Report #52 Day at Sea December 16, 2019 Monday Mostly cloudy & 59 degrees

Perhaps with the wind chill, and there is a whole lot of wind, the temperature was 59 degrees.  However, we are still wearing our shorts, and walking with sweatshirts.  And with the swells we have been experiencing all night and into the morning, walking a straight line is next to impossible.  We have done this particular sailing many times, but never this part in December.  We have to keep reminding ourselves that we are voyaging back into winter, and that means storms.  For those who are staying onward and those that are joining in San Diego, we do hope they have better weather in the Mexican and Central American ports on their way to Ft. Lauderdale.

 

Today was packing day, although compared to the world cruise, this was fairly easy.  Even at that, it took all morning and into the early afternoon.  With the majority of the shampoos, conditioners, toothpaste, and mouthwash gone, that made room for the few items we purchased.  Good thing we resisted the exotic masks and carvings, because those end up weighing quite a bit more than you think.  For that reason, the shop was selling clever bags to take it home.

 

The second job we had was using the last of the shipboard credit which was under $18.  One white visor and a ship's magnet…both on sale, took care of that.  With the change left, we suspect it will be credited to our card.  Even if it is under $1, they have to refund it, as it is still part of the returned port charges for Niue.  

 

Shipboard life went on as normal with all sorts of activities.  Since it was so chilly and cloudy outside, most of the folks stayed inside.  Sales took up most the activities, with Hawaiian clothing, souvenirs up to 15% off, fine jewelry clearance, future cruise bookings, and photo specials.  It was the photo shop that was busy.  While we were sitting in our special chairs, we noticed several different couples taking folders of large photos, and spreading them out on the desk across from the front desk. We surmised they were sorting through them, and picking out the best.  One couple must have had 100 pictures to go through.  Suppose they would make a good Christmas present for family.

 

Recently, we read that Tonga and Fiji have refused entry for cruise ship passengers, due to the outbreak of measles.  Now we are wondering if there will be the same thing happening while on the world cruise?  We are scheduled to stop in Nuku alofa, Tonga, and our question is how do you prove you had measles as a child?  We know that we both have had those childhood bouts, and never had a vaccination for it.  But we all consider ourselves lucky to have made those stops in Fiji and Tonga, as these places may be off limits for a while. 

 

We enjoyed our meal in the Pinnacle Grill this evening.  It was not as crowded as we expected, although we have heard that it is impossible to get reservations for lunch.  Also heard that some folks had gotten complimentary vouchers for a Pinnacle Grill lunch, but did not make their reservations soon enough.  Guess you cannot assume there will be space.  Unfortunately, these vouchers will go unused with no refund.  Always good to remember to make those dates well ahead of time.  Even on the grand voyage, we go the first or second day, and secure all of our dinner dates.  Next year, making these plans will be far easier, because there will not be any Captain's dinners in that restaurant.  The rumor is that it took away too much revenue with so many full cruisers to accommodate.

 

One more full day at sea, and we will be in San Diego.  The good news is that the rocking and rolling will cease.  However, for one of us, the motion of the ocean stays for quite a while, even though we are landlubbers once again. 

 

Bill & Mary Ann