This morning we all had a notice that tomorrow we will need to pick up our passports between 9 and 9:30am. They have figured out a way that really makes it easy. Desks will be set up in each center elevator landing on all room decks, except those who are on deck 10. They will go to deck 8. Starting at 9am, even number rooms will be called, then at 9:30am, the odd numbers will go. We'll have to dig up those passport receipts we got on day one, although most times they are not required. The actual face to passport inspection will take place when we arrive to Kona.
The highlight of today was the Great Gatsby Soiree, a Roaring 20's celebration, which really was well before our time. Everyone would be invited to cut a rug or put on the Ritz wearing flapper dresses and dapper suits. And yes, we did see a few folks dressed for the occasion. This would take place in the Lido Poolside, but not until 8:30pm and last until 10:30pm. A speakeasy party would follow in the Crow's Nest, although we are not sure how many guests would make it up that late.
It was another easy day for us, doing our regular routine. We always make it a point to get out twice a day and walk a couple of miles no matter the weather or the rolling seas. Today the swells were significant, but then subsided later in the afternoon.
It was a better time for most folks to go to lectures, one of which was with Captain Frank….a question/answer session. All things Hawaii have continued all throughout the day including tour participation. Shop sales were offered, but we are sure these are the every day specials. And it was no surprise that the 3pm movie in the World Stage was The Great Gatsby. We keep forgetting that popcorn is available ½ hour before showtime. Today the movie was repeated at 7 and 9:30pm, since there was no entertainment tonight.
Maybe it's just us, but we found the menu for tonight's Formal dinner to be lack-luster. Normally there are set items such as pate, escargots, or even caviar. Remember the days when caviar was always offered? And as much as you wished? As good as it gets has to be the nice jumbo shrimp (4) with cocktail sauce, which is now an everyday item. The entrees were mostly a mystery. Not the normal surf and turf, there was a lamb cutlet, which was a mystery since we have never seen that on any menu. Turned out to be lamb chops (rare as can be) with a different sauce and a beet puree on top. Our other entrée was a vegetarian choice with sliced polenta rectangles, more suitable for an appetizer. For a change we ordered desserts of lemon custard in a filo dough shell. A nice lady sitting across from us had a birthday, and she shared small pieces of her birthday mousse cake with us and another couple. It was far better than the lemon dessert. With the usual suspects missing on the menu tonight, we have a feeling that the cooks are running out of food. Our head waiter, Hazel, confirmed it. Perhaps after Hawaii, we will begin to see more of the normal offerings come back.
Once again, the clocks went back one hour tonight. A good thing for those who made it to the Soiree this evening.
Bill & Mary Ann
