After departing the Land of the Midnight Sun (Alaska), we looked forward to a day at sea. One nice aspect for us is the fact we do not have to pack to go home. Our turn will come, but not for another six weeks. We began the day with a nice breakfast in the Pinnacle Grill. The rising sun was blinding at the window seating. Good thing there are sliding drapes, despite their unusual fluffy texture.
At 10:30am, we had been invited to the Mariner Recognition Event in appreciation of our loyalty as one of the President's Club guests onboard. We understand there is another PC couple here, but we are not familiar with their name. This very private event was held in the Gallery Bar lounge, and was attended by about one dozen people. It was nice to see Friso again, who is Captain Friso Kramer gezegd Freher now, having been promoted from Staff Captain a few years ago. We have known him for a long time, and he has not changed a bit. Friendly as ever, we chatted with him for a few minutes before the event began. If all goes according to plan, he will be the starting Captain on the Grand World Voyage in 2023. Friso will do the first two months, and another Captain will do the rest. That's a first. He added that the planned ports are not set in stone, and that also applies to the South Pacific cruise coming up in a few weeks. Situations in other countries can change, so they remain flexible.
Six bronze medallions were awarded, then we were announced, along with the other couple, as President's Club members. There was no mention of days any of us had, which is better, as they never seem to get it correct anyway, and frankly, it does not matter. The Captain had a talk in the Mainstage at 11am, so he bid his goodbye to all. Henk stayed, and spent a half hour with us. He had been looking for us at the back deck at sail away, but we have yet to attend. Our room has such a wonderful veranda, we hate to leave it.
We learned that there are over 1700 guests on this ship, which is great news. We forgot to ask how many will be In Transit tomorrow. Henk went over the procedure for the zero clearance, and leaving the ship to enjoy Vancouver, or not. We have not decided what we will do, but Henk did suggest that we be back to go through customs around 2pm. By then, most all of the new guests will be onboard. More than likely, there will be two ships docked, and that will take even more time. We had a conversation about the upcoming world voyage, and some of the challenges facing the staff. Manning the ship poses some issues, due to the fact many seasoned employees have left the company. It was a matter of survival for most, needing to find work within the industry or outside of it. The clock is ticking, so there is a lot of work for them to do with such little time. We have faith that it will all work out for the best.
On the way out, we visited the Gallery Bar, and picked up some more sodas. Then we hopped in an elevator, and went to the Crow's Nest to see if they sold the vitamin water they used to have. Of course they did not sell it, because it came in resealable plastic bottles. These are not allowed onboard now. It seemed so odd not to see the usual bar up there, or the band area that was so popular. Times change……
Taking a one mile walk on the promenade deck chilled us, since the sun had disappeared and was replaced with overcast and wind. The Captain said that once we turn back into the passage, it will warm up. He was right, it did rather nicely. We had some catching up to do online, still trying to figure out why the photos are not going through as they usually do. We are trying a few things to rectify it.
It was room service lunch again for us. We sampled the quesadilla appetizer, had one Caesar salad, and two sandwiches. Had asked for 4 cookies, but got 6. Had to eat them, of course. The scenery became very nice, and we had an added treat of seeing a few orcas, dolphins, and numerous birds. Other than some fishing boats and a couple of ferries, we enjoyed the calm waters and scattered villages as we headed towards Vancouver.
By 4pm, two large photos from the medallion event were left in or mailslot.
Dinner was in the Pinnacle Grill, which was pretty busy still at 8pm. We had the usual starters with a shared order of cold jumbo shrimp. Mains were one filet mignon and one halibut. Both were cooked perfectly. With just a little room left, we split a Key lime pie. Good to go, we will be back in the morning for an early breakfast.
Bill & Mary Ann
