If ever there was a better time for a few days at sea, this would be it. Everyone we know was totally exhausted after the activities and heat from the past two days in Mumbai, as well as the groups that went overland to the Taj Mahal. All of our buddies had great stories to share about their excursions, whether with HAL or independent tours.
While we were busy in port the last two days, some measures had been taken to make our next week or more sailing in dangerous waters safer. On the lower promenade deck four “bubble” mirrors had been installed so oncoming foot traffic could be seen before rounding the corners. Great idea. The fire hoses were installed permanently, stretched out, and filled with water. Yes, this was for the anti-piracy precautions.
Last night, we all received a letter from Captain Mercer explaining that we would be in a high risk area of the Indian Ocean. There has been a decrease of incidents in past years, but it would be inconsiderate not to take precautions. What we should expect to see were the long range acoustic devices rigged and manned…ready for immediate use. Extra security guards will be stationed on a 24 hour rotating watch, especially on the lower promenade deck 3. And the Amsterdam is coordinating with warships in the area assigned to anti-piracy operations. We are being tracked during our transit, and although we will not see them, warships are not far away. Works for us.
At 10:30am, there was an anti-piracy drill conducted by the crew. It was not mandatory to take part in the drill, but all were cautioned against watching from the promenade deck. You better believe us, if there was a real threat of a take-over, we would be the first to follow directions, go inside, and stay in the corridors. When we first began to take cruises many years ago, we never imagined that incidents like this would ever happen to cruise ships. Obviously, they have.
While we are talking about the outside decks, there was in issue with continuing work ongoing such as painting. It is not so much the inconvenience and smell (horrible) of the painting, but the closing of the deck and the lounges being folded up all day. Many times these areas remain unusable with no work happening. That includes the new lanai rooms with private lounges that cannot be used which makes for some unhappy customers. There is a group of folks that set up lounges for the entire day…reading and relaxing in the shade and fresh sea air. When they are denied this, they are upset. Perhaps they have inside cabins, which many do. We suspect many “Let Us Know” cards will be turned in to the front desk today.
We got our bi-monthly Mariner’s gifts of flowers and a beverage card today. Every arrangement has been different, but equally beautiful. The one today came with some peacock feathers….something we have hundreds of at home.
As the ship has begun sailing a bit northwest, the temperature has become more tolerable. It was a nearly perfect day to spend some time sunning at the Seaview Pool. We calculated that there are only a few more weeks or less left for summer-like weather. We seldom end a world cruise in very cool weather, so this year will be a first. Not sure how much we will like that.
A very tall fellow with a cigar was sitting at the smoking section near the Seaview Bar. A new face, we recognized him as Elliot Finkel, one of the most talented pianist entertainers we have ever seen. Turns out, he is the performer this evening along with the Mainstage Band. Don’t want to miss this one.
All of us were present at dinner tonight, although we did hear some grumblings about dry ginger chicken entrees that were served last night. Guess we chose a good time to go to the Pinnacle Grill. One of us ordered the Jack Daniels ribs, and they were great…..seasoned just right and tender as ever. A Greek salad without feta cheese was also a good choice. None of the desserts appealed to us, so Slam brought us freshly-baked cookies, an assortment of peanut butter, raisin, and chocolate chip. Yes, we are so spoiled.
The show was wonderful, and Elliot was as good as he ever was. By the way, the last time he performed on a world cruise, he brought his dad, Fyvish, who also joined him on the stage, singing If I Were A Rich Man (standing ovation too). Since then, his dad has sadly passed away, but the show goes on.
The ship’s clocks went back one full hour tonight. Perfect…..
Bill & Mary Ann
