The seas have remained rocking and rolling as we get nearer to the Tongan islands. Temperatures have stayed comfortable, and at times chilly when the clouds covered the sun. The folks that have the lanai rooms on deck three were using towels over them or wearing light jackets. In fact, most of their reserved lounges have been empty recently. Today while walking, we noticed a sign on one of the deck three windows to please not wash their windows early in the morning. We certainly do remember having an upgrade to one of those rooms while on a 14 day Alaska cruise. One of the downsides had to be the window washer, who appeared every morning before the sun came up. First you heard the hosing, then they followed with the squeegee going squeak-squeak-squeak. We sure didn't need an alarm clock to wake up. And we never took a complimentary upgrade to that deck again.
There was a bunch of mail outside our door before we headed for breakfast. Normally, all we get is a newspaper. But today we had the paper, plus our reservation for dinner in the Pinnacle, a fat envelope with our shipboard account statement, a letter explaining that we needed to make corrections, and finally, an invite to yet another private party for the President's Club members. This one is a Crazy Day Sliders-n-Sides Carousel, or a cocktail party with finger food in the Lido Gazebo on Friday, the 29th at 6:30pm. Should be fun. We had a similar one on the world cruise, and most everyone that went to dinner afterwards ordered light.
Finally caught up with downloading photos and creating reports, we just had fun researching things online, now that we have the best internet plan. And hopefully this good connection lasts until we get back to San Diego.
The rest of the morning and early afternoon was spent at the pool. Windy again, we stayed clear of the pool spray, and laid low. Did not notice anyone going into the pool, so it is either cold, or if you got wet, it would be cool upon getting out.
Lectures are into Alofi, Niue and Rarotonga, Cook Islands now. For these ports coming up, they are selling New Zealand dollars and Central Pacific Francs for French Polynesia. Currencies for Tonga will be available on the pier when we get to Nuku'alofa. In all of the times we have been to Tonga, we never got their money, since they gladly accepted the US dollar. And certainly credit cards are taken, but not all of them.
Before dinner, we went to the Mainstage to listen to Strings Alive, a duo of musicians from Australia….one playing the piano and the other the violin. High-energy was a good description, but they should have added that it really, really loud too. Keeps the folks awake for sure.
This evening's dinner was in the Pinnacle Grill at eight o'clock. One of us has grown accustomed to the earlier dining time of 7:30pm, and do hope they keep this for the grand voyage. There has been a few new items added to their menu since the year began, so one of us tried the braised short rib. It was tender, but also crispy on the outside. Our guess is that it is put under a broiler right before it is served. There was a gravy over it, with a pile of macaroni underneath. Next time, ordering the gravy on the side might be wiser. This dish was well-seasoned and quite tasty. The lamb chop entrée was equally as good. Both of us had the small slice of key lime pie served on a huge plate.
With two days of relaxing, we are ready for some walking in Nuku'alofa tomorrow.
Bill & Mary Ann
