The Zuiderdam maintained the higher speed throughout the evening in order to reach Suva, Fiji earlier than expected. Even Trusty, a new Pinnacle Grill waitress, admitted she liked the rolling of the ship since it rocked her to sleep like a baby in a cradle. We agree.
One of us was up with the chickens again, and did get some sunrise photos. The clouds were thick and dark, and the rain began early. It was still close to 90 degrees on our deck. Mid-morning, we took a promenade deck walk in the drizzle with wet decks. Eventually the rain was left behind and it looked like a promising day.
We were given more forms to fill out for our visit in Tonga. The health declaration cards were already filled out with most all of the information . All we had to do was answer a few questions, and sign the forms. Once again, we were able to turn them in to the staff that was located on each passenger deck between 9 and 10am. That was a great idea, and kept the line at the front desk at a minimum.
At his noontime talk, Captain Frank gave today's game plan as far as our early arrival to Suva, Viti Levu, Fiji. The ship would be close to the island around 3pm, but we could not dock. What we thought it was the Crown Princess docked in Suva, was actually the Grand Princess. So we stayed in the harbor for a while, expecting a tender boat to debark the patient. We do not think this happened exactly that way, but we did see the pilot boat as well as another boat, which we guessed to be a local medical boat.
The Grand Princess left the berth around 4:30pm, then we took her place shortly after that. This is when the patient eventually left the ship for the hospital. Guess there is a lot of red tape with this procedure, and it took time to get it right, we were told later. The ship was not cleared for the rest of the guests until much later. It was nice watching all of this activity from our veranda. And we were not alone. Our neighbors are usually outside like us, and then we could hear talking on most all of the verandas. One couple below us, looked up at all of the decks back here, and said it looked like tenements. We were thinking more like Laugh In.
We had to get dressed for the President's Club Social Party at 6pm in the Retreat. We are not even sure we know how to get there, since it is located on deck 11. This evening was slated for a "dressy" dinner, so even though we really did not feel like putting on the fancy clothes, we did it anyway. It's not often we get these nice invites, so it is a way to show respect for everyone involved. And being that this event was held outside, a jacket might be a good idea.
We walked to the very front set of elevators, which only went up to deck 10. That's when we ran into Michelle, guest relations manager, and a few dining room staff, who were also on their way up. We saw the small elevator that went up one floor. There was only room for two of us. It was probably 2 minutes after 6pm, and we figured we would be the first there. Well, everyone was there, most all seated in deep armchairs in the center section of the surrounding tents. Each table of four had a host, so we walked over to the opposite side, and were soon joined by Shiv and the purser. Besides Howard, we really did not know the other President's Club members well enough to join them.
Twinkle, the assistant beverage manager, offered us drinks, then a couple of trays of fancy appetizers were passed around. Not sure what they were, we passed. One of us has a severe allergy to shellfish, so if anything was close to having those ingredients, it is better to say no thanks. We did not expect to see Captain Frank, with all of the things going on, but he and his wife did appear. The Captain joined our group, while his wife stayed on the other end. We discovered he is quite easy to talk to, and seemed to enjoy going down memory lane with us. That's when the subject of the medical debark came up in the conversation. Apparently, the woman who needed to be hospitalized had not gotten on a boat, but was able to go off on her own, along with her husband. However, within minutes, the two of them were coming back up the gangway demanding to have their passports stamped. In the confusion, it was wondered why the need for such a fast speed, burning up all of that fuel to get here in a hurry, and now they are delaying the exit? Anyway, they did leave and we all hope it will turn out well.
The Sommelier also came over, and shared some pertinent info on wine, which we do not drink. Ian entered the scene, and joined us as well. The ship had been cleared, and he said he was required to announce to all onboard that it was advised not to wear jewelry or bring a lot of cash onshore this evening. He will have to repeat this message several times tomorrow as well he said. Guess that can be said about any city in the world. You can't be too safe. We also took the time to thank Ian for getting his and Kainoa's port talks on TV. He agreed it was a great idea for those who did not wish to go into the Mainstage.
And that's when the rain started….lightly at first, then it came over in a shower. All of us retreated to the cabanas, which are separated of course. Maya and the Captain's wife came with us, and we had a very good conversation with questions and answers. Henk arrived, and sent the Captain's wife to another tent, being politically correct, she had to spend at least two minutes with one of the guests. Reluctantly, she left. We stayed until 7:40pm, thinking most all of the other guests had left. But they had not…..they stayed in the protection of the tents.
Dinner for us was in the dining room with entrees of the Orange Club special……short ribs with smashed potatoes, and green beans. Simple and delicious. Flourless chocolate cake was the dessert. We could have gone to the Cantere Presents: Timeless, but we have seen it. It seems that this group has performed perhaps once a week at most.
We will spend a full day in Suva tomorrow, but being tht it is a Sunday, not much will be opened.
Bill & Mary Ann
