Well, breakfast was wild and crazy this Good Friday morning with stories of legitimate complaints concerning the Princeton Tailors getting a lot of things wrong. One of our friends was so disappointed with a formal dress that was made incorrectly, and tailored so much, it did not fit at all. We are not talking cheap here with formal dress prices ranging from $500 and up. Her fabric was wrong as was the color she originally chose. And being told that all sales were final did not bode well with this guest. The more we heard, we figured someone onboard would have to intervene and make it right. As we stated yesterday, there were a few issues with the tux slacks, but nothing so big that we would demand money back. However, if enough dissatisfied folks pipe up, some kind of compensation would be arranged. If that happens, we will let you all know what the final decision was. This company has been outstanding in the past, and we sure hate to see it go downhill.
Anyway, at noontime the temperature was 77 degrees with 87% humidity. Winds were 17.7 mph with mostly clear skies early on but overcast most of the day. Captain Frank came on the speakers right after the noon whistle, a tradition which we like. We had another 166 nautical miles to go to reach the next port of Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Southern Taiwan to be exact. He would be sailing close to land at 68 miles out at sea where he expected 5-foot swells and shallow waters. The predicted chance of thunderstorms and rain was 90%. He was sure correct about that as we would find out. He continued to say we would be sailing in the Taiwan Strait, formerly the Formosa Strait which is a commercial route with lots of ship traffic. He said to watch for islands and volcanoes along the way. He and his team will be watching this strait closely due to military problems. Then he added there were four major typhoons a year that hit Taiwan. And finally we would be passing some fishing vessels as well as wind generators. Docking was expected by 8am and starboard. The immigration officials were already onboard to move the process along smoothly. We are enjoying Captain Frank's detailed comments at his noon talk, since we can always learn more about every port, even if we have been there before. And he is good about giving the sunrise and sunset times.
As always, the rest of the afternoon was used for computer work….never ending it seems.
We had a room service lunch of one Cobb salad and a shared club sandwich. Their lunch salads are much fresher and fuller than what we get for dinner. Speaking of dinner, we had one beef soup, shrimp ball appetizers, and General Tso's fried chicken chunks with garlic rice, green beans, and corn. So good. Desserts were one little scoop of vanilla ice cream and a plate of sliced pineapple.
The waiters and bar servers wore Indonesian or Filipino shirts or dresses for the gals for a change. They looked nice and were obviously more comfortable than usual. Gone are the days they used to wear costumes for different occasions.
There was an activity held in the Lido Poolside at 8:30pm called Festival of Lights. The guests were encouraged to wear a world costume, whatever that may be, we don't know. Just as we leaving the dining room, a good friend came running over to show us her costume. Using one of the bed throw pillows, she appeared to be 9 months pregnant. What? At 80 something, she is hiding a baby? All in good fun, she and her husband were on their way to the party. Can't wait to hear all about it.
There was a show tonight featuring a vocalist Cassidy Jenson with Carole King tunes. With so much going on, we are not sure what the attendance is in the big show lounge.
Bill & Mary Ann
PS - Another shower head bit the dust this morning. That makes it # 4. It should be replaced by tonight.
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