Today was a good one to stay inside, since it was raining off and on during most of the day. The temperature did warm up since leaving Florida which is nice.
Breakfast in Club Orange was full of customers this morning. In fact, the greeter gal had accidently given our table to another couple. Apologizing profusely, she promised she would not make that mistake again. Not a big deal, we just sat one table over. All of the waiters except one were new. And it was that waiter that had our made-to-order parfait ready to go. We have decided that enjoying mimosas are best to have on Sunday only. Oh yeah, we also learned that all of the Neptune suites were sold on this trip, part of the reason for the full restaurant.
We began our walk around the promenade deck, only to find that the majority of folks were walking opposite of the way we are used to. On the old Amsterdam, there were directional arrows suggesting a counterclockwise walk. On this ship, we have only seen "no jogging" or smoking only in a designated area. As we approached the aft section of the deck, there was a rope across the deck with a sign saying private event. We toyed with the idea that it might be for a burial of ashes at sea ceremony. Although we have never seen this advertised anywhere, that could be a possibility. After a few flip-flop walks, we headed inside past the Front Desk. That's when we ran into one of the girls that works there, and she did confirm that the event was indeed scattering of the ashes. You learn something new every day.
A day at sea's activities were in full swing. And there are enough new passengers that were participating. The shoppers and gamblers were back. Missing was the 4pm Happy Hour, as was the second dance show in the World Stage. The only Step One Dance Company performance was at 7:30pm. On Music Walk, the BB King's were still performing, filling up the spaces left by the Rolling Stones. Dueling pianos were happening, and most of the Lincoln Center Stage group were playing. However, they were missing the cello player, who we assume, has Covid.
We tried a hot bowl of split pea soup in the Dutch Café, along with a shared ham and cheese sandwich. Needless to say, the soup was as good as it ever was. Maybe better, because it was served hot. Perfect choice for a dark and rainy day.
We had been invited to another wine tasting, but we did not attend. Barb said it was really nicely done, and they served the better wines. Instead, we watched another good movie until it was time for dinner. Even though the menu is similar every cruise, there are many entrees we have not tried yet. Our food has come on very hot plates and that sure makes a difference. On our way out of the dining room, we were reminded that the clocks will go ahead tonight. Sure don't like that direction, but we will get it back. The gain or loss of one hour has not given us a problem.
Presty had made another stop at our table to chat. He is the one person onboard that knows the numbers concerning the passenger count. Right now, the total of in transit and new guests is close to 1000. Prior to this cruise, there had been more people booked, but with cancellations, it brought the number down somewhat.
Bill & Mary Ann
Friday, January 14, 2022
Report #27 Day at Sea Thursday - January 13, 2022 Showers & 77 degrees
