HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ALL!
We woke up to overcast skies, rolling seas, and wind as we sailed around the south end of Tasmania. This seems to be the norm in this part of Australia. The weather slowly improved as the day advanced.
Our breakfast waiters Andri and Danu greeted us with "Happy Valentine's Day" as we walked into the restaurant. This holiday has arrived so quickly, it is hard to believe that we have been on the ship since January 3rd. When we went back to our room, we were given a single red rose bud and a box of Jacques Torres Chocolates or bon-bons made with real champagne. It was a nice gift, but we seem to recall we always got two of them. One for each of us. We sort of expected this would follow suit since we only got one holiday gift for President's Club before we left home…..not two. We will enjoy the bon-bons and follow the instructions on the card that came with them….Life is short. Eat dessert first. We also had a cute Valentine's Day card from our Signature hosts Luisa and Gene.
We had a brisk walk on the promenade deck at noontime. It was still cloudy and windy but did make us walk faster. Very few people were outside, not even on the lounges. Looking for any sign of birds seemed futile. We may have spotted one or two shearwaters, but they are difficult to follow. It has been a disappointment not seeing many gannets or albatross on this trip.
The rest of the day we worked on the computer until the sun finally appeared on our side of the ship. We are now heading northwest, and did get some warm rays of the sun by 5pm. Lining up the lounge chairs on the veranda, we relaxed outside until it was time for another walk. This time our hike included getting wet from the deck fellows hosing the lifeboats and rafts.
They did stop long enough for the few of us that were outside, even for the man who was dressed in his suit for dinner.
Since it was a special day, the dress code was actually formal for dinner. All of us showed up dressed with something red or pink for the occasion. Barb was really disappointed that we did not get an officer as a guest for our table, although we really don't care one way or another. When Presty, our dining room maitre'd came by, Barb asked for wine for our table, since we were not hosted. Without questioning anything, he said yes, and white and red wines appeared within minutes, served by Oscar. Three of us could have had sodas we guess, but all of us passed with a "thanks" anyway. Leave it to Barb….she is not shy.
We all ordered starters of either crab rolls or tomato soup and salad. Greg and Heo both added the lobster dip, but when it arrived, there were no chips. Our waiter was nowhere to be seen, so the guys ate the dip with their forks because it was served hot. About 10 minutes later, a bowl of tortilla chips arrived without an apology. Oh well, they snacked on the chips until their entrees came. Filet mignon and lobster was one of the mains. If you ordered more than one, there was a $7.50 charge added to your account. Never thought we would see that day come when extra charges were applied to a dining room meal. Many other middle of the pack cruise lines started this years ago, so it was only a matter of time when things would change here. The kingfish plate was excellent as was the fusilli pasta with sliced chicken breast. Desserts were two types of chocolate cakes, everyday fruit crisp, and pear strudel. Oh yeah, and the fruit plate….always available.
A romantic evening of music and joy was promised in the Crow's Nest and Love Lounge? deck 2. It would also have a chocolate surprise, as if we needed more sweets.
The clocks went back ½ hour tonight to put us on the correct time for Adelaide tomorrow. It is one of those few places in the world that has that ½ hour difference. This will be our second time doing that with the first one in the Marquesas. Gosh that seems like forever ago…..
Bill & Mary Ann
