Well, it seems that the Rotterdam beat us here to Half Moon Cay. There are two possible reasons for that. One is they are preparing to transport and serve the lunch buffet this time. The last time, we did it. And the other reason, is that we still have some issues with the operation of one of the azipods. Or it could be that the Rotterdam's captain wanted the best parking spot. Just kidding…….
Masks were required on the tender boat, but I had forgotten mine in the room. No problem as I always carry spares in my bag. We went down to deck A forward to board the tender. This time we were first to go on the smaller island tender, which was not as large as the bigger ones. We happened to notice that the tender landing was opened with one of our tenders in the water. Our first thought was that someone had taken ill, and was being transported to the island.
The ride over was smooth, although cool. It was going to be a very nice day as the sun was out with few clouds. No rain at all. As we were docking, there was the ship's tender docked in back of us. Some crew members were helping a lady into a scooter, while her escort (husband?) stood by. We always thought that only guests with walkers could be brought over, but we were wrong. We'll have to ask someone who knows tomorrow.
Making our way through the more crowded courtyard, we took our usual path to the Food Pavilion. It was well before 11am, so it was not open yet. Good thing we brought an apple with us. It appeared that most of the cabanas were rented today. With two ships in port that is no surprise. And good for the company.
The beginning area of the beach was really crowded today. Not wanting to be around a lot of people, we hiked to the very end of the beach again. The sand was hard-packed as it was low tide this morning. That was good, since this was the third day of long walking, and the knee and back were beginning to feel it. Nothing a strawberry daiquiri or a Heineken beer would not fix.
There were way too many people up this end today. Several had accessed the do-not-enter zone, even a couple of young fellows with fishing poles. They had hiked to the highest outcropping of dangerous rocks, and no one stopped them. As for us, we took a seat on the driest of rocks, and relaxed for a bit. We happened to run into fellow cruiser, Fred, who we met through the Cruise Critic connection. He told us that friends of theirs had tested positive (the man but not the wife) at the last Covid testing. They were put into isolation for 5 days on the ship. Now he was concerned since he and his wife had shared a dinner table the night before. You just never know.
We had a date to meet friends Linda and Dave, fellow world cruisers, who we saw a few trips ago. They were back on the Rotterdam for another seven day trip, which is easy, since they live near Port Everglades. In our early days of cruising, most of our short trips were taken from San Francisco to Mexico and back. No flying involved.
Anyway, they were already seated at Captain Morgan's in a very fully packed bar. It was noisy, so when a table became available outside, we quickly took it. Much better. We talked for an hour, comparing what is done on the ships, especially with President's Club guests, as they are members as well. It seems that every ship does things differently, so it must be up to each hotel director. One thing for sure, being on these shorter cruises are a far different experience compared to Grand Voyages. If all goes according to plan, the next time we see each other will be on the 2023 World Cruise. Our final words were enjoy your trip and stay healthy.
Back to the ship by 2pm, we discovered that someone from room service had been in our room, went in the cabinets, and took some sodas back. Right before we left earlier, we had discussed the return of sodas with Jonah, but agreed that it could be left there until we leave on April 6th. Fine with us, but we do not wish to have someone rooting through our stuff when we are not there. And besides, we have no idea how many sodas were taken. So far, our phone call has not been addressed, but we will follow up with her tomorrow.
The N. Statendam left the island after 3pm, with three long toots of the horn. This will be the final time we are in port with the sister ship Rotterdam. They were still at anchor long after we sailed away. Their next port will be Grand Cayman, while we are on the way to Grand Turk and Caicos tomorrow.
Dinner was back to our table on deck 2, but our waiters were different once again. It seemed quite busy, even at 8pm, but then this was the first gala night. Or was it??? Less and less folks are choosing to dress up these days. Nor do they feel out of place with the couples that are in formal-like clothes, suits, or tuxes. Don't want to sound like the fashion police, but we preferred things the way they were. Have to add that we were seated next to a group of people (all with foreign accents) that were dressed differently. Ever see a man in a turquoise suit that was covered with small red tulips all over both the jacket and slacks? All heads turned when they left the room. Very gala in our humble opinion.
Back in our room, we had a letter stating that tomorrow morning, we will need to do a re-test for Covid. Why??? Since so many in transit guests tested positive at the last procedure, and there was an operational disruption causing a late detection of cases, we need to do it again. If we had a tour in Grand Turk, we need to be seen at 7:30am. If not, the time to go is 8:15 to 8:30am on deck one. With the ½ hour stay in the room requirement, we will be lucky to make it to breakfast, which ends at 9:30am. Think we have a tour tomorrow………
If that is the case, and more folks are running around with the virus, they had better start the mandatory mask-wearing again…. and soon.
Bill & Mary Ann
Tuesday, March 29, 2022
Report #101 Half Moon Cay, Bahamas Monday March 28, 2022 Sunny And Warm 80 Degrees
