Today was one to kick back and try to relax after two busy days in our last port of Tianjin or Beijing for many. One thing for sure, we would not be spending any significant time on our veranda, as the temperature this morning was 38 degrees. We doubt it warmed up much more than that for the rest of the day. We did take a couple of long walks on the promenade deck, but there very few of us willing to brave the icy winds.
Mid- morning, we went to the Seaview Pool to see if we could find a table and chairs out of the wind and in what sun there was. We had our choice of everything out there since it was void of guests. Only the bartender was there with one waiter. Seeing that we were going to sit there for a bit, he came over and asked if we would like some hot chocolate. We had brought the last package of chocolate mix and shared the cup. Looking for more packets, we came up empty. But the waiter said he would go and look. Well he came back with two cups of boiling water and two different packets of mix. These were not from the Lido, so he may have had some in the bar area. Anyway, the drinks sure tasted good and warmed us up a bit.
It was time for the Captain's talk and he had some interesting things to say. On one hand, he remarked how happy he was to get us to Tianjin and Beijing for many of us to see the major sights. However, a big HOWEVER, we did not know what went on behind the scenes with our officers and staff and the local customs and immigration officials. He said that the procedures in Shanghai were much more professional as they dealt with older and more experienced officials. But here in Tianjin, the group was younger and more firm on protocol. He even admitted that they bordered on being rude at times. Wow….this must have been due to the late tours coming back as well as the big delay in our departure. Reading between the lines, the Captain said there were several complaints and negative comments from many guests and that was why he tried to address their dissatisfaction. He did sound like he was looking forward to our three days at sea as we head towards Hong Kong at a faster speed. Of course, he and his wife will be heading home and Captain Friso will be joining us for the remainder of the trip. We think that his partner Chantalle will also be onboard as a passenger, and not working as the future cruise consultant. They make a nice couple.
There was a lecture on Hong Kong delivered by Kimberly at 10am. At 2pm, we were still looking for it on TV. At least we have two more days to watch what we already know. Right now, we are concerned as to where we will dock and if there will be a shuttle bus to town.
Our big job of the day was filling out Hong Kong arrival and departure cards. They had to be signed and turned in at the front deck box by 5pm today. They provided a detailed sample of how to fill out the blank spaces, which is a big help. Sometimes the wording on the local forms can be confusing for many of us.
At 4pm, there was another Block Party, delayed from the day after Tokyo when it was cancelled. This time a photographer would be present to take group photos of the Captain, his wife, or other key staff and officers in each elevator lobby on the passenger decks. We happened to be watching a good movie when our time slot came at 4:16pm, so we missed it. This was a good attempt to boost the sales of photos though. In addition, the Shops were delayed in opening until 2:30pm due to Chinese regulations. Our guess was that we were not far enough away from the mainland to be in international waters. What we have always wondered was how would the Chinese government know what we were doing on the ship in regards to the shopping and casino?
Dinnertime was back in the dining room with a rather lack-luster menu. Even though we had a light lunch, we were not all that hungry. One of us had the arancini appetizer followed by Caesar salads. Our entrees were the veal piccata with spaghetti and a red tomato sauce. We had requested small portions, but they arrived heaping….enough for four people. There was only one dessert ordered and that was three slices of pineapple.
The Grand Voyage singers and dancers put on a show called "It Takes Two". Not sure how that will work since we are rocking and rolling a bit due to the higher speed we have to maintain to get to Hong Kong on time.
Bill & Mary Ann
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