What a better way to start a day than enjoying a breakfast in the Dining Room on deck three with a small group of fellow President's Club members. Some we knew, some we did not. On recent previous our trip, we dined in the Pinnacle Grill with suite folks. Of course, there were fewer PC passengers, so there was not a problem with space. However, a decision was made to separate the two groups, which works out fine with us. The menu is the same, which includes a mimosa if desired, and extra special service. This morning about one dozen folks showed up, so we had many waiters to serve us. We lucked out and had Andri, who has been on many world voyages. Hopefully we have him as our waiter every day. While we were eating, Presty stopped by. He has taken the job of dining room manager, which he has done for several years now. We also had a visit from the new overall dining room manager for all of the restaurants (the new title escapes us). He is most pleasant and will undoubtedly do a fine job.
We had forgotten to inform our room stewards that we go to breakfast at 8am, and usually return by 9:30am. Our room had not be tidied up yet, but when Pur came by, he promised to do ours among the first of his rooms from now on. That works for him especially when it is a sea day, and many folks prefer to sleep late.
Good time for a promenade deck hike, we ran into Suzanne who just transferred with hubby Leon here from the Grand Africa cruise. They had a fine time and are ready for another big one, like us. It was powerfully windy outside, as we remember from previous sailings this time of year. So we did not stay out too long.
Back to our room, we continued the job from yesterday. Took most of the day, but things were finding a place. By 2pm, we realized we had missed lunch, and ordered the first of many room service meals we will probably have. This room (SS) has much more space for dining with a very nice glass coffee table, a full-size couch, along with an armchair. If the weather was better, we could always dine on the veranda because there is a round table and two chairs, not to mention two padded chaise lounges with ottomans.
Anyway, we ordered two cobb salads and a club sandwich to share. The meal was perfect and served within a half hour. For at least this week, we prefer to stay out of crowded venues such as the Lido. And that brings us to the subject of mask-wearing. All of the staff are still wearing them, and the guests are required to wear them indoors for the first several days. We shall be Covid testing again on Friday, and that will tell the story about how much longer we will continue to wear the masks.
At 4:30pm, there was the first-ever world cruise "Block Party" where you meet with your neighbors, officers, and crew. Captain Friso announced the activity to begin and asked everyone to bring a glass out in the hallways. Complimentary wine was served as the Captain and officers traveled swiftly from one deck to the next, covering the entire ship. We have done this on a Regent ship years ago, but never on an HAL ship. With the chance that Covid is still a possibility, we decided not to participate. One cannot drink wine and wear a mask at the same time.
The menu for dinner leaned more on the "dressy" night fare. Escargots, two types of shrimp cocktails, tenderloin, steak, yellow fin sole, and even lamb chops were the offerings. We have to say that the serving size has shrunk compared to the meals we had on the recent Tales of the South Pacific. If there is a dish you really like, you have to ask for doubles. We had the fish entrée and a one tenderloin, both of which were tasty, although they could have been hotter. Once again, we need to request hot food when we place our orders. All the fellows ordered dessert, which looked really good, but that sugar can catch up with one in a hurry. Nice to share a taste however which was offered by Bill. Sweet.
Tomorrow we will be in or first port of Falmouth, Jamaica, a new stop for us. Greg and Heo have been there and said not to expect a whole lot. They also warned us all to be most careful if we go outside the immediate area. We will heed their suggestion.
Bill & Mary Ann
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