We were greeted with grey skies, rain, and cold wind when we woke up this morning. The sea conditions left us all rocking and rolling during the night and continued through the morning. As we stated yesterday, the plan is to drop anchor off of Portland, England around 1pm, then wait until a dock becomes available. Hope we will get to shore since it sure looks rough outside.
Last night we received a message that the maintenance team will be doing some work on the air-conditioning unit in our section of the ship. This occurred between 9am and 5pm. We did notice at one point while we were working online that the room began to get chilly. Not as bad as outside, but definitely no heat. Eventually, it was working but we did not need to turn the dial up. We actually prefer the room on the cooler side.
After breakfast, we ran into Tom M, our former host, who has been sent into a tizzy with all of the itinerary changes. Since he and his team conduct tours in these ports, much has to be adjusted with their clients. Now that Le Havre has been pulled off the itinerary, many guests will be really disappointed if they had booked a trip to Paris. But there is the addition of Dover, England on Sunday April 16th. Certainly there will be new excursions added there like London for instance, a nice substitute if you don't mind the two hour ride to get there.
At his noon talk, Captain Frank said that the winds were an 11 on the Beaufort scale or 55mph. There were 8- foot sea swells to boot. It was a chilly 43 degrees, but by 4pm, he expected the winds to subside and the temps to raise to 48 degrees. Not much warmer. The cargo ship was still in the slip, and the off-loading was running late due to the inclement weather. The Captain planned to drop the anchor around 2pm, at which time we would notice some shaking with the ship, a normal reaction when anchored. Then at 5pm, he came on the PA once again to inform all of us that we would be overnighting here and dock at 7am tomorrow morning. Eventually, the showers and fog dissipated, and we could see the shoreline of Portland and Weymouth, getting a few photos in case it is foggy and rainy tomorrow.
An additional list of activities for this afternoon had been left in our mail slot, but we did not find it until dinnertime. Not that we would do team trivia, drawing class, bocce ball in the hallway on deck 5, book lover's meeting, origami folding, or game time. But we are sure a lot of folks were happy for something to do. Also, there was a movie shown at 1pm, and Greg went to watch it in the World Stage. The title was "Men" and it was billed as a horror movie. Greg said most all of the people walked out, including him. Why on earth would they put a depressing movie like that on, when most folks needed something light, such as a comedy. Even Woody said he put his scooter into high gear and rushed out.
Now we know for sure that there will not be an immigration check today, as they were not certain we could be released today if we made it to shore. So tomorrow, we will need to take our passports to the deck three Dining Room after 7am. Our deck will be called somewhere in the middle of the list, the time announced on the speakers. That should give us enough time to eat breakfast, but not at our regular table. The last time we had to do this inspection, our wonderful waiters came downstairs to serve our little group.
Being that we dropped anchor outside of town, the casino was closed all day, and the shops were closed at noontime. The future cruise consultant and the art gallery both closed at 2pm. The specialty restaurants, bars, spa, and entertainment venues were all open for business. At least in this country, there was no imposed tax put on these purchases.
Today was one of many messages. Another one we got late last night involved more changes due to our aborted ports. In Le Havre, we were supposed to get much needed local French supplies for a schedule "An Evening in France" that was to be held in the Lido we assume. Also, there was a delivery of food and beverages for the upcoming anniversary dinner on April 18th. Now this will arrive in Belgium, but so close to the 18th it will be a challenge for prep time. So because of that, the Canaletto Dinner and A Taste of Tamarind on the 17th will be closed for operations. Of course, they regret the changes and apologize for the inconveniences. Signed by Henk M, Hotel Director. Gosh, he and his staff have the weight of the world on their shoulders with this cruise. We bet retirement is looking better and better if that is in his near future.
The sun was setting shortly after we all gathered for dinner tonight. It had to be the deepest orange sun yet, casting that glow all around the aft dining room. Naturally, we had no camera, but for a moment it was captivating. The dinner was good tonight with mains of prime rib. Sometimes it is a hit and miss entrée, but the meat was cooked perfectly and was tender as could be. It was a far better choice than the fish which had some surprise bones in it according to Heo. Barb and Woody both had shrimp jambalaya, the Club Orange option.
Now we hope the rain stays away tomorrow in Weymouth, even though the temperature will be quite cold. Good thing we brought the warmer layers.
Bill & Mary Ann
