The Zaandam did in fact spend the night at anchor in the sheltered waters of the bay in Vava'u, Tonga. As we explained yesterday, a passenger was in need of a medical evacuation, but that could not be arranged until today. Since we were slated to spend the majority of the day here, many of us questioned why we could not go ashore and make better use of the day. We never did get an answer on that question, but we suppose there were good reasons not to let us loose on shore. For one thing, we had already put our clocks forward one hour, and that would not be the same time as Tonga time. Other reasons could be related to insurance coverage on the ship's tours, which might have not covered a second day in port. And using the tender boats would have cost the company money. So everyone stayed on the ship, like it or not.
Captain Smit came on around noontime with his talk. They had arranged for a jet to take the ill patient to a hospital in Australia we think. It would not arrive until 3 or 4pm at the local airport. So this day that was supposed to be a sea day, was spent here. The Captain promised that we have sufficient time to arrive at the next port in the Cook Islands on schedule despite the delay. He estimated that the ship would depart Vava'u around 5pm.
We kept busy as we always do, and the ship's staff had a day full of regular activities. Lunch for us was in the Lido with salads and sandwiches. There was an ice cream social in the Lido Dome at 2pm, but we passed on it. Then the Captain came back on with an update after 4pm. It seems that the airplane was delayed due to the fact it needed to re-fuel along the route here. Now it was scheduled to arrive at the airport by 6pm. He figured the ship would be ready to depart by 7pm after the patient was brought to shore with the medical staff in a tender boat. They would escort the person to the airport and be sure they were well on their way before returning to the ship.
The bow was opened for a scenic sail away, which was a 5 mile slow sail out of the islands. However, that did not happen for two reasons. One was that the tender boat did not come back to the ship until closer to 7:30pm, and by then, it started to rain. We had turned on the bow camera channel on the TV and thought it sure looked like rain. No sooner did we say that, and people began to scatter. Oh well, so much for the scenic sail away. They could still watch from the promenade deck without getting very wet. The good news was that the patient arrived at the airport and was in stable condition. We wish the patient well and a speedy recovery. We came to the conclusion that the ill passenger may have been Australian, and that is why they were flown back there instead of somewhere closer. And we are certain they had very good travel insurance for the medical coverage.
Tonight we decided on a Pinnacle Grill dinner at 7:30pm. It was not crowded and we had the best service as always. Starters were wedge salads and a shared clothesline bacon. Tina had suggested to try the new Kalbi beef tacos for an additional appetizer. Good thing we shared it since it came with two meat-filled soft-shelled tacos. Really tasty as she promised. Our mains were one 8 ounce filet mignon and one pork belly, which was more than ample. This meal was way different than what is served in the dining room. Tender and juicy, the pork also had a seasoned crispy crust. It came with a side of red cabbage that may have been kimchee. We had ordered one French fry cone to share, but the waiter brought two. We did our best, but only finished one. There was barely enough room for a shared dessert of the chocolate brownie stroupwafel crisp with strawberries and whipped cream. A scoop of vanilla ice cream was on the side. No way could we consider the final serving of the three pretty little macaroons. Except for a table of officers, we were about the last diners to leave the room.
The World Stage hosted Sarah Moir, a violinist with a flair for a show that promised to please the crowd.
We will have three days at sea, heading east to the Cook Islands, arriving in Aitutaki on Saturday. Looking forward to it.
Bill & Mary Ann
