Our third day at sea began with even smoother seas and continuing balmy temperatures and high humidity. Looking out the window during breakfast, the sea took on the look of silk floating in the breeze. We're almost afraid of saying this because it may jinx it. Guess what? It did.
We have also been seeing more and more of an algae-like greenery in the waters ever since we left Cape Verde. Not sure if it is a type of kelp, but it seems to be getting thicker and larger in size. Usually, we are transiting the Atlantic from further north, such as from the Azores or Funchal, and we don't recall seeing this algae as the waters have to be cooler there. In addition, we never remember having a crossing being so smooth or warm. Normally, we would be bouncing off of the walls trying to pack. But we are certainly not complaining about that.
During breakfast, there was a surprise announcement from Kimberly saying that some animals had escaped from a zoo and they were filling up the Lido Poolside. In the back round, she was playing "A Lion Sleeps Tonight", a blast from the past. Of course, we had to go get the camera and take some photos before the critters were rounded up by 9am. Last night between 11pm and 12am, the room attendants got together and provided the most creative towel animals we have seen so far. There were the usual suspects of monkeys, elephants, turtles, birds, and sea critters. Then the guys had made life-size crew members sitting in chairs or even in a wheelchair. Not sure everyone thought that to be amusing. Even the pink, green, yellow, and blue cleaning cloths were made into little lemmings. All-in-all, there were hundreds of escapees from the zoo. Good work room stewards!
Today was one of presents. The first ones arrived early with the HAL Sailing 150 Years tiles. No ship design or date was on them. Although it is really 151 years, these are from last year. Later in the day, we were given the commemorative plates for the 2024 Grand World Voyage. We had been told that these plates were small, but we did not expect them to be that small. They are 6 inches in diameter and do not have an itinerary on them. Remember the movie, "Honey I Shrunk The Kids"? Well we feel that has occurred with these final gifts. Way back in 2005, we were given platters, then it went to plates, some round, some oval, but always something with the actual itinerary on them. Due to changes in itineraries, not all of the plates were correct. One year, they put the wrong world cruise on them and replacements were mailed to us. Oh well, guess we should not look a gift horse in the mouth so to speak. They will be easier to pack.
Kimberly gave her last port talk on San Juan, Puerto Rico. This will be an unusual port stop because we are not due to arrive until 3pm. The Captain said he is striving to get us there at least an hour earlier. The number one priority will be doing the customs and immigrations clearing with the local officials. This will occur onshore we understand. This will be a "zero count" meaning that every person including crew has to attend before anyone is allowed back on the ship. Usually this is done in Ft. Lauderdale, but since Puerto Rico is considered part of the USA, we can get this process out of the way. It will make debarking in Florida a whole lot easier.
The photo contest ended today and three photos were picked for each category. This was a plus for the photo department because many folks stopped and checked out the numerous entries. We are sure that they sold more of the pictures that have been displayed for weeks. We are not sure how these entries will be voted on or by who.
The Crow's Nest was closed from 3 to 6pm once again to accommodate another Mariner Reward Event. This must have been the last of the three sessions they did over the last sea days. There used to be one last cocktail party where the awardees were all recognized in front of the World Stage receiving their medals and having a photo taken. It was a one night event prior to each dining venue – early or late. Like many things, that has changed.
We did our usual walk, then went to the Seaview Pool to find the lounges about empty. The sun was out and it was great sitting outside talking to Greg for a while. We did notice that some clouds were forming on the horizon. By 6pm, it was totally cloudy and it rained. The sea got rougher, the winds were higher, and we had some good downpours. Part of the starboard promenade deck was even flooded. So much for the totally smooth crossing. Also, Kimberly mentioned that there may be thunderstorms in San Juan. Sure hope not. Thinking on the positive side, we packed the umbrellas and have no idea which suitcase they are in. We do have the orange umbrellas in our closet, but they are quite large, so we never used them.
Today was the final day for turning the laundry in and it had to be out by 12pm. For the very first time on this trip, we did not get our last laundry back the same day, not that we expected that. But as of tonight, we still have not seen it. Of course, a needed sweatshirt was turned in to be cleaned, and everything else warm is packed. We are sure they are over-whelmed in the laundry department.
Tonight's dinner was the final formal, although there are still some folks that do not comply. Their excuse is probably that they packed all of their nice clothes. We stuck to the dress code, and everyone around us did the same. Appetizers were shrimp cocktails, a Caesar salad, and one a hot bowl of tasty tomato soup. Mains were rack of lamb….about the best we have eaten so far in the dining room. They were even more tender and juicy than what we get in the Pinnacle Grill when we order the lamb chops. Desserts were one panna cotta, and one glass of vanilla ice cream with a warm fudge sauce.
Good news, we think, the clocks went back another hour. No matter which way the clocks go, it still leaves us all tired. More so when it is done almost every other day. We still have another hour to go back before we get to Puerto Rico on Wednesday. We'll be walking zombies by then.
Bill & Mary Ann
