The last two days have been transit days as we go to Norfolk Island, which lies 1,600K east of Newcastle. Sea days are a great excuse to do nothing but relax and enjoy what the boat has to offer. That is exactly what we have done. I think my blood pressure might even be approaching normal.
On the trip, we had to make a time change by moving the clocks forward an hour. Now both the computer and my phone are set to adjust the time automatically based on the location. After several attempts and reboots, I ended up adjusting the Windows 10 system manually. When I looked at my Pixel 4 phone it thought I was in Vancouver! So, I also had to adjust time manually on it. Oh the joys of traveling in the digital age.
On both days we participated in a team trivia contest, where the teams that we were on finished tied for second and third. The questions were rather difficult, not the usual pop culture quizzes.
I’ve also spent some time in the hot tubs and soaking up the sunshine and having a cool beverage or two. So far, I haven’t been burnt by the sun. As you can see, nothing too exciting or stressful.
Today there was a lecture on Munity on the Bounty. The speaker told us about the purpose of the voyage, why the munity took place and what happened to Captain Bligh and the mutineers. Most of the residences of Norfolk Island can trace their family history back to these mutineers.
Marg has taken lesson on how to play bridge and she has really got into the game. We hope she can find partners to play with at home.
Yesterday evening we went to the after dinner show, which was a very energetic singer named Annie Francis. Her show consisted of songs from the 1970s. It was well received by the audience.
Tonight, we went to the speciality steak restaurant for dinner. The Polo Grill served a wonderful meal. Marg had Surf and Turf and I had filet mignon. We ordered a nice wine from Chateau Neuf de Pape. The service was very attentive. This was the type of service we were expecting from this cruise at every onboard restaurant.
After dinner, we met up with Debbie, Trudy, and Olive for drinks. Olive was very angry and for a good reason. It seems that her dinner table was essentially ignored all evening. Service was beyond slow. The final straw was when they failed to bring her the dessert she had ordered in a timely manner. The staff was waiting for one of the other guests at the table to have their dessert prepared. Apparently she had to continually remind them that she wanted her puddin’ as soon as possible. It was funny to listen to Olive as she recounted the tale of the lost puddin’ with her Northern England accent.
Our impression of the Oceania cruise line has not improved. They refuse to make any effort to meet our requests. Today at the trivia contest in the theatre, it was freezing. When Gail went to the cruise director to ask for the AC to be turned down, she was told to either go get a sweater or sit on the other side of the room because it was marginally warmer. She then lied when she said that the electronics from the band, who performed there the previous night, had ruined the AC. Now I’m not an electrician, but I do know that you would never have your AC on the sane circuit as regular electrical outlets. If what she says is true, then this boat will probably catch fire and sink in the future.
During the trivia contest there were probably 30 people in the theatre. But the staff refused to open the bar. No reason given, just a big NO.
Marg has made several requests for small alterations to the desserts, due to her gluten sensitivity. Each time it has been denied. Celebrity Cruise lines, which we took three years ago, took pride in their ability to provide this service. It seems for every meal, Marg has been forced to play a negotiation game with the food service to get gluten free food. I don’t know how she manages to keep her cool, I would have lost it on them days ago.
Last night the ship listed a “rock ‘n roll” band in one of the lounges. When Olive and Debbie went to the lounge, it was empty and the bar was closed. This would have been around 11pm. We know most of the passengers are older, but that is an unacceptable closing time.
Tonight we joined Olive, Debbie and Trudy for a “craiker” in the lounge. Unfortunately, when we arrived the band left after just one song and the lounge was closed at 12am tonight. I guess their philosophy is that can save money by not providing drinks to the people who have a prepaid drink package.
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