Homeward Bound

Thursday 9^th October 2014

We had a chance to sleep in and even put our clocks back by an hour, but I was still awake early, so I got up and got ready for the day ahead. While I waited for mum to stir, I decided to catch up on my writing (typing). It was a lazy morning; there have been quite a few sales over the last part of the cruise. Some of the staff have been great, and some just not happy. There was one fellow who mum caught dancing to the music while he was manning a sale stand.

There are many staff members who have made this cruise enjoyable, mainly starting with the Captain with whom I had my photo taken with tonight on the stairs in the Centrum, I hope it turns out ok.

Even though I haven’t spoken to the Cruise Director he has been good.

I must say there has been a waiter/greeter at the entrance to the Windjammer wearing weird hats featuring all sorts of animals. It is a showstopper as there are crowds of parents taking photos of him with their children. I believe many of the passengers are excited just to see what he has on.

I will mention our Server and Assistant Server, Eleonora (sorry I spelt it incorrectly in past posts) and Franc, who spoilt us each night. Maybe it’s the way they both greet us with a smile and good evening Miss Tamara to the effort of them remembering our preferences for drinks. Or the time when mum shocked Eleonora with her request for a second desert one night.

Our room attendant has done his job, even left us with a towel monkey which is still hanging from the curtain rail.

We were required to take our Passports and completed Australian customs forms down to the dining room today to go through Customs. It was painless, especially after waiting in line which snaked its way through the dining room. Each deck had its allocated time slot, ours was 1.30 – 2.30.  After that we went up to our friends whose deck was to follow ours and told them not to stress.

We made our way to the Crown & Anchor lounge to see the Loyalty Club staff, it was on a first come, first serve basis from 3pm – 6pm. We arrived about 2.30 and there was already people waiting. Mum said we should’ve just made an appointment for Friday. I stayed, while mum went back to our cabin to put our passports away and collect her kindle which has not left her side this whole cruise. Mum returned shortly before 3 pm and the lounge had started to fill. But it wasn’t long and we were seen and our request granted. (I will go into more detail after we get home).

We went back down to our friends deck to see if they were back, which they weren’t but we left the forms for them to sign up to the Crown & Anchor.

What to do now, hmm

I was thirsty so suggested we go down to deck 4, we were lucky to get in the glass lifts that look out over the water, which was probably a good thing as our friends were sitting in the little alcove near the lifts and spotted us as we came down. It was nice just to sit and chat, when another lady asked mum some questions about cruising to New Zealand. Her husband is dying of cancer and he has been travelling as much as they can. He had booked this cruise only two weeks before it left Honolulu and before that had done a Carnival Cruise which they did not enjoy, due to the huge number of unruly children.

It puts everything into perspective, as we had also heard that a very close friend and the most beautiful lady had passed away yesterday. Rest in Peace dear friend.

We had been talking for ages when we decided to go back to our rooms. Mum and I to get ready for Formal night and dinner.

It was an enjoyable evening and we really enjoyed Showtime tonight. The act was Boys in the Band. Mum loved it so much she purchased an autographed copy of their CD.

Then it was the Pop Choir in the Centrum, before I spotted the Captain was having photos taken with passengers, I made my way over to the line they took my cabin number and asked if I wanted it signed. After the photo I found mum sitting in the background. I will admit it was a pleasure to meet him.

Apparently there was going to be a wonderful display of decadent deserts in the Windjammer after 10pm, but we decided it would be too late to eat anything. Although if you are reading this Sara it would’ve been heaven for you, it was to feature “Chocolate”.

Well tomorrow the suitcases will be pulled out and dissected and repacked it will take some feat to ensure our purchases fit and that the cases are not overweight.

Hmm, maybe the toiletries will have to stay. I thought I packed quite frugally, but my case weighed 21 kgs leaving Hobart. Ok less the two kgs for all the toiletries, still doesn’t allow much wiggle room. Will advise how it all pans out in a later post