Day # 4 at sea found us busy packing. We had intended to fill a couple of suitcases at a time, but once we hauled the bags out from under the bed, it was just as easy filling all nine of them with most of the stuff. We have one of the larger couches that makes into a bed for a third guest. We dropped it flat and all of the luggage fit conveniently on it. This time we will put them out all at once and not a few at a time. Not that it will guarantee they stay together, but they will have a better chance of arriving to our home. Last year, we were encouraged to put them out in the hallway a couple at a time. We even began a day or two before the final evening. And as you all know, we lost two pieces of luggage forever.
Captain Frank tooted the noon horn, and came on minutes later with his daily at sea talk. He was happy to report that the skies were partly sunny with some clouds. The temperature was a balmy 73 degrees with light winds. The sea state presented us with 3-to-5-foot swells, so we did have some rolling, but nothing like we had the last several days. It seems the worst is over. He predicted that tomorrow will be much the same, except the seas may reach 7 feet with the swells. It will be cloudy later in the afternoon with possible rain showers.
Then he added a very complicated explanation of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, an underwater mountain range that we are crossing over. It was discovered in the 1950's and consists of active volcanoes. It is considered one of the most fascinating geological features on earth.
And for the first time in weeks, we began seeing flying fish. As the temperature of the water has increased, we guess that is what makes the difference with the presence of these amusing little critters. Lucky for them, the birds are not here….yet.
Taking a break for lunch, one of us went up to the Lido and had two simple sandwiches made and brought them back to the room. We had started to watch a movie and did not want to leave.
Lots of activities continuing around the ship, but we noticed that most venues were not filled. We bet most of the passengers stayed inside like us, and packed, especially those of us that have been on the full trip.
We did take a walk on the promenade deck around 6pm. There were two people resting on the lounges by then. And the deck crew was picking up the chairs and cushions as they do every night about this time. On the way back to our room, we made a stop at the jewelry shop to pick up the guarantee information for the Effy pieces we purchased yesterday. It did not surprise us that the paperwork was not done yet. It never is when you go to pick it up. Of course, while you are waiting for them to find it, they want to show you more items that might interest us. And we should mention here that if you are serious about purchasing anything in this shop, be sure to do your online homework prior to looking or buying. That is the only way to get the fair price, since what is marked on all of the jewelry is highly inflated. And remember this – everything seems to be negotiable. So we were advised to wait until they call us to pick up the final paperwork.
Dinnertime had some good choices such as a beef soup and a different type of salad. One of us had the everyday Caesar salad and the shrimp cocktail. One thing we can say for certain is that the shrimp cocktail has been good and has been on the menu about every single day. The entrees we chose were one beef brisket with creamy mashed potatoes, and one chicken parmigiana with spaghetti and broccoli. They have been offering many "comfort" type meals, which we really enjoy. There wasn't a smidgen of room for any dessert for either of us.
There was no time change tonight.
Two more sea days, and we will be in San Juan, Puerto Rico. We would also like to thank everyone for your nice comments. Yes, not everything is rainbows and butterflies all of the time, unless you are living in "La La Land". Years ago, we had a lovely retired business woman as our tablemate on a world voyage. She came up with that description of these longer cruises, and she was so right. Life onboard can be like living a dream until reality hits and you have to pack and go back to "real life". We enjoy both worlds.
Bill & Mary Ann
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