We thought today started out rather good weather-wise, because there was some sun shining early on. The temperatures have remained chilly as have the winds, but it turned out to be just wishful thinking.
Breakfast was kept light, as we had been invited to the Grand Mariner Society lunch in the dining room at 11am. We had noticed that during our usual morning walk outside that the seas were turning rough, and the ship was sailing sideways. On the port side, we were getting the heavy spray from the waves, and decided to walk only on the starboard side. A few other brave folks followed our lead. Then it was time to get ready for the lunch.
Previously, we had received a note with a table assignment of # 306, the largest table for up to 12 guests in the lower dining room. This section of the dining room had every table reserved for the guests with the highest number of days. Ours was filled with President’s Club friends Silvia, Joe, Sue A, Barb, Don, and Hazel with Phillip S, the head of culinary operations as our distinguished host. If it was not for the printed name tags at each place setting, these seats would have been taken, despite the larger sign that said RESERVED in the center of the table. Yes, we have seen this happen while on other ships, and more than once. Today, these tables were well-guarded by staff members.
Serving this section were our favorite waiters Gan and Feri, who know our every whim and likes. They even took the trouble to have ice tea with lemon at our place settings. The menu was nice with starters of a seafood appetizer, or a cold apple and pear gazpacho soup. The smoked halibut on the seafood dish was the best, and the cold soup was seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg. Excellent and refreshing.
The mains were a choice of filet mignon with shrimp, or haddock filet, or butternut and mushroom plate of raviolis. One of us had the steak, while the other the vegetarian choice of raviolis. Both very tasty. The meal was served with white and red wine, which was used for the toast by the Captain and Henk, both of whom only stayed long enough to wish us all well and bon appetite.
We had a great table as we all knew each other. Before we knew it, dessert was served which happened to be a small forest berry tart. Coffee or tea was served, and by 12:30pm, the dinner bell was rung, and everyone was invited to leave. They had another round of lunch guests arriving by 1pm, which took care of feeding the entire passenger count for this cruise. Each of us had an HAL tile to add to the growing collection at home.
At his daily PM update, Captain Mercer mentioned that we will be in for a wild ride, since he predicted the waves would increase to up to 20 feet later tonight, and we should make sure to be careful moving around the ship. In addition, we should put any breakables down on the floor in our staterooms. It was already apparent by the time lunch was being served, that the seas were getting angry.
Back at our room, we had a nice surprise with the final gifts of the cruise placed on the bed. They were two Royal Goedewaagen GWV plates with the 2019 itinerary printed with the world map. The only one that did not occur was the island of Moorea, due to unfavorable sea conditions. It had been way too rough to tender anyone ashore that day, stranding some passengers that had spent the night there. Now we will be able to pack up the most fragile of our gifts to be shipped home, for us in a couple more weeks.
By 1pm, the Amsterdam was 2545 nautical miles from Ft. Lauderdale, and the ship was maintaining a speed of 17.5 knots. The Captain had to slow down from over 20 knots, due to the 40 knot apparent winds, clocking in at 7 on the Beaufort scale. With occasional driving rain, and temps in the low 50’s outside, it was a perfect time for an afternoon movie, King Arthur and the Legend of the Sword.
Ian, our port guide, has kept up with morning talks….today’s was about world trivia…been there, seen it, and now prove it. Will have to watch this later just to find out where he was going with this theme. Another morning guest, Tim Runyan, lectured on exploring our underwater world, while ocean earthquakes and tsunamis was the subject of speaker George Stosur. Come to think of it, during our lunch, it almost felt like an earthquake the way the table shook a few times.
Around 4pm, Captain Mercer came on the PA system and said we were currently traveling in the eye of the storm. And although the winds and waves had calmed somewhat, it may not last. He warned that sometime during the late evening and early morning, we will be hitting the highest swells with winds to match. Predicting the worst to be between 6 and 9am, he once again cautioned everyone to be careful, as the swells will continue until the late evening. Not exactly the way we all were expecting the final cocktail reception and last gala evening to be. Transatlantic crossings can be unpredictable for sure.
Shortly after his talk, we felt the need for some fresh air, and found our way outside on the lower promenade deck for a stroll. All of the chair pads had been lifted and stored in the bow section, while every teak lounge was folding and laying on the decking. The deck crew had been busy since we walked earlier in the day. There is no doubt in our minds that every lounge chair will be tied to the railings before tonight is over.
The Station Band in the Crow’s Nest had their “day off” as each band does once a week. They take turns. Barb prefers this band so much better than the other venues, so when their day off comes, she is always early at the dinner table. There were just the three of us, because the guys went to the Pinnacle Grill tonight. All of us ordered the buffalo chicken wings, which had to be the smallest wings we have ever had. Our guess was that they used the wing tips of Cornish game hens. Barb really thought they were pigeon wings. Even our waiters were not sure. We learned at lunchtime that on this final stretch at sea, the store rooms and freezers have to be emptied in order to get new supplies in Ft. Lauderdale. And that is part of the reason the dining room lunch and dinner menus have not been posted until later in the day. And we also think some of the appetizers and entrees have been very creative, and not always in the most positive way. Thank goodness for the alternate menu, as we always seem to make it work.
Not sure if the show went on tonight, as the singers and dancers were set to perform That’s Life, with songs and dances from the 50’s and 60’s. Singing only will work, but the dancing? Well that’s another thing.
Battening down the hatches, we prepared for the rough ride tonight. Actually, truth be known, Barb loves the motion of the sea, as does one of us. The other one….not so much.
Bill & Mary Ann
Saturday, May 11, 2019
Report #112 Day at Sea May 10, 2019 Friday Partly sunny & 64 degrees
