The saying, "things can turn on a dime", sure applied to the conditions here today. The very first thing we noticed when going out on the lower promenade deck was the sharp drop in temperature. We doubt the thermometer ever reached the predicted 83 degrees, since there was a noticeable chill in the breeze. So much so, that we had to go back to the room for sweatshirts. Some of the diehard walkers like us still had on their shorts, but there were few of them. Not one lounge was being used. We did expect the change in the weather, but not quite so soon.
Two lectures took place today dealing with the upcoming stop at Port Stanley, Falklands. One was about port essentials, while the second talk was about the wildlife and people who live on this remote archipelago. A new guest speaker, Dr. Peter Carey, has joined us for this segment. Should be interesting.
While we were working online, we noticed a pod of dolphins jumping right outside our window. There must have been 100 of them, but there was no chance of getting a photo. Our windows were clouded with salty water. Sometimes you just have to enjoy it while the moment lasts. At the speed the ship was going (20 knots), we outdistanced them in no time.
The big event later in the morning was another Sunday Brunch Sampler in the dining room at 11am. Checking the menu, we saw many fancy items that we probably would not normally eat. But at least 300 guests did attend, and raved about it later. Since the grand buffets are a thing of the past, this event seems to satisfy many of the old timers that remember the fabulous presentation of elegant food.
By the time we went for lunch after 2:30pm, the sea conditions had changed drastically. More winds and more swells made the ship rock and roll. The skies became totally overcast for a while, and the spray from the waves went all the way up to deck five. One side of the promenade deck was soaked from the mist. Sure did not see this coming, as we don't recall hearing this in the Captain's report this afternoon.
One of us was warding off a siege of seasickness, but it did help taking a meclizine. It does make one sleepy, but better than the alternative. Believe it or not, eating an apple really does help settle the stomach. Crackers with ginger are a second remedy.
Tonight was a gala night with the theme of Black & White. We always have fun watching the crowd for the early seating out and about before dinnertime. And of course, with the photo screen behind us, we relaxed in our chairs across from the Ocean Bar. The band began playing at 7pm, and there was a floor full of dancers, despite the rolling of the ship. These people are pros. The show in the Mainstage was supposed to begin at 7:30pm, but when we saw a stream of people leaving the lounge, we knew something was up. Scheduled for tonight were the singers and dancers with the theme of Dance. With these seas, there was no way that was going to happen. So it was cancelled. Sometimes another act is substituted, but not this evening.
We had company tonight, as on most formal evenings, we usually have a guest. Joining us was Roland, the food and beverage manager, and a most delightful young fellow from the Netherlands. We met on the Tales of the South Pacific, and also enjoyed his company at another special dinner then. Our tablemates were pleased to get to know him as well, and appreciated the wine he provided of course.
The menu was excellent tonight, with many good choices for entrees. Beef Wellington and the rack of veal were cooked to perfection. But the best part of the meal had to be the cappuccino bomb, a favorite dessert from past cruises. It certainly helped to take our minds off of the increasing rocking and rolling motion of the ship by now. When we saw all of the glasses, vases, and plate ware being put on the floor, we knew things could get worse. Despite it all, we had such a nice evening, that we were the last to leave the dining room.
Very nice gifts awaited us when we got home. There were two sets of fleece hats, warm scarves, and gloves for the upcoming freezing weather. But the best gifts were two Antarctica cruising guides that will be most useful for the next week of sailing to an unbelievable part of the world.
Now we pray the seas calm down by tomorrow or sooner.
Bill & Mary Ann
Monday, January 27, 2020
Report #81 Day at Sea January 26, 2020 Sunday Sunny, then cloudy & 83 degrees then, later 63 degrees
