The days are flying by rapidly now as we approach French Polynesia. Beginning tomorrow, we will be looking to seven consecutive days in port, a most busy time for all. So today was a kick-back one to get ready for a week of exploring.
We had hoped that the seas might have calmed down on our way east, but it appears that they have gotten even rougher. The ship has been maintaining a speed of 12 knots, but we still have a lot of pitching and rolling. We suspect that more than a few of the guests are seasick. There have been far fewer folks dining for breakfast in the Pinnacle Grill, which really is good for the rest of us regulars. Our coffee cups never go empty.
The winds increased as well, and the temperature was no higher than 75 degrees. When we woke up, our veranda was wet, even though it did not rain last night that we were aware of. The moisture was coming from the mist off of the waves and blowing like a fine rain on the portside. The promenade deck was soaked on the port side as well, so the folks in the Lanai rooms could not comfortably sit on their private lounges. We did at least a mile walk this morning but gave up. We could always come back later when there were fewer walkers. There seems to be a certain group early in the morning that treat the deck like it is "roller derby" time. Usually they are only good for a few laps around, then go inside by 10am when there is a lecture in the World Stage.
It was so windy at the Seaview Pool that the chairs were blowing over. Guess we could call the wind blustery, sending the empty lounges skittering across the deck. The umbrellas were tied up, so there was no fear of them falling over. We get a kick out of the guests that think they can eat lunch out there. In a short time, we could see lettuce and chips flying by us, sending the diners back inside. While we were sitting relaxing in the partly sunny and cloudy skies, Captain Paul appeared. It seems he was on deck nine, and came down to chat with one of our friends. He slowly made his way around the back deck, stopping to say hi to about everyone. He had just announced that tomorrow morning at 5am, he will be sailing close to Bora Bora, the long- ago cancelled island. At least we might be able to see it even if we are not allowed to anchor there this time. At least we hope to see it if the sun will be up by then. The island of Bora Bora is so close to Raiatea that it can be seen from that island, so it isn't that much out of the way. Apparently, many passengers asked the Captain if that could be done, since it was a huge disappointment that we were not allowed to go there because our numbers are over 1200 guests. And he kindly said OK. We asked which side of the ship would be on the dockside, and he said that was still being worked out with the local authorities. If it is allowed, we hope to be sailing on the way out in the shared lagoon between Raiatea and Taha'a, their neighboring island. It is quite scenic….so fingers crossed we do it.
On the way back to our room, we stopped off for Cannonball burgers at The Dive In Grill. There was no line, and the food was ready within 10 minutes tops. We have given up the fries, since we don't need the extra calories. Sitting on our veranda, we actually needed sweatshirts since the mist was still there keeping the floor wet. We do recall that last year when we visited Raiatea, it rained. It rained in every port off and on throughout French Polynesia. Just part of the experience and the luck of the draw.
Dinner time found the dining room spotty with customers. The anytime dining downstairs was almost empty, although the tables for two upstairs seem to get filled most evenings. It does not affect our dining service at all. But we did have a little mishap this evening when a full glass of ice water was spilled on one of us and the center of the table. You know how the glasses sweat? Well our most embarrassed waiter went to move a full glass, and it slipped. We felt bad for him since he must have apologized a hundred times. They used a bunch of napkins to sop up the water, which was mostly on the table and one of our laps. Thank goodness it was not red wine. That did happen a few years ago when a waitress spilled a whole tray of red wine glasses…… all over both of us and at a pre-cocktail party with the Captain at that time. That was far worse although we were both wearing black that night, since it was a dressy evening.
Anyway, we had Caesar salads, no anchovies, and mains of chicken cordon blu. There was a penne pasta entrée, so we asked for some of that on the side. It was a great combination. Desserts were a lemon meringue cheesecake and a plate of savory pineapple once again.
Have to turn in early this evening to get up at 5am…or least one of us will be up. The entertainment in the show lounge was a movie, The Descendants, which most folks have seen more than once we suspect.
Bill & Mary Ann
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