After such a busy week in French Polynesia, we were more than happy for a day at sea. That is what we call port intensive, like the first time we flew to Europe for a 10 day cruise. By the time we adjusted to the clock change, we were heading back. With only two sea days, it was one big city after another, where we took tours in every single one. We came home exhausted. Longer cruises are the way to go as far as we are concerned.
The weather today was about perfect. There were a few clouds in the morning, and eventually, the skies turned blue with lots of sun. We may be dreaming, but we both agreed that it was far less humid even with the temperature staying at a steady 80 degrees.
Captain Smit gave his noontime talk and repeated most of what we just wrote. He said tomorrow's forecast for our stop in the Marquesas might be cloudy with showers. He seemed a bit concerned about the 25 mph winds and some swells, but we do know that the ship will be in a fairly sheltered bay. That should make tendering possible. In all of the times we have stopped in Nuku Hiva, we have never missed it due to inclement weather. It will be our final stop of this trip, so we are sure every effort will be made to make it a successful day.
Our day was spent mostly catching up on photos and reports as usual. For some reason, the internet has been slowing down for the last week. Today was the slowest, but it may be due to our location. We always thought that the new Starlink system was capable of keeping the speed at a good rate no matter where we are located.
Shipboard activities went on as usual and included a talk with Captain Smit with a Q&A session. There was a "Sunday" brunch, but the Pinnacle Grill was fuller than ever at 8am. We also saw more room service activity this morning as well. However, we sure wish the folks would not put the dirty trays outside their room on the floor. They become a tripping hazard and a blockage for the guests using walkers or wheelchairs. Questions about Nuku Hiva, our next port, was held at 3pm, because there was a Legendary Ball this evening in the World Stage beginning at 6:30 to 11pm. Really? We have never seen such long hours for this event before.
There was lettuce back in the Lido this afternoon. We enjoyed our usual custom-made salads by Samuel, the friendly Lido salad server. We usually add a couple of slices of pizza, and most times they are good. Today they were slightly warm at best. Maybe the hot tray was not working properly.
There was also a very nice sunset tonight since the skies were mostly clear of the heavy clouds. We were able to film it right from our room because we are basically heading northeast now. Dinner was "dressy" once again, and the menu had the usual "formal" items like shrimp cocktails, escargots, surf and turf, and lemon garlic shrimp. This group of guests seem to like dressing up for a change. We ordered one Caesar salad and a bowl of chicken soup that I thought our waiter said had chicken feet. Yuck….really? He had a good laugh over that one, but he repeated that it was chicken meat as in a meatball. You never know because in some parts of the world, chicken and duck feet are consumed. Our entrees were one lamb cutlet (chops) plate and one alternate steak with fries. The steak was thin, but tender and tasty. Only one of us had dessert - a scoop of orange sorbet.
There was no show due to the Ball, but there was a movie in the Wajang…..Plane.
Looking forward to our last visit tomorrow, since we will be at sea for 6 days after that,
Bill & Mary Ann
