Day number five at sea made all the difference with the temperature and the humidity. We are now experiencing the tropics for sure. It's no wonder that many guests came out early for a deck walk before it got even warmer. Too bad the working crew decided to close off the forward section of the promenade to do some overhead work using power tools. We all agreed it would have been better to do this job tomorrow when the ship is docked and the people would be ashore. Perhaps this type of work is not allowed while the ship is docked. Who knows?
Today there was another 10am to 12:30pm brunch in the dining room. We looked up the menu and it is a three-course meal. There are two courses offered (limited choices) and dessert.
Back in our room after the brief walk, we found the veranda's sun to be intense. That reminded us to put some suntan lotion on the list for tomorrow's shopping in Hilo. Nothing worse than an unexpected sunburn.
Lunch was via room service. It was a bit disturbing when we were asked if we were isolated. Of course, the answer was heavens, no. Obviously, some people are sick, but how many? So when the waiter arrived with our food, we could not help but ask him if many folks are currently sick. Hesitating at first, he admitted that there are many ill people. From exactly what, we don't know, nor has anything come close to being announced. All we know is that we need to be more cautious with hand-washing and using sanitizer. Avoiding crowds is also a good idea.
Captain Paul did his usual talk after 12pm, but this time he added his condolences for any guests who had family and friends in Israel during this sudden attack. The N. Statendam just happened to be in Ashdod the day before, but it has been reported that the ship had left and all was well. We spent a better part of the afternoon glued to the TV. On a positive note, the Captain said to be sure to watch for whales tomorrow upon entering the port in Hilo. Many years ago, we did see the spouts on the horizon, but that was in January.
Around 4pm, we went to the Ocean Bar to listen to the music of the pianist, which led to the Ballroom Dance Hour. We get a kick out of the dance couples enjoying the music as well. Friends Rosie and Randy happened along, and we spent some nice time chatting.
By 6pm, we headed back to the room for a cocktail while watching what there was of a sunset. Watching the bow channel on TV, we noticed a few more folks have discovered the secret spot for viewing the west-setting sun…..deck six forward.
It was the dining room for dinner with starters of a quesadilla and an egg wrap without hoisin sauce, which may have contained oyster sauce. Our waiter had them substitute the sweet and sour red sauce we love. Mains were one pork Weiner schnitzel and a rigatoni dish with chicken meatballs…..the closest to the beef meatballs one of us has been craving. Naturally, the meatballs and spaghetti entree was last night's dinner and we were in the Pinnacle Grill. Both mains were quite good. Dessert was a chocolate sundae and frozen vanilla yogurt, both of which came with the triangle cookie. Wonder where they have been hiding these?
The clocks went back one hour tonight to be on Hawaii time. Land ho….here we come.
Bill & Mary Ann
