Last night we think the swells got even worse, which was confirmed today when Captain Frank said we had 12 foot seas and gale force winds of 35 mph. It was cooler as well with temps in the 60's….even lower with the wind chill. Despite it all, we still got outside for our morning walk. The teak lounges were mostly empty of guests today. Actually, the starboard side was pretty wet from the spray off of the waves.
Normally we take a ride up to deck nine to sit in the sun, which was not out at all today. So it worked out well when we saw Greg and Rene, the spa manager, having a breaktime in the Lido. Better to talk here than out in the blowing wind. Greg brought us up to date with the Fun Fair from last night saying it was good for snacks, drinks of beer, wine, or soda, and lots of loud noise. They did not last too long, and neither did another couple who picked up glasses of wine and headed to the Rolling Stones Lounge instead. Now we know why this event was held while the ship was docked. With high seas and blasting winds, it would have been impossible to play those games very well.
Today was the presentation with Gus Antorcha in the World Stage at 2pm. Among other things promoting the company, he announced the Grand World Voyage for 2026. It will be on the Volendam and will do a westbound itinerary. We will give the details when we get the new flyer. The Q&A lasted almost two hours with Gus answering most questions the best he could. It was more or less a repeat of last year's grilling, with about the same results. There were some questions that Gus did not know the details, such as perks that entice the guests to book certain cruises. Or the reason behind the 200% fee for booking a room for one. We all understand that, but the single folks did not like the answer. One announcement made total sense to us and that there will not be two grand world voyages offered at the same time again like they are doing now and next year. Even by adding the New Zealand/Australia cruise this year divided our group in half. Filling the ships to capacity was not in the cards.
Tonight was the special President's Club Reception and Dinner beginning at 5:30pm in the Rolling Stones Lounge. Sailing onboard this trip are 26 members, with another 12 guests being inducted. We were greeted and seated with friends Pauline and Mike, then joined by Jan who we have known for many years. Drinks of our choice were offered as well as some pretty fancy hors oeuvres. Then with a couple of short speeches, the new inductees were called up one or two at a time with the Captain, Henk, and Gus. They had their photos taken and by 6:30pm, we were ready to be seated in the Pinnacle Grill for a fine meal. But first we had a group photo taken with the entire group.
Each table in the center section of the Pinnacle Grill was used. Everyone had a place marker and a host. We were seated with the Chief Engineer, Pedro, a nice fellow from the Netherlands. Although we had not met him, he was also on the Volendam last fall while we sailed Alaska and the Tales of the South Pacific. Small world. Anyway our meal was off to a good start with a poached lobster salad or a lemon mascarpone risotto. A very tangy almost bitter palate cleanser of orange spritz granita had us ready for the main course. All three of us ordered the slow roasted black angus beef tenderloin with a cherry puree. Potato crisps, whipped parsnip and truffle gravy accompanied the meat. Something light purple was on the plate, which we deducted was two tiny macaroon cookies with a duck foie gras in the center. Different, it went well with the meat. And very rich. The other main choice was seared black cod with fingerling potatoes, a tomato concasse with tomato oil. Not huge portions, it was most filling. But the best was yet to arrive. It was the dessert of Basque cheesecake with strawberry ice cream, brandy snap, and assorted berries. Our waiter promised the dessert had no calories. We wish…… Served with the meal were wines – one white wine from Napa and the red from Italy. Only our host indulged. The evening ended by 9pm where we all lined up to thank the staff for such a fine evening.
There was a show with the singers and dancers in the World Stage but somehow we doubt there will be dancing with the ship rolling as it was. By the way, we intermittently lost the TV reception today. Why we are not sure. Even the Chief Engineer did not know, but promised to check into it. At least the TV was working when we got back to our room, and we watched a good movie with Keanu Reeves on the Prime channel. The only other option was tuning into one of the recorded movies. That was another complaint at the Q&A today. The movies we get in our room are numerous, but very old. The answer by Gus was - we will look into it. And maybe he will.
Another day at sea, then we will be in Tokyo.
Bill & Mary Ann
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