Our first full day at sea began early this morning with breakfast in the Pinnacle Grill Restaurant. As President's Club members, we have the option of dining in the Pinnacle Grill along with the folks in the Pinnacle and Neptune Suites. Last year, we were told there were too many of us President's Club members, and breakfast for us would be in the upper dining room. At first, we all resented being separated like that, but, in the long run, we had the best waiters ever and a small group of 12 or so people we knew. Breakfast in the dining room and Pinnacle Grill begins at 7:30am every day now. Whether we are at sea or in port, the time will remain the same. Easy to remember. As always, the food and service were excellent, as was the company of many friends.
With only half of the unpacking done, we spent the majority of the day unloading the rest of the suitcases. We had read on Cruise Critic that a stack of four drawers with wooden tops could be delivered to our rooms, giving us more space for our stuff. So we asked our room steward for one, and he brought it in a few minutes. It fit perfectly in that extra space by the veranda door. The wall in this area was good for hanging two shoe bags, a large clock, and the world map we brought from home. When our room attendant stopped by again, he said it looked like we had room for two more. Maybe he was kidding, but we said, yes, we sure do. He disappeared down the hall and came back with two more sets of drawers. Now we have ample space for purses, camera equipment, t-shirts, extra bags of nuts, and so much more. We were sure that these drawers would be gone already, but it did pay to ask.
Setting up the plug strips for the desk area took some time getting it just right. Now we have plenty of plugs for batteries, the computer, electric toothbrush charging, a waterpik, and a hair dryer.
Then we heard the ship's noontime horn blasting. Captain Frank always did this every sea day, a tradition for most vessels. During his talk, Captain Frank mentioned that we had a few brown boobies following along with us. These high-diving birds are fun to watch as they chase after the flying fish, their favorite food. Naturally, we took some time to go out on the veranda and get some good pictures. It was also a good excuse to try out those lounge chairs for a spell. Something tells us that we are going to spend lot of time outside here in the days to come. So far, the weather has remained on the cooler side, but that suits us fine. It has been smooth sailing and fair seas to this point.
It took forever to unpack all of the little things that went in the shoe bags, but once done, everything we need can be seen on the wall. Several hooks were placed here and there for the calendar, lightweight jackets, the two week planner and a spot for the daily newsletter called The Daily. Then we tackled the dowels and magnets for against the ceiling shirt hanging. It has been appropriately named "Piccadilly Circus" thanks to our friend Greg. Now these forty or so shirts are not crowded in the closets and add a lot of color to our room. The real trick was obtaining black felt hangers that are so much better to use than the heavy wooden ones. And nothing slips off of them. We began with 50, and later asked for 30 more. That should do the trick with the rest of the clothing that did not get hung today. Another big job for one of us is the jewelry distribution in a mini- jewelry bag and using hangers hung from magnets for necklaces. That can also wait until tomorrow.
There were dozens of activities happening all day, but we only had time for a room service lunch break, followed by a 4pm Block Party. This was fun as we all grabbed our champagne flutes and went out in the hall to meet our neighbors. Complimentary red & white wines and sparkling wine was served by our room attendants, and trays of salsa, olives, a nut mix, and tortilla chips were offered to us as we chatted. Officers including the Captain, his wife, and Henk and Crystal walked down each hallway, deck by deck greeting all of us that had gathered in the elevator lobbies. The drinks and food continued for a full hour with more visits from key staff members. The main conversation revolved around this Brazil debacle. Everyone had a different story of being stalled or rejected. We are still waiting, and really doubt that are any officials onboard doing anything to speed up the process. Later in the evening, we all would have a very nice surprise concerning these visas.
Dinnertime came quickly and we dressed up a bit and headed for the upper dining room. Remember the mix-up with our table assignment last night? Well today we had a call from Presty who came through with the good news that table #66 was ours for the entire voyage. He thanked us for our patience last night and made good on his promise to grant our request from last summer no less. We met our new waiters and they seem really nice. Our mains of parmesan-coated veal loin were excellent served with creamy polenta, but he added mashed potatoes as well. And the best part was both plates were hot as could be. And we didn't have to request it. With our table being situated close to the kitchen, our food has always been served very hot without a long wait time between courses. Yes, this is going to work out just fine.
Just as we finished a small slice of carrot cake, Bob and Martha came for a visit and delivered some really good news. They had just gotten an email from our travel agency CEO saying that Brazil had agreed to delay the visa requirement to April 10, 2024. HAL will send us all a message tomorrow we suspect. As far as our visas go, we may still be getting them, as we have not heard from the visa service yet. Or they may be voided due to this situation. Time will tell, but now all of that pressure and worry is gone.
More good news was that our laundry had come back this evening after turning it in this morning. Can't ask for more than that. And it was accompanied with a personal note thanking us for sending them the laundry. One thing we did not like was having to turn the clocks ahead one hour to be on Tobago time in a few days. Eventually, we will get that hour back, and many more as we eventually head west.
So much for a very busy and eventful day.
Bill & Mary Ann
