Day two at sea should have been a relaxing one for us, but it sure was not. After breakfast, we thought it might be a good idea to haul out the luggage from under the bed and under the small desk. When we had unpacked four months ago, everything was stuffed willy-nilly in each one, such as the shoes bags, large and small zip locks, and the bigger bags we use for the dressy clothes. We have come to the conclusion that it is the little stuff that takes time to re-pack. Not the clothing. It took time to sort through the camera stuff as well as the jewelry pouch. That job got done, followed by removal of some magnets and the command hooks. The world map was folded and stored for the next time. We still have over a week to complete the rest, so doing a little every day is much better than all at once.
Speaking of luggage, Barb had told us last night at dinner that she went to make an appointment with the representative from Luggage Forward, and was told all of his appointments were taken. What??? So this morning, we went to the front desk to ask the same question. Guess what? We were told that exact same thing…..he was booked. So now what? It was suggested that we wait to see him in between his 15 minute appointments. That could go on all day waiting for a break in customers. This has never happened on past world cruises, especially when HAL had their own rep who had an assistant to help out. We were never turned away without an appointment. Too bad that HAL decided to end this service.
By the time we got back to the room, grumbling all of the way, we happened to have a phone call from our personal President's Club manager, who suggested that she could send us the paper work we needed to add two pieces of luggage to our order. Why didn't they tell us that at the front desk? Yep, this world cruise has been like no other…….
The weather did not stop the "On Deck for a Cause" 5K fundraising walk this morning. The waves were hitting the ship broadside and causing very wet decks and very wet people if you stayed outside long enough. As we were still eating our breakfast, we watched as some folks braved it out as they passed by the windows. There were far fewer people participating today, but that does not mean that many others donated anyway. No need for the walk.
The seas remained rather rough through the night, but at times, we saw clouds and sun off and on all day. We also had passing showers, and expect much of the same tomorrow while in the Azores. The temperatures have remained cool, but we do hope to have warmer days ahead. Wishful thinking.
After an invigorating walk outside, we strolled through the Shops to see what was available to purchase. We still have some credit to spend. There were so few passengers in there that the sales people were all over us. We despise that as we are just looking. It got worse when we walked into the high end jewelry section, mainly because we were the only customers in there. Whispering a comment between the two of us about a specific collection of jewelry, it was overheard and before we knew it, jewelry cases were being unlocked, and items were presented without asking. As long as some of the pieces were outside the case, we inquired as to the price. Their list price was dropped immediately. Then it was suggested that if we were interested, we could make an offer. Really? One would have to know your diamonds and tanzanite in order to make offers like that. Maybe we will stick to the watches.
Dinner for us was in the Pinnacle Grill, where we had requested a table for two by the window like we always do. The manager told us that the table she reserved for us was still occupied by two folks that were slow in eating. Just beginning their dessert, she asked if we wanted to wait. That could be a long time if they were savoring the wine. We said no, we would take another table. We chose one that overlooked the atrium for a change and really liked the location. We could watch the traffic go by on two decks as well as listen to the Ocean Bar music. As it turned out, the slow-dining couple left the window table 45 minutes after we had arrived. We had made the right decision not to wait.
We ordered the wedge salads, but were disappointed that the salad dressing was not the same as usual. It was not the one made with buttermilk, but a substitute sweet ranch dressing. When our waiter stopped to ask how we liked our salads, we questioned him on the dressing which he admitted was not the same. He did bring some oil and balsamic vinegar as a substitute, which was really good. Our mains were one halibut, a ribeye steak, and a shared baked potato. The steak was every bit as good as the small filet mignon, but perhaps a bit tastier and way bigger for sure. We only had room for vanilla ice cream and orange sorbet. And one tray of the chocolate candies they always bring.
Tomorrow we shall be in the Azores, on the island of Sao Miguel and the city of Ponta Delgada.
Bill & Mary Ann
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