Wow, this will be almost the final report. Where has the time gone? The dining room was closed once again for both breakfast and lunch, since the other half of the guests were invited to the second Mariner's Appreciation Lunch. At least on this longer cruise, no one was left out. Yesterday, we had received regular-sized tiles with the 150th year Anniversary on them. We thought that was strange since this was a Legendary Voyage and we should have gotten different tiles. Before we had a chance to ask about this, two larger tiles were left on our bed, compliments of the Captain and Hotel Manager. One of these fine days, we will have to count the number of tiles we have. Currently, they fill a dresser. And weigh a ton.
On our way to the Pinnacle Grill for breakfast, we came across a full-size towel animal in the elevator lobby. Always gets a laugh from both of us. But wait….there was more. He was one of many, as we saw several towel creations of all sizes around the front desk, then in every elevator lobby. The gremlins were quite busy last night. We figured this was a great idea, as opposed to putting them all in the Lido Pool area.
Many activities took place today such as the Zaandam Crew Show. It is no longer just the Filipino or Indonesian show. Everyone gets a chance at showing off their special talent. Of course there were many sales in the Shops, but it is seldom what we are looking at. One exception was the Larimar collection which was 50% off. The Jackpot Bingo was over $2300 with an added chance to win a cruise lottery. This used to be a major event on the cruise ships like 30 years ago. We never won, but did sit next to a couple who did. The elderly lady sitting next to me had failed to mark one of the numbers called. She actually had them all, but did not know until we pointed it out to her. And the cruise director was moments away from calling the next number, when she yelled BINGO. So glad we had helped in this case.
We learned something we need to remember with booking back-to-back cruises. As President's Club members, we get 2 bottles of sparkling wine with each 7 day cruise. On the Tales of the South Pacific, we received more bottles. In 77 days, we consumed one bottle. What we failed to remember was that we should have exchanged the bottles of wine for scotch or whiskey but do it early on so we have time to enjoy it. That goes for the Coke Zero as well. We had a case left. So we made a visit to the Food and Beverage folks this morning, and they gladly said they would take it back and give us a shipboard "have-to-spend" credit. They even came right away and took it from our room. Then we got a call from our Mariner rep, who said we had to use it or lose it. Seattle would not give credit on a "gift". With that, we asked for them to return the bottles and Coke, so we could donate it to our room stewards. And it made our day since our fellows were quite happy to take it.
The Captain's update at noon informed us all that we were 490 nautical miles from the Mexican Peninsula with 710 nautical miles to go to San Diego. We have traveled a total of 2000 nautical miles from Nuku Hiva. He was keeping the ship at 16.7 knots and the seas were calmer. We still had 22 -25 knot winds with some swells and temps at 70 degrees with partly cloudy skies with an occasional drizzle. There was not a lot of warmth in the sun, an indication we are rapidly traveling north now. The Captain added that tomorrow the swells may be up to 3.7 meters with 25 knot winds – typical of the long swells along the California coast this time of year. We believe we heard him say – sorry about that. Funny…..
So the rest of the day was set aside for packing. Half of the suitcases are done and weighed in less than 50#. Or at least close to it since the ship is still rocking and rolling, but not as bad as yesterday. Two more to pack tomorrow and we will be done. We took a break for our Lido lunch and realized through half of it, we had missed the Crew Show. Maybe it will be televised later.
"Dressy" was tonight's suggested attire, although that description can be taken many different ways. We saw a few men in suits, sports coats, or long sleeve shirts with ties or no ties. Then there are some that put on their best t-shirt. The ladies seem to like dressing up a notch, and considering that this is an older crowd compared to the Alaska runs, people tend to be a little more dressy. The menu was Gala with the usual suspects…..escargots, surf and turf, and shrimp cocktails with the best red sauce. We each had one of those. Then it was the everyday Caesar salad and a bowl of the chicken noodle soup, although it was not on the menu, Sarif knows one of us likes it and anticipates the order. Entrees were one oven roasted chicken with veggies and the other was the everyday sirloin steak with French fries to share. These steaks have been better than we have eaten on past cruises….tender and tasty and not too big. Desserts were one hot fudge sundae (hold the marshmallows) and one watermelon sorbet without the seeds (Sarif said so).
Most of the diners left to go to the last Zaandam Rep Co. musical at 9pm. They promised a perfect blend of pop classics and ballads, but no dancing. It was still rocking and rolling enough and it would not have been safe for the performers.
So much for day five at sea. One more to go…….
Bill & Mary Ann
