We were informed that the Navigator App underwent some routine maintenance last night. However, it was not operating until late morning. While buying some Euro at the front desk, there was a line of folks having problems with their cell phones and other devices. All they could say was that the internet would be working very soon…they hoped. Once it was working, everyone had to log in again to resume service. This has happened more than twice that we recall. Guess it's better than not working at all, like on the Tales of the South Pacific last fall when the whole system went down permanently.
During the Q&A session on the upcoming ports with Ian and Nyron, questions came up regarding the visit to Madagascar. The latest info is that a tender landing is being constructed for us. True or not, will it really be ready in just a few days? Captain Friso added later that if we do have to tender, the ship will have to anchor quite a ways away from Tolanaro, and the tender boat ride might take up to 45 minutes. This does not sound promising to us. And would that limit the transferring of the guests in wheelchairs?
The movie, Tar, was shown in the Rolling Stone Lounge at 2:30pm. Greg and Heo went to see it and did like it, despite the 2 hour and 38 minute run.
Today is our seventh and final full day at sea as we will be in Mauritius tomorrow. Be nice to walk on firm ground. It does appear there will be shuttles to take us to the Caudan Waterfront, which we recall was really a civilized area of Port Louis. The seas had calmed down during the evening, and the sun was shining brightly at breakfast time. Best way to start the day, we all have agreed. We still have mixed fresh berries, Greek yogurt, and plenty of fresh-squeezed orange juice. The question is, how long will it last before the good stuff runs out? So far, we do not think there has been a replacement for Stephen, the culinary operations manager. There may have to be promotions from the ranks onboard. Our favorite assistant maitre'd, Oscar, is still out sick. Hope he gets better soon. His buddies say it is not Covid, a good thing.
Our day went as usual, with several walks and a session of sun on deck 10. We left just as the noon time horn was blown, which would have blown us away on that deck. Lunch was at 2:30pm with soup, salad, and a shared pulled BBQ pork torpedo sandwich. Sliced apples with cinnamon sugar tide us over until 7:30pm. Tomorrow, we hope to find the best pizza in Port Loius.
Dinnertime had the Culinary Council menu for a change. Each item was a recommended dish by the members of the group. Favorites were the crab cake appetizer, a panko-crusted shrimp salad, and hot or cold soups. Entrees for us were one halibut dinner and the vegetarian noodles with tempura vegetables. A soy-based broth was added to the noodles, which came with a requested chicken breast. Nice to be as creative as we can be, and our waiter comes through every time. Desserts were tortes, ice cream, fruit crumbles, and a chocolate filled donut-like dessert. Something we have not seen before. One of us still orders the fresh fruit plate most evenings. There has not been any pineapple slices, but they make up for it with generous servings of sliced watermelon. Sweet.
Showtime was a singer, Trevor Knight, performing John Denver tunes.
So the question is: Are we there yet? Yep, pretty darn close now.
Bill & Mary Ann
