During the evening, the Zaandam experienced some pitching and rolling, which lasted well into the morning. We are heading basically west and not dropping south yet. Captain Smit explained in more detail about taking a route that is easier due to the swells and winds, etc. A bit over our heads, but it has to do with following the rhum line. We will be sailing six full sea days to arrive to Kona on the big island of Hawaii. And with that in mind, many Hawaiian activities began today such as kukui nut lei-making, ukulele lessons, learning the hula dance, and how to create tropical origami.
A new title for some daily activities is called Family Fun that includes meetups and coloring, playing ladder ball, and origami Hawaiian shirt-making. We have seen a few kids onboard, but then we don't get around to the areas where the kids may be.
At breakfast this morning, we had a visit from the new Mariner rep, Kumar. We met him on this year's world cruise when he assisted Michelle on the Zuiderdam. The new General Hotel Manager is Darren David Lewis, the very same manager we met on last year's "Tales" cruise. He joined the ship later in the cruise, when Glenn Cowley went home. So we doubt he remembers us from the one Pinnace Grill dinner we had with him, the Captain, and cruise director Daniel and one other President's Club member and his grandson. Before she left, Leonie mentioned that we can expect another dinner with the same officers and the other President's Club members onboard. In addition to that, we were informed there will be another couple getting their" pins on this cruise and there will be a ceremony.
We were busy at work in the room when Captain Smit came on with his sea day talk. He began by telling us we had 2000 more miles to reach Hawaii, and the temperature today was a comfortable 70 degrees with sea temps the same. The swell was about 5 feet, but it sure seemed more than that. He predicted warmer weather the further south we travel, and the clouds would clear up and we could see blue skies. He was right. We did not like hearing that the swells would increase, due to a system in the Gulf of Alaska. Sunset will be 7:02pm, and the sunrise will be 6:21am. The depth of the seas was 11,600 feet….well over our heads. Finally – the clocks will go back one hour this evening. That suits us just fine.
Dinner attire was "dressy" tonight, as we expected with the Captain's 15 minute toast at 7:15pm. Many guests are at dinner at that time, so the World Stage would not be full. In the "old" days, while on a grand voyage, this evening would be formal and a real party took place before each dinner time, early or late dining. Drinks of our choice were served along with fancy canapies. The officers would be introduced then the Captain would do the welcome toast with champagne or whatever you wished to drink. It lasted far longer than 15 minutes. Now we cannot recall how long ago this happened. All we know is that it has changed significantly.
Happy hour has begun with 50% off beverages under $11. It is only in the Crow's Nest and the Ocean Bar this evening from 4 to 5pm which targets the early diners. For those who Have-It-All drink package, the happy hour would not apply. We think this is happening on this ship now, but we are not sure. Will inquire tomorrow. Other packages are the Quench Package which gives you 15 beverages a day (non-alcoholic) for $18 per person and both guests sharing a room have to buy it. The Signature Package gives you 15 drinks under $11 for $61 per person per day. And the Elite Package give you 15 beverages under $15 for $66 per day per person.
Dinner was good this evening with a different menu than we had for the Alaska runs. Tonight we ordered the smoked chicken appetizer and a slab salad, a small version of the wedge salad in the Pinnacle Grill. Mains were the veal chop without the big bone and cooked like a beef roast. It was very tender and tasty. One of us did not care for the Brussel sprouts, so the green beans, rice pilaf, and pumpkin cubes were substituted. Mixing and matching is no problem with our waiter. Desserts were watermelon, like that is a surprise, and one chocolate cup with creamy chocolate mousse. Arsa from the Pinnacle Grill paid us a visit and we asked him if the breakfast time was printed correctly on tomorrow's Daily news letter. He did not seem aware that the sea day time had changed. Checking it, he came back and said yes, it was 7:30am and it may have something to do with changing the clocks. Whatever the reason, we will be on time as we don't want to chance losing our table by the entrance.
Four friends from previous cruises have joined the ship in San Diego. We chatted with one couple that we keep in touch with, and finally met up with the other two this evening. It seems like just yesterday we sailed on a world cruise with two of them, but it has been 6 years. We all agreed it was great to be back sailing.
We sure hope the seas calm down a bit as the rolling and pitching makes walking a little more difficult. Guess it could be worse…..
Bill & Mary Ann