Discover 7 Continents with Bill & Mary Ann as we sail on the 2012 World Cruise

[WCB]

Report # 44 February 12, 2012 Sunday Day at Sea # 1

 

We now have well over 2000 miles to sail to our next port of Papeete, Tahiti. It is so far west of Easter Island, that we will have five hours to set back on the clocks by the time we get there. It started last night, with the clocks going back one hour. The simplest explanation of the time zones is easy. There are 24 different zone times, which equals one day. The world is round, 360 degrees. When divided by 24, you get 15 degrees in each time zone. Since the Amsterdam is capable of traveling that distance in one day, the clocks will go back another hour this evening. The passengers and crew like this, because we all get that extra hour for sleep. Bet this will help cure the nasty bug that has plagued the ship for so many days.

 

During our morning walk on the much warmer promenade deck, we spotted some of the damage done to the tenderboats used in Easter Island yesterday. One boat had some sizable holes in its side panels, while another one had twisted metal bars that protect the propellers. Sure hope they can be fixed soon. We should not have to use these boats until we reach Komodo, Indonesia. That is, unless there is an emergency, and we all have to abandon the ship, heaven forbid.

 

We spent the afternoon by the pool, enjoying good books, and the sun. For a short time, we even had sprinkles from a passing cloud. As we near Polynesia, we should have more unstable weather like this. Sprinkles, we do not mind. Downpours are something we can expect.

 

Only one lecture was given today by Revell Carr. He spoke about France and Spain sending expeditions to the areas that Captain Cook explored earlier. Then, a Commonwealth lunch was held in the Lido, offering culinary specialties from those particular countries. We are still hooked on the sandwich bar, where we make a visit around 4pm on sea days. Also, sometimes we eat a slice of pizza, but only when it is being served directly from the grill guys. We have a feeling this restricted service will end soon.

 

Last night, the Filipino crew performed their annual show at 10pm in the Queens Lounge. They entertain the passengers with old dances from their country, that most of them learned from their childhood. Some sang popular Filipino tunes, while Nestor, our favorite wine steward, sang his duel personality song. This is where he is dressed as a man on one side, singing in a low voice, then turns to the other side, and is dressed like a woman, singing in a higher voice. It sounds weird, but he does it well. Sometime before this cruise ends, the Indonesian crew will also put on a special show.

 

For tonight's entertainment, Tara Whittaker, the flutest, Jeff Nease, the comedian, and Douglas McRae, the operatic singer will perform a variety showtime. Doubt we go, but our tablemates probably will.

 

Bill & Mary Ann

[WCB]

Report # 45 February 13, 2012 Monday Day at Sea # 2

 

Today was a pretty quiet, lazy day at sea. The weather has been next to perfect, with pleasant breezes and comfortable sun. If we had been on schedule with our itinerary, the Amsterdam would have stopped a stone's throw away from legendary Pitcairn Island. We have had the luck to stop there twice in past years. Even though none of us get off of the ship, the natives come over to us in rowboats, and climb the rope ladder to gain access to our vessel. Many of these people are descendants from the Bounty, the British ship that sailed these waters centuries ago. As the story goes, Fletcher Christian mutinied against Captain Bligh, after enduring many travesties against the crew members. He sent the captain and some of his loyal staff off the ship in a small boat to find their way back to England. Fletcher and his men went back to the island life they desired in Polynesia, specifically Pitcairn Island. Unlike the movie version with Marlon Brando and Trevor Howard, Christian did not die from the ship's burning, but lived his life with his Tahitian wife and their three children, without ever being found.

 

Anyway, when the Pitcairners board the ship, they bring their crafts and home-made souveniers with them to sell to all of us. Numerous tables are set up around the Lido pool where they promote t-shirts, caps, postcards, paintings, wood carvings, and jewelry. They also sell collector stamps as well as stamped postcards to send home. We seem to recall the postcards we mailed came to our family close to when we got home in April. The first time we stopped here, Fletcher Christian's great-great plus grandmother boarded the ship by climbing the rope ladder. She did well considering that she was almost 90 years old! So it was a big disappointment for us that we could not stop at the island today. Captain Mercer mentioned in his afternoon talk that we would be passing the island somewhere around 9:30pm, but it would be too far away for us to see it. The most we would see of the island would be in the movie, "Mutiny on the Bounty", which was being shown for the second or third day on our room TV. That was really teasing us poor folks!

 

Moving forward, Revell Carr delivered a speech all about Terra Australis, which we know as Australia now. His talk focused on the explorations of the Spanish, French, British, and Dutch adventurers that sailed down under to uncover the mysteries there. And we are certain that Barbara, our travel guide, will follow up with her lectures on the upcoming ports of Sydney and Cairns. She and the shore excursion staff project their talks a few weeks ahead of coming into those ports in order to promote their tours available there.

 

During our emailing time in the library, we were also able to find some fairly new books to read while at the pool. There is a good selection of current and popular novels, as well as travel, political, romance, adventure, and general information books. There is even a puzzle corner in one section of this lounge. Two very difficult puzzles were being worked on by some very patient people. Working puzzles can be as addictive as playing on the computer. Time flies too fast.

 

We spent some lazy time at the aft pool. What is missing back there is the service we used to get from the bar staff. On any other cruise, these waiters would be pushing the drinks of the day, or anything else you may want to purchase. Not on this trip though. We have watched this every time we go back there. Three waiters hover around the bar, trying to look busy while fussing around the outdoor tables. Usually, these fellows are filling ice tea and ice water glasses and passing them around to all of the guests. This has happened only when our favorite waiter, Manny, is outside. And that has been only a few times in the last month. It is true that there are more passengers using the Lido pool area, but the aft folks should not be ignored. We have noted the lack of service during the few sailaways we have had as well. Guess we just hate changes.

 

Remember we mentioned the Commonwealth Day yesterday? These passengers included the Brits, Aussies, New Zealanders, Canadians, and more. There were so many of them, they used the Queens Lounge for a pre or post-dinner cocktail party. Now we heard that another party occurred in the Explorers Lounge this evening for another group of Europeans. We just know that a big party will be coming for the Americans. But since that did not happen last year, we are not holding our breaths. Are we being unreasonable to think that in all fairness, every group should be recognized? Time will tell, and so shall we.....

 

Dinnertime was fun, since we had company. Both entertainers, Doug McRae, the Aussie singer, and Jeff Nease, the comedian, joined our group of seven. The conversation went round the table with Doug discussing his singing, and Jeff throwing in unexpected jokes every two minutes. And by the way, the dinner theme was "Dutch Night", where we each got special hats to wear (or not). The menu items were printed in Dutch and would have been unrecognizable if it were not for the English descriptions under each item. The best was the Dutch pea soup with ham and sausage chunks. One of us had fish and chips, and the other got creative by ordering a salad of romaine lettuce, tomato slices, and sliced grilled chicken breast. Our waiters Firman and Soderri let us order however we wish. If it is in the kitchen, they will find it. Oh yes, we finally got back to regular service where we can help ourselves to the bread, butter, relish tray, and salt and pepper shakers. Guess the BUG is gone..........Cork-forking ended our meal nicely, quietly, no.

 

Two more sea days, and Tahiti, here we come!

 

Bill & Mary Ann

 

PS Around 10pm, we wandered onto the promenade deck just in time to see the lights of Pitcairn fading in the distance. We saw it after all.

[Skipper's Mom]

Bill & Mary Ann,

 

I've been enjoying your posts. Perhaps one day my DH and I will be able to enjoy such a voyage. We had our first TA this past October/November on the Nieuw Amsterdam. We loved it!

[cant51]

Hello Bill & Mary Ann

 

I've been enjoying your posts, its so nice to read everything. I love it.

 

From the other side off the world, Rotterdam the Netherlands, I like to say hello, reading your post every day, when I sitting at my table and looking at the old HAL office across the river. Now its call Hotel Ney York.

 

 

 

 

 

Greetings from Carin, Rotterdam.

[WCB]

Report # 46 February 14, 2012 Tuesday Day at Sea # 3

 

First and foremost, Happy Valentine's Day to all! And congratulations to Barbie, who became a grandmother for the 7th time yesterday. She has a new baby girl by the name of Eden, and is proud as can be.

 

It has been nice to be able to sleep in every morning, since the clocks went ahead another hour last night. At least for one day, we were on Pacific time. This evening, we will put the clocks back one more hour. By the time we arrive to Tahiti, we will be raring to go.

 

During our walk this morning, we noticed that there were a couple of masked boobys flying near the ship. This is the first sign of life that we have seen since we left the west coast of South America. We were also surprised to finally see some small flying fish, which means there may be some larger fish below them. There have been a few camera buffs waiting for hours by the railing to get a shot of something, anything that moves out there. All that has moved are the waves and the clouds, and the smoke from our stacks.

 

We received the Australian entry and exit cards, which we had to fill out, sign, and turn back into the front office. As we have done for other countries, we had to answer many questions such as do we have tuberculosis, are we carrying over $10,000. in Australian money, or do we have firearms. Australian officials are extremely strict in regards to bringing food into their country. By signing these cards, we admonish that we know the laws, and if we chose to break them, we could be severely fined. We will also be required to have another form of a photo ID, such as a drivers license. Last year, we had expired licenses, only because if we happened to lose our keycard holders, we would still have our up to date ones in the room safe. Well, that did not work with the Aussie officials, who pulled us aside with some other passengers who did not have an ID with them. Honestly, it was never announced that the licenses had to be current, but now they add that bit of info in their talk.

 

Have we mentioned that the Master Chef of HAL, Rudy Sodamin, has been onboard? He has given a series of cooking classes in the Culinary Arts Center. Today's recipes were heart biscuits, chocolate souffle, chocolate mousse, and marzipan creations. It was interesting to see how many men were in the audience as well as the ladies.

 

Revell Carr gave a talk on the sealing and whaling industry following the explorers that found the South Pacific riches. He seems to fill the Queens Lounge, but then it appears that he is the only Explorations Speaker onboard right now.

 

The dining room was decorated in red and pink metallic streamers and helium heart-shaped balloons One humongous balloon hung from the ceiling on deck 5 down to the center table on deck 4. It was a formal affair, which most people dressed to match the decor. We had one young gentleman join us for dinner. He's the manager of the stores onboard, and spoke fondly of his home and family in Macedonia. Sitting between Barb and Ellen, he was made to feel right at home in a matter of minutes. It was also Bob's last dinner with us, since he and Martha will be attending the French Dinner in the Pinnacle Grill tomorrow night. He will fly home from Tahiti on Thursday, and will be missed by all. Martha will be staying on with us until she reaches Singapore.

 

The Hearts and Flowers Ball was held in the Queens Lounge at 10pm. We are not sure how much dancing is done there, since the dancefloor is very limited. However, after the dance, a grand prize giveaway occurs where people are given bottles of champagne. Then two grand prizes are awarded to the two people who come close to guessing the number of tiny foil hearts that were in a champagne glass in the Explorations Cafe. Of course, you had to be present to win the surprise gifts. We'll find out tomorrow who won.

 

One more day at sea tomorrow. The Captain mentioned that it may be a rainy one.

 

Mary Ann & Bill

[erewhon]

Thank you for your interesting reports.

[bbro]

I am loving your daily reports! Thank you!!

[JamesEM]

Just wanted to say that I enjoy reading your reports every day. DW and I are booked on the Amsterdam this July for the 14 Day AK Explorer cruise, Cabin 2631, Main Deck. If it is not to much trouble would you be kind enough to check out our future cabin to see if we have picked a good location, that is fairly quiet. Thanks, Jim

[madera1]

Just wanted to let you know you much I enjoy reading your posts. Yours is the first one I look for each evening. Your cruise sounds fabulous.

[cruiseman111111]

No report? today? Missed you!

 

Jim

[WCB]

Report # 47 February 15, 2012 Wednesday Day at Sea # 4

 

Our last day at sea on our way towards Tahiti was a most pretty one. The waters have calmed down to almost a satin look. That computes to higher temps and humidity, and little wind. The rain that Captain Mercer had promised for today had arrived during the night, which left us free to enjoy yet another good day at the aft pool.

 

But first, as we always do, we had breakfast in the dining room. Now we request to be seated in the middle section, where we know the waiters will take excellent care of us. We really are not complaining people, but why not go where the service is the best? Assorted fresh pastries, juice, and coffee arrive first. Once the waiter takes our orders, they arrive in minutes, always hot and tasty. In the past, we have had a hard time getting catsup. These fellows never forget the condiment,since they know we like it. Yep, no complaints here.

 

The promenade deck was busy with ship workers either painting, chipping rust, or replacing the fallen down ceiling panels. Repairs are still being done to the damaged tenderboats. Fiberglass threads and dust from sanding were all over half of the teak walkway. The workers kept busy hosing down the dust, as the passengers tried walking their miles. We feel the rush for "perfection" is due to the fact that the CEO will be joining us very soon in Pago Pago. Wouldn't it have been wiser to have completed this work like 6 months ago? The HAL ships should be "shipshape" all of the time. Bet there is more sprucing up going on behind the scenes, where we do not see. Oh well, better late than never.

 

While we were emailing in the library, we finally ran into Janice and Mike J., former tablemates and friends from the 2005 world cruise. They seem to be following a different daily pattern than us. The last time we spotted them, they were getting off of a tenderboat in the Falklands, which seems like ages ago. Anyway, they suggested that we could meet for lunch one afternoon in the Pinnacle Grill Restaurant, and we agreed that was a swell idea. By the way, tomorrow is a special day for Janice, since she will celebrate her birthday. We think it is OK to mention it will be her 73rd, since she looks way younger than that. Happy Birthday, Janice!

 

The water in the back pool was less than refreshing, since we estimated the temperature must be in the 90's. Did we mention that it is fresh water, not sea water? Most people like that, some do not. You can float much better in seawater, but you feel salty when you dry off. And forget it if you have a case of sunburn....it stings. So far, we have been careful not to burn too much. Thank goodness for sunscreen.

 

We had lots of company for dinner tonight. Originally, we had been invited to join a table of six of our friends. But since we would have abandoned Barbie and Terry, we invited the six of them to join us. There was a French Dinner in the Pinnacle Grill, and Ellen, Bob, and Martha were attending. Anyway, we had plenty of space despite the fact there were 10 of us. And this evening, we were treated to unlimited red and white wines. Or in our case, all the diet Cokes we wanted. The card placed on every table had a rhyme printed on it, saying that since we missed some stops (Pitcairn and New Caledonia), the wine was on the house. And house wine it was, according to our guests. The decision about the quality was split in half. Some thought it was OK, while others said it was almost undrinkable. We were happy campers.......Coke is always OK with us.

 

Well, we should arrive at the pilot station around 6am tomorrow morning, then head into Papeete harbor shortly thereafter. We have not booked a tour, since we have done them a number of times. Instead, we will wing it and go into town later in the morning. And we should be well rested, since, you guessed it.....the clocks go back another hour tonight. That works for us.

 

Bill & Mary Ann

[Skipper's Mom]

If the wine is free, it's Okey Dokey. For the wine snobs, nothing but the best for free!! The DH and I are waiting for the opportunity to to a similar cruise.

[WCB]

Report # 48 February 16, 2012 Thursday Papeete, Tahiti

 

Papeete is the capital of French Polynesia, and our port of call today. It was great to see the city coming into focus early this morning, and even better walking on land, since we have been at sea for 4 days. When you think of volcanoes, black sand beaches, snorkeling, deepsea diving, Paul Gauguin, Matisse, and black pearls, you think of Tahiti. This place has it all...a little bit of paradise on earth. Expensive? Yes, but for our short stay, how much harm can you get into? If you stay away from the black pearls, you have it made.

 

We have had the luck of having many visits here over the years. If there was a tour, we have done it. So, today we decided to sleep in, have breakfast, then go into town to do some shopping and browsing. It was really warm, and very humid. The Captain had said that there was a 40% chance of rain, and we could already see the rain clouds passing over the center of the island. If the showers remain up high in the peaks, we should be OK in town. Oh boy, would that change.

 

Once we left the ship, there is a friendly tourist center where several tables of locally-made shell jewelry is sold. Most of these pieces are really artistic and expensive. However, passengers were buying from the vendors as they listened to the local band play Polynesian tunes. We continued on, after picking up an excellent map in the visitor's center. Nearby the pier, was a block of shops that had many fabric stores. There was so much to choose from, making a decision was impossible. And besides, it was so bloody hot, that the shop keeps were sitting in front of fans and not budging from them.

 

The best place to visit in Papeete is the Municipal Market. They have everything there, including thousands of colorful pareos, flowered shirts, tshirts, and a wide collection of shell jewelry. The lower part of the market is mainly a food store. Tables were full of freshly-caught fish, some of them so pretty, it was a shame to see them offered for food. Those would be the parrot fish, that like to eat coral. This market opens at 6am, so most of the catch was already sold for the day. Good thing too, because it was getting hotter by the minute, and the flies were out. The fruit and veggie tables had bananas, sweet potatoes, taro root, carrots, cabbage, and citrus fruit. Another corner had piles of straw bags and hats. At one exit, were the flower stalls, which we would visit before we went back to the ship.

 

Upstairs, we went from stall to stall checking out the souveniers. The best tshirts were up there, as well as the nicest quality of pareos. We ran into Steve, our nearby Dutch tablemate. He was trying to pick out pareos for his daughter and grand daughter. He asked for help, and we gave it to him. He realized that by buying 2 instead of one, it gave him better bargaining power. He was pleased with that most of all, and grateful that we helped him make his choices. You could spend hours trying to find just the right one. That's why we always end up with several, instead of one.

 

We walked a few more blocks, going in and out of many types of stores. There was really nothing here in the form of a shopping mall, so looking for a swimsuit was near impossible. Just about everything sold would fit someone around the age of 10 or so. On the other hand, they sold many clothing items like moo-moos that would fit everyone.

 

Our last stop was at the flower end of the market, where we ran into Sue and Ellen W., buying a bouquet of flowers. Sue had bought a nice bunch of orange and pink local flowers, but had no idea that they were riddled with ants. Gosh, she almost dropped them when they came running out of the centers. Either she will have them sprayed, or get rid of the ants one by one. The last time we brought the same flowers back to our room, the ants invaded our computer, finding shelter where it was warm. So this time, we checked out a bunch of ginger that had no movement of insects. It was a good buy with 12 blossoms and greens over 4 feet high for a mere $10. They should look great in our room for weeks to come.

 

We got back to the ship by noon, and cooled off at the aft pool for a couple of hours. Since most folks were off on tours, the pool was almost all ours. More clouds had gathered, cooling things off quite a bit. We even had a scattering of sprinkles, which felt good. Our plan was to have a snack in our room, then go off for a long walk on the garden promenade shoreside. Noticing that it seemed to be getting darker, we decided to leave. That's when we noticed that it was raining. By 3:30pm, it was not just raining, it was a downpour of massive volumn. Hoping that it was a passing cloud, we soon realized that this storm was here to stay. Thank goodness that we were not caught in it. We watched the pier activity from the flooding floors on the promenade deck, where the ship's guys were getting drowned. At one point, they took off their shoes and drained them in the nearby flower pots. So much for the PM walk.

 

The big event on the ship at 5:30pm was the Polynesian BBQ, which was held in the Lido Pool area. We always like to check out the food and the crowd to see what we are missing, or not. Usually when a BBQ is offered, there are real barbeques with briquets and grills where they cook the meats. There were none today. Why? We don't know, but there were pans of pre-cooked in the oven BBQ ribs, roasted chicken, and small roasted suckling pigs. All the sides were there for the taking, and people were really doing the taking. Gosh, this weather must have made them starving or something. To liven things up, a local band was brought onboard to sing and entertain the guests. We heard later, that several young girls and fellows did the Tahitian dance before they had to leave the ship. Unfortunately, they did not start this until 8pm, our dinnertime in the dining room.

 

We had a new dinner partner join us this evening. And we also lost one....Bob, Martha's husband. He left for home at 11pm, and will eventually end up in Boston. Our new arrival was the owner of GoGoAnna Collections, Pamela Regan Fox, from Australia. We met her last year, when she made our table her home base. As well as being an expert on opals, she is also a very fun person. Her talks and sales begin tomorrow, and will continue until we reach Sydney at the end of next week.

 

Instead of a live show this evening, a new movie, The Ides of March, was shown in the Queens Lounge at 8 and 10pm. We chose to watch the Amsterdam leave the port of Papeete in the dark and in the driving rain. Once out of the protected harbor, the swells became high and the ship began to roll. We seem to remember that it is always rough in this part of the Pacific Ocean. We now have 2 days at sea before we arrive to the port of Pago Pago, American Samoa. Sure hope the rain stops..........

 

Mary Ann & Bill

[clueless2]

Thank you for allowing us to cruise the world vicariously once again this year.

[WCB]

Report # 49 February 17, 2012 Friday Day at Sea

 

The clocks went back once again last night. That has been six hours back in as many days. Now that has not really affected us too much, but many folks are complaining that they are not sleeping well, as they are waking up way too early. It is understandable, that a week ago you were eating lunch at 2pm, and now you are having breakfast instead at 8am. And in a couple of days, we will be crossing the International Dateline, where will will lose one full day. Now that is weird.

 

We have noticed that this last week, there has been no CNN,TNT, TCM, or CNN on our TV's. However, we do get the Fox channel, which is great. In the past, all we had left were the HAL channels. The reason we do not have the feed has something to do with the area we are traveling in. There is little density of population in this part of the world, so satellite reception is limited. From what we understand, even if we were to get the CNN family of channels, it would be in French, not much help to the majority of us travelers. However, the closer we get to Australia, we should have the stations back. For an unknown reason, the movies that are provided on the HAL channels are repeats, not so new to old....very old. And we have noticed that many sitcoms and movies are being repeated since we have started this trip in early January. Yes, there are several segments on this long cruise, but there are more movies than there are total days on this trip. In our way pf thinking, there should be no reruns. Every year, we write these comments in the final questionnaires, but we think they obviously go unread.

 

On a positive note, we were advised this morning while emailing, that some changes for the better were made to the internet service onboard yesterday. We have heard so many people grumbling about the extremely slow speed, or the inability to even log on. With the difficulties we have had over the last several weeks, we have no choice but to agree with everyone. We are only too glad to hear that something have finally been done about it. It did seem to be a bit faster today, so we hope it lasts. See, it did help for all to speak up about this problem.

 

While chatting with some shipmates, we learned a strange story about a couple of passengers, who happen to be in our travel group. This couple, formerly married, but friends now, are on their first world cruise. We are not positively sure, but it is possible that they have not cruised before. Being a bit younger than the typical world cruisers, we feel that their expectations were set way too high for this experience. Unhappy with sea days in particular, they arranged to leave the ship last night in Papeete, to take a ferry to Moorea for a few extra days. From there, they intend to fly to Auckland, New Zealand, then onto Sydney, Australia. We heard they already had plans to fly early from Sydney to Cairns to get more time at the Great Barrier Reef. All this just to miss the several days at sea we will have going from Pago Pago to Australia. Funny. We love sea days, but these folks are bored. So sad. But it is a win-win for HAL, since their clothes will be taking an expensive ride while they are gone. The per diem rate is pretty high for two people in a veranda room. Oh well.

 

Luckily, the seas smoothed out today, but the clouds were still around. We sure aren't complaining, because they helped keep the temperature down. While at the aft pool, the sky opened up and it began to rain really hard. We were already in the pool, so it did not matter. Not wanting our books to get wet, I got out to put them under towels. The rain was coming down so hard it felt likes needles being driven into my back. That sent me back into the warm pool really fast. All I could think was how much we need this rain in Northern California, and here it is raining where it does not need rain. After 15 minutes, the sun was out again, drying everything off quickly.

 

Another treat we had this afternoon was seeing at least 2 dozen dolphins jumping alongside the ship. By the time the officer on watch announced their position, they were already 100 yards past the ship. We were doing 21 knots, and the dolphins were swimming in the opposite direction, so if you snoozed, you lost. You know that if you had your camera with you, there would be no sightings at all. It is Murphy's Law. The only other sea activity came from a couple of birds and a handful of flying fish. As we near more islands, we hope to see more.

 

A new Exploration speaker has joined us by the name of John Lucas. He wears many hats, according to the write-up in the daily newsletter. Besides having a BA in economics and environmental sciences, he is also involved in the UK gambling market. Now that is different. How that relates to his first lecture on the golden age of Athens and its empire is a mystery. Will have to check it out on the TV later on.

 

We heard that Barbara Haenni has been ill, but back today giving a talk about American Samoa and Pago Pago. We are guessing that the dreaded bug has traveled from the guests to the staff, even though the red status has been recently lifted. With the next segment starting in Sydney, we sure hope the new people joining us will be on the healthy side.

 

Dinnertime was really cozy this evening, since there was only three of us. Ellen, Barb, Martha, and Pamela had made plans to go to the Pinnacle Grill at the last minute we presume. Susie did invite us to join their table earlier in the afternoon, but we would not think of leaving Terry alone She is such a neat lady, and we really enjoyed her company tonight. The plus side to having three of us was our food was hot, and served quickly....no waiting between courses for so many of us to finish.

 

The show tonight involved a mind reader, we think. The description read, "The Man You Can't Keep Out of Your Head", Graham Jolley. Terry was going to attend to see if he could "get into her head". She laughed while saying that.

 

Some food for thought today......Did you know that some areas of the Pacific Ocean are 21, 982 feet deep? Yep, that is over our heads!

 

Bill & Mary Ann

[vbmom87]

 

 

 

While chatting with some shipmates, we learned a strange story about a couple of passengers, who happen to be in our travel group. This couple, formerly married, but friends now, are on their first world cruise. We are not positively sure, but it is possible that they have not cruised before. Being a bit younger than the typical world cruisers, we feel that their expectations were set way too high for this experience. Unhappy with sea days in particular, they arranged to leave the ship last night in Papeete, to take a ferry to Moorea for a few extra days. From there, they intend to fly to Auckland, New Zealand, then onto Sydney, Australia. We heard they already had plans to fly early from Sydney to Cairns to get more time at the Great Barrier Reef. All this just to miss the several days at sea we will have going from Pago Pago to Australia. Funny. We love sea days, but these folks are bored. So sad. But it is a win-win for HAL, since their clothes will be taking an expensive ride while they are gone. The per diem rate is pretty high for two people in a veranda room. Oh well.

 

Bill & Mary Ann

 

I have really enjoyed reading your reports. As far as the people mentioned above, that would be me. We were on the Amsterdam for 14 days in Alaska on a relatively port intensive itinerary. I am mystified at how someone could be on a ship for much more than 2-3 weeks without going crazy, but I realize we are all different. It is just too bad that this couple did not realize what they were getting themselves into. Hopefully it all works out in the end for them.

[rallydave]

I have really enjoyed reading your reports. As far as the people mentioned above, that would be me. We were on the Amsterdam for 14 days in Alaska on a relatively port intensive itinerary. I am mystified at how someone could be on a ship for much more than 2-3 weeks without going crazy, but I realize we are all different. It is just too bad that this couple did not realize what they were getting themselves into. Hopefully it all works out in the end for them.

 

If you have read any of their posts to the roll call or their blog which they update regularly, you would know that they have cruised before and were aware of what they were getting into but, seem to think that the world revolves around them and everything should be for their convenience. Very strange people who also made themselves unwelcome to their tablemates for dinner and were invited to eat dinner at the Lido so as to not subject others to all of their complaints. Complain quite a bit about prices on the Amsterdam but, then plan an off ship tour that will have to cost them in excess of $10,000. By the way, their complaining continues during their off ship tour. Seems there is always something they don't like and they don't mind telling the world about it.

 

As to the depth of the Pacific, there is a spot in the Pacific called the Marianas Trench that is about 35,900 feet deep and the deepest spot in any ocean on earth. Yes, that is a bit over one's head.

[Oahucruiser]

I, too, have been reading Sondra's blog and am amazed at all the negativity. They are enjoying Moorea but still have complaints about numerous things. How sad to go through life like that.

[WCB]

Report # 50 February 18, 2012 Saturday Day at Sea

 

We had another pleasant sea day as we continued heading west towards American Samoa. The crew members have ramped up their repairs and last minute sprucing up of the ship before the CEO arrives tomorrow. Three painters were busily painting the white railing at the aft pool this afternoon. Ropes with hanging signs saying "Wet Paint" should have kept the people away from these railings. However, while we were reading our books on the sun lounges, we saw four separate incidents where a man reached over the rope, and touched the freshly painted white railings. Then, they looked in shock at the paint on their hands. Like, duh......We still maintain that all of this work should have been done weeks ago.

 

The crew is also involved in some kind of a build for the upcoming celebration, or special event, that will be held in the Lido pool area on Mardi Gras Day, next Tuesday. We have spotted some workers measuring the indoor swimming pool, so we assume something will be built over or in that pool. They had better make it safe, like with no water, since in 2009, they floated a sampam in the water, and two ladies fell in while attempting to board that decorative boat. Something told us that alcohol had something to do with it. Anyway, the word is mum about what they have planned. We'll just have to be patient to see it. Some folks are already grumbling, because they do not like being asked to vacate their poolside space, while this build is going on.

 

The big event for us today was getting the ceiling air vents cleaned in our room. We have noticed that a lot of dust has been settling on the nightstands and desk. So we mentioned it to our room steward, who requested the right fellows to clean it for us. Now we have been told that these vents are routinely once a month. Except we have not seen that done in our room since we joined the ship in early January. So it was nice to see that our little favor was granted a few days later.

 

The guest talent show was held in the Queens Lounge this afternoon at 3pm. The HAL Chorale group sang first, then about 6 guests took the stage for 3 minutes each to do their thing. We heard that one fellow sang, one lady told jokes, and one recited humorous poetry. One annual act was not performed by the elderly Bird Lady, who does bird calls. Last year, we felt bad for her, since her whistle had dried up and she had to leave the stage. We missed the live show, so we hope to watch it on TV later. We always made it a point to go to the chorale singing, but our buddy, Leta, was not here this year. She always joins the group, and seems to enjoy it. We really miss her and her wonderful husband Bill. Hope they come back in 2013.

 

Then at 7pm, our travel group had a predinner cocktail party in the Explorers Lounge. All was going well, when our friend Mel, walked behind us near the raised platform where the grand piano is located, and fell suddenly. We could see why. The small step was almost the same color of carpeting, and in a dimly lit room, it was impossible to see. He was really lucky that he missed the end table with the lamp on it, though. These pieces of furniture are fastened down to the floor, so it would have been bad if he hit his head on it. It was a de-ja-vu moment from last year, when a fellow passenger keeled over at the Captain's cocktail partry in the Piano Bar. He also was lucky not to have had a head injury. Once Mel sat down and we realized he was OK, we all moved away from that step.

 

Our table was overflowing this evening, with the addition of four friends and Pamela, the jewelry expert. Eleven was tight, but still do-able. We finished by 10pm, and still had time to go to the show to listen to Mario D'Andrea, a Las Vegas guitarist and singer.

 

Tomorrow we will be in Pago Pago, American Samoa, but for a short time, 8 to 1pm.

 

Mary Ann & Bill

[Aussie Gal]

I, too, have been reading Sondra's blog and am amazed at all the negativity. They are enjoying Moorea but still have complaints about numerous things. How sad to go through life like that.

 

Where can we find the link to the blog. I would like to read it as I am already following four different blogs and they are all different which gives a nice perspective to the cruise.

 

Jennie

[windsor26]

Where can we find the link to the blog. I would like to read it as I am already following four different blogs and they are all different which gives a nice perspective to the cruise.

 

Jennie

 

Which are the third and fourth ones please I have been following 7 continents and John's blog

[Aussie Gal]

Here are the links to the other two blogs:http://amazingvoyages2.blogspot.com.au/ I have been following Jeff's blog for years as he has done the world cruise for so many years plus lots of other adventures including land trips.

 

and http://www.cruisedownunder.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/pre-cruise-for-2012-grand-world-voyage.html Both of these have wonderful photos.

 

Jennie

[jaspersmycat]

Here is Sondra's blog. All I can say is this woman is not a happy camper. My mom would have called her a spoiled brat.

 

http://www.worldcruise2012-legallyblonde.blogspot.com/

[Aussie Gal]

Here is Sondra's blog. All I can say is this woman is not a happy camper. My mom would have called her a spoiled brat.

 

http://www.worldcruise2012-legallyblonde.blogspot.com/

 

Thanks so much for that. I look forward to reading it.

 

Jennie

[Bescotti]

I'm also following all the world cruise blogs as I have done for Mary Ann and Bill's, John and Dianne, and also Jeff's blogs for several years.

 

Another excellent blog of the cruise is by Erika, who is in her 30's and travelling with her mother, and from her blog you can tell she is thoroughly enjoying the cruise and embracing shipboard life - age has nothing to do with it! She is also a very good photographer and it's interesting to get her take on things.

 

http://pictureperfectplaces.blogspot.com.au/

 

Several of Sondra's blog entries disappeared a few days after she posted them so she must have thought better of some of the less than complimentary ways she described people. It's such a shame she has wasted all that money on a cruise she is not enjoying and I'm sure she will give a very negative review at the end.

 

That's why I'm so enjoying following the other blogs, including this one, to get a more balanced view - and daydreaming until I can join a world cruise myself!