No, we have not made a mistake. We went from Sunday to Tuesday, losing Monday October 17th, because we crossed the International Dateline. An imaginary line, the dateline is where one day ends and the next day begins. Technically, the ship's clocks were advanced 24 hours, however we did not have to change our clocks or watches. We will be one day ahead until we leave Nuku'alofa, Tonga, then we will experience two days with the same date, thus getting that lost day back.
This morning we got some forms to fill out….specifically arrival health declaration forms for our Covid vaccine history. This will be for the country of Fiji. Much of the forms were filled out already, but we had to fill in the type of vaccines we received and the dates. Then sign and date them. Tomorrow between 9 and 10am, a team will be on each floor midship to collect them. So far, we have not received anything regarding proof of travel insurance, such as what happened recently to others on their way to Fiji, Tonga, and New Caledonia.
Then to add to the excitement, the ship crossed the Equator at approximately 10:45am. We all got a "love letter" in our mail slots explaining that we have entered the Southern Hemisphere, but we will not be back to the Northern Hemisphere until later this cruise when we head to San Diego. So King Neptune has pardoned one and all, but he will be back to visit in person for the King Neptune Ceremony, along with his Queen and Neptune Court Entourage. Enjoy It while we can, arrrrr! Signed from the Briny Kingdom of Neptunus Rex. R.
Today was much the same as yesterday, with the exception that we had no rain showers. Considering we are so close to the Equator, the temperature was a comfortable 80 degrees with a nice breeze blowing. Taking a morning walk, we searched for those elusive flying fish, but saw none. What we did see were a whole lot of people coming outside after a talk in the Mainstage by Kainoa. His subject was the amazing Captain Cook. Kainoa is quite the story teller, and has been on the ship telling his stories ever since Alaska.
It seemed that the internet was a bit more cooperative today. Perhaps some folks that were streaming or sending huge files ceased doing that, who knows? No doubt, it is still slow, but not shutting down. We do expect it to be spotty, because there is such a low density of people that live here. Perhaps instead of streaming movies, the streamers went to the Rolling Stones Lounge to watch a matinee movie, Ambulance. The best part of the movie……popcorn!
Walking later in the afternoon, we got rewarded with sightings of hundreds of flying fish…some very large. Oddly enough, there was only one masked booby present, and not close enough to catch even one of them. When we get nearer to some islands, we bet we see more of the birds.
Dinner was good tonight with some new appetizers of pot stickers. When they arrived, they were green, with spinach in the dough maybe. Sure were good. Then one of us had the swordfish, and the other veal cordon blu. Both entrees were tasty and served hot like we prefer. Desserts were one apple crumble tart and one chocolate-drizzled vanilla ice cream.
We wondered if the outside lights had been turned back on the promenade deck in the evening. So we ducked outside after dinner to see that they were turned on. We guess there is not worry about the birds landing on this deck now.
The good news of the evening came with a little note saying to turn our clocks back one hour. Love to, thanks.
Bill & Mary Ann
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