Get used to the “At Sea” on this cruise, we have an abundance of sea days on and no we are not complaining, love sea days. We are currently floating in the Atlantic Ocean at a full speed of 20 knots, still making up time for our unscheduled late departure. Well that and the calm seas, it is better for us to cross quickly while we can because I’m sure there will be some rough seas ahead of us that will slow us down a bit. Timing is everything.
Today we had the biggest Cruise Critic meet and greet that I have ever attended, over 300 people in the Crows Nest. As mentioned before a very well run and organized Spreadsheet and Photo book, Thanks again to Mary Anne and Tallulah, insert applause here.
Also today at 4pm for an hour, we had a block party in the corridors and hallways of each of the floors. This was a great idea considering the lack of the Mariner Reception and Sail away party. It offered everyone unlimited wine (sparkling, red and white) or sodas and some wonderful appetizer snacks. This event allowed guests to let loose a bit but in the confines of the many well placed stations on each floor, so not be a super spreader event. We had this one time before on the Grand South America / Antarctica cruise in 2019, a great event that allowed everyone to get to know their neighbours and perhaps help control some night time noise including door slams. A win win as it were.
A wonderful dinner (now at 7:30pm) and very good comedian performance in the Main Show Theatre tonight. So far as I can see, there are currently no enrichment speakers on board, I’m guessing that they couldn’t convince anyone to spend 7 days at sea? Now this could also be Covid caution related, this would keep the number of close contact large events down to a minimum. There is Tai Chi, but sadly taking place in the Crows Nest, it would only work there if you could close the doors but that can’t happen. There is also water colours but only taking place at two times in the mornings, I prefer the one o’clock time that we have had in the past. I did go by the packed room yesterday and given the current Covid buffer week of the 7 days thought it may be best to hold off until the ship has a better feel for any Covid on board.
That all said tomorrow will be the first Gala Ball of not only this cruise but the first on any HAL ship since the shut down. Let’s see how that goes, I do understand that there are to be dancing hosts on this cruise. This event will be the barometer to see how HAL is handling events like this, we shall see. We currently have all our formal wear in for pressing, our fingers are crossed that it arrives back in our room in time.
Again, only a few pics of our day, hope you enjoy…
Quote of the day, yes they are back but in the morning and not at night? - “Travel in the younger sort, is part of the education; in the elder, a part of Experience.” - Francis Bacon
Hello! I'm glad to hear that everything is going smoothly (excuse the pun) so far. I'm very interested to hear how things are progressing on HAL cruises post covid, especially after my cruise on the Zuiderdam in March, which I was not entirely happy with.... Although the Crows Nest is not the best location for Tai Chi, it is definitely better than "Club Hal" where I was put before moving to the Ocean Bar. Strange that you haven't any Enrichment Lecturers on the ship (yet), as we had plenty, and NUMEROUS days at sea including a 7 or 8 day stretch. I'm glad to hear that you possibly have dance hosts coming on board. Please let me know how that goes. I have never experienced a "block/corridor" event before - interesting.... By the way, who is your Cruise Director?
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading more as your cruise continues!
In the corridor with mask under your nose, good luck
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