Our last sea day! Out of 18 days, 10 days on this cruise were spent at sea and I loved it! Normally with so many sea days I would have attended more activities, but with my sore knee I was perfectly content to just take it easy. And I can't tell you how thankful I was to not plan meals or do any cooking!
The first watercolor class of the day was scheduled for 9:30 am which meant not much else happened before that other than breakfast. Bob and I had both planned ahead with some ideas to paint. In our very short watercolor careers we have learned that drying time is important so knowing that an afternoon class was also on the schedule made it easier to work on our projects. Projects that were begun in the morning session could be finished in the afternoon.
At 11:00 am the Hawaiian ambassador, Kainoa, was speaking about the 2010 documentary, "Under a Jarvis Moon" which tells the story of the U.S. sending military personnel and young Hawaiian men to colonize three islands in the South Pacific in the 1930's. Earlier in the week one of Kainoa's lectures was streamed onto the TV monitors in Billboard Onboard so I went there hoping to watch. The talk itself was fine, but once the video started to play the sound was messed up to the point that it was impossible to watch. I gave up and slipped into the side door of the theater to watch.
Just as I suspected, the theater was almost full so I knew when the presentation was over the elevators would be overwhelmed. My knee was particularly sore and I knew there was no way I could navigate the stairs so I ducked out a little early so I didn't have to wait on the elevator.
The pain was bad enough that I asked Bob to have lunch in the main dining room rather than the buffet. We still had to walk the length of the ship to get to the dining room but I didn't have to go through the buffet line to get my food. Also I just enjoyed having a more quiet and peaceful lunch experience compared to the busyness of the buffet.
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| Cobb Salad. |
We were still discussing what we were going to do about the large amount of non-refundable onboard credit still on our account. (What a problem to have!!) We walked through the gift shops for the umpteenth time and after considering a smart watch or even five $12 bags of Jelly Belly jelly beans for the grandkids, I spotted a sweatshirt I liked. I'm not crazy about logo clothing, but I knew I could use the Koningsdam sweatshirt for an upcoming cruise to Alaska. Bob picked through some t-shirts, mostly size Small or XXXL, and finally found a couple in size large that he could use. I asked about trying on the sweatshirt but was told there were no dressing rooms. The gal working in the shop suggest I just take the 2 sizes I was considering back to my cabin and try them on there. (She made out a sales slip for both in case I didn't return.)
One did fit well enough that I went back to the shop and purchased it for $60 and the two t-shirts for Bob at $40 which would "almost" use up our credit. I forgot that as 3-Star Mariners we get a discount so we still have a little chunk of credit left.
I did a some packing, trying to take little bites out of a task that I dread, until it was time for the afternoon watercolor class. I have enjoyed having art classes on the schedule (except for the Dam(n) Dots!) but I think the teacher could provide more instruction. During the morning class she just passed out supplies and then sat and read a book.
It was too chilly to think about sitting by the pool so I ended my afternoon by attending "Cocktails with Kristen". This was the afternoon version of her morning coffee chat. I sat by one woman who showed up thinking they were giving out free cocktails like they do coffee in the morning. No chance!
Kristen was interviewing Elliot Finkel, the pianist. She barely had to ask him any questions because Elliot loves to tell stories. He had many fascinating tales of famous people he had worked with in New York and Hollywood.
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| Kristen talking with pianist, Elliot Finkel |
Bob and gone to play pickleball and I was worried he was going to make us late for dinner. When he returned his first words were "pickleball didn't make me late." Turns out he was coming down the hallway and our new actress friend was struggling to get her scooter into her cabin so he stopped to help. He put his paramedic skills to use and helped her not only get into the room but transferred into a chair and comfortable before he left.
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| I took this photo while waiting on Bob to get ready. With all the varied shades of blue, I thought it would make a beautiful watercolor painting. |
Our dinner service was the quickest ever. Our assistant waiter, Husni, was doing "escort service" for open seating downstairs and our head waiter, Taupik, only had two tables to serve. Within just a couple of minutes of him taking our order he was back with our food. We both ordered two appetizers, a main course and dessert (Bob ordered 2 desserts!) and we were completely finished eating in 45 minutes.
I was really hobbling by that point in the day so we went back to the room so I could put my feet up. Bob used the time to do some packing. We went to the theater a half hour early to get a good seat for the dance show, Humanity. I believe that was the 4th time we have seen that particular show but I know there are other Step One Dance productions that we have never seen. The shows are definitely more impressive on the Pinnacle Class ships with the video screens that surround the theater. I used one of our coupons for a free Mariner's cocktail.
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| Mariner's Cocktail. Unfortunately the glass did NOT fit in the cupholders so I had to just hold it. |
The "Chocolate Surprise" was held in BB Kings, but we didn't attend. Sugar and chocolate was not something I needed right before going to bed! Tomorrow will be the last day of the cruise and the last port, Ensenada. I prefer ending cruises with a sea day but if my knee continues to be so painful it may just be a sea day for me.
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