Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Dave had the whole day off which is unusual for the Band members. They usually have to work either the afternoon or evening or both. Chuck invited him to eat dinner with us. I was surprised he accepted. The ship performers are always being interrupted during their meals, by the pool, at the gym, etc. by guests who want to talk, or praise, or complain. I thought he would want more non-guest time.
He said he usually ate dinner with Pete, the lead guitarist and singer who is also from England, so we said the more the merrier if Pete wanted to come also.
We met at the Ocean Bar and then went to the main dining room at 7:00. Chuck ordered a bottle of wine for the table. I don’t like red wine, but the three guys enjoyed it with their steaks. I had a salad and the lamb chops and the strawberry mousse for dessert.
We were having a lively conversation and then realized we were the only people left in that dining room section. The waiters were standing around picking up random glasses and wiping them. When we made a move from the table, they were all over it – clearing the dessert plates and coffee cups away. Guess they get to leave when their section is cleared. Oops.
Pete and Chuck went to the BB King band’s set but Chuck didn’t last long. The sun and wine caught up with him. However, he lasted longer than me. I was already asleep before he came back.
However, I sat straight up in bed in the middle of the night when I heard the medical emergency announcement – calling for the medical response team for a cabin on the 7th floor. This was the third time this cruise I have heard this announcement but not always to the same cabin. We’ve also seen ambulances waiting at more than one port. And I still wonder about the status of the woman who had to be life-flighted from Raiatea to Tahiti because of a heart attack. Guess all the emergencies are to be expected for a cruise this long but it is still scary. Hope this episode is not too bad.
We skipped breakfast because we had the Mariner Brunch at 11:00. The brunch is HAL’s way of saying “thank you” to all its repeat guests. There are so many of us on this cruise that they have had to spread this brunch over three days. Our invitation was for today.
Officers greet you at the dining room entrance. The Captain gives a speech. The Cruise Director gives the toast – There are good ships and wood ships, ships that sail the sea, but the best ships are dam ships, may they always be!
We were at a table for six. The menu has limited choices. The champagne was not bad today. Usually, it is very bad. I had the soup, the quiche, and the pie. Chuck had the salad, the salmon, and the pie.
We received our commemorative Mariner Society Delf tile. We have used them as coasters. I’ve seen pictures of people using them as borders or backsplashes. Some frame their collection.
After the luncheon was more time for the pool. The Captain announced the weather would be getting rainier and cooler as we got closer to California so enjoy the Sea View pool while we could.
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