Another day at sea brought with it slightly cooler temperatures of 75 degrees, but still some humidity. The skies were overcast, but there was also a fog-like haze everywhere, keeping the breeze on the cool side. It could be that the water temps are changing as we travel northwest and creating this high mist. Anyway, we are happy to have things more comfortable.
There was an interesting Q and A with Ian and Nyron this morning at 10am in the World Stage. Our friend Bob happened to be passing by the doors when he heard the question asked regarding the excessive amount of the visas The Gambia was demanding. In fact, one person said why are we even going there? With that said, everyone in the audience clapped in agreement. What none of us knew at the time, was that the option of not going ashore and not paying the $155 visa charge had been rescinded. We knew that option was too good to be true, as it was not an option in 2018, the last time we were here. Later in the day, like at 5:30pm, we all got a message in our slots that the Gambian Immigration Authorities said that all visa-required nationalities, whether going ashore or not, MUST be issued a visa. This applied to mainly the USA citizens who are the majority of guests onboard. Some other nationalities such as the Australians, Canadians and other commonwealth countries will not have to pay. We would love to know the actual number of guests that had opted out of buying the visa. Our guess it was a substantial number and the local government would have lost the easy revenue. In addition, the shore excursion office would stay open until 7pm for any last- minute bookings for Banjul. Lastly, they apologized for this late change that was beyond their control and thank you for your understanding. Yeah, we get it, but it should have been sorted out much sooner than the last minute. Almost sounds like extortion to us.
On the last stops in Africa, we have heard there has been some trouble with loading the buses for shore excursions. In the "old days", those on tours had to enter the Mainstage, get "stickered" for their tour, and wait (seated) in the lounge until your tour was called. It was much more controlled back then. There was no running ahead to get the front seats in any bus, as there were guards at the lounge's exit. This had changed we guess, so now, in the interest of safety and security, people will be dispatched at the control gate exit of the World Stage. You will not be allowed to leave the lounge until your tour number is called. The shore excursion crew urgently asked for the guest's understanding and compliance with their assigned tasks. We are SO glad that we do not take tours anymore. Once again, knowing that this voyage is such a long one, and not 7 or 10 days, the staff should have known better to get so lax with their operation. Lesson learned we suppose.
We did listen to the port talk on Gambia and Senegal on TV, but when we looked for today's Q and A, it was not there. Perhaps they did not want everyone to know the reaction they got concerning the visas in The Gambia. It had been rumored that the excursions in Gambia had been reduced, but they remained the same. That would have caused another fiasco had they done that. Don't know why, but we continue to get the impression that they are flying by the seat of their pants with this particular cruise.
After our late morning walk, we went up to deck 10, and checked out the activity around the Seaview Pool. Other than a few folks waiting for lunch to begin in the Lido, there was no one in the pool or the spas. The lounges had perhaps 6 people using them at the most. We relaxed up on 10 with a couple of ladies sunbathing up there. Even though we are close to the Equator, the intenseness of the sun has gotten much less. With a very strong breeze blowing, it was more than comfortable up there.
Back together at dinnertime, we were happy to try out some of the new appetizers. Some of the regular items are now seasoned differently (African spices, etc.) and called something different. They must have run out of the variety of fish entrees they offered. Now the everyday salmon is the most offered fish plate. We were most happy to see the veal chop on the Club Orange menu, and we both ordered it. However, everyone had their entrees, and we waited. Telling them all to go ahead, and not wait for us, we got our meals 20 minutes later. We really did not complain, but Barb sure did. She does not like it when things do not go smoothly as they usually do. Had we known it would have taken that long, we may have ordered something different. Oscar, our head waiter, came running with our meals, apologizing all of the way. But let us tell you, it was worth the wait. The over-sized chops were freshly-cooked and hot. So good we savored every bite. Woody had not liked his undercooked meal, so he also ordered a substitute. The three of us dined, while everyone waited for dessert. Crème Brule was the special, so Barb had two of them, and one to go. We were about the last of the tables to leave, but it was only 9:25pm, and time for all to go to the show. Oh wait a minute…..there was no show tonight. At 7pm, there was a game, Call My Bluff Game Show, but it was not repeated at 9:30pm. Greg and Heo call this show "DARK", which means nothing, and it does not make them happy.
Tomorrow instead of spending the day onboard, we will now be taking the complimentary shuttle to the Marketplace in Banjul. As long as we are paying the visa fee, we may as well make the most of it.
Bill & Mary Ann
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