We enjoyed another special breakfast with friends this morning, realizing our days are numbered now. One of the best decisions made by re-locating our group to this area was brilliant. Waiters Andri and Danu along with Sugi have been the best ever. Hope we are lucky enough to have them back on future cruises.
Another positive thing was being able to put our luggage outside in the hallway after 8am this morning. We asked our room steward who was hauling the bags to the elevator lobby, and he said they were. We saw the hand trucks filled with luggage as we left the elevator, but they were gone quickly afterwards. Last night at dinner, Rene told us that deck A was going to be filled from end to end with the luggage baskets that will be taken off with forklifts in Ft. Lauderdale. And now that we have all day tomorrow until 11pm to put out the last bag, there should be no parade of suitcases being hauled down the hallway during the late evening. Our drawers and closets are about empty now as we saved only what we needed for a few days.
The weather has warmed up a bit and the sun was mostly out today. There were scattered clouds on the horizon, but the seas had flattened out. No more "white horses" or deep swells like we have been experiencing the last four days. Always good for walking, we did just that with a few elderly gentlemen whose wives must have kicked them out of their room so they can pack, we assume. After being here for over four months, you come to know the usual walkers, and these fellows were not among the ones we know. We did spot some more flying fish, but no birds yet. Guess we are not close to any land.
The Crew Talent Show in the World Stage at 2pm was packed to the gills. The overflow went to the Rolling Stone Lounge to watch the show on the TV. There were some pretty talented crew members having a fine time on the stage. We expect they get a lot of practice in the crew quarters especially with the karaoke equipment.
While dropping off some library books, we ran into Christel and had a long conversation regarding the cruise and the direction it took due to cutbacks. The bottom line was that with over 500 passengers sailing with their future cruise credit from the 2020 GWV cancellation, it was impossible for this cruise to make any profit. We suspected that from the beginning. She has truly enjoyed her stay on the ship ever since she boarded in Freemantle, Australia. It was so much different than being the Guest Relations Manager, and she admitted it was so nice to be free to come and go, especially in the ports. On the day we crossed paths while in Eidfjord, Christel had hiked the same trail we did, and was on her second trip. As it turned out, she did it three times….making that 15 kilometers. And she did admit to sleeping quite well that evening.
Dinner for us was in the Pinnacle Grill seated at a nice table for two at the window. It was surprising to see how many people were dining in there, but we did notice that many were President's Club members and were probably using up their freebies. Even though they had run out of the buttermilk dressing for the wedge salads, we had their substitute ranch along with some balsamic vinaigrette. It didn't look pretty, but it was tasty. We ordered one filet mignon and one ribeye steak. Both were delicious……tender and tasty. We saved a little room for desserts of sorbet and a chocolate souffle. By then, most of the restaurant had emptied out. Unknown to us, friends Mike and Pauline must have been sitting on the other side, and stopped to say goodbye, just in case we do not see them tomorrow. Since they live in Florida, they will be driving home. We gave them a hug and said our goodbyes, promising to talk on the phone during the summertime. They will be doing the New England and Iceland cruise, then will be back on the 2024 Grand World Voyage….good news.
There was a performance tonight by Lisa Harman playing the piano and belting out some songs. Then there was the music walk with farewell songs, rock classics, and Beethoven Spring Sonata. Never a lack of things to see and do.
Heo had mentioned there was a new movie being shown on TV called Wild Mountain Thyme, so we might just watch it.
One more day at sea, and we will be in Florida.
Bill & Mary Ann
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