mariner status can give you. We cannot say these items are flying off of the shelves yet.
While the lectures went on this morning, we were at the Seaview Pool in the half sun and clouds. We can always catch up on Ian’s talk on Chile, Gloeta Massie’s lecture on giant brains and tentacles, or geoheritage and tourism with Phil Creaser, since these will be repeated on the TV today.
Ukelele lessons, Tahitian dance, and watercolors have been popular this year. Carol, the artist teacher onboard says that both of her classes are bursting at the seams, and many of the guests have taught her some new techniques.
The highlight of the day was a special invite to a Sliders & Sides Party for the 48 or so President’s Club members. It was held in the Lido Dome, and hosted by the Captain and his wife Karen, as well as several officers we know well. Cocktails would have been sufficient, but with the addition of mini burgers, fois gras, crab and caviar sandwiches, who would need to go to dinner tonight? We did pretty good by snacking on a few fries and onion rings, mostly because the little sliders may have been more on our clothes than in our mouths.
A few members of the staff attended as hosts for the guests. One of them was a casino worker, possibly manager, by the name of Grezia. A very sweet gal from Costa Rica, she enjoyed visiting with our table of four. Of course, Barbie made her feel quite comfortable, as she often does. The gathering lasted from 7 to 8pm, but we lingered, visiting with Karleen and Sue until 8:45pm, when we figured we had better head for the dining room. Our waiters were ready and waiting, so all of us ordered only half portions of the entrees. Slam surprised us with a dessert that was supposed to be mud pie, but was more like chocolate mousse. Bless his heart, he asked the cooks to make it special for the three of us. He thinks we may not be eating enough we guess. Believe us, we are trying hard to be aware of every bite, and not over-do it. So far, it is working.
We did finish our meal by 10pm, but we were all tired and missed the show, which was a singer by the name of Annette Wardell. She will have a repeat performance, and we’ll make it a point to catch her show next time.
Bill & Mary Ann
