A mandatory full passenger emergency drill was ordered for all guests at 10:30am. We have gotten spoiled with the mini-drills in between the big one. It is still easy, but time-consuming, but it can make a difference in a real emergency. This would be the final full drill for the Captain, who will be leaving tomorrow.
One of us had a conflict with a doctor visit shortly before the drill. Knowing that a 15 minute re-check may turn into an hour of waiting, I went right after breakfast to the medical Center to ask if my time had been delayed or cancelled. As it turned out, the doctor was able to see me right then and there. I am happy to report that the healing is going well and the antibiotics have worked. And I can walk without pain, which is going to be a big help spending the next two days in Singapore. Having the use of their great mass rapid transit, we should get along fine.
The drill announcements began while one of us was walking the promenade at 10:15am. Erin, our cruise director came on the speakers with very detailed instructions about this drill. But do people actually listen? Apparently not, because many were already vying for spots on the promenade deck which was not allowed. All of the guests are advised to go to their rooms and wait for further instructions. There are always some folks that are dazed and confused, but eventually they make their way to their tenderboat numbers.
One thing that was positive, was the fact we saw no one playing on their cell phones, which is not permitted. On past cruises, we have heard the officers tell these folks to put those things away. This is important and the drill may save their life one day. With everyone present and not blocking the promenade doors, the Captain came on and recited the drill procedures. By 11am the drill ended and Captain Rens bid farewell to everyone once again. We always wait at the railing until 90% of the guests have left the scene before attempting to go back to our room.
It was lemonade time at the Seaview Pool where Ramon appeared with two mugs of iced lemonade. Nice kid……he does not like spending much time in the direct sun or the wind as it messes with his hair. Honestly, he is really funny. Then one of our long time friends came back to chat, telling us all about her time on a private tour she arranged in Bali. She had done her homework while at home this summer and located a driver that was willing to take her around all day for $40 USD. Unbelievable, but she is a trusting soul and braved the tour on her own. If she had talked another friend in going, it would have been the same price. They made several beach stops, and places to shop and temples to see not too far from the ship. And she was most happy to tip him another $10, which he very much appreciated.
While at the marketplace yesterday, we inquired about a taxi ride to the nearest mall, and the price was $50 one way. We knew that was too much, and we certainly did not need to go to a mall. We were just price-shopping. Anyway, it pays to do tour homework online and know ahead of time what things should cost. Captain Rens came on with his last, but brief, talk and said there were 260 nautical miles to reach Singapore tomorrow morning. He did not include the pilot pick-up time, or the docking time. Or perhaps he still did not have that info. The bow should be opened at 7am, and weather-permitting, there will be Singapore rolls, which are the best part of the sail in. If we are lucky, Lelik will arrange to have some in the Pinnacle Grill at breakfast.
We had work to do, so we headed back to the room, stopping for more visiting on the way. Many of our buddies prefer the Lido for lunch and not the dining room as it is too early to eat at noontime for most. We accomplished a lot as well as spending some pleasant time on the veranda. It was also a good time to give "kudos" to all of the crew and staff that have been outstanding on this cruise so far. We did that by going on the navigator app and writing the details to send into the right department. We had a long list, but glad we sent it in because some of these nice folks are leaving tomorrow and we did not know it.
There was an Indonesian crew show at 1:30pm and the World Stage was busting at the seams. It is always a moving performance and the guests love it. There used to be a Filipino show, but they don't do that one anymore that we know of. Many of the Filipino crew that were in that show have left the cruise line.
It was also a day of promotions in the shops, casino, and photo departments. It will be the last chance for the guests that are leaving, and good for the rest of us.
Dinnertime had some good things to choose from. Starters were one bowl of Italian wedding soup, a Caesar salad, a crab salad and a steak taco with lime cilantro and salsa with avocados. The taco looked so good, two of them would have made a perfect entrée. When this appetizer is repeated, we might go that route. Main tonight were sweet and sour breaded shrimp with rice pilaf. Excellent and served piping hot. Dessert was one plate of slice pineapple and apple pie, a recipe from Captain Rens – believe it or not. All was good. Full again…..
A show in the World Stage was a violinist named Jocelyn NG, playing an electric violin no less with classical and rock melodies. Sure to please one and all.
We saw one suitcase in the hallway for tomorrow's debarking guests. They had been putting them out all afternoon. As for us, we will be looking forward to doing Singapore for the next two days.
Bill & Mary Ann
