The day began with mostly blue skies and pretty calm seas. We still are experiencing a bit of rolling, but it has become tolerable. Like it or not, we are getting our sea legs. Some days are made to be lazy, and today was one of them. We did get some walking in this morning, then made plans to meet our buddies in the Gallery Bar. Yesterday we discovered that this is the only place we would be able to find draft beer. And better yet, they had Belgium Aflegem beer. Denise and Howie also like the German and Belgium beers, so that's what we all ordered. It was so nice to visit finally, sharing news and just having a good time. Two hours flew by.
During our stay there, we introduced them to our previous hosts, as well as Shiv, who walked through the lounge. As he is the Head of Housekeeping, he really makes the rounds all over the ship. We were just lucky he ducked in the Gallery Bar. He visited for a few minutes, then said goodbye, but before he left, he ordered another round of beers for us all to enjoy. He is truly a very nice person, and we are happy to call him friend.
Back in the room, we ordered a late lunch of quesadillas and salads. The afternoon evaporated, but then, so did the sun. Passing some interesting dark clouds today, we did notice that it felt a little cooler. That's always what happens when there are rain clouds here and there.
When we sat down in the dining room at dinnertime, we had a visit from Denise who told us that she heard that there might be an itinerary change coming up. She went back to her room and found a letter from the Captain. It was a long letter of apology for the last minute changes that took place so close to the start of this voyage. So….. long story short, Bora Bora is back. They flipped flopped some ports and reversed some calls. We assume this will make some folks really happy, since many of them have never been to Bora Bora. It will not be an overnight, so if their plans included staying in one of the over-the-water bungalows, that will not be possible. However, they will save a lot of money. We will arrive to Papeete on a Friday evening, and staying until Sunday. Now with that change, the guests might be able to stay overnight in Moorea, and take a ferry back to Papeete the next day or on Sunday.
Naturally, all of the ship's excursions will be re-done. And there is still time for the independent guests to make other plans. Hope this is the end of the changes, or the passengers will be pulling their hair out.
Dinner choices are getting more tropical-sounding as we near the Hawaiian Islands. One of us ordered the mahi-mahi wrapped in a banana leaf. Could have used some mango salsa, as said by the non-fish lover among us. Lasagna was the main course for me, but remains far different from what I make at home. Dessert was an apple streusel with a side of vanilla ice cream for each of us. Very nice.
Two more days at sea, and we will be in Hilo.
Bill & Mary Ann
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