The days are flying by as we head towards San Diego and the last of the segments. Captain Frank said his “goodbyes” to the group that is heading home tomorrow. It sure seems like both Captains have said goodbye numerous times this cruise……more than usual it seems. One thing we do not miss is the mini-parade of chefs and kitchen workers with the napkins flying at both dinner seatings. Now the Mariner Recognition Event covers that farewell, which already occurred before Seattle.
We have 246 nautical miles to reach San Diego with temps in the high 60’s and light winds. It has always been nice in San Diego, although it has been a long time since we have been there in May. The icy chill we felt in Alaska is gone for sure and by the time we reach the first Mexico port, it will be hotter. The seas have been rather co-operative with slight swells that the stabilizers help to correct. We can handle the gentle rolling. Tomorrow the pilot will embark the ship at 5am, and we should be docked after scenic sailing by 7am. Sunrise will be 6am and sunset tonight will be 7:50pm.
Captain Frank always picks an interesting subject related to a nautical theme after his update. Today he discussed the Marine Conservation Zone and the Naval areas we are currently sailing. A protected eco area, this coast has a strict speed limit for the ships in order to protect the migrating whales. The species we know that take this route north are the blue, grey, humpback, and right whales. Each one of them has a season, which he did not elaborate on. So in order to avoid being under that speed limit, he takes the ship further out to sea where they know there are no whales. Interesting, we never knew that.
Erin, our cruise director, followed up with her part of the noontime talk and added a reminder for the departing guests to PLEASE return the library books and the borrowed ukuleles. We had to chuckle over that message, making us wonder how many ukuleles accidently get put in the suitcases.
At breakfast we got an update concerning the Night in Hollywood which was last night’s theme for formal evening. We were not aware that this event was part of the GWV special event of the cruise, which we were told this morning by our breakfast buddies. We thought it was odd to have a flyer on our door in the morning describing the evening’s times for the World Cruise entertainment. It did begin at 7pm, but our group was having the special cocktails and dinner during most of the showtime. We did ask about the “awards” that were given in the show lounge, and learned it was for some of the departments of the ship such as the room stewards and the wait staff. Now that makes sense. And the “big” entertainment was by the group called Phat Swinger Big Band, which we heard was fantastic as told by our other ”reliable sources” who are into the entertainment scene worldwide.
It was nice enough to take a walk, both of us this time, on the promenade deck and also make a run to the Seaview Pool. We have not been back there for our lemonade fix for weeks ever since the weather turned cold. On our way from the Lido pool, there were tables set up with some sale items of ladies t-shirts and some large coffee mugs. All were selling for $4.99, regularly $43 t-shirts. Really? We bought two of the t-shirts. Last year they did the same thing with very nice HAL Panama Canal t-shirts……$5 each.
Even though it was overcast, it was not too cold sitting by the aft pool with sweatshirts on. On the way back, we stopped and chatted with four of our good friends who like to eat lunch there on sea days. Always good to share info on all of the ship’s activities and more.
It was nice to go back to our regular dining table without all of the extra activities of the day or evening. We ordered two Caesar salads, and mains of beef Wellington and one chicken parmigiana with some linguini on the side instead of spaghetti. We had kept lunch light with mini burger sliders from room service, but were still not really hungry at dinner. Desserts were one tiny baked Alaska and Jello. By the way, there was another pop-up in the Pinnacle Grill with a Fleet Chef Dinner. This cruise has had the most pop-ups we have ever seen in this venue, so it must be a money-maker.
Talking to Ronald, the manager of the Lido this afternoon, we did find out that the ship will not be sailing with a full guest capacity from San Diego. With those that will be leaving and those that will be joining, we may be up 100 or so. Definitely not full.
Entertainment this evening was provided by vocalist Craig A Meyer with songs by Elton John, Billy Joel and Barry Manilow. Our buddies (reliable sources) said he was good and they were not going to miss his show.
Looking forward to a nice day in San Diego.
Bill & Mary Ann
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