Life at sea aboard a cruise ship.

Life at Sea - Aboard a Cruise Ship!!

Try not to weep for us as you read this - it is indeed a pitiful tale!

Cruise ships are floating hotels with a staff dedicated to help make sure you don't get bored!

Above the bridge "wings" are observation platforms that offer a great photo op! The wings "stick out" maybe 25 feet to allow the Officer of the Deck and pilot to see the dock as they bring the ship along side. With the thrusters, we almost never need the assistance of a tug, although they always have one just in case something goes wrong.

On the forecastle (pronounced "focsle" by us "old Tars") they have a spare anchor and four spare screw blades! I imagine they have the equipment to replace a screw blade or anchor unassisted! The screw blade is holed for being bolted in place.

Later in the day, the Captain hosted a party for VIFP (Very Important Fun Passengers) where the appetizers and drinks were complimentary and the wait staff was in "costume"

At the fun gathering later, Peggy & Judy went up on stage along with dozens of others with the promise that everyone would receive a gift. At the end, the Asst Cruise Director revealed the "gift" was unlimited pizza and ice cream (which is already available on the Lido deck!)!

Later, Bob attempted to chip a whiffle ball into a box about 20' away. Only problem there was so much wind, the ball would blow away before you could hit it! We eventually worked out a deal where one golfer would old the ball with a straw (much like a football player holds for a place kicker).

But the wind was so strong and swirly that there was no one who even came close to the box

Later in the dining room, Dessi, our Maitre de appeared wearing an afro wig and huge sunglasses! She is really a hoot!

While the wait staff and the diners danced in the aisles!

All through the cruise, Pat had been asking for carrot cake for desert as a running joke. Judy and Peggy went to the bakery up forward and bought slices of carrot cake and brought them to the dining room to surprise Pat at desert!

One of the very few times we saw anyone put anything over on Pat!

We had come to know our Head Waiter Aaron and learned from him that he was married to another crew member, Katiana. At the end of the meal, Aaron introduced us to Katiana!

Tomorrow - A tour of the galley!