We welcomed a day at sea, after being in so many ports in a row. It reminded us of one of the first cruises we took to Europe years ago. We bet there were 12 ports out of 14 days. Along with the time change and jet lag, we needed another vacation to recover from the cruise!
Well, after breakfast, we went to the dining room where we had another Covid test. There were over 200 of us in transit this time. The estimated number of guests for the next cruise is around 900, counting the in transit guests. We waited in our room for the required ½ hour, and never got that dreaded phone call. No call means that we tested negative. That was the best news of the day. However, a bit later, we did see the red light on the phone indicating a message was there. Oh no…. did they make a mistake? It turned out to be the office checking to see if we were happy with the changing of our hepa filter in the air return vent. We had noticed excess dust in the room, and after inquiring about it, we were told these cabins were due to be changed. It was done that same day, and yes, it was better.
At 11am, we were invited to the Mariner Recognition Event aka medallion awards. This time it was held in the Billboard Onboard, where we were greeted by Janine, the guest relations manager. She informed us that she is due to go home on Sunday, and we said our goodbyes. She was the most helpful person during our stay in Ft. Lauderdale. We will miss her.
Captain Eric Barhorst and General Hotel Director, Rene Tuiman greeted us, then proceeded to take photos with the medal awardees. There were far fewer this time, so the party wrapped up quickly. Last but not least, we were introduced to the 19 guests as the highest numbered of Mariners onboard - aka President's Club members. Howard and Gyl had joined our group of five, and they were first to go for photos. Susie and Woody were next, followed by the two of us. Barb was last, and invited the rest of us to have a group photo. These photos would be gifted to us like always. But today, the group photo was also included. Glad Barb thought to do that. The seven of us stayed and chatted until 12:30pm, then decided it was lunchtime.
We took a walk outside, finding it had warmed up a lot. Heading northwest, we shall be in Half Moon Cay tomorrow.
Lunch was in the Lido with salads and a shared sandwich. By the time we got back to the room, we had two Delft tiles on the bed for this cruise. And later in the afternoon, the photos were delivered, which included another picture of the ship. It appears that the special sales have picked up in the shops here. There is only today, and part of tomorrow for folks to part with their money. They seem to be doing a good job of it.
This evening was the second gala night of this 11 day cruise. Expecting all of us to be there, Susie and Woody were missing. So Barb, Bill and I went ahead and ordered appetizers, and three entrees of surf and turf. That combo included a tenderloin steak and two extra-large grilled shrimp. I donated the shrimp to Bill, who shared some of his steak. It was ample. Had to save room for a little dessert of almost flourless chocolate cake, and two scoops of butter pecan ice cream. Barb had the same ice cream with a serving of crème brulee.
Now the good news was that the clocks went back one hour tonight. Sure took them long enough to give it back, ha-ha.
Half Moon Cay…..here we come.
Bill & Mary Ann
Saturday, February 12, 2022
Report #56 Sea Day En- Route To Half Moon Cay Friday February 11, 2022 Partly Cloudy And Warm 78 Degrees.
