Another day at sea, and a carbon copy of yesterday's weather and rolling seas. Guess this will follow us for the remainder of the cruise. It could be worse, but we hope not. There is no doubt about it, the ride is much more stable on dolphin deck compared to the veranda deck. And there is no doubt that having the balcony with the extended lounge chairs has been convenient, but it might not be the best in rough seas.
In between walks on the windy and wet promenade deck, we did watch one movie, The Peanut Butter Wrestler. Really good for a change. We even dined on Dive In food for the first time this cruise. We had one Cannonball burger and one Nathan's hot dog. We did add one order of the Naked Fries, even though they are not our favorite style of fry. A bit too heavy with oil, we think. The best ones for us are the skinny fries in the Pinnacle Grill.
Another special performance by the Filipino crew members this time, was held in the Mainstage at 3pm. And once again, the room was packed to the brim. The performers wore the traditional costumes from their country as they danced to many styles of Filipino acts. The second half was more of a modern day show, with some of the better singers and musicians among the group of bar staff, wine stewards, and front desk people. The crew deserved the round of applause they got at the end.
Since it was close to the Ocean Bar band time, we snuck behind the set-up for the photos curtain on deck five. We do this often, and one of the nicer photographers always comes around for a quick chat. Actually, we had an invitation for a re-do on the Mariner Awards photo, which went awry that day. Between 5 and 5:45pm, the Captain and hotel director would be posing with those guests who missed their picture taken. A line formed by 4:45pm, so when the line of folks was gone, we jokingly said it was our turn, even though we were not dressed in gala outfits this early. They were most welcoming, and said they did not mind in the least. So we did. Both of these officers are easy going, and not all stiff or formal.
Right before dinner, we did attend some of the entertainment in the show lounge. It had been recommended to us to be sure to catch Naki Ataman's performance. And we were glad we did. The only description of tonight's show in today's newsletter was Somewhere in Time. Now this told us absolutely nothing about what type of show to expect. So when we walked in, and heard Naki playing the grand piano, we were most happy. That man has talent, and we wished we could have stayed longer, but we were already late for dinner. If Mr. Ataman returns on the grand voyage, we will go to both shows for sure.
This was the last gala evening, which in total, numbered seven. One gala a week is about right. The menu had the usual suspects like escargot, shrimp cocktails (which we ordered), and surf & turf or rack of lamb for the mains. One of us ordered the non-meat tortellini, while the other had the fish entree…sea bass. It was just as our waiter Tama said…moist, no smell, and no bones. Desserts were flourless chocolate cake and one bosshe boll, a Dutch word for chocolate éclair. Both good, of course. Decadent, but small in size.
There was a chocolate surprise at 9:45pm, but we missed it. Having seen the goodies given out on deck five on other trips, we know it is chocolate overload. And the surprise for one of us would be staying awake for most of the night with all of that chocolate.
Tomorrow we need to start packing. Not so bad with only three suitcases. This trip we really did well with the minimum of clothing, although we did add a few shirts along the way, as well as some seashell jewelry.
Lastly, there was a question regarding the printing and delivery of the New York Times on the ship. We understand this will stop in the beginning of the year on all of the HAL ships. It is available on the computer though, and you do not need to be online to get it. And it may be on the smart phones as well.
Bill & Mary Ann
Monday, December 16, 2019
Report #51 Day at Sea December 15,2019 Sunday Cloudy, sprinkles, & 65 degrees
