Our favorite "blue hat lady" (Barb) joined us at 9am for breakfast this morning, which she will do occasionally. Most mornings, she will pay a visit to the Lido for a light meal. She used to be able to get fresh-squeezed orange juice there, but no more. We do have that served to us here, as well as mimosas if we wish….complimentary. Martha and Bob joined us, which was nice. We all stayed until almost 10am.
Perfect time for a couple of miles hike around the promenade deck. There were some crew members working there today, which is a common thing to see. The weather was mild although really cloudy. It was obvious that there would be some rain showers today.
Greg had told us that the Shops were selling the 2023 world cruise t-shirts, but they did not all have the itinerary printed on the back. So we went to check it out, and did find a long sleeve lightweight t-shirt with a partial list of ports. Instead of each stop in Papeete, Moorea, and Raiatea, the shirt just said French Polynesia. Same for some of the stops in Africa, such as South Africa. Guess that this is as good as it will get because of the many itinerary changes that have occurred prior to the beginning of the trip. Sizes were limited, so we picked up one itinerary t-shirt, and few other items that were in the correct sizes. Right now, most of the sizes are small or xxxlarge. We know from past experience that you have to buy something when you see it and not wait. The sales folks said there may be more boxes of clothing, but they have not found them all. Not the best answer to hear, but this is how they operate the shops. The sales gal did put our name on a list if they find more regular 2023 t-shirts in the sizes we want.
Then we read that the new library had a grand opening today, where the new collection of books was unveiled. We are not sure what the room was called before, but we think there was a watercolor class held in there on deck three next to Merabella. Actually, it was very nicely done with all of the subjects divided into sections. Brand new mostly hardback books lined the shelves. The popular ones have several volumes. We are limited to two books at a time, and asked to return them in a timely manner. Of course, the books need to be turned in before disembarkation. No librarian is present, and there is a simple book drop cabinet. In one corner, we spotted an exchange section. Unlike the area of the Amsterdam, this library has no chairs or tables, just simply the books. A nice addition in our opinion.
We retreated to our veranda to relax and watch the boobys flying alongside the ship. Obviously they were eating something we could not see, like tiny octopus perhaps. Normally these birds dive for flying fish, but today they were skimming the surface of the water. Always fun to watch the action.
Today was the first time one of us attempted to try the jacuzzi jets in our tub. Guess what? It was broken and did not work at all. So we placed a call to the front desk, and they promised to send a plumber this afternoon. He did arrive shortly after our call, and found the broken part and replaced it. Great…now we are in business.
Lunch for one of us was a bowl of chicken soup with a plate of rigatoni with marinara sauce. It was the best ever, cooked fresh, and served piping hot with a side of garlic bread. Nice alternate from sandwiches. A Cobb salad and cheese quesadillas was the other lunch. A few cookies ended the meal.
We had an invitation to a President's Club Reception in the Gallery Bar at 4:30pm to 5:30pm. We were greeted by Captain Friso, Henk, Shiv, Ian, Michelle, Chantal, and other key officers and staff. There are reportedly 44 in our group, and adding the staff members, the room was full. Drinks were served and appetizers passed around while Captain Friso welcomed us back to another "full" world cruise. Everyone clapped happily. On past trips, these affairs would be scheduled between dinner times. These days, there are too many times with open seating, not counting the fixed seatings. So they did it early. We left before 6pm, then had some down time in our room where photos got downloaded before our dinner time.
For some reason, our meal service was slow due to the fact so many guests had ordered the scallops for their appetizers. Not me as I am highly allergic. Our mains included barramundi and veal piccata on a bed of orzo. All very tasty. Barb got antsy and left the table before dessert which was a nice caramel Brule-like serving. On a side note, we have noticed that the chefs have re-introduced cold soups once again. And I am sure we have mentioned how often we see one or two types of shrimp for appetizers. All with no extra charges.
The entertainer this evening was pianist Elliot Finkel, an artist we have had the pleasure of seeing for several years now. With credits including Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, and Broadway, you know his show will not disappoint. Many years ago, he traveled with his father Fyvish, and also his brother Ian. Both of them have since passed away, but they were quite a trio in the day.
So much for our first day at sea on our way to paradise.
Bill & Mary Ann
