Today we all received certificates confirming that we had officially crossed the International Dateline around high noon. Simply put, it is the line that divides two consecutive calendar days. We always joke that we felt the “bump” of the line when the ship crossed it. Much like the first time we flew to Tahiti, and the pilot said we were crossing the Equator. If we looked down at the ocean, we would see that line. Funny how many people remarked that they did indeed see that line, but back in those days, when you flew on a chartered flight, they offered an open bar….help yourself. And boy, did they!
Compared to yesterday, the weather was most agreeable. The sea swells and winds had increased during the evening, but at least the late night showers had disappeared. Proved to be a good pool day, and a chance to catch up on reading. This particular world voyage has been quite different in that there are few folks that spend time outdoors. Remember the days when you could not find a lounge at either pool? Well, now you have the pick of anywhere at most anytime. Not that we’re complaining, it has been nice. One odd thing we have noticed is that the bar staff at the Seaview Pool does not offer drinks or even ice water like they used to do. The only time we have been asked to buy the drink of the day has been at a few sail away gatherings. Again, we are not complaining, but just voicing what we see.
Tomorrow’s port will be in Tonga, so a lecture from Ian was appropriate on how to make the most of our day there. It will be a Saturday, so we are not sure what will be opened or be closing early. The main market should stay open at least until noontime, and we sure hope we can find the place up the road that has pizza. If nothing else, we will get in a good long walk.
A special dinner will be coming up tomorrow in the Pinnacle Grill. New Zealand’s guest chef, Jonathon Rogers, will be cooking yellowfin tuna tartare, deep sea roasted langoustine, smoked duck breast, Kiwi sorbet, lamb loin, and poached pears. If you want the meal with no drinks, the cost will be $49. With wine pairing, the meal will run $79.
Barb has told us about a new activity that happens occasionally. It is guest chef sip and savor, and has turned out to be a big hit. At 5pm, a special appetizer is served with wine in what they call the Crystal Terrace (deck five between the shops). The cost is $5, which is far less than a regular glass of wine at $9.
Happy hour continues to be offered at least twice before the main meal times. And today we saw an ad for National Margarita Day, where you buy one at the regular price, and get the second one for $2 – available all day long in all bars.
Some of our day was spent visiting with friends Bill & Leta in the Lido during a late lunch. We had lots of catching up to do. They went to their Captain’s Dinner two nights ago, and reported that the food was really good. We asked if anyone had tried leaving with the unique rose bud vases, and they said yes, they did. But not in the numbers that happened the night we attended. We’re still laughing about that.
The sunset was not as exciting as the last couple of nights. But we stayed in hopes the after sunset would develop into something spectacular. Nope, but we did enjoy the company of Susie and Eddie, friends from a previous world cruise. They are also excellent photographers, and we see them mostly at sail away parties. And now, sunsets.
Barb was a happy camper at dinner, because liver and onions was on the menu. One of us had the niscose salad, and the other linguine with chicken. But the best was the plate of thinly-sliced biscotti cookies that Slam, our waiter, dug up in the kitchen. Even though they were not a dessert item on the menu, when we ask, Slam always says why not? Then makes it happen. Boy are we lucky to have him as our waiter for the third year in a row.
Bill & Mary Ann
Friday, February 22, 2019
Report #35 Day at Sea February 22, 2019 Friday Partly sunny & 75 degrees
