The Zaandam did a bit of rocking and rolling through the evening once we hit more open waters heading north. The skies were very overcast and the temperature was about 55 degrees at 10am. The winds felt like a following wind to us at 8 mph but did increase to 19.6 mph and higher later in the day. Gone were the blue skies we had in Vancouver yesterday. But things can change on a dime, and fall is in the air.
Breakfast at 8am found a few of us present, with more new folks to follow. Cynthia, the guest services manager, and a person we have known for many years, came for a chat. She had been the first person we called yesterday for help with the missing items. We knew she had done her part with contacting the departments, but the message fell apart along the way. She apologized, and we filled her in with yesterday's activities later in the day. We reassured her that once Vikas from housekeeping got involved, everything fell into place and more. Not surprised, she said he is a very competent officer and capable of taking charge. Cynthia will be leaving the ship in San Diego, along with many other key people. We will miss her as well as many key people that have been so nice.
From our room, we did keep an eye out for whale sightings but saw none. Even though it remained a dark dismal day outside, many activities kept the folks busy. Several promotions were happening in the Shops, of course, and there was a Polar Bear Plunge at the Sea View Pool. We did see some younger kids do the plunge, but they were inside drying off immediately. Obviously, we are not in the Caribbean. There appears to be a handful of kids and some teens, but they appear to be well-behaved…..so far.
We were invited to another wine tasting but did not attend. And once again, we had the option of adding the "Have It All" package to our 7 day voyage with the deadline being tonight at 9pm. Still not interested. The last chance to be part of the Alaska Shopping Show would be on this cruise. It is sponsored by Effy, we think, and those who attend each and every talk will receive a token charm.
Then today at noon, we had a knock on our door with a huge bouquet of flowers, a large basket of assorted fruit, and more canapies and sweets. This was sent by Leonie, the hotel manager, an apology for yesterday's mistakes. We went directly to her office and thanked her and she said there had been a meeting of all the departments involved with the mistakes and made sure they were all on the same page. What more can we ask?
We did get in a good walk on the promenade deck, then later around 3pm, we had salads and a sandwich & pizza in the Lido. Both the Lido and Lido pool area were full of folks relaxing, which is a good way to prepare for three days of ports coming up. At least we hope there are three and nothing gets cancelled like last week's stop in Ketchikan.
The TV reception has been spotty, although some of the programming has been coming through. We have given up trying to figure out why this is so different from last year.
"Dressy" was the suggested attire for dinner this evening. Last night, the section of the dining room where we eat was pretty full of guests. Tonight many tables were empty. Perhaps they were in the Canaletto, Lido, or Pinnacle Grill. Or……they were seasick. Have to admit, one of us was feeling a bit queasy and it hit suddenly. The best thing to do is take a meclizine and eat something. It works every time. We had been busy working online and doing some hand sewing in our room. When you are sitting, the motion is not noticeable until you get up to walk. And the higher the decks you go, the more you sway. Some people take it with ease, but others do not.
Anyway, our meals started with French onion soup, Caesar salad, and a seafood cocktail. Rack of lamb was good as was the oxtail with Rotella pasta served nice and hot. Desserts were one scoop of vanilla ice cream and watermelon. Our waiters reminded us that the clocks go back one hour, which we had already done. We sure appreciate the extra hour to sleep in a bit.
A new entertainer was on the stage tonight by the name of Norberto Janenson, a story-telling magician and mentalist. He is from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Interesting.
Keeping or fingers crossed that we see no rain tomorrow in Juneau.
Bill & Mary Ann
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