There could be a reason for the lack of the forecast in the When & Where program. That is probably because it has turned really cold, overcast, and windy. Not exactly what you would expect cruise weather should be. However, this is normal for the coast of California this time of year. We understand the Bay Area in the San Francisco region has been unseasonably cool, and rain has remained in their forecast. And it is almost June. On the upside, there have been no crowds on the promenade deck, so walking during the day has been quite easy. The seas have turned a bit rough, although, so keeping the walks short has worked much better for us.
The biggest event today took place in the Mainstage at 10:15am, when we were invited to another Mariner Reception for this Panama Cruise. Entering on the port side, we were greeted by Captain Eversen, Norbert, the hotel director, and Bruce, the cruise director. All good guys we might add. Today, there was a grand total of five President’s Club members. A space had been reserved for us in the center front section of the lounge. We are not sure what level of days were needed to be invited to this assembly, but only the lower section of this show lounge was occupied. Considering that this cruise has over 1300 passengers onboard, this group was relatively small.
Bruce began the awards program as always, by announcing the highest level of guests here today, which is President’s Club (1400 pure sea days). The two of us happened to be the first introduced, but when we got up to have our photo taken with the Captain and Norbert, someone else popped up, stepped in front of us, and took our spot. That would be Dolly, who may or may not have heard our names mentioned. Didn’t matter, she was determined to be first. Standing aside, we gladly let her have her glory, although her mistake drew a lot of chuckles from the crowd.
Then about 20 medals from bronze to gold were handed out to the new awardees. While we watched and clapped for everyone, we sipped drinks of our choice, and tasted the special appetizers left for us. Too bad Barb was not here, because they had some generous servings of the good caviar. Then those who were already holders of the four levels of Mariners were asked to stand for applause. Short and sweet, we were then escorted to the dining room for the 11am brunch.
A table in the center of the lower dining room had been reserved for six of us. After the toast by Captain Eversen, Norbert and Maria, the Guest Relations Manager, joined us as hosts. The menu was simple with starters of smoked trout, mackerel, and salmon, or amber beer cheddar soup. The soup won out, and in this case, was the best. The mains were beef pot roast, European plaice fish, or asparagus red rice cakes. The beef dish was just fine. The meal was served with white or red wines, and the finale dessert was a meringue berry tart. The conversation flowed with the easy going hotel director and equally as nice, Maria, who we just met today. This meal would be repeated again at 1pm for the remainder of the guests.
By the time we returned to our room, our last delivery of our PC perks arrived as well. We will have to work up quite a thirst to finish off 17 Coke Zeros in four days. The pretty bouquet of flowers will not have time to wilt before we leave, so that’s good. They will help brighten up our room, which is beginning to look pretty naked now.
Now that there are few sea days left before this trip ends in Seattle, shop sales were the biggest activity today. In fact, we learned that almost 500 passengers will be debarking in Vancouver. Of course, there will be a one night cruise for that many new people that will board that afternoon. It is called the “party cruise”, since most of these folks will be eating, drinking, dancing, and probably gambling throughout the evening.
Our laundry was returned with a cute note attached: Your laundry was neatly folded today by Arjang. That is the first time ever we have had a message left for us. Take that back….one time someone wrote: Welcome back. We wrote back saying “Thanks”. This part of the hard-working crew, we seldom see out and about, but we sure do appreciate the work they have done for several months.
Once again, dinner was in the Pinnacle Grill, where we discovered the trick of getting the food really hot, is to ask for it hot. Duh….On the grand voyage, we never had to ask for hot food, since it always came that way. Different managers, can mean a different type of service. Most times, the guests would not notice, unless, for instance, your food arrives cool to warm and not hot. Easily remedied.
Tonight’s show was a combination of the mentalist, Alan Chamo, and the singer, Tony Pace. It’s a good thing the singers and dancers were not on stage tonight, because it became pretty rough, with the ship rocking and rolling enough to notice. When we feel the motion on the Dolphin deck, you better believe, it is much more pronounced the higher you go. Many people mentioned to us that they were turning in early in order to be on time for tomorrow’s mandatory immigration inspection in San Francisco.
Tonight’s saying: Maybe the best moment of your life will be on your next big adventure. - Siya Zarrabi - This seems to be the idea for the daily reminder to book a future cruise while onboard.
Bill & Mary Ann
