Today began with our usual breakfast, which we enjoy more than an early lunch in the dining room. So with today being near the end of the second segment of this world cruise, there was the Mariner Recognition Event in the World Stage. This was aimed at the group that had done the second segment of the cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to Sydney, a 61 day sailing.
It began at 9:45am this time, and we were requested to enter the port side of the lounge as President's Club members. There was a reserved section in the center front for the 40 of us. We had the string trio playing back round music while beverages were served from juices to mimosas and wines. Having these ceremonies at this time of day, no food is served, which was fine with us. All of us did have small jars of peanuts on the little tables.
Two crew members had the honors of singing songs with the resident piano man, followed by Captain Rens and hotel director Florin entering the room. Erin began the show by calling each medallion awardee to have their medals placed around their necks and have a photo taken. Both of the officers hammed it up a bit like the first ceremony, but perhaps not quite so much as rolling on the floor. They do enjoy getting the laughs from the audience. Once the new honorees were completed, Erin called each President's Club member up for a photo, once again announcing the number of days each of us had. Once again, no one topped us this time.
The finale was a duet by Josh, the travel guide and Clare, the assistant cruise director who sang a sweet song. Professional is the right word for it and appreciated by all. Then some of the crew members came on the stage from every department. They got a standing ovation which was well-deserved. As we discovered at the last ceremony, this would suffice for the night time farewell in the dining room. We never did care for the flying crumbs of the napkin-waving.
Lunch followed in the main dining room, but we did not attend. Maybe we will go next time, or not. The rest of the afternoon was spent catching up with the disappearing photo files and writing reports. Around 5pm, we had a phone call, but no message. That prompted one of us to check the passport distribution letter we got a few days ago. I thought it said March 6th tomorrow. But it was March 5th and our time for passport pick-up was 3:15 to 4pm. Obviously, we missed it. Bringing the passport receipts we had been given made the process quicker. Many other people had done the same thing but failed to produce the receipts. No problem, they had to fill out new ones. I did find out that Australian money will be sold on the ship.
Dinner was good with Cobb salads with beef tenderloin sliced thin…better than Pinnacle quality. Crispy bacon was on the salad too. This would have been ample for our meal, but we did order one entrée with sesame seed covered lamb chops and one everyday chicken dinner. No dessert…..no room.
The entertainer for this evening was instrumentalist Roy Theaker with Around the World on 4 Strings. And the clocks went back one more hour to be on the correct time for Sydney.
One more sea day with some rocking and rolling, and we will be in Australia.
Bill & Mary Ann
