Sea Day, January 14

Wed, Jan 14 – at sea
The seas are calm. We saw a large group of seals bobbing up and down at breakfast.
I called the new passengers who came onboard in Ft. Lauderdale. Met with a couple who would like to change rooms from an inside to an outside stateroom, but the ship is full and even oversold. We have to wait to see on that one. Another gentleman’s shore excursion questions were answered and the other lady’s account was credited for two excursions she did not want. Some issues resolved and some created…Just the beginning, I’m sure.

We enjoyed a very nice pub lunch in the Golden Lion pub with friends celebrating his birthday today. He is a French/English translator for governments and they have traveled to many of the same countries we have.

Took a camera/computer class and that will continue tomorrow…

We have a private lounge for the full world cruisers. Newspapers in all languages, coffee, tea and cakes available most of the day, plus a dedicated hostess – all in the most beautiful lounge at the front of the ship with sweeping views of the seas.

Tonight was the first Ball – Black and White. We met the Captain through a receiving line and had a welcome speech with formal introduction of all the officers. Waiters with white gloves and drinks circulated around the opulent Queens Room; with the ball gowns and tuxedos, it was quite elegant.

Made new friends again at dinner – a couple from Melbourne, FL who are sailing the entire voyage to Southampton and then flying home from FL from there. Entertainment was Gary Arbuthnot on the flute again and he was superb. Dancing followed in the Queens Room. We set the clocks an hour ahead for the visit to Curacao, in the southern Caribbean.

I missed…Musical Historian Roy Hunt: “Cole Porter – His Life and Music” and Guest Jeweller: Marek Chmiel about “Carl Faberge and his works of art” and another talk on “Amber” and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art workshop on the basic techniques of learning how to use the voice in the art of acting.