The seas turned a bit rough during the night, letting us know we are on a rolling ship. Sort of forgot that getting sea legs takes a few days in the beginning. So as a result, one of us felt slightly queasy this morning. Remembering to bring meclizine saved the day, as did eating breakfast. We might add here that complimentary pain meds and seasick pills are available at the front desk.
By the time we arrived to the dining room, it was after 9am. We were quickly welcomed by the staff, most of whom recognized us from the Amsterdam. Zaki and Intan were among those we remembered. Breakfast was good as always, and before we left, we believe we met the origami waiter, Komang. He quickly folded us a bird, as he did for our surrounding guests. It has been more years than we care to admit that we have seen that done.
Along with the increasing clouds, the rain followed and was heavy at times. The outside decks were wet, making walking a little dicey. By the way, it takes 3 times around to walk one mile. Depending on your stride, it takes 20 minutes a mile. There were a few hardy souls doing the same thing. On the lookout for whales, we only saw two ships…one was the NCL Encore and the other was a Royal Caribbean vessel, older and much smaller than the mega ships out there now.
There was a Mariner Society welcome party in the Ocean Bar at 11am, and we were invited. Arriving 5 minutes after 11am, there were no seats left. Within seconds, we had a choice of champagne, wine, or a mimosa. At the entrance, we met Captain Jeroen and Hotel Director Mark, chatting for their required 2 minutes a passenger. We were surprised at the number of guests here, but did learn there are about 1400 onboard. Comfortable, but not over-crowded. Both of us had three mimosas, and felt the need to get outside to walk again. By now, the rain was really coming down.
The next activity was an invite to James Suckling's Pacific Northwest Wine Tasting in the dining room. Attending many of these affairs, we have never been convinced that we like the product. So we passed on this, and went to the third invite of the day…..a Cruise Critic meeting. Although we did not know anyone there, by the time we left, we knew many. We end up recognizing folks by their handles, and realize we have been communicating facts and ideas all along. The leader of the gang created a bingo-type game for all of us to play. The end game was to break the ice and get us all talking. What fun.
Before we knew it, the time was 3:30pm, and we knew we had missed lunch. So we headed for the salad and sandwich bar. Retreating to our room, we listened to some TV news and caught up on some emailing. The TV reception is not great, and neither is the speed and availability of the internet. It must have to do with the area we are in right now.
The five shirts we sent out yesterday arrived back this afternoon from the laundry, all nicely pressed. Now we are ready for the first formal evening in the dining room.
Our key cards had our dining time at 8:30pm, but that sure did not sound correct. We asked one of the waiters to check that for us, and he said it was supposed to be 8pm. Then at dinner, we asked our head waiter Intan when the upper dining room opened for second seating, and she said 7:30pm. That way, there is not a line forming in the hallway. Our table is # 77 on the railing, a four top set for two, and our waiter was Oka.
Both of us ordered Caesar salads with one roll, rack of lamb (minus the cannellini beans) and a half baked potato. Desserts were chocolate soufflé and Black Forest cake. All delicious. The best part of the evening was visiting with several more waiters that we have had the pleasure of knowing on the Amsterdam…..namely Gan and Prio along with many of their buddies. They were so happy to be back at sea, after being off for over 14 months.
Intan explained to us that HAL had decided to eliminate all wine stewards, and the waiters have taken over their job. They are in the process of learning about the wines and the wine service. In addition, there are no European waiters in the Pinnacle Grill anymore. They have staffed it with their Indonesian wait staff.
The clocks went back one hour this evening, so that should give us an extra hour of sleep. So until tomorrow, good evening.
Bill & Mary Ann
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
Report # 4 Day at Sea September 26, 2021 Sunday Partly cloudy and rain
