Today was an interesting one, arriving to Half Moon Cay before 8am. On port days, breakfast is a half hour earlier, so we always make it a point to be there before 8am. Barb surprised us with a visit, mostly because she had to get up early to go to the upper dining room for her first Covid test. For about 160 of us, that was between 8 and 10am. She stopped by for a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice, then had to go back to her room and wait for a phone call from the medical staff. No call………. the good news was that she had passed the test.
Now it was our turn to do the same thing. This was our third time, although this test seemed to be done a little different. Could be the rapid test was from another manufacturer. Then we went back to the room, and also waited for the dreaded call. It never came, so we were free to go.
Since it wasn't really hot today, we decided not to go for a swim. A long walk would do just fine. We boarded the island tender boat around 10:45am, and noticed it was hardly filled. Many folks had probably gone over earlier, because all aboard was 2:30pm, making this a short stop. Entering the island, we were surprised to find that there were no vendors here today. It must be due to the Covid spread in this part of the world, we assume. Of course, one of us had spotted a sweatshirt/jacket that could be used for cooler nights out on the veranda. What is nice about the souvenirs and clothing is the fact no cash is involved. Every purchase is tied to our shipboard account, a good way to spend that use-it-or-lose-it money. Oh well, guess we'll have to wait until next time, if the vendors come back.
We made our way to the food pavilion to take photos, and to pick up an apple for Ted, the donkey. The food would be served soon, but too early for us once again.
Finding our way to the sandy beach, we strolled through the gentle surf all the way down to the very end. Today there were very few folks in the water, or even sunbathing. When the clouds cleared, and the sun peeked out, it was hot. Also, we remembered that this was the final day of a ten day cruise, and many people might have stayed onboard to pack. Glad we do not have to do that yet.
Guess what? Getting to the stable area, we noticed there were no horses or wranglers. Darn, guess they took the day off as well. All of the horses and Ted, the donkey, were probably in the corral. No way were we going to walk in the sticky weeds to go see them. So the huge juicy apple will go back to the ship with us.
At the required stop at Captain Morgan's on the Rocks Bar, we enjoyed two cans of Heineken beers. The bartenders (all from the ship) were already beginning to clean up. The last call for alcohol was 1:15pm. All of their left over supplies had to be put in large containers to be hauled back to the ship.
A tender boat had just come back, so we hopped on and were back to the ship by 1:45pm. This time I remembered to duck getting off of the tender, since the tide must have risen since we left earlier. The first time over here, I did not duck enough, and the slight whack sure woke me up. Wearing a visor also limits one's vision.
Time for lunch in the Grand Dutch Café. The toasted ham and cheese sandwiches come piping hot, as do the fries. They are cooked while you wait. We do like an occasional burger or hot dog at the Dive In Grill, but the wait could be really long. For that reason, we have only gone there once since we boarded.
Sail away began quietly immediately after 2:30pm, as everyone must have come back earlier than requested. Captain Noel came on the loud speakers and gave his usual talk, but this time, he was also saying goodbye, as he will be going home tomorrow. You could not miss the happiness in his voice as he described going home to his 2 year old and his wife, who is the boss while he is away at sea. We suspect there was a bit of relief in his voice as well, because after tomorrow, he will not have to deal with this virus and the uncertainty of where we are going. We know that a lot of crew members and entertainers have become ill, but we have no idea how many passengers are infected.
And as the Captain had reported in his talk, the rain began within a few hours as we headed towards Florida. By dinnertime it was coming down hard. This might affect what we do tomorrow while in port. And we will be docking at Pier 26 once again…..the long walk.
Dinner was good, because we all ordered prime rib. So far, we have managed to miss this favorite meal due to going to the specialty restaurants. Barb had met a couple of folks that were interested in going on the 2023 world cruise. So they wandered back to our table in between courses, and asked a bunch of questions. Recently retired, they wanted to try a long one, so we passed along some info that might help them to decide.
Time to turn in for the night, as tomorrow will begin early again.
Bill & Mary Ann
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
Report #25 Half Moon Cay, Bahamas Tuesday - January 11, 2022 Mostly cloudy & 78 degrees
