Today began our first journey in the Caribbean Sea. For a change, we decided to try the Orange Club restaurant for breakfast. The manager had promised to save us a table, so why not? This venue only exists as a separate restaurant on this class of ships. It is accessible to suite folks as well as guests who paid for the Orange Club privileges. This is also a fairly new concept that we never experienced on a Grand Voyage. From what we have seen, it has worked well at $25 per person per day to gain some extra perks. We have been included as we already have earned most of the perks through President's Club.
Breakfast items were close to the same as in the Main Dining Room, except there were a few different items offered. To begin the meal, we enjoyed a Mimosa. Then we had Greek yogurt with mixed berries and granola, followed by an American breakfast (eggs, bacon, muffins, and the famous hash brown hockey puck. All of it was delicious and hot….even the hockey puck. We were also served fresh squeezed orange juice (the only place you can get it), as well as lots of hot coffee. The waiters were very attentive and not stressed as we have noticed in the Main dining room at times on other ships.
While we were dining, Presty, the Lido Manager who we have known for many years, had hunted us down to say hi. So nice to see him, he shared a lot of info since we had all been dispersed from the ill-fated world cruise in 2020. He spent months on the Amsterdam before he was able to go home to Bali. Glad to be working again, he runs the entire Lido and other venues……a huge job. We promised to visit him during this cruise.
A walk around the Promenade deck was in order, so we did a one mile trek (3 laps). Unlike the lower busy promenade deck on the Amsterdam, here we only saw about a half dozen people which included the working crew. Most places around the deck are narrow, and there is little room for chaise lounges. In fact, there were no lounges at all. No jogging is allowed, but there is one designated smoking area.
Today was the first time we spotted some wildlife in the form of boobys, flying fish, and some dolphins. Around 12:30pm, Captain Noel spotted something even more interesting. It was a dinghy with a surf board. Still too far away to see anyone onboard, he turned around and headed back to check it more thoroughly. Viewing from our veranda, we could see with binoculars that the boat was unmanned, which was good, or maybe it was bad. The crew retrieved the dinghy and the Captain mentioned it would be reported just in case someone was missing. Captain Noel's theory was that it could have been washed out to sea during a storm. This is not the first time we have had this experience, but all ended positively.
We are having a problem with getting online in our room. The signal is just not strong enough. So the best spot to go is across from the Front Desk. The good thing is that we attract some attention from the staff, namely Mustafa Gulbahar, the Hotel General Manager, as they are called these days. Explaining our situation, he promised to look into solving our problem. Not that we mind the walk twice a day, but it would be more convenient to stay in our room. We are paying for the Premium plan, which works nicely near the Atrium. So we shall keep you up to date with the progress.
That gave me time while there to decipher our shipboard statement with Cynthia (from the Amsterdam). When the credits are listed, they do not itemize the source. And it is difficult to figure out. The final answer was she would look into it and let us know before the week was over.
Everything in our room has finally found a place. Powerful magnets were used to hang a shoe bag from the ceiling for small stuff, and Command hooks were used to hang costume jewelry. We had purchased a 4 foot ½ inch wooden dowel (cut in two) to hang from the ceiling with the magnets.
Now they are holding 14 shirts across the wall above the metal hooks. We used the metal hooks to hang more shirts. The walls of the room have far less metal in them, but the ceiling has much more. The magnets stick so well, it is difficult to get them off.
We had read on Cruise Critic that over-the-door hooks would not fit on the bathroom door. And that is correct. If needed, these hooks could be used on the closet doors. And to finish up the clutter, we sent two pieces of luggage to be stored until we need them in April.
At 1:45pm, we were invited to a Mariner Society wine tasting in the dining room. But since we do not drink wine, we passed on the affair. We have found that this activity appeals to the folks who are interested in purchasing a wine package.
Lunch was in the Lido after 2pm. We discovered a row of high top tables against a wall, and had salads and sandwiches there. Beverages were served by a waiter. A few sets of double sinks are set up right in the Lido where people are urged to wash their hands. Great idea. On the way out, we stopped for two cookies for dessert. Now that you are served, you tend to take less.
This was a good time to explore these upper decks. First was the Lido Pool area, which seemed pretty full of sunbathers and swimmers. The biggest attraction here was the big screen movie, which was showing Back to the Future. No need to be bored while burning in the warm rays of the Caribbean sun. The deck above this pool has what appeared to be bungalows, but we are not sure. Above this deck is the running track, as well as the New York Deli & Pizza and a bar. Now we know where to find popcorn, nachos, and pretzels. Also above this deck are the Retreats for rent. We did see a few folks sitting in them. Wonder how hot these tents get? More mid ship, we found the sports area which included a basketball court, exercise equipment, and shuffleboard to name a few. They are smartly situated so no noise can be heard down under. There is a lot to say about "new" as the design and layout are much more people friendly.
From here we walked both decks two and three with all of the shops, Music Walk, and Casino. Every venue was full of people, and with continuing activities, no place sits idle. Perhaps when we are in port, that will be different. We have to keep reminding ourselves that most folks are on here for one week, with only two sea days to buy stuff. And they are buying……
This evening was Gala, and we wanted to see how people were dressed. It was a mixed bag, but most everyone followed the suggested dress code. Perhaps it is due to the fact this is a holiday sailing. Leaving early, we stopped along the way to listen to the music in Lincoln Center Stage, Billboard Onboard, and Rolling Stone Walk. Every venue had many customers…nice to see.
Dinner in the dining room was good again. The food has not been disappointing for us, as it was on the Nieuw Amsterdam. Even our entrée plates were pre-heated tonight, keeping our rack of lamb and NY strip loin steak hot. Desserts were ice cream sundaes. Our waiters, Surya and Oka, have been outstanding. Even the head waiter stopped by twice to check on us. We are guessing that with all of the alternate dining choices, the number of folks in the main dining room are far less than usual.
For those that know us, we usually do not attend shows. In past years, we saw them all over and over. Same- same. And when we have a table of eight, we never finish in time for the 9:30pm performance. However tonight, the timing was perfect to check out the show of Step One Dance Company. Not sure we would like it, we decided to stay a few minutes, then sneak out. Well………we had a pleasant surprise to find a show that was so unique, we stayed for the whole thing. This show lounge does not resemble the Mainstage at all. It appears almost barren with a two story circular wall surrounding the stage. The technology includes piped in music (no band), a light show, and dancing. The theme tonight was Musicology, featuring a variety of musical instruments. Each skit was fairly brief, but did include strings, percussion, guitars, organs, violins, and piano to name a few. Even if you did not care to watch the interpretive dance with seven talented performers, you would be amused with the changing display of lights on the floor, ceiling, and walls. Glad we stayed and would give this performance a big wow, deserving of a standing ovation.
Tomorrow will be our first port of Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos, new islands in the Caribbean for us.
Until then,
Bill & Mary Ann
Tuesday, December 21, 2021
Report #3 Day at Sea December 20, 2021 Monday Partly cloudy & 78 degrees
