The day began with a quiet breakfast in Club Orange, mostly due to the fact that the guests slept in. We like granola on top of our yogurt and fresh berries, but recently, they have run out of the boxed cereal. So the substitute has been a mix of raw oatmeal, slivered almonds, and some raisins. It may look like the boxed granola, but it is not even close. So this morning, the manager brought over a bowl of sweetened and crunchy granola that is served to the crew. And it was perfect. He promised to have it available for us until we leave the ship in a week. All this attention, and we didn't even ask for the substitute. That's how observant this particular staff has been the whole trip. And it is appreciated.
So we had some loose ends to tie up at the front desk, specifically with Jonah, the event coordinator. If we have questions, she has the answers. And if not, she will follow up with the information. The main thing we needed to sort out was what credits on our account had to be spent onboard. It's a use it, or lose it situation. Then a certain amount was cashable, a no-brainer. If we don't choose to cash out, that amount will be directly credited to our credit card on file.
The rest of the questions concerned getting Covid tested before we leave to join the N. Amsterdam. And finally, how will our transfer work to the hotel. We received a letter with all of the disembarkation choices, and were not sure which one applied to us. These days, it appears that you determine your flight time, and take the luggage tags from a kiosk near the front desk. Exceptions to that rule are the 4 & 5 star Mariner members ( Orange Club and President's Club too) who will get their tags delivered to their rooms.
So with that info, it was time to go shopping. Bill had already looked closely at the watch display, which is extensive on this ship. So it took no time at all to find the perfect one. And the sales fellow was low-key and very helpful. No pressure. Now for me….that was a different story. The same sales girls were there that tried helping us a few days ago. We're talking Effy jewelry now, so everything is over-the-top. I never know what I am looking for unless something catches my eye. Which means I need time to look at every display and ask prices. This is opposite to their sales technique. And that is why another set of eyes works best, and that is Bill. He knows what I like and found the most unique earrings, which had just been brought out today and put in the display case. Perfect, although, the girls still tried combining the sale with a matching pendant at a deep discount. By the way, the price on each item was also discounted, including the watch. I passed on the pendant, so there is more SBC to spend, but in another shop. In addition, we were both given a handful of coupons for a drawing later in the cruise.
During our conversation at the front desk, we learned that the guests that tested positive for Covid after the second round, had to be debarked. If they had remained on the ship, it is possible that we would have been denied entry into the upcoming ports. Wish the mask mandate had never been dropped. Even at his noontime talk, the Captain strongly urged passengers to keep the masks on, but the "recommended" signs are still up. Washing hands and sanitizing helps, but not when you hear and see folks coughing, especially in the elevators. Speaking of which, going down the forward elevators, we noticed that two were shut off on deck A. That is where the medical center is located. When we see that, we know these elevators are being sprayed down from a Covid patient transfer. Then the same thing happened with the mid-ship elevators. Two of them stuck on deck A. Doubt we will ever know what is really going on behind the scenes.
One good thing we happened to notice was that the casino seemed back to normal, with just a handful of folks gambling. Even better, at 6pm, the casino went smoke free for the evening. No doubt many other passengers sounded their objections to the smoke, and someone finally listened.
Lunch was in the Lido with healthy salads. We have been eating on the side of the Lido where few people dine, trying to keep away from crowds. Back in our room, we watched as a variety of boobys soared overhead, catching fish. Must have taken at least 500 photos of these soaring birds, just to get a few good shots. While we were seeing the streamers of yellow/green algae go by, we saw some rather large dolphins right under the surface alongside the ship. No time to film them, they were gone in a flash without jumping at all. Bet they were going after the flying fish too.
Dinner time was back in the dining room, where we found our section pretty quiet. Most of the guests had eaten and left. Much of the activity around us involved the waiters re-setting the tables. It can be distracting, but that is the nature of anytime dining these days. We are considered "fixed" seating guests, but it doesn't seem to make any difference. Couldn't help but notice that the clean plates were upside down, and the glasses laid over. Bet they are going to spray when everyone leaves. Anyway, we ordered the arrancini? meatball appetizer, salad nicoise, one prime rib, and one spaghetti and meatballs. Two of our favorites. And they did not disappoint.
Tomorrow, we will be back to Bonaire….a different, but nice place to visit. Not so "touristy".
Bill & Mary Ann
Friday, April 1, 2022
Report #104 Sea Day En-Route To Bonaire Thursday March 31, 2022 Some Sun, Rain, And Wind 78 Degrees
