This day at sea began differently than every day since December 19th, when we boarded. Opening the curtain, we saw that our veranda and door were soaked. Obviously it had rained during the night, and with the dark clouds and increasing winds, it would probably continue all day. At one point this morning, Captain Noel came on the speaker and said we were listing due to 55 mph winds. He hoped it would be temporary. It was.
Heading out for breakfast, it was strange not to see more passengers doing the same thing. In fact, we only saw a few crew members on deck two. Perhaps more guests go to the Lido instead of the dining room. We have continued going to Club Orange because they get it all right. Now even our coffee cups are pre-heated with boiling water, making that first cup the best.
At 11am, we were invited to another Mariner Recognition Event in the Ocean Bar. This was Barb's first one, and the third for us. There were less than 20 guests there this time. Captain Noel was his usual happy self, giving a welcome speech to all of us. Hotel manager, Mustafa, was also present, as well as Jonah who introduced the two officers. Wine and mimosas flowed this time. Most everyone did have their photo taken with both officers. After this event was over, at least nine of us stayed to finish our drinks. Barb has a knack of being able to "break the ice" with anybody who sits close enough to her. Before we knew it, our little group of three became seven. Now this can be a good thing, because these well-traveled guests shared info about the cruise ships in the Caribbean and the Covid effect. In the last few days, several major cruise lines have announced cancellation of their upcoming cruises. Perhaps it is due to the fear the people have in taking cruises, thanks to the recent news scare. It is understandable that they cannot afford to have such a low number of cruisers. At 700 guests, we feel like this is a ghost ship at times. While walking the promenade deck, one of us encountered no other walkers.
We all agreed that we are taking this cruise one day at a time, and if a cancellation is in the future, we will deal with it. Nothing has been indicated that this trip will end, but then, nothing was leaked when the 2020 world cruise was cut short. At that time, we had about 4 days to pack and make flight plans to go home from Australia. At least we are closer to home if the same thing happens. Fingers crossed….it will not.
The shop sales have begun, because we will be in ports for the next three days, then back to Ft. Lauderdale next Wednesday. During the holiday cruises, these shops were much more busy. But on this trip, there are few shoppers that we have seen. The shop keepers stand outside their doors greeting the folks as they walk by. That has to be one long day for them.
For a change, we decided to try pizza for lunch at the NY Deli & Pizza. Going to deck 10, we found it was way too windy to sit there, and the salads in the refrigerated case appeared to be wilted. So it was back to the Lido for a freshly-made salad and grilled sandwich. A couple of cookies and an apple finished the shared meal.
Working on yesterday's photos and report, we watched the end of the series, Mare of Easttown. We never would have anticipated the ending. So far, we have not located anything like this type of TV series, so will have to resort to movies.
Tonight we have reservations in the Tamarind. We had invited Barb, but she declined. Not sure she likes that type of cuisine, although most of what we order is not strictly Asian. Wanting to try something new, one of us ordered the vegetarian soup with tofu. Really it was the noodles that made it sound good. It was a nice surprise to find it tasted wonderful. The secret was a touch of liquid smoke. One of us had the Thai beef salad, and the other spring rolls. We shared the rolls and a plate of the rib appetizers. Entrees were the wasabi-crusted tenderloin steak with onion rings and asparagus. Sides of brown rice and mushrooms filled our plates. Tonight the steaks about melted in our mouths. Having been served on heated plates really made a difference. Desserts were cheesecake that resembles no cheesecake we have ever made, and two scoops of vanilla ice cream. By the way, the service was impeccable, and the restaurant was far from crowded. That was a surprise since this was a gala night.
On our way to our room, we passed by the BB King's All Stars show. It surprised us to see so many folks dressed in t-shirts and shorts. That is fine during the day, but not on a gala evening. At the very least, put on some long pants. And how hard is it to wear a collared shirt? It would have been nice if there was a show in the World Stage, but once again, there was only one at 8pm.
Tomorrow we will be in the Dominican Republic, a place we visited back in the 80's. Wonder if it will look the same?
Bill & Mary Ann
Sunday, January 9, 2022
Report #22 Day at Sea Saturday - January 8, 2022 Cloudy, windy & rain showers 72 degrees
