The days are flying by now as the end of this voyage approaches rapidly. It was very rough last night, setting off those inside elevator weights banging during the wee hours of the night. We suppose not everyone hears this noise, so it must depend on where your room is located. The 8- foot swells remained with us through the night, and we woke up to overcast skies. The rain had stopped and stayed away for the rest of the day. This seems to be typical weather here as we recall.
It was another day of "final time to use this service," referring to the last morning (today) to turn in your laundry in hopes of getting it back before we leave. The laundry team expected voluminous requests in order for the guests to take most everything home clean and folded. In addition to that, there were numerous promotional sales in the Shops and spa. Only certain brands if watches were being promoted, but not the really high-end ones. We find it odd that the jewelry shop salespeople for Effy offer deals hand over fist if you show the slightest interest in any one of their items. But not the watch salesman. As is the case with any significant purchase, it is wise to do some internet searching prior to buying anything. And we always have to remember there is no tax here….duty free up to a certain amount.
At 11am, there was a Mariner's Brunch in the main dining room for the high day Mariners. We had received an invitation marked President's Club leading us to think a special area of the dining room was set for this group. At least that is how it worked on past grand voyages. Prior to this brunch, we traditionally attended a metal awarding ceremony , where all of the new metal awardees were honored, then we were led to an assigned table hosted by a member of the staff or an officer. Now that is gone. Those who were invited simply lined up outside the doors and sat wherever they wished. From talking to friends, a married couple, one of whom received a 500 day medallion, was invited to an awards ceremony in the Crow's Nest a few days ago with only others who were getting the same award. His wife, who is already in President's Club, was not invited. Go figure…..
Do any of you remember the Farewell Cocktail Reception where the medallion awardees were called to the stage and had their photos taken with the Captain and Hotel Manager? At that time drinks and canapies were served in the Queen's Lounge, and it was a memorable affair. Now that is gone too. We are well aware that not everyone wants to hear about these changes, but they are what they are. And speaking for ourselves, we hate to see these traditions die by the wayside. And from what we hear from other friends, we all agree once these events are gone, they will never come back.
This is just a rumor at this point, but we heard that there will not be a Filipino or Indonesian Crew Show. The reason is that the crew members are a mix of many more nationalities these days and just doing those two shows would be considered discrimination. Put that in your pipe and smoke it…… If the rumor is untrue, we will let you all know.
Our day was filled with more packing, which is good not trying to do it all at the last minute. Most of the small stuff is done, and now we just have to distribute everything among the eight suitcases. One thing for sure is that we won't have to stress over the weight of the gifts we received this trip. They were fewer than ever, and the heaviest items had to be the duffel bags. Today we got the limited- edition Delft tile celebrating the 150 years of Holland America Line. Barb nicely donated hers to us because she always does. There should be one more gift coming on the final formal night. Our wild guess is that is will be a Delft plate….or not, who knows?
We got to take two long walks on the promenade deck today since the ropes were down finally. We were almost alone out there except for the deck workers picking up a few lounge pads that they had put out in the morning. Guess everyone is packing.
Dinner was fun tonight because we had company. It is nice sometimes to have a full table of eight as it makes the conversation go around better. Dinner choices were not that great, but the starters were better. We had the arancini with marinara sauce, a Caesar salad with the dressing on the side now (less soggy), and mains of meat tortellini and lamb loin. The best part of the lamb dinner was the scalloped potatoes. Desserts were frozen chocolate yogurt and strawberry sherbet. Heo mentioned that he is already cutting back on the carbs, but everyone else decided they would think about meal cutbacks when we get home.
The entertainer tonight was Jim David, an outrageous comedian who has been seen on Comedy Central Presents. It was either that or a barn or line dance in the Rolling Stone Lounge.
Day two at sea – over. But there are four more to go.
Bill & Mary Ann
No PIctures
