Sixty-eight degrees is about as warm as it got today. Add the wind to that, and it was even cooler. However, we are not complaining since it wasn't long ago that we were sweltering in Tonga. No, this is much better for walking the promenade deck, which we did several times today. One thing for sure….very few folks were out and about on that deck, even on the lounges. Those that were relaxing out there were dressed like mummies, covered with several towels. We also know for a fact that some folks get sea sick, and will spend time sleeping it off on the promenade deck, as the fresh air can help.
The seas were much better today and the swells have decreased. We have kept a watch for more albatross, but only saw a pair of what may have been petrels. Come to think of it, we have seen the fewest birds on this trip than ever. Perhaps the best sightings were on the Pacific coast after leaving the Panama Canal. We had hoped to see a lot more gannets near Auckland, but we saw only one. They are the most fun to watch as they dive from very high to catch fish. We still have a lot of time ahead of us, so there is hope for more sightings. The only wildlife we saw today were two large flying fish. Only two.
This morning after breakfast we had to pick up our passports for a face-to-face inspection in Sydney on Thursday. Expecting a long line down the hallway like the last time we did this, it was a surprise to be the only one there. This time there was no paperwork, so it was as easy as handing over the receipts. The paperwork will come later we suspect.
The sun had come out and it was actually warm on the aft pool deck, where we sat in the lounges for a while. The wind eventually sent us packing. There were only two other people on the other end of the deck. What a difference from the last cruise we did on this ship, where an empty lounge could not be found. With a few exceptions, we feel that this is an older crowd, which is normal for such a long trip. At our President's Club gathering a few days ago, we discussed the average age of the guests on this grand voyage. We were told by the officers that the average age was in the high 70's, and that takes into account that there are four or five kids under eighteen.
The usual seaday activities took place with one of the highlights being a trivia session with the officers vs the guests. Bet that was fun and it must have run overtime, since most of our tablemates were late for dinner. Speaking of dinner, we have been noticing that the service has been slow starting with getting menus, taking orders, and finally getting served the courses. We have the same waiters, but they seem to be stretched. This is an area that will show stress if there is not enough wait staff on duty. Recently we heard that several of the crew members had problems getting visas renewed. Those that did not come through on time had to pack up their belongings and leave the ship. One of them was a spa worker who had already boarded a plane for home, when they found out their visa had come through. They left the plane, got their luggage, and came back to the ship. Not all of the others were so lucky.
Anyway, at dinnertime we mentioned to Stephen, the food and beverage head honcho, that the menu was really repeating itself quite often. And it appears we have run low on many popular items in the fruit department. He had no explanation but did promise we would be getting re-provisioned in Sydney. Then he was off and running as he always does. Finally, we all had menus and our orders were taken. One of us had the mahi mahi, which was quite good, and the other prime rib, which we have not seen recently on the menu. Desserts were fruit and one flourless chocolate cake with ice cream. Even though only a few of us order the ice cream, it just appears for most all of us anyway…just in case.
Goods news – the clocks went back one hour tonight. That is always appreciated.
Bill & Mary Ann
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